Match Reports

Please take the time to read some of my match reports below:

Match Report: Rotherham United 2-1 Bristol City

Saturday 29th March, 2014


Rotherham United moved to within one point of third-placed Leyton Orient after defeating Bristol City in a hard-fought encounter at the New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Two stunning goals from James Tavernier either side of half-time secured the Millers all three points after Wade Elliott had equalised for the travellers at the start of the second-half.

Ahead of the game, Steve Evans chose to stick with the same side that had comfortably seen off promotion rivals Brentford on Tuesday night by three-goals-to-nil. This meant that Nicky Adams again kept his place in the starting line-up after impressive performances against Peterborough United and the Bees.

Wes Thomas, however, missed out on a place on the bench as a troublesome thigh injury kept the ex-Bournemouth striker out for the third game in a row.

The Robins made just one change to the starting-XI that had seen off Port Vale 5-0 on Tuesday night, with winger Marlon Pack dropping to the bench for Simon Gillett, who returned after being rested in midweek. Adam El-Abd also returned to the squad and took his spot on the bench replacing Liam Kelly.

The game started in the best possible fashion for the Millers, and after just two minutes they took the lead through full-back James Tavernier.

A free-kick was awarded to Rotherham after winger Nicky Adams made a brilliant run down the right of the pitch before drawing a foul out of City defender Greg Cunningham. Ben Pringle played a curling ball into the box which was headed clear by Nyron Nosworthy, but only as far as Millers midfielder Richard Smallwood. The Middlesbrough-loanee then played a pass into the path of Tavernier who took a touch before firing a powerful, right footed shot past the outstretched arms of Frank Fielding and into the back of the net.

Minutes later, Adams was again involved as he played a low ball into the centre of the Bristol City box. The cross fell kindly to forward Alex Revell, who turned and shot towards goal, but his effort was comfortably blocked and the danger was cleared.

The Millers continued to push for a second goal, and moments later Kieran Agard had a chance of his own to double the advantage. Ex-Crawley man Adams again pushed down the right before playing a dangerous ball into the box, this was met by top scorer Agard, but his header sailed agonisingly wide of the target.

The Robins’ first real chance of note came in the 27^th minute, when Cunningham pushed forwards towards the Millers’ back line and took on a shot from distance. Despite the defender’s best efforts, the right footed effort comfortably flew high and wide of the target.

With half an hour gone, Rotherham were looking the more dominant side and really should have doubled their lead through Smallwood in the 31^st minute. Again, Agard picked up the ball on the edge of the box before picking out Smallwood who scuffed a tame shot wide of the right post, much to the agony of the home crowd.

As time went on, the Millers only continued to push forward and Agard again came close to adding to his tally for the season when winger Pringle played a dangerous through ball across the Robins’ back line. Top scorer Agard charged past the defence but saw his left footed shot fire just wide of the goal and into the sponsor boards.

The first yellow card of the game came in the 39^th minute, and the booking went the away side’s way. Revell’s clever turn proved too much for defender Cunningham to handle, as he hacked down the Millers’ front man from behind, leaving the referee with no choice but to award the first yellow of the match.

Despite the majority of play falling to the Millers, the half ended with a chance for the visitors.

Martin Paterson collected the ball on the edge of the box, with both time and space to pick his spot. His left footed shot from outside the box went close, but fired wide to the left of the goal, leaving the Robins trailing by a goal to nil at the interval.

Half-time: Rotherham United 1-0 Bristol City

The second-half started much where the first had left off and this was with a Bristol City chance, which this time around would not be squandered.

In the 48^th minute, Wade Elliott picked up the ball in the middle of the park, and despite having little room to manoeuvre, he turned and ran at the Millers’ defence. The veteran midfielder then unleashed a powerful right footed shot, and despite Smallwood’s best efforts to block, the ball flew past Adam Collin and into the back of the Rotherham goal.

The equaliser didn’t faze the Millers though, and just minutes later Adams was again involved as he played a ball across the box to Lee Frecklington, who took on a left footed shot from just outside the area. The effort was a powerful one, but the ball flew past the post and the scores stayed level.

