Report | Swansea City U23s 0 Millwall U23s 0

Swansea City Under-23s began 2021 with a hard-earned goalless draw against Professional Development League South leaders Millwall at Landore.

It was a creditable point for the young Swans against the in-form Lions, who arrived in South Wales having won five of their previous six games.

The stalemate also gave the hosts their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Jon Grey made eight changes to the development side, with Joe Lewis, Scott Butler and Ryan Bevan the only survivors from the narrow defeat by Watford before Christmas.

Leaders Millwall put six past Colchester United last time out and had the first opportunity of this contest after eight minutes, with Jamie Searle holding on to Sean O'Brien's free-kick.

The Swans - aiming to end a run of four consecutive defeats - went close four minutes later when Morgan Clarke was just unable to direct his header towards goal after Jordan Gilmore could only parry Matthew Blake's cross into his path.

The visitors continued to threaten. Nana Boateng fed Abdul Aboulmalik, who drilled a low shot just wide, while Lewis cleared off the line from George Alexander later in the half.

Millwall did have the ball in the net just before half-time. Dan Moss tucked away after some brilliant skill from Aboulmalik, but was denied by the offside flag.

The Swans made a bright start to the second period. Rio Campbell headed just wide from close range, while Bradley Gibbings fired over soon after.

Grey's side continued to look solid at the other end, with the back three of Lewis, Butler and Jake Thomas keeping the visitors at bay.

However, their resolve was put to the test as the clock ticked into the final 20 minutes.

Alexander fired just wide from Boateng's cutback, while Searle did well to hold on to his low drive shortly afterwards.

The Swansea keeper also came to his side's rescue with 12 minutes remaining, making himself big to deny Moss from point-blank range.

In the end, there was nothing to separate the two sides and the Swans came away with a hugely creditable point.

Swans U23s: Jamie Searle; Morgan Clarke (Kai Ludvigsen, ht), Scott Butler, Jake Thomas, Joe Lewis, Matthew Blake (capt); Erick Kenko, Ryan Bevan, Adrian Akande; Bradley Gibbings (Aaron Hillier, 81), Rio Campbell.

Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Cian Williams, Jacob Edwards.

Millwall U23s: Jordan Gilmore, Dan Moss, Junior Tiensia, Besart Topallot, Alex Mitchell, Hayden Muller, Sean O'Brien (Jayden Davis, 83), Sam Skeffington, George Alexander, Abdul Aboulmalik (Alfie Allen, 76), Nana Boateng (Oliver Bate, 88).

Subs not used: Ryan Hammond, Ezekiel Miller.