LIONS RAW

Two-goal Ben shows Millwall won’t go down without a fight

Birmingham 0 Millwall 2 BEN THOMPSON piled on the misery for Birmingham after their controversial Second City derby defeat.

The Millwall midfielder scored twice in the first half with two clinical finishes.

It boosts the visitors’ hopes of beating the drop and adds to Brum’s woes after Sunday’s shameful scenes in their 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa.

Everyone took note of signs posted in the stadium (right) and there was no repeat of the incident where fan Paul Mitchell ran on the pitch to assault Jack Grealish. Brighton boss Chris Hughton was in the crowd watching the Lions ahead of his side’s FA Cup quarter-final trip to the Den next Sunday.

Birmingham started the better with Gary Gardner playing a clever right-foot pass to nearly set Kerim Mrabti clear. But it was the visitors who took the lead in the 13th minute.

Ben Marshall released Lee Gregory in a quick counterattack and he crossed for Thompson (above) to fire in a low shot. The Blues were almost level a minute later, but David Martin saved at his near post from Che Adams’ low shot.

Marshall might have got on the scoresheet himself in the 19th minute, but lofted his shot over the bar.

Millwall made it 2–0 in the 32nd minute and it was Thompson who did the damage again. Striker Gregory was provider once more, releasing Thompson.

The midfielder accelerated clear and cut inside before burying a low right-foot shot under Lee Camp.

It was Thompson’s third goal for Millwall since returning from his loan at Portsmouth in January.

Birmingham improved in the second half and Connor Mahoney thought he had pulled a goal back only to be flagged offside.

Craig Gardner lashed two fierce long-range efforts over the bar and brother Gary fired just wide.