‘One of the worst feelings I’ve had on a football pitch’ – Millwall attacker pained by Den points slipping away against Huddersfield

Millwall were hit with a late sucker punch in their 1-1 draw at home to fellow strugglers Huddersfield last Saturday – and nobody felt the blow more than attacker Duncan Watmore.

The Lions thought they had claimed all three points – and ended a six-game winless spell – with Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s goal the difference going into the seventh minute of added time at The Den.

But the visitors were awarded a late penalty by referee Darren Bond, who penalised George Saville for handling the ball.

Delano Burgzorg converted from the spot to deny Millwall a first Den win under Joe Edwards.

Millwall are 20th in the Championship and have the worst home record in England’s second tier – their last success in SE16 the 3-0 win over Rotherham United more than three months ago.

“It was so tough to take,” Watmore told the South London Press. “I won’t lie, it was one of the worst feelings I have had on a football pitch. We were so desperate for the win. We worked so hard for it – we had done enough for it, too.

“The performance was there but we need to keep doing what we have been in recent weeks and just make sure we turn those performances into results.

“The only thing that matters are points. That’s why we felt so gutted with the last-minute equaliser.

“It’s never anyone’s fault – it’s just one of these things that happens. Sav has been excellent for us all season. Every time he plays you see that he gives absolutely everything.

“It’s been a tough time for us at the moment, so we have to stick together as a group.”

The Sunderland academy graduate has had his fair share of injuries throughout the course of his stint in the professional game, suffering two career-threatening ACL injuries in quick succession as a youngster.

He picked up a knee injury in October – coming off after scoring in a 2-2 draw with Hull – and returned just in time for the appointment of Edwards as Gary Rowett’s permanent successor.

“I got injured at an annoying time – I felt like I was playing quite well,” he added. “I scored and then picked up the knee injury – it set me back a few weeks.

“It takes time to build that back up again, so it was a really frustrating time for me. I have had quite a lot of injuries throughout my career and I have learned to accept that they’re part of the game.

“I wish I hadn’t, but that’s just the way it is.

“I want to help the team wherever I can. I feel like I’m in a really good place. You want to tie the physical and mental side of the game together at the same time.

“The only thing that really matters is results – that’s all I really care about.

“I feel like it’s close to turning. I feel positive about this group and where it’s going.”

With the busy festive period to come – which will see Millwall take on crucial clashes against Stoke and QPR – does the former England youth international have to manage his minutes given the problems he has suffered in the past?

“I would like to say no, but the truth is I do,” said Watmore.

“With some of the injuries and operations I have had on my left knee, it does react sometimes and can be unpredictable.

“You just have to accept the way things are and manage it when I need to.

“It feels in a good place at the moment and that’s all I can hope for. My main goal is to be available as much as I possibly can – I want to play football games and help this team.

“I’m a bit older now and I have been managing this knee for a while – I’m more attuned with it.

“I know there are times when it’s not right and I need to pull out, but most of the time, I will try and play because I want to play football games – I have missed enough during my career.

“The medical department here are brilliant with me.”

The end of the January transfer window will mark Watmore’s one-year anniversary at Millwall after he joined from Middlesbrough.

The 29-year-old has made 30 appearances and recorded seven goal contributions in all competitions.

“I have been so impressed with the club as a whole and I have had a good year,” he said. “I enjoy it more when we’re winning and climbing up the table – that’s what we’re all desperate to do.

“We’re all confident that we can do it and turn this season around. These next games are really important.

“It’s never a case of one game defining the season. You have to stay as level as possible because it’s a long season.”