NEIL Harris admitted defender Patrick Bauer’s second-half goal that was ruled out as Millwall drew 0-0 with Charlton at The Valley could have been allowed to stand.
Bauer finished the ball to the net after Jordan Archer was about to clear before appearing to stop mid-kick, but referee Keith Stroud deemed the Addicks centre-back had fouled the goalkeeper.
Addicks boss Karl Robinson started his press conference by asking those present to gather around a laptop to watch the incident.
And Lions boss Harris agreed the decision was close.
“As Jordan went to kick it the boy knocked his arm or his leg or knocked the ball,” Harris said. “I think 10 years ago it’s a good goal. If I was Karl I’d be wanting the goal to stand. If he was me he’d want it to be disallowed.
“Do I think it’s right that it’s a foul? I was a striker, so no I don’t. If the goalkeeper is letting the ball go you should be able to challenge. But they’re the rules.”
Harris was pleased with a point but felt Millwall could have had all three. Jorge Teixeira – who was sent off on the final whistle for a second yellow card – cleared Steve Morison’s volley off the line before Shaun Hutchinson headed just wide. Byron Webster saw one first-half header saved by Declan Rudd and another go wide of the post after the break.
Striker Lee Gregory also went close, connecting with Shaun Williams’ delivery late on but seeing his header shave the post.
“I thought the game was quite even, I don’t think either team played particularly well,” Harris said. “There was a real derby feel to it, 100 miles an hour and a lack of quality at times from both teams in possession.
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“What I will say is I’ve got Steve Morison, Lee Gregory, Shaun Hutchinson and Byron Webster all angry and disappointed they didn’t score. We probably shaded the better chances from set-plays certainly.
“I’m delighted with four points against Charlton this year, our fans will be delighted with bragging rights over their local rivals, results-wise.
“I think there was a lot of bitty play in the middle of the park, a lot of stoppages and the ball going out of play. It showed a lack of quality in the performances.
“We were threatening on the counterattack and from set-plays. There was the one cleared off the line from Steve Morison’s shot, and with his quality he probably expects to score.
“Lee Gregory’s header at the end flashes just wide. I think Byron Webster is disappointed, he had two headers he felt he should have done better with.
“For me Shaun Hutchinson’s was the best chance, Steve Morison sends it back in with his left foot and Hutch glances it just wide.
“They’re good finishers and they’ll be wanting to do dome crossing and finishing practice this week.”
Image: Millwall FC
