Millwall 2 Nottingham Forest 0: Lions jump up to eighth in Championship after thumping Forest

SHAUN WILLIAMS’ 27-second strike saw Millwall score in the first minute for the third time in their last four league games.

George Saville had netted goals inside the first 60 seconds against Hull and Brentford previously.

PA:Empics Sport

Lee Geogory doubled the hosts lead on the 33rd minute[/caption]

And that run was extended here, though rather than a Saville row it was midfield pal Williams who registered.

Lee Gregory added a second just after the half hour to extend the Lions’ unbeaten run to nine games and four wins on the spin.

It moved Neil Harris’ in-form side to within a point of the play-off, albeit ahead of the 3pm fixtures.

Aitor Karanka won 5-1 on his last league trip to the Den when managing Middlesbrough three seasons ago.

TONY O'BRIEN

Gregory rifled the ball in from close range[/caption]

TONY O'BRIEN

Shaun Williams opened the scoring 27 seconds into the game with a fine header[/caption]

But he was to suffer a miserable afternoon this time round right from the off as Williams headed home Ben Marshall’s cross before many fans had time to sit down.

Barrie McKay should have equalised when a deflected shot landed at his feet inside the area on 21 minutes but the Scot lifted the ball over Jordan Archer and onto the roof of the net.

Twelve minutes later it was game over as another Marshall delivery picked out Steve Morison at the far post and the veteran forward headed back for strike partner Gregory to control and drill home.

Karanka’ side offered very little but again wasted a glorious chance to score on 65 minutes when Archer spilled Ben Osborn’s drive from range, but ex-Everton man Apostolos Vellios turned the rebound over.

Harris’ men have a tough run-in, facing Fulham, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa in their last three games of the season.

But with the way the Lions’ legend has whipped his side into shape, they will fear no one as they attempt the unlikeliest of late play-off charges.