Millwall have fallen at the first hurdle of the FA Cup on a number of occasions in recent years, as fans of Woking, Bristol City, Swansea and Hartlepool will testify.

But this season, the Lions broke the habit against Leigh RMI, although not in the style suggested by the 3-0 scoreline.

Millwall made hard work of winning, despite taking the lead after just 46 seconds the match being switched to the New Den when Neil Durkin fouled Neil Harris in the box before blasting in his 13th goal of the season from the resulting spot-kick.

Expecting a goal-blitz, the Lions faithful began to get restless at Millwalls lack-lustre first-half show and even booed their side off at the interval.

Millwall struggled to impose themselves on their Conference opponents, even after Marc Birchams 67th minute volley had given the Lions a two-goal cushion.

Although a sublime strike from the Canadian international, it was bettered, nine minutes later by Paul Moody, whose exquisite chip gave the Leigh goalkeeper no chance.

To their credit, Leigh refused to throw in the towel and Millwall keeper Tony Warner did well to hold Steve Jones curling shot in the 82nd minute.

Jones even felt he could have earned his side a penalty in the 48th minute, when he tumbled in the box but referee Steve Lodge remained unconvinced.

Millwall will host Wycombe in the next round, but the Lions league programme resumes with a tricky fixture at the Memorial Stadium against Bristol Rovers.

Man-of-the-match Bircham is suspended, so a relieved Tim Cahill regains his first-team place in the centre of midfield.