Duncan Watmore finds the net against his ex-team as Millwall narrowly defeat Sunderland.
Millwall effectively secured their place in the Sky Bet Championship for the next season following a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light, with former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore delivering the decisive goal in the second half.
In a match characterized by few scoring opportunities, Watmore, who had only been on the field for four minutes, capitalized on his chance to score, securing Millwall’s third consecutive win.
Sunderland, on the other hand, extended their winless streak at home to six matches dating back to February 10.
The hosts had the first threatening moment, with Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic making a crucial save from a shot by teenager Chris Rigg after he maneuvered past the visiting defense.
Bradley Dack provided some promising deliveries for Dan Ballard, but neither managed to find the target.
Jobe Bellingham missed an opportunity to test Sarkic with a header from a corner kick, while Millwall struggled to create chances until George Honeyman’s set-piece was off-target after being headed by Zian Flemming.
In the second half, Sunderland’s interim manager Mike Dodds made changes, including pushing Bellingham forward and introducing Trai Hume, who had an attempt from distance but missed the target.
Further attempts to boost the tempo by Dodds saw Abdoullah Ba and Adil Aouchiche being brought on in the last half-hour.
Sunderland thought they had taken the lead, but Ryan Leonard’s intervention blocked Callum Styles’ goal-bound effort from Ba’s cross.
In the 71st minute, Millwall capitalized on Sunderland’s missed opportunities when Ryan Longman’s cross found Watmore, who redirected the ball past Anthony Patterson’s near post.
Despite a late scare when Bellingham almost scored an own goal, Millwall held on to secure a crucial three points.
