But the Lions weathered a strong first-half performance from the Sky Blues before Bradshaw converted from close range after Benik Afobe flicked on a free-kick.

Coventry almost levelled with three minutes left but Ian Maatsen blazed an effort over the bar after being found unmarked at the back post.

Millwall - who needed permission to play 93rd-minute substitute Lovelace from both his parents and school headteacher - move up to 11th place in the Championship table, a point and a place below Coventry.

Both sides had not played for 18 days, but it was the Sky Blues who looked the better unit as Millwall boss Gary Rowett had to make do with a patched-up squad compared to the hosts, who had fewer Covid-19 cases.

Callum O'Hare forced a good save from Millwall keeper Bartosz Bialkowski mid-way through the first half before Michael Rose's header from the resulting corner was saved and Dominic Hyam's acrobatic effort from the rebound went just over the bar.

Aged 15 years and 340 days Zak Lovelace is 100 days older than Millwall's youngest-ever player, Moses Ashikodi, who made his debut in February 2003

Tyler Walker and Kyle McFadzean headed over for the Sky Blues as they continued to have the better of the game before Shaun Hutchinson and Murray Wallace went close for the Lions as the half drew to an end.

Jake Cooper, Sheyi Ojo and Mason Bennett all missed the target for Millwall in the opening 20 minutes of the second half as Coventry struggled to match their first-half endeavour.

And they were made to pay when a free-kick just inside the Coventry half was floated into the area and Bradshaw was on hand to convert after Cooper and Afobe had headed the ball on.

Coventry City manager Mark Robins told BBC CWR:

"A defeat like that, where you've just not dealt with one free-kick and end up coming away with nothing from the game, is disappointing.

"We didn't have the quality in the game. We have trained with 11 players. Everybody is having problems.

"We looked like we were getting frustrated with ourselves at times. Decision-making was probably a little bit poorer tonight.

"They have got to be better. But again, understandable because of the preparation, or lack thereof."

Millwall manager Gary Rowett told BBC Radio London:

"It was a difficult build-up. It was difficult to even get to 14 outfield players.

"The players wanted to play. I have to give them immense credit. We prepared really well with limited numbers.

"I can't remember [Coventry] creating that many clear-cut chances. We probably didn't either. It was a bit of a stalemate.

"We then get the break, [Bradshaw] again is in brilliant goalscoring form. I think he shows how important he is to us as a team."