Dapo Afolayan’s two‑goal performance proved decisive as Blackburn Rovers clinched a vital 3‑1 victory against Millwall at a restless Ewood Park. Even before the whistle, chants demanding the departure of owner Venky’s rang out, yet Afolayan, who celebrated his 29th birthday on the preceding Friday, gave the home crowd a reason to cheer with a clever improvised flick that opened the scoring in the 41st minute. Six minutes after the restart, Lydon Dykes converted a penalty to level the match, but Afolayan restored Blackburn’s lead with a powerful strike just after the hour mark.
The visitors struggled to respond, and the Rovers managed the final stages with composure. Substitute Andri Gudjohnsen sealed the win in stoppage time, breaking away to score and ending a four‑game winless streak for Blackburn. Millwall suffered their third defeat in four league outings, a loss they will likely rue after a missed header from Dykes midway through the first half. The Lions began the game more confidently, but their only notable chance came in the 11th minute when Balazs Toth saved a low volley from Camiel Neghli.
Later, Todd Cantwell’s quick shot forced goalkeeper Max Crocombe into a sharp save, yet it was insufficient to prevent Blackburn from taking the lead. The opening goal came after Sam Morsy was given space just inside the penalty area. His shot lacked direction, allowing Afolayan to execute an inventive flick that nudged the ball into the net from close range – his first league goal for the club.
Blackburn’s half‑hour began poorly when substitute Gady Beyuku’s initial involvement was to bring down Tairyk Arconte in the box after the attacker had cut in from the left. Dykes stepped up to take the ensuing penalty and calmly slotted his third of the season into the centre of the net. Blackburn answered in the 58th minute.
Afolayan received the ball from the centre circle, evaded a defender, and unleashed a left‑footed shot from about 18 yards that flew into the bottom corner. A potential goal for Millwall was disallowed when Arconte appeared to have headed the ball in from a long throw, but the referee called a foul in the ensuing scramble. Millwall continued to press, creating two notable chances from their full‑backs. First, Zak Sturge delivered a low cross that found Arconte, who could only manage a wide deflection.
Later, Mark Sykes produced a superb right‑wing cross, which Dykes headed narrowly wide from close range. Arconte threatened again in the 73rd minute, turning Tom Atcheson inside out before racing into the box, only for Hayden Carter to intervene and deflect the effort over the line.
Tony Mowbray’s side withstood the pressure and delivered a final blow on the counter‑attack. Gudjohnsen protected the ball, released Jayden Fevrier, who squared it back to the Icelandic striker.
Gudjohnsen calmly slotted his third goal of the season into the bottom corner, sealing the win. After the match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray praised Afolayan’s attributes: “I remember Dapo playing for Bolton – he was direct, positive and aggressive.
He’s a bright, intelligent kid who loves football. He has an opinion on everything, sometimes overly so, but that’s part of his character. When I tell him he needs to work harder or react after a loss, he always has an answer and understands what I’m saying.
I feel I can connect with him to bring out the best in him.” Mowbray added, “He plays on the left, a position we were considering, and I’m very happy with his progress. He still has areas to improve, but his intelligence gives us plenty of scope to develop him further.” Millwall boss Alex Neil reflected on the disappointment: “The fourth‑official told me the disallowed goal was for Cooper holding, which was surprising because both players were standing still, waiting for the ball. It seemed a soft call.
I thought it was for something else in the box, but that’s football – moments decide matches. I didn’t feel either side dominated; we just weren’t as clinical in key moments, and at this level that makes the difference.” He continued, “In the last 19‑20 months here we’ve been solid in both boxes, but today we fell short.” Overall, Blackburn’s victory not only broke a winless run but also highlighted Afolayan’s growing influence and the team’s resilience under pressure. Millwall, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a string of setbacks, hoping to tighten their defense and sharpen their finishing in upcoming fixtures.
The match also underscored the passionate atmosphere at Ewood Park, where vocal supporters continue to demand accountability while celebrating moments of brilliance on the pitch.