CHERRIES recovered from an early setback to end Millwall’s unbeaten start to the Professional Development League season.

Romain Esse put the Lions ahead, only for strikes from Balraj Landa and Daniel Adu-Adjei to seal a 2-1 victory for Alan Connell’s side.

Millwall came into the game having not lost at under-21 level since February.

And they got off to a dream start against Cherries. A loose pass from Finn Tonks was pounced upon by Abdul Abdulmalik, who squared for Esse to slot in, with less than two minutes on the clock.

The visitors were then forced to clear off the line to deny Kamarl Grant from doubling the tally.

Cherries then hit back to equalise. A neat move was rounded off when Tonks pulled the ball back for Landa to sweep home.

Connell’s side were in front within four minutes of the second half.

Tonks’s long ball forward was gathered by Adu-Adjei, who got around the goalkeeper and slotted home.

Ferdinand Okoh almost wrapped up the victory, his strike from long-range coming back off the crossbar.

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez and Adu-Adjei had further chances to add to the tally, while Millwall were unable to convert any of their corner attempts.

Cherries leapfrog Millwall and move up to second in the south standings, one point off leaders Queens Park Rangers, with a game in hand.