Millwall booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-final for the second time in three years as they put an end to AFC Wimbledon's run at Kingsmeadow.
The hosts had triumphantly knocked out West Ham in the fourth round but were undone by Murray Wallace's goal after just five minutes before Neil Harris' side put on a lesson in game management.
The home fans were riled up and ready for another London scalp against a side who, despite their record against those further up the pyramid in the Cup, often come unstuck against the lesser sides.
It looked as if that would be the case again here at Kingsmeadow when, after just three minutes, Shane McLoughlin latched onto some loose defending and whipped a cross into the near post, though Joe Pigott could only turn the ball onto the upright.
Millwall breathed a sigh of relief and went about making things even more comfortable, with a touch of help from their League One hosts.
As Ryan Leonard swung an inviting cross from deep towards the far post, Wallace was given a free run at the ball to rise and power his header past Aaron Ramsdale.
Millwall looked comfortable, happy to break up play as Wally Downes' side looked to play neat football around their orange-clad visitors. The Dons were in danger of folding early on, kept at a distance by the Millwall back line and struggling to open up any pockets of space going forward.
They did, though, begin to grow into the game as the first half drew on, and should have been level thanks to some fantastic work from 19-year-old Toby Sibbick. The full-back, who scored the fourth goal from the bench in the last round against West Ham, found some room on the right and whipped a fine cross to the Millwall back post where, arriving late and rising unmarked, captain Adedeji Oshilaja somehow headed over.
Wimbledon were more than in the game at the break and the visitors had lost their hold on proceedings. A switch to a back three at half time saw Wimbledon instantly become more of a threat going forward, though a wasteful corner and blasted Sibbick effort should have been punished at the other end when Aiden O'Brien was played through but could not bring the ball under control to finish.
Read More
The hosts continued to try their luck, finally registering a shot on target after 61 minutes before Downes played all his cards with two more changes to force a leveller.
Millwall appeared content to sit back and allow Wimbledon to carry on knocking to little effect, but were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Andy Barcham was brought down in the box, only for referee John Moss to award a tight offside as opposed to a penalty.
That was the closest the hosts got to troubling Harris' Millwall, who could have doubled their lead when Lee Gregory cut back for Leonard before he himself saw an effort saved with ten minutes to go.
The Dons looked to swing cross after cross into the Millwall box late on, but the visitors continued to play for time wherever they could, flattening any remaining hope at Kingsmeadow with passing minute.
For Wimbledon and manager Downes, focus must swiftly switch back to their relegation battle at the foot of League One while, across the capital, Millwall will fancy their chances at whoever comes out the hat in Monday night's draw as they sit one win from Wembley.
Relive the game with Standard Sport LIVE blog!
36 mins: The atmosphere is bubbling along nicely here and it has the feel of a proper FA Cup match. There's not a lot of football being played, mind, with a lot of the action occurring in the air.
31 mins: It's still quite tight in this match and you feel that if Wimbledon had beaten the post early on, this would be a very diferent cup tie.
Neither side is finishing particularly well so far.
Photo: Reuters
Jack Rosser can see some life in Wimbledon now. Is there any chance of a comeback?
"There's a bit more life about Wimbledon's play now. They're starting to open up a few more gaps in the Millwall defence though, once there, there's a distinct need for cool heads.
"Some loose touches have cost them clear cut chances while, though he is causing a couple of problems, deadline day arrival Folivi looks in a bit of a fluster on the ball."
24 mins: Another chance for Folivi, who does well to turn away from his marker but the youngster drags his shot well wide.
19 mins: Folivi goes close!
It's a well-worked free-kick from deep and the ball breaks to Folivi in the box, but the striker, on loan from Watford, can't reach it.
Jack Rosser is at Kingsmeadow for us today. Here's his first update:
"Wimbledon are in danger of folding early on. They have had a couple of flashes since the goal where it looked as if they could create something but Millwall are keeping them at arm's length when off the ball.
"There isn't too much of that at the moment, though, with the visitors dominating possession. Wally Downes' side are trying to play the more attractive football, but after a lively start here Millwall are doing a good job of slowing everything down and dictating the game."
15 mins: This time it's Jed Wallace who goes from goal after Aidan O'Brien wins a free-kick, but his effort from 25 yards sails over the bar.
10 mins: The hosts are doing their level best to respond but can't break down the stern Millwall backline.
GOAL! | AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall | Murray Wallace 6'
First chance, first goal!
The Championship side are in front after that lucky escape as Ryan Leonard curls in a cross and unmarked at the back post is Murray Wallace, who fires home a bullet header.
2 mins: PIGOTT HITS THE POST!
Nearly a dream start for the Dons! McLoughlin squirms through two challenges and delivers a super cross to the front post and Joe Pigott arrives to smash it onto the post from close range.
Bright start from the hosts.