Despite defeat for the Lions Neil Harris was pleased with his team’s performance. Speaking to BBC Sport after the game Harris said: “I thought the players were outstanding. What a performance for 94 minutes.”
Brighton reached the semi-final of the FA Cup after Millwall took a two-goal lead through Alex Pearce and Aiden O’Brien, but only until the 88th minute where Jurgen Locadia and Solly March scored at the death to take it to extra time and eventually win on penalties.
Justified Result
Brighton could have perhaps felt that the result was justified as the Seagulls arguably had a penalty appeal in the first-half for a push on Shane Duffy waved away by referee Chris Kavanagh.
While Millwall’s opener could have been ruled out for a foul on Glenn Murray which wasn’t seen by the officials, as Alex Pearce thumped home the opener at the back post.
The Lions thought they had the tie at Wembley wrapped up when Jed Wallace got fortunate down the right wing and squared the ball for O’Brien who nipped in ahead of his marker and toe poked the ball home on 79 minutes.
Great Substitutions
Chris Hughton’s choice of substitutions would pay dividends as he sent on March, Jose Izquierdo and Locadia in search of more attacking intent from his side in the second half.
Looking almost like a consolation, Locadia swivelled on a loose ball to fire a left footed shot into the roof of the net in front of the travelling Brighton faithful, cheering more out of hope than expectation.
The fourth official showed five added minutes to ease the Millwall fans into their seats as Brighton started to pile on late pressure.
Late Equaliser
The pressure peaked for Millwall when a needless free-kick was given away and March’s long ball curved over everyone, nipping the hand of David Martin and sending the away end into raptures while looks of shock and disappointment hit the face of the Millwall players.
Heading into extra time, there were few chances for both sides as Meredith for the Lions had a shot tipped away by Mat Ryan and a debatably fine goal ruled offside by Dutch striker Locadia, penalties loomed.
However just before the whistle went to end extra time Shane Ferguson was sent off with a raking stamp down the back of Lewis Dunk’s leg and perhaps set the precedent going into the shootout.
Penalty Drama
Murray stepped up and smacked the crossbar with the first penalty of the shootout leading to an eruption of sound at The Den.
Both sides held their nerve until Lions full back Mahlon Romeo had his penalty saved putting it back level.
Some good showings of calm sent the shootout into sudden death where it came to the battle of the centre backs.
Dunk stepped up first for Albion and scored arguably the best penalty of the lot, Cooper on the other hand got underneath the ball and skied it into the away end.
Brighton players rushed to celebrate whereas Millwall were left devastated, now perhaps they can focus on their survival in the EFL Championship.
