Zian Flemming claiming Millwall’s opening goal – and match referee agrees

Zian Flemming celebrated scoring his first Millwall goal in today’s 2-1 win over Blackpool – even though some outlets put it down as an own goal.

The Lions’ record signing ran off doing his trademark celebration, UFC fighter Nate Diaz’s muscle flex pose, after connecting with Scott Malone’s corner.

Goal-line technology informed referee Darren Bond that he should award a Millwall goal. But Press Association claimed it was an own goal by Seasiders stopper Dan Grimshaw.

“I think the referee wrote down Zian as the goalscorer,” said Millwall boss Gary Rowett, when asked by the South London Press.

“Zian said he scored the goal. I don’t know if there’s the suggestion it came off the post and hit the keeper.

“I haven’t seen the goal back. But if there is any doubt then the striker should get the goal.

“It’s certainly something we’ll ask about.”

Flemming was one of Millwall’s top performers on the day and had seven of their first 10 efforts towards goal.

“When you see him in training – left foot and right foot – he can bend them in the top corner,” said Rowett. “He can do what he wants. He’s a real talent. He’s 23-24 years old and still adjusting to the league, still waiting for that little bit of confidence that first goal brings.

“What you see is that he can link play, he’s intelligent and he can head the ball. He’s got a little bit of everything. He’s strong. Him, Benik Afobe and George Honeyman combined quite well at times first half. I’ve been pleased with him. He’ll get better and better.

“I know he will be a fantastic signing for this club because I’ve watched him for many years. He’ll be disappointed that he hasn’t scored yet [before today] because he has got the quality to do that.

“It will be nice if he gets that first goal but, if not, I’m sure it won’t be far around the corner.”

Charlie Patino levelled for Blackpool on 33 minutes and the half-time whistle brought plenty of boos from the home crowd.

Afobe smashed home his second goal of the campaign in the 63rd minute, reacting instantly when Callum Styles’ initial strike was blocked by a Blackpool defender.

“The first half, for various reasons, was a little bit cagey at times,” said Rowett. “You can see we just didn’t look quite as fluid as we’d like on the ball.

“Some of our build-up play was quite good.

“I understand the frustration and the fans want the ball to go forward quicker, but we’re not set up in the way to do that. We can do that with quality – and there are definitely opportunities where we can play forward into those areas – but the players had to be brave.

“That was why I was so pleased with the second half. We scored a good goal and had some good moments. Scoring the first goal was a big thing for us because I think we’ve conceded first on eight occasions out of 10 games this season – that gives you a massive mountain to climb.

“I thought we might go and build on that. We did for a little bit and then they get the goal. It’s a poor one from our perspective. The ball gets cut back, we should stop the cross and it’s another soft goal.

“I said to the players at half-time: ‘I need you to be brave. Do what I want you to do, see if we can do it – and you’re going to have to accept it is going to get a little bit edgy if it doesn’t work. Just go and do it, trust me on it’.

“The second half we moved the ball a lot better. There were some good bits of interplay with Callum Styles, Scott [Malone], Benik and Zian. A bit more quality and we would’ve scored one or two more.”