Zian mighty as Flemming close call gives Lions a lift

MILLWALL boss Gary Rowett prays record signing Zian Flemming is confirmed as the scorer of his first goal for the club.

The Lions claimed a vital second win in seven games through Benik Afobe’s second goal of the season.

That came after debutant Flemming, a £1.7million summer capture from Fortuna Sittard, saw a goal awarded via goal-line technology although it was initially deemed an own goal by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.

The Dutch striker’s header was cancelled out before half-time by an equaliser from on-loan Arsenal teenager Charlie Patino.

Rowett, who saw half-time jeers from fans turn to cheers, said: “I hear there was a doubt about the first goal but Zian claimed it and the referee wrote down his name.

“At half-time I just told the players to be brave and trust me.”

In the 14th minute Flemming got in a header that Grimshaw just failed to keep out.

It was millimetres over the line via a post but referee Darren Bond got the signal on his watch. The Tangerines were level when Patino finished a fine move.

Flemming also hit a post but Afobe restored Millwall’s lead, smashing in the rebound after Callum Styles’ effort was blocked.

Blackpool boss Michael Appleton said: “It is frustrating. I didn’t think Millwall did enough to win.”

MillwAll: Long 6; Cresswell 6, Cooper 6, Wallace 6; Styles 7, Mitchell 6, Shackleton 6, Malone 6; Honeyman 6 (McNamara (77) 6), Flemming 7 (Bradshaw (88) 6); Afobe 6

BlAckPool: Grimshaw 5; Ekpiteta 6, Thorniley 6, Husband 6 (Hamilton (81) 6); Connolly 6 (Gabriel (72) 6), Dougall 6, Patino 6 (Carey (89) 6), Thompson 6; Corbineau 6, Yates 6 (Poveda (72) 6), Lavery 6

stAr MAn: Zian Flemming – Claimed a first Millwall goal by millimetres and unlucky to later hit the post.

ref: Darren Bond 7