Millwall to discover FA Youth Cup semi-final opponent tonight – with either Liverpool or Leeds lying in wait
Millwall were set to discover their FA Youth Cup semi-final opponent last night – after booking their own place in the last four with a penalty shootout win over Chelsea last week.
The Lions drew 1-1 in normal time against the west London club at The Den on February 21 and then prevailed 4-2 on penalties.
Harrison Murray-Campbell had put Chelsea into a 66th-minute lead but it was quickly wiped out by Jack Howland.
Extra-time could not separate the two teams before Millwall keeper Albert Penney made a spot-kick save to put the home team – bossed by Larry McAvoy and Chris Perry – into the next round.
Leeds United and Liverpool are due to play tonight with Millwall travelling to the victor. The tie needs to be played by early April.
“Massive pride – the boys put on an incredible performance,” said former Wimbledon defender Perry. “They carried out exactly what we asked them to do – to the letter. To a man they were magnificent.
“We watched them (Chelsea) play against Crystal Palace and a few other games, we knew we wanted their centre-backs to have it mostly, stay compact and force them to go down the outside. It worked brilliantly for us.
“Jack is in good goalscoring form. He has got a lovely left foot, I didn’t think he was going to miss. We had the better chances throughout the game. If we had been a little bit more clinical we might not have gone to extra time. We always try and do it the hard way, we had penalties as well against Barking.
“I don’t think anyone coming here tonight thought we would get this result but we had belief, certainly myself and Larry.
“We were tired. There were players going down with cramp for fun. We got to penalties and we always know that Albie has got a brilliant record of saving penalties. Our boys all stood up and showed great character to put them away.
“It’s been a tremendous season (for the U18s) so far.”