Tim Cahill's memorable week took a turn for the worse as Millwall's FA Cup semi-final hero was sent off during a disappointing goalless draw with Cardiff at The Den which nevertheless kept their play-off push on track.

Cahill scored the match-winner against Sunderland at Old Trafford last Sunday to send the Lions into their first final but he was shown a red card for two bookable offences on Millwall's return to league action.

Reaching their first final had taken its toll with player-manager Dennis Wise, Kevin Muscat and Paul Ifill all missing because of injuries suffered against Sunderland at Old Trafford.

There was also a disappointing home crowd waiting to greet them after Sunday's triumph, perhaps because of the strict membership scheme in operation in SE16 these days, and Millwall turned in a strangely flat performance.

Maybe the celebrations had not yet worn off, because the Lions began tamely as they turned their attention to the top priority of promotion, misplacing passes and mistiming tackles against a side who still harbour their own play-off ambitions.

Former Charlton winger John Robinson has struggled since his return from an injury lay-off for Cardiff and he lasted only 13 minutes on his return to south London before being replaced by Lee Bullock.

Cahill, by contrast, is in the form of his life, and it was his right-wing cross which provided the first chance for Millwall, Dichio forcing Martyn Margetson into a full-stretch save with a towering header in the 21st minute.

Shortly afterwards Bullock helped the simplest of long balls into Robert Earnshaw's path and the Wales international beat Darren Ward to the ball but stabbed his shot wide of the home side's far post.

Nick Chadwick is back at Millwall for a second loan spell and the Everton striker sent a volley flashing narrowly past the top corner in the 34th minute from a neat lay-off by Dichio, who has now gone 11 matches without a goal.

The Bluebirds were out to avenge a resounding 3-1 defeat in Cardiff last December and Andy Roberts almost gifted them a goal with a header against team-mate Ward which trickled past his own post.

Youngster Marvin Elliott was the architect of Cardiff's downfall that day on his full debut, and his introduction as a half-time substitute energised Millwall. Suddenly the Lions looked a team unbeaten at home this year.

James Collins forced Lions keeper Andy Marshall into an easy save, but Elliott, Harris and Dichio all had shots drift just wide as Millwall took control.

Yet for all their territorial possession, the home side could not find a breakthrough and things turned sour when Cahill was dismissed in injury-time for his second needless foul in 15 minutes.

Teams

Millwall Marshall, Lawrence, Dunne, Ward, Ryan, Chadwick (Sweeney 45), Roberts (Elliott 45), Cahill, Livermore, Harris (Braniff 84), Dichio.

Subs Not Used: McCammon, Gueret.

Sent Off: Cahill (90).

Booked: Lawrence, Ward, Cahill.

Cardiff Margetson, Croft, Collins, Gabbidon, Vidmar, Robinson (Bullock 13), Langley, Whalley, Parry (Campbell 75), Lee (Gordon 84), Earnshaw.

Subs Not Used: Barker, Alexander.

Booked: Vidmar, Croft, Lee, Bullock.

Att: 9,584

Ref: Mick Fletcher (Worcestershire).