Andy Marshall returned to deny his former club with a penalty save as improving Millwall claimed a point at injury-hit Norwich.

The 30-year-old played more than 200 games for the Canaries during a seven-season spell, coming through the youth ranks at Carrow Road before electing to quit the Norfolk club on a Bosman free to join bitter rivals Ipswich in the summer of 2001.

And, after being at fault for Norwich's equaliser at the start of the second half, he redeemed himself with a fine penalty save to thwart Darren Huckerby with 12 minutes to go after Barry Hayles had been sent off for protesting the award of the spot-kick.

Canaries boss Nigel Worthington had been forced to field something of a makeshift midfield, with Jason Jarrett and former Bolton defender Simon Charlton coming in as Paul McVeigh played at the head of the diamond.

However, it was Millwall - second from bottom, but unbeaten in five league matches - who settled quickly.

On four minutes, Jody Morris' deep free-kick from the right found its way through to the back post, but Ady Williams - on loan from Coventry - was then unable to guide his close-range header on target.

Hayles then send a snapshot straight at home keeper Robert Green from 20 yards as the Lions continued to dominate.

On 12 minutes, the ball broke to Carl Asaba on the edge of the Norwich box. But, with time and space, the striker snatched at his effort, which flew wide.

Norwich were struggling to gain a foothold in the match, and it was no surprise when the visitors eventually took the lead after 22 minutes.

A corner from the right was not cleared, and Jermaine Wright sent back a looping ball back towards the far post, where Williams got above two defenders to nod the ball in off the upright.

Dean Ashton briefly threatened to produce something special to get the hosts level when side-stepping his marker 25 yards from goal, but the £3million forward could only drag a disappointing, low effort wide.

At the start of the second half, Worthington shifted diminutive Ulsterman McVeigh into attack, with Huckerby moved wide on the right of a regulation four-man midfield.

And following a sustained period of pressure, Norwich were level on 52 minutes.

Jurgen Colin sent a looping ball back into a packed six-yard box.

Lions keeper Marshall came to collect, but was blocked by his own defenders.

The loose ball broke to Ashton, who instinctively hooked an effort goalwards, which Calum Davenport toe-poked it in make sure as the ball bounced over the line.

There was a let off for Norwich on 66 minutes when the visitors broke quickly, and Hayles slipped Alan Dunne into the edge of the penalty box. His first-time effort was rushed, though, and flew well wide.

With 17 minutes left, tempers boiled over after Morris' late challenge left Charlton in a heap on the floor, and the players squared up in the centre-circle.

Morris - just back from suspension - was cautioned, as was Jarrett for his part in the brief melee.

There was more for referee Paul Taylor to deal with he ruled Jamie Vincent had bundled over Huckerby on the right side of the penalty box.

The Millwall players were incensed, and Hayles - who had already been booked during the first half - took his protests too far, throwing the ball away, and was shown a second yellow.

Huckerby struck the spot-kick himself, but Marshall guessed correctly, making a fine low, one-handed save to his left.

Norwich continued to press for a winner, and Adam Drury saw his goal-bound header cleared off the line by Vincent.

Gary Doherty - sent up field as an extra striker - had an injury-time strike ruled out for pushing, and the hosts had to be content with a point.

Teams

Norwich Green, Colin, Doherty, Davenport, Drury, McVeigh, Charlton, Jarrett (Henderson 85), Brennan, Huckerby, Ashton.

Subs Not Used: Ward, Louis-Jean, Fleming, Rossi Jarvis.

Booked: Charlton, Jarrett.

Goals: Ashton 52.

Millwall Marshall, Dunne (Hutchison 90), Paul Robinson, Williams, Vincent, Ifil, Wright, Livermore, Morris (Elliott 79), Asaba (May 61), Hayles.

Subs Not Used: Jones, Craig.

Sent Off: Hayles (77).

Booked: Hayles, Livermore, Dunne, Morris, Marshall, Ifil.

Goals: Williams 23.

Att: 25,095

Ref: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).