Some of Millwall’s youngsters ‘froze’ in FA Youth Cup defeat to Arsenal

Chris Perry reckoned despite Millwall U18’s FA Youth Cup defeat against Arsenal his side showed “great character” throughout the tie on Monday evening.

The young Lions lost 6-0 against the Gunners at Meadow Park in the third round of the competition.

Goals from Jimi Gower, Ethan Nwaneri, Michal Rosiak, Amario Cozier-Duberry and an Omari Benjamin brace gave the seven time competition winners the victory.

Perry told Millwall’s official website: “It was a really good test for us, to see where everyone is at. Arsenal were excellent, but we probably gave them too much respect in the first half. There’s a couple of the lads who froze a little bit and we weren’t ourselves.

“At 3-0 down at half-time, it’s hard to come back against a side of that quality. After the break we showed some real positive performances. We looked as though we might sneak a goal, but we gave away a poor fourth and the game has gone.

“As always, though, the boys showed great character to keep going and never let their heads drop. George Evans was outstanding in goal for us – he had to be. It’s a good one for our boys to see where they need to be to get to that level.

“We’re doing really well in the league at the moment. We don’t play teams of this quality on a regular basis, though. Romain is a good example that there is a pathway to the first team, through the U21s.

“He showed glimpses tonight, even though it was very difficult for him. He’s an excellent player, as are some of the boys here.

“Now, tonight is all about the mental reaction to this defeat. It’s a big game, under the floodlights, which the boys don’t play in that often. It’s how they react and how we learn that is the key.”