GARETH Ainsworth was content at Wanderers' display against Millwall in the Capital One Cup but admitted his side have to be more clinical in front of goal.

Blues had the better chances against their Championship opponents and did enough to have taken the tie to extra time.

They were undone by a first half goal from Matthew Briggs, who was later sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Ironically the chances dried up for Wanderers after Briggs' dismissal and Ainsworth was left to ruefully reflect on failing to take their first half chances.

Whereas last season Blues' misfiring forwards found the back of the stand rather than the net, last night they were foiled by an excellent display from the Lions' goalkeeper David Forde.

One save in particular from Sido Jombati was world class and Ainsworth felt the game could have fallen differently had the Irish international not been in such good form.

The Blues boss said: "We created the chances, it's the clinicity in front of goal [that was missing]. Paul Hayes' volley was outstanding, Sido's chance was good. We are hitting the target more than we were last year, which is encouraging. Now it's time to start sticking them in. We have the players to do that.

"They thought they had good chances when it was 11 v 11. Millwall's keeper was outstanding first half. Second half we just didn't get that little break. A couple of things bounced in their box but not to us. On another night maybe we are still playing now, or even better.

"Their goal was special - great build up play and finished it very well. That little bit of class you get sometimes in the Championship makes the difference.

"I don't think we were outclassed or outplayed tonight. We gave our all.

"I think we should maybe still be playing [extra time]. I thought we got a bit of respect from a Championship side who beat Leeds convincingly on Saturday. I'm very content inside."

Ainsworth said after Saturday's win at Newport that his players had set high standards for the forthcoming campaign, and felt they matched that performance at the Den last night.

He said: "The group we've brought in are all willing to work hard. To play in this team you have to work hard and be fit and be professional. The football will come because they are good footballers.

"The energy levels were set so high on Saturday but they've replicated them again tonight and they are getting fitter.

"It's a very slow building process. If we can keep doing that, the blocks will be put in place pretty firmly and we can build on that."