A Benik Afobe brace helped Millwall claim all three points against Huddersfield Town.
Afobe opened the scoring in the 27th minute as Millwall began to dominate the game with a smart one touch finish past Lee Nichols in goal. The second was a sweetly struck volley which smashed into the net after the Terriers failed to clear the ball from a corner. It was the Congo internationals 50th and 51st Championship goals of this career.
This defeat at Millwall was Huddersfield’s first loss in 16 games with their last defeat coming in November last year. They started the game well but failed to take their early chances as Millwall grew into the contest.
The game started with Huddersfield on top with Duane Holmes forcing Bartosz Białkowski into a smart save despite the ball take a ricochet off Murray Wallace. The American then attempted a 30 yard shot which went sailing over the ball but it was the following a driving run by Lewis O’Brien that created the chance.
As the game went on Millwall settled in and were the better team with Afobe forcing Lee Nicholls into a smart save. A moment of madness from Nicholls as he passed the ball straight to Billy Mitchell with the Millwall player striking a 20 yard shot which sailed over the bar.
Huddersfield defender Matty Pearson made a goal saving tackle in the 24th minute following good play by Afobe and Jed Wallace with the striker dummying the ball and Wallace played a perfect pass back to Afobe who took too many touches allowing Pearson to recover and make the challenge.
Just minutes later a poor pass from captain Jonathon Hogg in the middle of the pitch allowed Millwall to break allowing Mason Bennet to drive at the Terriers defence, his initial shot was saved but the rebound landed kindly to Afobe who took one touch and buried the shot past a helpless Nicholls in goal.
Another poor pass in the midfield by Pearson led to another break but Mason Bennet’s shot sailed over the bar by mere inches. Carlos Corberán was fuming on the touchline as he shouted orders to his men.
The second half started in familiar fashion as Scott Malone drove into the Terrier’s box and smashed his shot into the side netting. At the other end Danel Sinani who had replaced Stuart Hogg at half time combined with Holmes but the final ball was lacking accuracy.
Afobe had a terrific chance to put Millwall further in front as good play down the left from Bennet and Malone exposed Huddersfield defence, Malone laid the ball off for Afobe who smashed his shot straight at Nichols.
However, just minutes after Afobe doubled the Lions lead as Huddersfield failed to clear the ball following a free kick, the ball landed to Afobe who on the bounce smashed the ball into the corner of Nichols goal.
Millwall defence then held firm as Jake Cooper made crucial blocks to deny Sinani who took too many touches allowing the Millwall players to surround him. Following another set piece the Terriers were unable to clear as first Daniel Ballard forced Nichols into a fantastic save and then the follow up by Afobe was saved again by Nichols.
Deep in injury time Afobe tried to claim his hat trick to cap off a fantastic performance but again Nichols made a smart save at his near post to deny the Congo international.
