Debut Naby Sarr goal sends Reading top after battling win at Millwall

A debut goal from Naby Sarr was enough to take Reading to the top of the Championship as they beat Millwall 1-0 at The Den.

The former Huddersfield man’s first-half header proved to be the winner in an intriguing tussle which saw the impressive Royals become the first side to come away from Millwall with victory this season.

A dominant first period for Paul Ince’s men was followed up by a resilient rearguard as they withstood the hosts’ pressure to hit the summit.

Gary Rowett made three changes to the team which suffered defeat against Norwich last time out and Millwall made an energetic start.

Wing-back Danny McNamara saw a threatening cross from the edge of the box deflected away for a corner before Joe Lumley, returning in the Reading goal, was forced into the game’s first save when he reacted smartly to keep out a Tom Bradshaw header from close range.

Ince’s men have surprised many by their impressive start to the campaign and they showed their resolve, first by withstanding the hosts’ early pressure and then growing into the game to quieten the raucous home support.

That endeavour was rewarded in the 14th minute when Sarr nodded in at the far post after Tom Ince’s outswinging free-kick from the left-hand side was flicked on by Sam Hutchinson on the penalty spot.

It was no less than the visitors deserved and aside from the odd Millwall foray into Reading territory, a dominant spell of control followed for the duration of the first period.

The second half continued in the same vein and Jeff Hendrick should have doubled the Reading lead five minutes after the restart.

After a breakdown in a Millwall attack down the right and some incisive counter attacking from the visitors in response, Hendrick was left one-on-one