Sunderland hold top spot but missed chances costly as Millwall grab late point

Femi Azeez scored a late equaliser, securing a 1-1 Championship draw for Millwall against league leaders Sunderland. The match was delayed due to two medical emergencies in the crowd.

Despite this, Sunderland managed to move back above Sheffield United on goal difference, thanks to Aaron Connolly’s first goal for the club.

Sunderland took the lead after just 10 minutes when Chris Rigg’s free-kick was headed out to Connolly, who delivered a superb volley from the edge of the area. Sunderland could have had a second goal, but Wilson Isidor failed to make firm contact with Luke O’Nien’s cut-back.

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Millwall struggled to clear their lines and needed Lukas Jensen to keep out Dan Ballard’s point-blank range shot. Tommy Watson, an 18 year old making his first league start, demonstrated Sunderland's confidence as he beat Ryan Leonard before his effort was held by Jensen.

Play was halted after 41 minutes so that stricken supporters in the Dockers Stand and Barry Kitchener Stand could receive treatment, leading referee John Busby to take the players off the pitch.

The match resumed 25 minutes later, with the remainder of the first half passing without incident and Sunderland maintaining a slim lead into half-time. A careless backpass from Ballard nearly cost them their lead just two minutes into the second half, but Japhet Tanganga's header from Joe Bryan's corner sailed over the bar.

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson then deflected a low 25-yard drive from Josh Coburn, before comfortably saving a shot from Eliezer Mayenda following a strong run into the Millwall area. Despite persistent efforts from Millwall, including a curling shot from Casper De Norre that was saved by Patterson, Sunderland held on.

Milan Aleksic had an opportunity to secure the win for Sunderland late in the game, but was narrowly denied by Jensen after a breakaway run on goal. However, in the third minute of stoppage time, Millwall managed to claw back a draw when Aidomo Emakhu made a powerful run down the left and set up fellow substitute Azeez to score at the far post.