‘Gutted’ – Millwall defender makes admission after late Sunderland equaliser

Millwall defender Jake Cooper admitted he was ‘gutted’ that Sunderland’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw on Saturday came via a set piece.

The Lions took the lead in the 59th minute thanks to a piece of improvisation from the 28-year-old defender, who reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area from a George Honeyman corner to loop a shot over the Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.

Tony Mowbray’s Black Cats equalised in the 81st minute through defender Dennis Cirkin. The 20-year-old beat Lions keeper George Long to Alex Prictchard’s wide free-kick and headed into the empty net.

All three points would have seen Gary Rowett’s side move back into the play-off places.

“We were gutted,” admitted Cooper to the South London Press.

“We played really well and used our strengths to conquer them – we had the better chances.

“We scored the goal practically in the 60th minute, and with the way our form has been this season, you would expect us to see that out and do things better than maybe we did do when we went 1-0 up.

“Unfortunately we gave one too many fouls away in the end, and one of them led to Sunderland scoring a goal.

“It was disappointing, really. You don’t expect us to get done by a set play, especially at that stage of the game, and Sunderland aren’t particularly strong in that area.

“Looking at it going forward, as a positive, we know the performances are there. We just have to capitalise on that more and turn those draws that we have had at home into wins.

“You have to respect the ball – it’s a good ball.

“But the guy is a left-back who is probably six foot at most. It was disappointing because we had dealt with all their set pieces – they had quite a few during the game.

“It’s been a strong point of ours in the season. 

“I think we’re in the top five teams for fewest goals conceded from set plays, so to lose two points from a wide free-kick when all their strengths are dribbling from open play and how they create chances, to give them a goal like that was frustrating.”

See Friday’s South London Press for an exclusive interview with Cooper.