Josh Coburn scores a double as Millwall defeat 10-man Bristol City

Josh Coburn scored twice as Millwall opened their Championship campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over a depleted Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The home side were reduced to 10 men after 36 minutes when Adam Randell received a second yellow card for a cynical foul to halt a counter-attack.

Alex Neil’s team immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage to seize control of the fixture.

Five minutes after the dismissal, the visitors broke the deadlock as a low cross from Ryan Leonard was met with a clinical near-post volley by the lively forward.

Lions assert dominance

The London club maintained their relentless momentum after the interval against a completely disorganised home defence.

A second goal arrived 50 minutes into the match as poor marking allowed an unchallenged downward header from 10 yards out.

Bristol City goalkeeper Sam Tickle was powerless to prevent the brace, having previously seen his opponent booked for simulation during an earlier penalty appeal.

The deficit could have been even greater had debutant Tairyk Arconte not struck the woodwork when left entirely unmarked inside the penalty area.

Skubala endures disastrous start

This latest setback means Michael Skubala has begun his reign as Robins manager with consecutive home defeats.

The Ashton Gate faithful have yet to see their team score this season, compounding the frustration of a recent shock Carabao Cup elimination by League Two side Walsall.

Despite introducing attacking reinforcements such as Jed Wallace and Emil Riis from the bench, the hosts struggled to create any meaningful opportunities.

Ultimately, the early red card proved insurmountable for a side desperately lacking confidence and attacking cohesion.