Keeper saves Tranmere

JOHN ACHTERBERG got the reward he deserved, according to Tranmere manager Brian Little, after recovering from a knee injury to earn his side an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Millwall with a dramatic penalty save.

Millwall 0 Tranmere 0

The Dutch goalkeeper joined Tranmere on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven six years ago but proved worth his weight in gold by giving the Second Division side a second chance at reaching their first semi-final in the competition.

Achterberg capped an outstanding performance by deflecting Kevin Muscat's spot kick over the crossbar after Ryan Taylor's push on Tim Cahill just when it looked as though Millwall were about to snatch victory.

Little insisted it was no more than he deserved, saying: "I don't know what part of his body he saved it with. He stretched his body back and knocked it over.

"He's an unbelievably dedicated goalkeeper. I've not come across many people with his dedication. He's at work by 8am, in the gym when he can, and he also coaches the school kids.

"Saving a penalty for your team in the quarter-finals is a great reward for him. He had a painkilling injection before the game but I know he was willing to take a bit of pain."

Millwall failed to make their early dominance pay, with Achterberg saving well from Dennis Wise and Cahill before Muscat's penalty. The Australia international took the responsibility because regular taker Neil Harris had been substituted.

MILLWALL: Marshall, Muscat, Lawrence, Ward, Ryan (Sweeney 79), Ifill, Cahill, Livermore, Wise, Harris (Braniff 60), Dichio.

TRANMERE: Achterberg, Connelly, Goodison, Jones, Taylor, Beresford (Nicholson 90), Mellon, Harrison, Roberts, Hume, Dadi.

Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).