UK Edition
Millwall goalkeeper David Martin apologises for error that cost FA Cup semi-final place
Goalkeeper David Martin apologised to his devastated Millwall team-mates after his error cost the club a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Millwall squandered a two-goal lead late in the game, with Martin allowing Solly March’s speculative stoppage-time free-kick into his net.
Brighton went on to book a semi-final date against Manchester City by winning a penalty shootout, but Millwall manager Neil Harris backed Martin to recover.
“First and foremost, I feel for Dave Martin because he was excellent throughout the game, he absolutely commanded his box and made some saves,” said Harris.
“He has made a slight error of judgement and it has cost us. He is a top pro and one of the nicest guys I have ever come across in football as a player, coach or manager. I have got no problem with that.
“David is obviously devastated. He’s made a mistake and he walked in and put his hands up, and said he had let the boys down. He hasn't let the boys down, he’s made an error of judgement. He’s a great character and very popular in the dressing-room, so he’ll recover.
“I was more disappointed with the first goal to be honest, the defending wasn't good enough. We also missed two one-on-ones before scoring the first goal, so we could have been out of sight. And in extra-time Mahlon (Romeo) should have scored on the rebound. But we were better than Brighton today and that gives me the most pride.”
Brighton manager Chris Hughton revealed he was furious with March until he saw the ball drift past Martin and into the net because he had thought his team’s last chance had been wasted.
March’s free-kick looked like an over-hit cross and Hughton said: “In my mind I was going mad because that was going to be our last good opportunity. I thought it was that chance gone from the free-kick. He is very honest, so I doubt he is claiming he meant it. But we are very grateful for his contribution when he came on.”
Millwall must now concentrate on trying to avoid relegation from the Championship and Harris added: “We’ve got nine Cup finals left and we need to take those battling qualities and quality with the ball that we showed today into them. Leeds away in two weeks is the biggest game of the season for us by far.”