Oxford United beaten 2-0 by Millwall to end Championship stay

A brace from The Lions’ star man Femi Azeez saw the hosts cruise to victory on their quest for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Rivals Ipswich Town secured second place, though, with a 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.

Matt Bloomfield’s men had chances to bow out with a goal but were ultimately on the back foot for most of the match at a deafening Den against Alex Neil’s invigorated Lions.

Millwall came bursting out of the blocks.

The threat of Azeez won a couple of early corners, Thierno Ballo and Jake Cooper both directing crosses at goal unsuccessfully.

Oxford managed to hit on the break as Will Lankshear put a good ball in over the bar before Ballo headed over at the other end yet again.

Brodie Spencer challenges for the ball (Image: Oxford United)

Brentford loanee Yunus Konak was unfortunately substituted for Cameron Brannagan after a push from Azeez, The Lions continuing to pile on the pressure in the aftermath.

Lions left back Zak Sturge saw a shot deflected before Azeez relentlessly made inroads on the right flank in the minutes after.

The U’s tried to respond through Brannagan who got on the end of a great ball across from Stan Mills on the counter but saw his effort blocked.

Azeez finally found the breakthrough with 34 minutes on the clock, receiving the ball from Mihailo Ivanovic in the box, beating Brannagan, and firing into the roof of the net.

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Alex Neil’s side were denied a second by the woodwork shortly after as a cross in took a nick and bounced back off the post.

Camiel Neghli and Ivanovic both missed chances at the end of the half.

Millwall struck early in the second period, working the ball well to Ballo in the box who put the ball across the face of goal for Azeez to brush home at the back post.

Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield and assistant Mike Dodds watch on against Millwall (Image: Oxford United)

Remaining on the front foot, Casper De Norre fired over for the hosts before Jamie Cumming denied Neghli with save.

Another stop from The Yellows’ keeper prevented Ryan Leonard volleying in a third at the near post before doing the same to stop substitute Luke Cundle.

With the hosts comfortable, The U’s had a few late attacks.

Jeon Jin-woo dragged a shot wide after cutting onto his left foot before Mark Harris nodded Aidomo Emakhu’s cross on target which Anthony Patterson managed to claw off the line.

Millwall: Patterson, Leonard, Crama, Cooper, Sturge (Doughty 61), Bannan (Langstaff 81), De Norre (Mitchell 61), Azeez (Smallbone 74), Neghli, Ballo (Cundle 61), Ivanovic

Oxford: Cumming, ter Avest (Long 88), Helik, Brown, Spencer, Konak (Brannagan 17), Vaulks, Mills (Jin-woo 59), Donley (McDonnell 59), Emakhu, Lankshear (Harris 59)

Bookings: Ballo