Since Christmas, the Black Cats’ top-two hopes have been hit by a number of costly home draws and a defeat in games they would have expected to win.

They pushed for the second and would have got it but for an exceptional save from Jensen as he somehow tipped over Isidor’s close-range header.

While they had a golden chance to seal the points when they were awarded a penalty as Mundle was tripped by Lions defender Japhet Tanganga.

Mundle wanted the spot-kick but needed to be ushered away by captain Dan Neil with long-serving defender O’Nien given the responsibility, only for his tame effort to be pushed clear by Jensen, diving to his left.

They held on for the win, but penalties remain a worry after Isidor missed two in the match at Burnley in January, a situation that must be rectified with the play-offs on the horizon.

As for Millwall, only Luton Town have scored fewer goals than their 37 and when they did fashion a good chance, Coburn could not find the net.

That lack of potency must change for Alex Neil’s side if they are to fashion an improbable play-off charge.