Benik Afobe applauded by both Bristol City and Millwall fans despite late penalty miss

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett was disappointed for Benik Afobe as the Millwall striker saw his penalty saved by Max O’Leary in the final moments of Saturday’s win at Ashton Gate.

He stopped up to take a penalty the Lions were awarded after George Saville was fouled in the box following a counter-attack.

“It was a big moment for Benik,” said Rowett. “Coming back to Bristol where, for him and his family, it’s such a symbolic return. Even though he missed, both sets of fans gave him rapturous applause. In the grand scheme of things, it didn’t really matter, but it would have been nice for him to go and score to make it 3-1.”

The Lions have won every game in which they have taken the lead this season. The victory at Ashton Gate was the first time they had been forced to re-establish their lead.

“The goal calms it down,” said Rowett. “We get that bit of fortune, I don’t necessarily think it was an incredible response from us. We stay positive, we don’t drop off, and we don’t concede space.

“I’m not sure about the timing of it, but it felt like we scored that goal, and it gave us an extra lift again, and it gave the players an extra bit of momentum and an extra bit of energy.

“I’m disappointed at the end that we couldn’t take it away from them at 3-1. Sav makes a great run, the lads are battering him in there, saying it’s the slowest counter-attack they’ve ever seen, but he’s had the presence of mind to go at that stage of the game.”