SECOND half goals from Paul Robinson and Steve Morison kept Millwall firmly in the race for automatic promotion as the Lions overcame Leyton Orient at The Den.

Ben Chorley halved the deficit in stoppage time but it was nothing more than a consolation as Millwall stay within a point of second-placed Leeds United.

Morison headed harmlessly over on four minutes, while Danny Schofield dragged a low shot wide of the post moments later after being played in on goal by Neil Harris.

Marc Laird scuffed a shot after meeting Chris Hackett’s cross one minute before Schofield’s dipping shot from 25 yards just went inches wide of the post with Leyton Orient keeper Jamie Jones at full stretch.

Laird’s 18th minute low drive from inside the area was blocked by Jimmy Smith and he then headed over from Hackett’s cross two minutes later.

Jimmy Smith had a very lucky escape on 29 minutes when his attempted back pass was latched on to by Harris but the Lions striker fired agonisingly wide of the post.

Jack Smith’s volley was blocked but the loose ball was picked up by Hackett and his cross found Harris, who fired an overhead kick just over the bar.

Adam Chambers’ free-kick was fired straight at the wall but Millwall failed to clear, allowing Ryan Jarvis to get a shot in on goal which just went over.

But the first half was a largely disappointing affair as both sides struggled to make the breakthrough, so it came as no surprise when they went in scoreless at the break.

Chambers had the first chance of the second half for Leyton Orient but he shot wide of David Forde’s post six minutes after the restart.

Morison’s tame header from close range three minutes later lacked power and also sailed wide.

With the game gridlocked, it came as no surprise when manager Kenny Jackett opted to bring on Gary Alexander for Hackett just after the hour to boost Milwall’s out of sorts front line.

His arrival certainly livened up the crowd who were now in full voice but would it be enough to swing this game in the Lions’ favour?

Jimmy Abdou came close with a powerful volley from the edge of the area which just went wide on 64 minutes.

Millwall finally got their noses in front five minutes later.

Barron’s cross into the area was flicked on by the unfortunate Ben Chorley under pressure from Alexander into the path of Robinson, who made no mistake with a low shot from eight yards.

Robinson headed just over moments later from Barron’s corner as the Lions quickly looked to put the result beyond doubt.

But the Lions had a lucky escape on 77 minutes when substitute Jason Demetriou’s powerful shot was pushed behind by Forde.

However, it was Millwall who did get that crucial second one minute later when Alexander played a low pass to Barron inside the area and the defender was bundled over by Chambers for a penalty.

Morison stepped up to the spot and kept his cool to smash the penalty home and virtually guarantee victory.

Sean Thornton was ideally placed on the line six minutes later to block Harris’ header and clear the danger.

Leyton Orient grabbed a consolation deep into stoppage time when Chorley headed home Demetriou’s corner.

But the Lions ran down the clock to seal victory and keep Leeds firmly in their sights.

Millwall: Forde, Smith, Robinson, Ward, Barron, Hackett (Alexander 61), Abdou, Laird (Fuseini 82) , Schofield, Harris, Morison. Subs not used: Sullivan, Frampton, Grabban, Grimes, Obika. Att: 13,011.