BY RICHARD CAWLEY
[email protected]
Millwall captain Alex Pearce has dismissed Luton Town’s complaints about how a lot stoppage time was added on Tuesday evening – claiming it ought to have been much more.
Hatters supervisor Nathan Jones angrily remonstrated with the match officers after George Evans headed in a Ninety fifth-minute equaliser for the South London membership at Kenilworth Road.
But the previous Charlton Athletic improvement boss obtained zero sympathy from Pearce.
“It ought to’ve been extra,” stated the Lions captain, pictured proper. “Because if you’re within the recreation you discover it a lot.
“The time-wasting they have been doing was a joke. Every time their goalkeeper obtained the ball for a purpose kick he was taking it from one aspect of his six-yard field to the opposite. When they obtained free-kicks they’d stroll over to the ball. When you’re substituted you’ll be able to stroll off the pitch on the earliest angle however they have been selecting not to do this – as a substitute they have been going off by the dugouts.
“All of this was occurring for a very long time within the second half. I was attempting to clarify that to the ref and he ended up reserving the goalkeeper for it. But then it made no distinction.
“I stated to the ref: ‘Please e book him once more. If you’ve booked him and he’s nonetheless doing it then you must e book him once more.’ If I get booked for a sort out after which make one other one like that then I’m going to get booked once more. Why is it completely different for a keeper?
“But you not often see refs give two bookings for time-wasting. It’s not proper although. It doesn’t make it proper. The manner they have been time-wasting was ridiculous. I was so happy when the purpose went in – that’s karma.”
Evans has barely put a foot flawed since signing from Derby on February 1.
Pearce was in the identical Rams squad for six months earlier than he joined Millwall in January 2019.
“He was signed by Frank Lampard and he’s nonetheless precisely the identical – a very, superb passer of the ball,” stated Pearce.
“His greatest attribute is how composed he’s. He brings a calmness to the aspect whether or not he’s on the again or in midfield.
“He has that presence and in addition is a good dimension – which helped with getting his head to the ball for the purpose. The membership have completed very well in getting him.
“The finest technique to settle in if you go to a new membership is what George has completed – going straight into the group and cracking on.
“We’ve obtained a good few wins beneath our belt since he got here in and you may see he’s taking part in with confidence.
“He can most likely play proper throughout a again 4 and every midfield place as effectively. You must be proficient to be that versatile. The lads love him as effectively.”
Millwall prolonged their unbeaten run within the Championship to 9 matches with a sixteenth draw of the season.
“On the entire we should be higher however we confirmed sure sides to our recreation which once more sum up our group,” stated Pearce.
“We stand collectively. We confirmed grit and dedication to maintain preventing to the bitter finish. This group is rarely crushed.
“The subs got here on and made a nice affect. Smudge [Matt Smith] produces a unbelievable header throughout for George, who has began his Millwall profession actually, very well.
“We should be extra composed as a group and higher on the ball.
“It’s 9 undefeated however we went lengthy sufficient with out selecting up factors within the run earlier than that. There is a sense within the group that we’re making up for that off interval we went by. We wished to make amends for that – we’ve gone a way in direction of doing that. Nine video games unbeaten at any degree of soccer is a large factor.”
Injuries to Murray Wallace and Jake Cooper have seen Pearce return to the beginning line up after six successive matches on the bench.
Pearce changed Cooper after he suffered a second shoulder dislocation in opposition to Birmingham and has clocked up back-to-back 90 minutes within the attracts with Wycombe and Luton.
The 32-year-old is because of be a free agent on the finish of June however is adamant he’s not fascinated about the place his future lies.
“My job is to play in addition to I presumably can when chosen and practice to my finest – every little thing else will deal with itself,” he stated.
“Everyone is aware of I really like Millwall Football Club. I like to be right here.
“I’m loving being again on the market with the lads, preventing for each ball. If you ask any participant they are going to inform you a similar.
“All I wish to do is assist the membership climb up the desk. We’ve obtained a few accidents however I’d prefer to assume we are able to come collectively as a group and pull by this spell.
“Everyone goes to wish to play their half and that’s all I’m trying to do.”
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