LEIGH RMI's FA Cup dream ended as their travelling supporters were given a New Den standing ovation by generous Millwall fans.

A giant-killing act it wasn't with Millwall comfortable winners at 3-0, but events proved family entertainment still exists.

The tie as a contest was virtually dead after just 19 seconds when Neil Durkin hauled down Paul Ifill and refereee Stephen Lodge had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Neil Harris made no mistake to smash the ball past veteran goalkeeper Dave Felgate.

The strike failed to sedate RMI fans, however, and, as the first half progressed, Steve Waywell's side gained more confidence.

Although it took 43 minutes until their first shot on goal through Ged Kielty's speculative drive, neither goalkeeper had his work cut out; and; given the awful start, RMI would have been delighted to trail by just one goal at the break. Not only had they competed in the latter end of the first half, they had a strong penalty appeal of their own denied when Steve Jones crashed to the ground under the challenge of Steven Reid.

Both players and spectators alike were irate, yet continued to pursue the holy grail that would have been the equaliser.

Black curled a 20-yard effort into the arms of Tony Warner while Monk forced a tame effort into the side-netting under pressure from Lawrence.

Sensing the danger, Millwall finished the game off in a professional manner to earn a second round tie with fellow Second Division outfit Wycombe Wanderers.

Marc Bircham controlled his right-footed drive beautifully on the half-volley into the bottom right-hand corner, then Moody deflected a third into the welcoming net. Home and dry!

RMI then created their best openings of the game in an attempt to grab a consolation. Neil Matthews, with almost his first touch of the ball, dragged his shot wide of the mark, while the tireless Jones also fluffed another attempt.

Kielty showed commitment, skill and mastery in midfield.

After running the show in the centre of the field, his departure was greeted, not only with a standing ovation from the 100-plus Leigh fans amassed in the North Stand, but also the home supporters, who appreciated his contribution to a superb encounter of class and real grit.

For long periods of the game, the gap between the Second Division and the Conference were far from apparent.

And Leigh RMI can stand proud. They respectably represented their town and their division and managed to make a mockery of premeditated safety concerns after impressing a popular image upon the New Den.

RMI: Felgate, Trees, German, Durkin, Farrell, Swan, Monk (Harris), Ridings, Kielty (Matthews), Black, Jones. Subs not used: Critchley, Dootson, Spooner. Attendance: 6,907