Sunderland 0-1 Millwall – Match Report

Sunderland fell to another turgid home defeat at the hands of Millwall, who confirmed their safety.

The first half was largely uneventful, with Dan Ballard heading over from six yards.

The only goal came in the second half, when Duncan Watmore got on the end of Ryan Longman’s cross to poke past Anthony Patterson.

Mike Dodds made two changes to the Sunderland side that beat West Brom 1-0 last weekend, as Trai Hume dropped to the bench while Dan Neil was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. Aji Alese and Bradley Dack replaced the pair.

As for The Lions, Romain Esse and Billy Mitchell were replaced by Casper de Norre and former Sunderland man George Honeyman, after their 3-1 home win against Cardiff last Saturday.

A very slow first half was lacking chances, however the Black Cats had the most of the little action there was. Chris Rigg had a shot from distance in the 15th minute which was comfotably saved by Matija Sarkic.

That chance was shortly followed by Dan Ballard heading a corner over the bar from short range in the 18th minute.

The second half was no different, as both sides struggled to make inroads. Sunderland almost went in front in minute 68 as Adil Aouchiche’s shot was blocked by the head of Ryan Leonard.

Another man who used to wear the red and white stripes came off the bench to haunt Dodds’ side, as Watmore poked home Longman’s dangerous cross to put the Lions ahead in the 71st minute.

Sunderland did very little to get back into the game, and had no chances of note as the game petered out into a grim defeat in their penultimate home game of the season.