David Martin: Millwall boss Neil Harris launches staunch defence of his ‘devastated’ goalkeeper after howler in FA Cup defeat to Brighton

David Martin: Millwall boss Neil Harris launches staunch defence of his ‘devastated’ goalkeeper after howler in FA Cup defeat to Brighton
Millwall manager Neil Harris defended goalkeeper David Martin after he was left “devastated” by his last-gasp error which led to Brighton completing a stunning comeback and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.The Lions were two goals ahead with two minutes remaining after Alex Pearce’s header and an Aiden O’Brien goal had put them on course for another Premier League scalp at the Den.2

David Martin let a Solly March free-kick slip through his hands with only seconds left on the clock

But Jurgen Locadia reduced the arrears with a fine strike two minutes before full-time, with Martin then flapping at a last-gasp Solly March free-kick as the ball dropped in to level the tie at 2-2 and send it to extra-time – with the visitors eventually winning the tie on penalties.There were minimal chances during the 30 minutes of extra-time, although Millwall saw Shane Ferguson sent off late on for a stamp on Lewis Dunk.Brighton striker Glenn Murray smashed the crossbar with the first spot-kick as the hosts converted their first three efforts only to see Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan keep out Mahlon Romeo’s penalty with his foot.Dale Stephens and Steve Morison then scored for their respective sides to take the shoot-out into sudden death, where Jake Cooper blazed over the sixth spot-kick to send Brighton to a Wembley semi-final against Manchester City.2

Millwall boss Neil Harris defended his goalkeeper after the costly error

Harris was seconds away from taking his side to the final four and said he had sympathy with Martin – who he revealed felt he had let the team down.“What an outstanding performance for 94 minutes,” he said.“First and foremost I feel for David Martin because he was excellent throughout the game, absolutely commanded his box, made some good saves, good kicking and has made a slight error in judgement and it has cost us.“He is a top pro, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football. He is obviously devastated. He has held his hands up and made a mistake.“He said he let the boys down, he hasn’t let the boys down. He made an error of judgement and I was more disappointed with the first goal, the defending wasn’t good enough.”

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