Dapo Afolayan’s double proved decisive as Blackburn Rovers clinched a vital 3-1 victory against Millwall at a restless Ewood Park. The atmosphere was already charged before kickoff, with supporters chanting “Venky’s out,” but Afolayan, who celebrated his 29th birthday on the preceding Friday, soon gave the home crowd a reason to rejoice. He produced a clever, improvised flick that slipped past the Millwall defence in the 41st minute, putting the hosts ahead for the first time.
Six minutes after the restart, Millwall levelled the score when Lydon Dykes calmly converted a penalty, restoring parity. However, Afolayan responded emphatically just before the hour mark, unleashing a powerful left‑footed strike from about 18 yards that found the bottom corner and re‑established Blackburn’s lead. The goal showcased his composure and finishing ability, marking his first league goal for the club. The remainder of the match saw Blackburn manage the tempo effectively.
Substitute Andri Guðjohnsen, the Icelandic forward, sealed the win in stoppage time with a swift counter‑attack finish, ending Blackburn’s four‑game winless streak. His goal came after he protected the ball, released Jayden Fevrier, and then slotted the ball home, capping a clinical end‑to‑end performance. For Millwall, the defeat represented their third league loss in four fixtures.
They will likely rue the missed opportunity when Dykes headed a cross wide midway through the first half—a chance that could have altered the momentum. The Lions began the game with more confidence, but their only notable chance arrived in the 11th minute when Balázs Tóth saved a low volley from Camiel Neghli. Later, Todd Cantwell’s quick snap forced Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe into a reflex save, yet he could not prevent the opening goal. A notable moment came when Sam Morsy found himself with space just inside the penalty area.
His shot lacked direction, but Afolayan’s quick-thinking flick redirected the ball into the net, giving him his inaugural league tally for Blackburn. The home side’s early dominance was marred by a poor start when substitute Gady Beyuku’s first involvement resulted in a foul on Tairyk Arconte inside the box.
Dykes stepped up to take the penalty and, without hesitation, sent his third of the season to the centre of the net. Blackburn’s response was swift. In the 58th minute, Afolayan received the ball on the edge of the circle, evaded a defender, and unleashed a thunderous left‑footed shot that crashed into the bottom corner, restoring the lead.
Millwall’s Arconte appeared to have headed the ball into the net from a long throw, but the referee adjudicated a foul in the ensuing scramble, nullifying the goal. Millwall continued to press, creating chances primarily through their full‑backs. Zak Sturge’s low cross found Arconte, who could only manage a wide diversion, while Mark Sykes delivered a superb right‑wing cross that Dykes headed narrowly wide from close range. Arconte threatened again in the 73rd minute, out‑muscling Tom Atcheson before Hayden Carter’s crucial defensive intervention deflected the effort over the bar.
Tony Mowbray’s side withstood these assaults and delivered the final blow via a counter‑attack that began and ended with Guðjohnsen. After shielding the ball, he released Fevrier, who squared the ball back for the Icelandic striker to slot his third of the season into the bottom corner, sealing the win. Post‑match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray praised Afolayan’s attributes, recalling his time at Bolton and highlighting his directness, positivity, and aggression. He described Afolayan as an intelligent, opinionated player who responds well to feedback, noting that this quality allows him to connect with the striker and help him reach his full potential.
Mowbray expressed confidence in Afolayan’s development, acknowledging areas for improvement but emphasizing his bright future. Millwall boss Alex Neil reflected on the contentious moments, particularly a disallowed goal that was ruled out for a foul by Cooper holding the ball—a decision he found surprising. He noted that such moments often decide matches and felt that neither side dominated, but Blackburn proved more clinical in key instances.
Neil lamented that Millwall’s usual solidity in both boxes was absent on the day, contributing to the defeat. Overall, the match provided a showcase of Blackburn’s resurgence, with Afolayan’s brace and Guðjohnsen’s late strike delivering three points that could prove pivotal in their campaign. Millwall, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost them dearly in this encounter.