Bristol City 0-1 Millwall: Mihailo Ivanovic strike helps Alex Neil's Lions keep pressure on second-placed Middlesbrough
Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Millwall at Ashton Gate on Saturday; Mihailo Ivanovic's goal just before the hour keeps the Lions in touch with second-place Middlesbrough
Saturday 6 December 2025 18:36, UK
Mihailo Ivanovic's second-half strike to secure a 1-0 win for Millwall over fellow play-off contenders Bristol City in a game that ended in ugly touchline scenes.
The only goal came on 59 minutes when City goalkeeper Radek Vitek made a double save from Femi Azeez following a fast break down the right, only for the ball to fall into the path of striker Ivanovic, who blasted it home from eight yards.
It took a brilliant injury time save from Max Crocombe to protect Millwall's lead as he tipped a low drive from substitute Ross McCrorie around a post.
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City then had a last-gasp goal ruled out for offside before the final whistle at Ashton Gate was followed by a mass brawl in front of the two dug-outs featuring staff and players from both clubs.
City welcomed skipper Jason Knight back to their starting line-up for the first time since an injury lay-off in midfield, while Millwall made one change at the back with Zak Sturge replacing Danny McNamara, who dropped to the bench.
The home side began brightly and came closest to a first-half goal after only five minutes when Anis Mehmeti's low cross from the left drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
From then until the break defences dominated, with City edging possession and creating a couple of half-chances which saw a Scott Twine shot deflected and cleared before Adam Randell fired straight at Crocombe on 43 minutes.
The Lions' only effort at goal before the break was fired high over from distance by Aidomo Emakhu, but they impressed with an organised defensive display that thwarted all City's efforts to produce a clinical final pass.
Millwall made a change for the start of the second half, with Camiel Neghli replacing Casper De Norre. Again City began sharply with Mark Sykes twice having fierce shots blocked.
At the other end, Azeez fired over from an Ivanovic cross before the deadlock was broken by the latter.
The goal seemed to waken the hosts, who roared back with a spell of concerted pressure that saw Twine have a shot deflected wide, while Rob Dickie had a close range effort cleared off the line.
A couple of penalty appeals went unanswered before Millwall regained their composure and created a great chance to go 2-0 up on 85 minutes when Sturge ran onto a pass from substitute Thierno Ballo only to fire over from inside the box.
City threw everything at their opponents in the closing stages, but in the end Millwall's strong defence took the honours.
The managers
Bristol City's Gerhard Struber:
"There are some experienced officials in our league, but also some young ones who need some help. I am not the only coach to think this and today a video referee would have made sure our goal was given.
"The players were upset at the decision, so emotions were high at the final whistle. I can't say that it contributed to what happened at the end, but I understand how they felt.
"We controlled a lot of the game, but we have to be sharper when it comes to finishing the chances we create. Millwall defended very well and were sharp when it came to taking their goal.
"They are high in the table and we matched them, which is a positive going into another home game against Leicester on Wednesday."
On the incident at full-time: "To be crystal clear, I twice tried to take his hand and I hope there are pictures, which will prove that.
"What happened did not look nice and we all have a responsibility in that situation, but emotions run high at the end of a game like that."
Millwall's Alex Neil:
"It wasn't our best. We didn't carry enough threat in the first half, but had enough chances in the second half to score more goals.
"They played better stuff than us if you are talking about football being easy on the eye. But I am delighted with how my players applied themselves and the way they defended throughout the game.
"I'm also pleased for Max Crocombe, who made a brilliant late save going to his right. We have come to a very tough place and are going away with a great result."
On the incident at full-time: "I will tell you exactly what happened. I went to shake their head coach's hand and he pulled his away, which I found disappointing. I made that clear and the next thing it was handbags all round.
"Irrespective of the result, I always shake the hand of the opposition manager and it was the same today. So I accept no blame for what happened."
