Millwall knock out AFC Wimbledon in round one of the FA Cup Photo: Brian Tonks

New world heavyweight champion David Haye was at the New Den in Lewisham on Monday to watch his beloved Millwall knock out AFC Wimbledon in round one of the FA Cup.

Two days after the Bermondsey-born boxer’s title-winning bout, it was another case of David versus Goliath. But this time the giant triumphed, the League One team defeating the Conference outfit 4-1.

An impressive Wimbledon had threatened to take the tie to a replay after a Lewis Taylor goal in the 81st minute made the score 2-1.

Millwall finally squashed their opponents, late goals from Danny Schofield and Jason Price ensuring Haye went home happy with the majority of the 9,453 crowd.

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett was relieved at the result. “I saw Wimbledon play against Crawley a couple of weeks ago and was genuinely worried about this game,” he said.

League One’s current manager of the month was pleased the award didn’t bring its usual curse of bad fortune. “You beat Leeds, then Colchester, get Manager of the Month and then have to win this; I think we lost 4-0 to MK Dons last time I won [the award]!”

The highlight of a nondescript first half was the new boxing champion’s image being transmitted onto the big screen sparking a loud cheer from all corners of the ground.

However, the opening goal came just three minutes after the restart. A hooked pass from Steve Morison allowed Neill Harris to wriggle free of two defenders and time a left-footed volley to perfection. It was a typical strike from Millwall’s record scorer leaving Wimbledon goalkeeper James Pullen stranded.

Millwall doubled their lead, and looked comfortable when substitute Jason Price struck twenty minutes from time. A Chris Hackett free-kick wrought chaos in the Wimbledon area allowing him to sweep home from the penalty spot.

The Conference side refused to give up, and Lewis Taylor pulled a goal back in fine fashion. Buoyant Wimbledon fans were silenced ten minutes later when Danny Schofield looped home a superb third for Millwall.

Defeat for the underdogs was sealed with Price’s second strike of the night and WBA champion Haye will have been pleased that this mismatch went the way of the favourite.

Millwall can now look forward to visit to Middlesex-based Staines FC. Jackett said: “We’ve got a tough one at Staines, but if we are professional enough, we’ll see where we can go.”