Millwall supporters had a bittersweet weekend following Romain Esse exploits | OneFootball

Millwall supporters witnessed the Lions win on Saturday, but also saw recent departure Romain Esse score on his Crystal Palace debut

Millwall supporters had an enjoyable Saturday afternoon as the Lions emerged as 1-0 winners following their lunchtime trip to Luton Town.

Alex Neil's men appeared on course for a difficult day at the office, when January signing Aaron Connolly saw his penalty saved by Thomas Kaminski on 34 minutes.

However, an impressive half-volley from outside the area by young forward Mihailo Ivanovic sealed an important away win for the Lions, who are now seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Perhaps most importantly, Saturday's triumph over the Hatters marked the London club's first victory in the Championship since Neil took the managerial reins last month.

Millwall supporters had a bittersweet weekend following Romain Esse, Crystal Palace exploits

The Den faithful will have been in a celebratory mood following their side's vital win on the road on Saturday afternoon but Sunday's Premier League action soon brought a timely reminder of the quality Neil and co are now missing from their ranks, after wideman Romain Esse recently joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth £14.5m.

Palace trailed fellow outfit Brentford 2-0, thanks to a Bryan Mbeumo penalty and an 80th-minute header from Germany international Kevin Schade.

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner responded to such a setback by handing new signing Esse his debut from the substitute's bench, and the former Lions man had an instant impact, as he scored with his first-ever Premier League touch.

Although Palace ultimately lost the game 2-1, they will be pleased that their January addition was able to show his class at the first time of asking.

On the other hand, despite their win over the Hatters, the Lions faithful will have no doubt looked at Esse's Premier League exploits with a strong hint of jealousy, following the recent departure of such a talented academy graduate.

Furthermore, come next weekend, the 19-year-old could have an opportunity to prove his worth at one of the top-flight's most iconic venues, as Glasner's men travel to Old Trafford to take on an inconsistent Manchester United outfit.

Prior to his Palace-bound departure, Lions homegrown ace Esse notched four goals and one assist in the Championship this term and boasts attacking qualities his former club will certainly miss as the season goes on.

However, the teenager's exit has also paved a pathway into first-team action for fellow youngster Raees Bangura-Williams, who has seized the opportunity with both hands.

Bangura-Williams made a great account of himself during the Lions' comprehensive 3-0 victory over National League side Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup earlier this month, as he scored a memorable solo goal.

The 20-year-old soon displayed his trickery once more, as he completed a mazy dribble to assist Casper de Norre during a recent 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.

Bangura-Williams then showed his creative tendencies once again on Saturday, as his pass found Ivanovic, who was able to beat Luton goalkeeper Kaminski from range.

The attacking midfielder now has three goal contributions in just four senior Lions outings, showing that he is capable of helping his club fill the void left behind by Esse's exit.

However, Esse's Premier League goal further demonstrates the high quality he boasts and if he is able to produce the goods for Palace on a regular basis, the Lions will feel as though they have lost a player who could have propelled them up the Championship table, regardless of Bangura-Williams' efforts.