Millwall’s Ben Thompson has been “dying” to get back on scoresheet after ending 17-game wait for goal

By Jake Sanders

Ben Thompson revealed he has been ‘dying’ to get back on the scoresheet.

The Millwall midfielder, who scored four times during a purple patch towards the end of last season, was relieved to have ended his six month wait for a Championship goal during Millwall’s 2-0 victory over Stoke City on Saturday.

Thompson’s fine early strike was his first goal since the Lions were beaten at Elland Road back in March.

“I have been dying to get a goal,” Thompson admitted. “I have been speaking to the boys – I got one nicked off me at Brentford by Bradders [Tom Bradshaw], so he owed me one. It was nice to get off the mark, but the three points are vital.

“The ball came across, Jed’s was like a shot-cross, it came at me so fast, obviously the pace was on the ball and I let it hit my foot and guide it into a corner, so it was a good finish.

“It’s a great result for him [Gary Rowett], a great result for the team and all-round a good day at The Den. The home form has been brilliant, so that is going to continue and hopefully we can get some points on the road now. We deserved it, I think first-half we played some great football, some of the best football I have seen us play for a while. I can’t fault it.”

Former Lions striker Lee Gregory striker started for the Potters, and Thompson, who attended Gregory’s wedding in the summer, was delighted to get one over his former team-mate.

“I get on well with Greggers,” said the Millwall midfielder. “He is a good friend of mine, he is a top bloke, but it gives me the bragging rights for a while. I speak to him quite a lot over text, I went to his wedding over the summer, so I get on well with Greggers, it was nice to see him again.”

PHOTO BY BRIAN TONKS