Late Ben Thompson strike earns Millwall replay against Rochdale

Posted Sunday, January 28, 2018 by PA

Ben Thompson’s 90th-minute equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Millwall against League One strugglers Rochdale in what was a gripping tie in the fourth round of the FA Cup at The Den.

The Lions, quarter-finalists in last season’s competition, were on the brink of being the victims of a shock, with the Dale making light of the 32 league places between the two teams.

Matt Done’s goal put them agonisingly close to reaching the fifth round for just the third time in their history, but they will get a second crack in 10 days’ time.

Each side fielded a defensive debutant, with Millwall giving Derby loanee Jason Shackell his bow, while Ryan Delaney was handed his first appearance for Rochdale after his move from Burton.

Shane Ferguson threatened an early breakthrough for the hosts but he wastefully dragged a shot wide after a promising run.

Millwall were awarded a penalty after 16 minutes when Fred Onyedinma took on Donervon Daniels down the left and was taken out in the area by the centre back.

Jed Wallace, the stoppage-time hero at Leeds last week, found the net with his spot kick, although Rochdale keeper Josh Lillis got his gloves to the ball on its way in.

This did not break Rochdale’s spirit and it took a great block by Shackell to deny Matt Kitching an equaliser after a deft pass by Calvin Andrew.

But the visitors were level just after the half hour when Andy Cannon played a fine ball through to Ian Henderson, who finished superbly into the bottom corner.

Rochdale began the second half on top, with Millwall goalkeeper David Martin having to get down smartly to keep out Cannon’s low effort.

But the lead deservedly came their way when Cannon teased the Lions defence before his cross was deflected over Martin to allow Done to tap in from virtually right on the line.

This stunned Millwall into action, with Lillis having to push away a good effort by Tom Elliott, but Rochdale continued to threaten as Martin held on to Cannon’s shot from just outside the area.

Elliott then wasted a great chance to equalise when he headed Onyedinma’s cross over from close range, as the tie became increasingly frantic in tempo.

Just when it looked as if Rochdale would hold out, Millwall rescued a replay when Thompson was left unmarked to sweep in Steve Morison’s cross at the near post.