Black Cats curse over

By Jr
October 16 2004

Sunderland's bad luck against Millwall came to an end on Saturday as the Black Cats got revenge for last seasons' three defeats - the most poignant of which was the FA Cup semi-final match last April.

The Lions’ lack of a goalscoring threat proved costly as Millwall slumped to 1-0 defeat last Saturday at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.

With Matt Lawrence returning from injury and player boss Dennis Wise back after a one-match suspension there was reason for optimism before the game.

But a Kevin Muscat own goal put paid to that, as the Lions skipper handed Sunderland the points 20 minutes from time - sending Liam Lawrence's cross past his own goalkeeper Graham Stack.

However, had Millwall made the most of the opportunites that fell their way the result could have been different as Lions assistant manager Ray Wilkins admitted.

He said: "We are all disappointed - we had two fabulous chances which could have saved a point for us.

"Sunderland played as we thought they would and put us under a lot of pressure.

"We expected the game to be played that way because Sunderland work very hard.”

Though the injury situation has generally improved since the international break, Millwall were missing their match-winning wingers Paul Ifill and Peter Sweeney.

But the good news was centre back Paul Robinson was on the bench along with striker Barry Hayles, who made a 30 minute cameo appearance.

Wilkins would not use the casualty list as an excuse for defeat though.

He said: “Everyone’s in the same position. But it is important for us to get players back from injury.”

Wilkins admitted the return of key players may make help influential loan signing Jo Tessem - making his second Millwall appearance - to contribute even more to the cause.

He said: “Tessem is Premiership class and I'm sure when we get everybody back we will see the best of him."

The Norway international was involved in creating the best chance of the game, which transfer-listed Mark McCammon spurned in the 29th minute.

Tessem's blocked shot fell to McCammon, but Sunderland keeper Mart Poom somehow pushed the burly striker's effort onto the bar when a goal seemed inevitable.

Poom denied Wise later on with another outstanding save, and Wilkins expressed his frustration at Millwall’s inability to score.
He said: “When you get chances away from home you need to take them.

“At the moment, we have this habit of trying sidefoot the ball into the net and we’ve got to start blasting the ball past the keeper.

“It’s confidence thing.”

Millwall’s confidence may be fragile, but now they have the chance to show how formidable they can be at home with Cardiff City visiting on Saturday (kick off 3pm), which follows a midweek local derby on Tuesday (kick off 7.45pm) against Gillingham at the Den.