Millwall thrash Norwich

Steven Reid's wonder goal summed up the panache of Millwall's return to Division One as the Lions thumped Norwich 4-0 at the New Den.  

The self-belief of the Division Two champions was clear to see as Norwich had no answer to their hosts' prominent display which produced two goals in either half.

Reid's sizzling 35-yard drive bent in the air before zipping past Robert Green's outstretched arm to put Millwall 2-0 up at the break.

The first goal arrived with just over 10 minutes gone when Steve Claridge slotted home from six yards.

The Norwich defence allowed David Livermore, via Paul Ifill, to feed Claridge.

After stumbling over the ball the veteran hitman even had time for two attempts before stabbing home beyond Green.

Norwich had begun playing a dangerous game, and had a lucky escape when Malky MacKay bundled down lanky striker Richard Sadlier in the box.

The visitors were on the back-foot throughout and when skipper Neil Emblen limped off in the first half, Norwich were a rudderless ship.

Livermore and Reid both saw speculative shots come close and Tim Cahill, always a potent threat arriving late in the box, forced a fine reflex stop from Green.

But at the other end Tony Warner had hardly anything to do. The former Liverpool keeper managed to kick Zema Abbey's bobbling drive around the post and also saved the Norwich striker's close-range header later on.

But they were rare sorties into the Millwall half, with Norwich's forward momentum snuffed out by the youthful Lions midfield.

With Ifill, Reid and Claridge pulling the strings, it was not long into the second period that the game was put beyond doubt.

Again Reid was the fulcrum, sending a 25-yard drive that Green could only block, allowing Cahill to sweep up from close in.

The result was then confirmed as a deflected Lucas Neill effort left Green with no chance again.