Millwall were unable to extend their unbeaten home run to five games against Birmingham City as Garry Monk’s men will be travelling back up the M4 with three points following a 2-0 victory.

An own goal from James Meredith and a red card from Ryan Leonard left Millwall with a huge hill to climb before the visitors added a second through captain Michael Morrison.

Birmingham were first to show their hand in the first half. Connor Mahoney shimmied to the left and then crossed a ball in for an unmarked Adams. However, his touch was not in line with what he intended and the chance surpassed.

The visitors' pressure was then rewarded when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes. Che Adams beat Shaun Hutchinson and his shot bounced from the post onto James Meredith’s shin which, to the full back's misfortune, found the back of the net.

After conceding the Lions tried to get back into the game, but Birmingham then proved their defensive prowess. Relentless balls lumped forward to Morison were headed away by The Blues defence, and any balls intended for Gregory’s runs in behind were intercepted.

The Lions' uphill battle then suddenly became a lot steeper after Ryan Leonard was given his marching orders by the referee after receiving two yellow cards within eight minutes. The first was a clumsy challenge on the half way line and the second came after he went in strongly on Maikel Keiftenbeld.

The dismissal seemed to have awoken the Lions from their den as Birmingham’s defensive line was pushed back but their momentum was halted by half time.

With their tails still up Millwall raced out of the traps in the second half. Jed Wallace’s free kick was parried into the path of Jake Cooper but the defender lost his footing and could only slam the ball into the gut of Birmingham’s goalkeeper Lee Camp.

Millwall continued to dominate with both Mahlon Romeo and Meredith being converted to wing backs to supply width. However, their hard work was unravelled by sloppy defending from a corner which forced Jordan Archer into making a spectacular save, but the Lions defence was too slow to react and Blues skipper, Michael Morrison blasted the ball into the back of the net on the follow up.

The defeat sees Millwall remain just outside the relegation zone through goal difference and they will be searching for their first away victory on Sunday when they travel to Bristol City on Sunday