Having beating fellow promotion hopefuls West Brom in midweek 1-0 with a Tim Cahill goal, many Millwall fans expected more of the same against Wimbledon on Saturday.

But Millwall's cause was not helped by freak weather conditions sleet, a swirling wind and bright sunshine and a whistle-happy refereeing performance by Andy D'Urso.

That's not to make excuses for the Lions, who were under-par, and missing the inspirational Irish international Steven Reid. However, one of the positives was the display of Paul Ifill, deputising on the right wing.

The 22-year-old staked his claim for first-team football with some penetrating runs and tantalising crosses, many of which bounced unkindly in the box for the Millwall strike-force.

Christophe Kinet's deadballs were also excellently delivered, but still no one could provide the finishing touch.

After an almost faultless defensive display against the Baggies, a mistake at the back was almost inevitable. Matt Lawrence's control let him down, and Dons' midfielder Kevin Cooper was the grateful recipient rifling home the only goal of the game from 25 yards.

Millwall boss Mark McGhee said: "We never came out of traps as it were. We never really built up any momentum and just had a bad day.

"It's not the end of the world. We're not where we are in the league table because we're a bad team. We were against Wimbledon, but we've not been a bad team throughout the season. I will not allow the players to be down about one result."

On Reid's injury, McGhee said: "His hamstring was very tight in training, so we pulled him out. After a late fitness test before the game, we decided he wasn't right as he couldn't fully extend."

However, McGhee would not use Reid's absence as an excuse for the surprise defeat: "That's the team which beat Nottingham Forest away.."

When questioned about the coin-throwing incident against Albion, McGhee said: "We know it's happening at other grounds. I don't think we're unique, but we're prepared to deal with it.

"If we end up with 75 points, somehow scraping into the play-offs, and then some mindless idiot throws something at a referee or linesman; the Football League may decide to deduct a couple of points from us. It could end up costing us promotion."

The local fans were praised though by security chief Ken Chapman, who said: "Millwall Supporters' Club played football against Middlesbrough's fans to raise money for former Lion Colin Cooper, whose son tragically died recently, and raised more than £2,500."

This Saturday, Millwall face a trip to Oakwell to take on Barnsley, just four days after another game in Yorkshire against Sheffield United.