JASON Puncheon began the New Year in style for Millwall by grabbing all three goals as the Lions brushed aside woeful Crystal Palace 3-0 at The Den.

The Lions started brightly and took the lead on eight minutes.

Josh McQuoid's flicked header landed kindly into the path of Jason Puncheon just inside of the area and his stunning volley flew past Julian Speroni.

Sean Scannell had Palace's first chance in the 16th minute, seeing a low shot go across the face of goal and wide of the post.

Darren Ambrose's 27th minute free-kick was spilled by David Forde but fortunately for the Lions Pablo Counago was unable to capitalise on the loose ball.

Millwall thought they had doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Liam Trotter's shot appeared to have crossed the line before Adam Barrett hacked the ball away.

Danny Schofield went on a long run before picking out Scott Barron but he placed his shot over the bar, while Trotter saw a stoppage time header land on the roof of the net as Millwall went in ahead at the break.

McQuoid took full advantage of Owen Garvan's weak backpass to bear down on goal but the Ulsterman's shot was saved by Speroni before Barrett scrambled the danger away.

Scannell forced a decent 63rd minute save from Forde with a powerful shot but Millwall added a second two minutes later when Trotter played in Puncheon, who fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from close range.

Puncheon completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute with a low drive from the edge of the area to send the home fans into raptures.

Jack Smith's 81st minute cross just failed to pick out substitute John Marquis before Puncheon was replaced by James Henry, predictably leaving the field to huge cheers.

Palace's frustrating afternoon was summed up in injury time when Danns' shot was saved by Forde before the Eagles midfielder headed the rebound over the bar.

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt