Millwall beat Middlesbrough 2-1 to move further away from the relegation zone.

Goals from Jed Wallace and George Saville gave the Lions a deserved two-goal cushion. 

Stewart Downing halved the deficit to set up a nervy ending, but Neil Harris’ men held on. 

Here are five things we learned…

Millwall should be looking up and not down

After another impressive victory at the Den, Millwall are now just two points off Fulham who occupy the final spot in the top-half. A couple more wins over the Christmas and New Year period could see the Lions sit in a much healthier position at the beginning of 2018.

The win over Middlesbrough also means Millwall are now nine points above the relegation zone with a far superior goal difference.

Summer signings continue to play a major part

Four of Harris’s summer signings started against Middlesbrough and all of them impressed. Ryan Tunnicliffe, who assisted Wallace’s opener, produced his best performance of the season.

Wallace’s 31st-minute strike was his fourth of the season, but his first since September. He caused the Middlesbrough defence all sorts of problems, giving Millwall that extra outlet on the counter-attack that was required when playing against a team that dominates the ball.

Saville netted his seventh of the season to double Millwall’s lead and James Meredith was his usual reliable self.

Another top side is beaten at the Den

Middlesbrough were not the first top side to be on the wrong side of a ‘Millwall performance’ as Harris describes it, and will not be the last.

Leeds were defeated by the Lions in September, in one of their best performances of the season and Sheffield United were beaten just two weeks ago.

Wolves visit south London on Boxing Day and there’s no doubt that Harris’ players will once again relish the chance to test themselves against the best.

Steve Morison still can’t get off the mark

It’s now 21 games without a goal for Steve Morison since netting the winner in the play-off final against Bradford City in May.

The 34-year-old had a golden opportunity to open his account for the 2017/18 campaign, but couldn’t beat Darren Randolph.

The stage was set for him. He had the freedom of south Bermondsey, but his big moment passed him as the former West Ham man blocked his close-range effort.

James Meredith is made for the big games

In all of Millwall’s victories this season, it’s been the goal scorers that have earned the plaudits and yesterday was no different.

But Meredith deserves to take some of the credit for his battling display against Boro. The Australian produced one of his best performances of the season against former Premier League winger Downing.

Despite his second-half strike, Meredith didn’t give him a sniff. He put his body on the line, coming up with some crucial blocks as Middlesbrough pushed for a late equaliser.