Millwall boss delighted at move for their goal against Blackburn + back Afobe to soon end his wait for a goal

Gary Rowett had high praise for the goal which gave Millwall the lead during today’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Daniel Ballard picked out Scott Malone with a pinpoint diagonal ball, before the Lions wing-back volleyed an early cross for Jed Wallace to stab home at the far post.

Rowett revealed that his side are trying to open teams up a bit more this season as they bid to mount a play-off push.

“It was a good goal,”said the Lions boss. “We’re trying to play a little bit and open teams up. We’ve had a bit more possession than we’d normally have, and we’ve created a lot of chances on goal.

“I think they limited that to make them not clearcut because they worked incredibly hard to stop us

“It’s a great crossfield pass by Dan Ballard, who’s been excellent for us so far. Scottie Malone with a brilliant first time ball into the box and Jed’s at the back post to score. It’s a really well-worked goal.

“We had some other good moments too and should have done a little bit better. I think Sav has one first half where Scottie pulls it back and he doesn’t quite connect properly.

“But we created some good moments and had charge of the game. But what you can’t do is switch off for a second – and we do. Which is disappointing, because really the game was there for us to win.”

Rowett also had praise for Benik Afobe after the Lions hitman put in an impressive shift leading the line.

Afobe is still waiting for his Millwall goal, but Rowett has backed him to find the back of the net soon.

“It was that classic striker’s performance where a goal at the end of it would have capped some really good work.

“His build-up play was excellent and he’s linked well with Jed. I’ve said before that I think he’s a top striker at this level, what we need to do is just try and create one or two more opportunities for him.

“He’s had a few opportunities so far in the games, but he’ll score goals.

“I think he’ll get better as well. You look at Benik and I think Sav as well, and they’re still not quite up to match speed for 90 minutes. I think those players will just get better and keep adding to the quality that we’ve got.”