Ben Thompson has special reason to remember Millwall’s last derby win over Charlton at The Den
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Ben Thompson will never forget Millwall’s last win over Charlton at The Den – because goal hero Steve Morison paid a special tribute to the midfielder’s late brother.
The Lions were 3-1 victors in December 2016.
And Morison chose to mark the two-year anniversary of Thompson’s brother passing away by running to the area he used to sit in the stadium – lifting his shirt to show a message: ‘That’s for you, Jack’.
It was Thompson’s first time playing in the derby.
“I’ve still got the top that Moro wore under his shirt at my house,” said the 24-year-old midfielder.
“It was a brilliant occasion for me and the 3-1 win made it even better.
“Moro didn’t say anything to me about it before. He must have had a feeling that he would score that day.”
Thompson picks out Leeds – and then Charlton – as the first matches he looks for when the fixtures come out.
“They are both great games and great atmospheres,” he said.
“Over the years the ones I’ve played in have been top drawer. I’m looking forward to another hostile, brilliant atmosphere.
“Whether you play them [Charlton] as an U18, U16s or in the first team then it is always going to be feisty, there will be a bit of edge to it.
“Most of my family will turn up. It will always be a great atmosphere.
“My cousin was a big Charlton fan until I started playing for Millwall and I changed him. That’s one down but I’ve still got a few friends who are Charlton fans. It’s good banter between us.”
It is 23 years since the Addicks last won against Millwall.
Thompson said: “It’s a great record to have. The record is there in black and white.
“How long we carry it on for, who knows? But that doesn’t change our approach to the game. It’s just as important as any other game.
“We go into every game with the right mentality.”
Thompson played against Charlton last season while on loan at Portsmouth and was dismissed for a crunching challenge on Lyle Taylor in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Lee Bowyer’s side won 2-1 at Fratton Park.
But referee Lee Brooks later revoked the red card.
“I thought it was a great tackle and so did everyone else,” said Thompson. “I wasn’t surprised it got rescinded. The referee had a bad angle at the time.”
PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS
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