MILLWALL’s Mahlon Romeo bagged a late winning goal to condemn Southend United to their third first round FA Cup defeat in succession tonight.

The Shrimpers more than matched their hosts for most of the game but were undone two minutes from time when Romeo netted a powerful effort from 12 yards.

Blues best chance to score came in the 16th minute when Anthony Wordsworth’s right wing corner picked out an unmarked Stephen McLaughlin at the far post but the winger’s downward header was flicked over the crossbar by the Lions’ Ben Thompson.

Moments later, Shrimpers skipper Ryan Leonard saw a low, long range shot smothered by Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer before Simon Cox fired wide of the left post from the edge of the penalty area.

After the break, Leonard sent a scorching 30 yard shot just inches wide of the left post before the visitors made their first change of the night in the 74th minute with Jermaine McGlashan coming on to replace McLaughlin.

Two minutes later, ex Shrimpers winger David Worrall also entered the action as the Lions made their final substitution of the night.

And Worrall very nearly scored with his first touch as he latched on to Lee Gregory’s left wing cross before having seeing his shot blocked the on-rushing Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

The visitors were then forced into making a second change as Ryan Inniss trudged off injured and was replaced by Jakub Sokolik at the heart of the defence.

However, Millwall threatened next with Shaun Hutchinson volleying over Worrall’s right wing corner before Romeo to score two minutes from time as he slammed a powerful effort into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Shaun Williams then wasted a golden chance to make it 2-0 when he raced clean through on goal before tamely chipping wide of the left post.

And the missed opportunity almost came back to haunt the Lions right at the death when Marc-Antoine Fortune saw his left footed shot parried to safety by Jordan Archer.