Ben Thompson has admitted Millwall manager Neil Harris’s half-time criticism spurred the Lions on to victory against AFC Fylde on Saturday.

The Lions scored three second-half goals to eventually progress to the second round of the FA Cup, after a disappointing goalless first half against the non-league side.

After the hosts scored two goals almost immediately after the break, Thompson believes the managers’ criticism during the interval were justified.

“There was a lot of criticism from the manager,” the 20-year-old said.

“I wouldn’t say harsh words.

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“It was a poor, poor first half and they told us what to do second half and we just went out and did the job.”

National League North leaders Fylde, who had won their last nine games before the tie, created a number of chances in an impressive first-half from the visitors.

Despite two quick-fire goals after the break, Fylde pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute, forcing Millwall to work hard for the full 90 minutes. 

“It wasn’t great first half, for me personally and the team, I didn’t think we got hold of the game quick enough, but second half we stuck at it and got the result,” Thompson said.

“At the start of the game we said we were going to go out with same intensity as we would at any game, maybe we did slack off a bit, but I thought in the second half we did well and got the result.

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“We got comfortable, too comfortable once the second goal went in.”

Thompson, who was suspended for Millwall’s last league fixture against Bradford City, was pleased to be back in the starting line-up and is hoping for a long cup run.

“I want to play in every game I can,” the Sidcup-born star added.

“I’m getting better and better in every game that I play in, more experience is just going to help me further my career.

“Every game we’ve got to go out and try and win it, if we can win both cups then great.

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“I’m hoping for a home draw, we could have a big team but we’ll take it step-by-step and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

The midfielder also heaped praise on team-mate Aiden O’Brien, who was named League One player of the month and opened the scoring for the Lions.

“Aiden’s a great player, when he came on he changed the game,” Thompson said.

“He’s a great player to play with.”

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