Half-Time Report: Yann Kermorgant and Harry Arter put Bournemouth ahead

A penalty from Yann Kermorgant and a goal from Harry Arter have pushed Bournemouth into a 2-0 half-time lead over Millwall at The New Den this afternoon.

Eddie Howe's men are looking to strengthen their grip on the Championship summit, with second-place Ipswich Town only a point behind and in hot pursuit.

Bournemouth looked to test Millwall's resolve in the opening minutes as the returning Kermorgant lashed towards the bottom corner from distance, forcing a good stop from a diving David Forde.

Youngster Sid Nelson was handed his professional debut for Millwall and the 18-year-old defender could have put the hosts into a lead, but he failed to head Lee Martin's cross on target from a set piece.

Back came Bournemouth, though, and they were close to opening the scoring when Matt Ritchie crossed for Callum Wilson, who guided his header wide from a mere six yards out.

The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute when Charlie Daniels was taken out by Martin, allowing Kermorgant to step up and convert the spot kick.

The Cherries made it 2-0 just before the interval when Wilson picked out Arter with a neat through ball, and he made no mistake by tucking into the bottom-right corner to make it five goals in five matches.