Millwall's 2-0 home victory over Sunderland in the Coca-Cola Championship on Bonfire Night had many a journalist looking for a firework analogy to describe the Lions' gutsy display.

Indeed, five yellow cards suggested that there was just a hint of fireworks on the pitch, though perhaps Sunderland left-winger Julio Arca would beg to differ after being involved in a running feud with Kevin Muscat.

Arca's involvement ended when he was hauled off in the 62nd minute, pointing dramatically to his calves and looking accusingly at Muscat.

That raised the temperature a few notches, as did Black Cats' boss Mick McCarthy, who instead of ignoring the home crowd gesticulated to them which ensured the Lions' support was more vociferous than normal.

With Millwall employing an uncharacteristic 3-5-2 formation, which had surprised QPR three days before in a creditable 1-1 draw at Loftus Road, there was more energy and vigour about the Lions.

Nonetheless, Sunderland could have opened the scoring when Michael Bridges pounced on Josh Simpson's poor back pass. On-loan keeper Graham Stack came to the rescue with an unbelievable double save, first foiling Bridges in a one-on-one and then denying Liam Lawrence's follow up.

The Sunderland midfielder was booked for a foul on his namesake Matt Lawrence, who seems liberated in the middle of a back three, judging by his incredible dribble out of the defence in the first half.

The opening goal came seconds later as player boss Dennis Wise struck from the penalty spot, after Simpson, who also seemed to enjoy the new system, was baulked by Mark Lynch.

Just before the break, David Livermore slid in to expertly convert Jo Tessem's low cross from the right to put Millwall two-up, and it proved enough for Millwall to notch a first win in five and also end the Black Cats' unbeaten run of six matches.

After the match, assistant manager Ray Wilkins said: "We probably played better against Leicester. We also played well at Stoke and QPR.

"These games against Sunderland are humdingers that have got an edge to them and it's grown into a healthy rivalry.

"But when you are as fully committed and put in as much effort as our boys did, you deserve the victory.

"We've got some good players at this club. The three guys at the back were excellent. We have two Premiership forwards up front who will create and score goals, while Josh Simpson showed a lot of ability for a young man.

"It was a soft penalty on Josh but the second goal was vitally important for us as it settled us down."

Former Lions boss McCarthy was in agreement with that version of events: "The penalty was harsh but we get some good decisions as well as bad. But I'll be letting the referee know about it in his report."

This Saturday, Millwall travel to mid-table Preston North End, who will be desperate to bounce back after a 4-2 defeat at home to Leeds United last weekend.

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