FA Cup defeat to Millwall ‘disappointing’, says Bournemouth boss Howe

Eddie Howe lamented his Bournemouth team’s “disappointing” display as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by League One side Millwall.

Steve Morison gave the Lions the lead midway through the first period, before Shaun Cummins doubled the hosts’ advantage early in the second half with a close range finish.

Shane Ferguson fired home Millwall’s third in the third minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-0 victory for Neil Harris’ side.

Howe made 11 changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Arsenal on January 3, and the Cherries manager admitted the mood was “flat” after the loss.

“It’s a hugely disappointing result and performance,” Howe said. “We never really got going.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

“We felt we gave some players a really good opportunity today and it’s frustrating we haven’t turned in a better performance.

“The first goal in the game was really important. It was from a set play and a free header from our point of view. That was disappointing and from that moment the crowd really got into the game and it affected us.

“At the start of the second half we were still in the game, but we conceded early and from there it was an uphill battle.

“I felt it was a disappointing performance. It’s hard to stand here and look at the positives right now, but we’ll go away, review the game and look at the areas in which we can improve.

“It doesn’t matter where or what competition you’re playing in, it’s always disappointing to lose games. We wanted to progress in the competition, so today is a very flat feeling.”