Blackburn boss reveals half-time conversation that sparked comeback at Millwall

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson revealed he told his players at half-time – when they were 3-1 down – they would beat Millwall if they pulled a goal back.

The Lions took the lead in the eighth minute when a long throw-in from Zian Flemming fell to Duncan Watmore to lash a shot off the crossbar and over the line.

Blackburn equalised in the 22nd minute when Adam Wharton curled a shot beyond George Long from distance.

Millwall re-took the lead 15 minutes later when Oliver Burke burst forward from a corner and sent a long cross into the Blackburn penalty area towards Watmore. 

Miscommunication between Rovers defender Harry Pickering and goalkeeper Aynsley Pears saw Watmore land on the loose ball and put the South Londoners back ahead.

Burke then gave the Lions breathing room two minutes later when he was given space on the right-hand side and drilled a low shot beyond Pears.

Blackburn pulled one back five minutes after the start of the second half when Ben Brereton Diaz’s free-kick was spilt by Long and into the path of Joe Rankin-Costello to slot home.

Brereton Diaz then brought Blackburn level in the 63rd minute when he curled an effort from the edge of the box around the outstretched Long.

The Chile international finished the comeback in the 86th minute when he met Sammie Szmodics’ cross at the back post to tap into an empty net and give Rovers all three points.

“Coming here and knowing that a couple of results needed to go our way was difficult,” said the Rovers boss.

“You could see we were nervous in the beginning. We were totally in control of the game in the first half. We gave away two stupid goals, and suddenly we were 3-1 behind.

“The second half was exceptional – brilliant. 

“I told the boys in the dressing room: ‘If we get one back, we will win this game.’ And they did it.

“It shows how far we have come with this team – the resilience, the spirit and a lot of good football and creating chances.

“I was extremely disappointed to lose out on the play-offs on goal difference. But we all know why we’re not in the play-offs – we’re lacking goals.

“And today we scored four goals – that’s part of life.”

Millwall slipped out of the top six and finished eighth in the Championship table.

Blackburn finished seventh and missed out on the play-offs on goal difference.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD