Millwall get Den rocking with high-octane second-half display that had Bournemouth on the ropes

Millwall have drawn a lot of games this year. There have been good points and bad points in that period, but this was definitely the former.
Although the Lions didn’t string together a complete performance, it certainly feels as though things are starting to click for Gary Rowett’s side in SE16.

Not for the first time this year, the Lions struggled to impose themselves in the first half – although heading in at the break a goal down was probably harsh.

But Millwall produced another high-octane second-half display that saw one of the Championship’s big-hitters grateful to get out of South London with a point.

Putting in a late, late show is fast becoming a habit. Thirteen of the Lions’ 19 league goals this season have come in the second half, and it was a trend that continued against one of the Championship’s most potent sides.

Gary Rowett’s side went toe-to-toe with one of the league’s promotion favourites after the break and produced the kind of all-action display that the Den has been crying out for.

Millwall have been robbed of the advantage that their unique support gives them for far too long. The pandemic obviously played a part, but even with fans back, things have felt a bit sterile both on and off the pitch during spells this year at the Den. There could be no complaints with either on Wednesday night. The Lions were good value for their point and probably should have had all three.

Despite their lofty league position, Bournemouth didn’t really cause their hosts any issues. Even their goal was more a case of sloppiness from Millwall rather than scintillating forward play from Scott Parker’s men.

They certainly didn’t come close to adding to that lead before Benik Afobe fired the Lions level just after the hour mark. His fourth goal of the season was absolutely textbook.

Millwall had been looking for that ball in behind Bournemouth’s lethargic defence, and Tom Bradshaw’s deftly-flicked header finally sent Afobe clear. The on-loan Stoke man still had a lot to do, but he made no mistake. His pinpoint finish was measured to perfection and nestled neatly just inside the far post.

Rowett said afterwards that he “had no doubt” that the Lions striker was going to score. It almost felt as though the Den was of the same opinion as he raced through on goal.

Afobe hasn’t had the most straightforward time in Bermondsey so far. Playing upfront for Millwall can often be an unenviable task, and he’s certainly had to feed off scraps at times.

A lack of goals has definitely been the Lions’ Achilles heel over the past couple of seasons when it comes to the play-offs. And already this year, only two teams outside of the bottom three have scored fewer than the 19 Millwall have accrued.

The Lions found themselves with time and acres of space in front of goal on two or three occasions in the first half. Despite being urged to shoot, the ball was nudged sideways or held up. It felt like a missed opportunity at the time – and even more so when Bournemouth went in at half time ahead.

If you don’t buy a ticket, you don’t win the raffle. Afobe’s goal turned out to be the Lions’ solitary strike on target. That’s something that needs to be improved if Millwall are to keep pace with the pack chasing a top-six finish.

Four goals in 15 games may not be the most dazzling tally, but Afobe had already shown glimpses before Wednesday night that he has the scope to grow into the type of striker that Millwall have craved for the past two years.

His smart finish against his old club was head and shoulders above anything that Troy Parrott and Kenneth Zohore managed to muster up during their loan spells last year.

It’s now down to Millwall to make the most of his clinical finishing while they can with the right kind of service. He isn’t the type of striker that is going to thrive, or wants, the ball above his chest.

But he did give a glimpse of what he can do if the Lions play to his strengths and give him the ball to feet or in behind. Anyone who’s seen him play this year will know that he’s demanded that more than enough times. It seems like his message is finally getting through.

Although Afobe will steal the headlines, rightly so, Rowett’s decision to change shape to a 4-4-2 just prior to the equaliser transformed the game for the Lions.

It was hard to see the Cherries weathering the storm once the Lions were in the ascendancy. But, to their credit, they managed to cling on.

Millwall were  outclassed by Fulham at the Den in August, but their display against second-placed Bournemouth was much more like it – the type of performance that the Lions usually pull out of the hat in those big, big games under the lights.

The only downside to Wednesday night was, again, the failure to find that elusive second goal. Millwall have only managed to score more than once on three occasions in the league this season.

STAR MAN
Benik Afobe and his textbook goal just narrowly gets the nod ahead of Billy Mitchell.

BEST MOMENT
Afobe’s clinical finish.