It didn’t take much longer for the Millers to go back in front though, and in the 59^th minute the away side conceded a free-kick when Robins’ goalkeeper Fielding handled the ball outside the 18-yard box in an attempt to hurry a clearance.

Man-of-the-match Tavernier menacingly stood over the set piece, and sure enough the Newcastle loanee fired a powerful shot into the top right corner of the City goal, making sure the visitors paid heavily for their mistake.

The second booking of the game also went in the direction of the away side as Simon Gillett unfairly brought down Agard as he charged towards the visitors’ goal. Tavernier again took the free-kick, but this time played a curling ball into the Robins’ box, which saw the City defence clear for a corner. A cross was played in by Pringle, but the danger was cleared.

The Millers continued to push for a third goal and just minutes later a corner was conceded by Nosworthy after continued pressure down the left. Pringle played in the ball which Agard headed towards goal only for Fielding to palm into the path of Smallwood, who somehow saw his and Adams’ efforts blocked by a resolute Robins’ defence.

As time went on, chances of note came few and far between and in an effort to salvage something from the game, Steve Cotterill made a triple substitution in the 83^rd minute bringing on Marlon Pack, Tyrone Barnett and Adam El-Abd.

The changes proved to make an impact, and both Derrick Williams and Karleigh Osborne went close with long range efforts towards the Millers’ goal. Collin held strong though, and Rotherham claimed a huge three points in the fight for automatic promotion.

Full-time: Rotherham United 2-1 Bristol City

After the game Joe Skarz commented on the match, saying: “It was a great victory. Performance wise first-half, I think we were really good. In the second-half they came at us, but it’s all about winning at this stage of the season and we’re delighted to take the three points”.

Lee Frecklington also said: “I think we started the game really well. In the first-half, we played some good football and we managed to go in front with a wonder strike from Tavs (Tavernier), and even though we conceded early in the second, I knew we’d get back in the game and take all three points”.

Rotherham: Collin, Tavernier, Arnason, Morgan, Skarz, Adams (Milsom 88), Smallwood, Frecklington, Pringle (Vuckic 80), Revell (Davis 89), Agard

Unused: Shearer, O’Connor, Addison, Hitchcock

Bristol: Fielding, Williams, Osborne, Cunningham (El-Abd 83), Wagstaff, Elliott, Baldock, Emmanual-Thomas (Pack 83), Gillett, Nosworthy, Paterson (Barnett 83)

Unused: Richards, Moloney, Pearson, Burns

Attendance: 8607 (743)

Match Report: Chesterfield 0-0 Portsmouth

Monday 3rd March, 2014


Chesterfield missed the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of the League 2 table following a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth in front of the Sky cameras at the Proact Stadium.

In a hard fought match, both sides struggled to take a controlling hand as the game threw up few chances of note.

Ahead of the game, Spireites boss Paul Cook rewarded the side that comfortably beat Cheltenham Town 4-1 on Tuesday night by sticking with the same starting-XI to face Portsmouth.

Drew Talbot did not feature in the Spireites’ team though, as an abductor injury again kept him out of the match day squad.  

After a scrappy opening five minutes, where neither side took a hold of the game, the first real chance fell to the visitors.

The opportunity came when a dangerous ball was played in from the left, which Pompey forward Ricky Holmes subsequently flicked towards the Chesterfield goal. The effort seemingly caught Tommy Lee off guard, but the Spireites’ ‘keeper kept hold of the ball to ensure the scores stayed level.

Moments later, the visitors again came close to taking the lead. This time, Pompey forward Jake Jervis broke free of the Chesterfield defence before pushing his way into the 18-yard-box. The striker then fired a powerful shot towards Lee’s goal, but the effort bounced back off the upright and the danger was soon cleared, much to the relief of the Spireites faithful.

In the 16th minute, Chesterfield won a free-kick in a dangerous position after Ollie Banks was forced to ground by Pompey midfielder Toumani Diagouraga. Gary Roberts’ curling free-kick was just too high for Liam Cooper though, and the defender’s glancing effort sailed harmlessly away from danger.

Minutes later, the visitors won a free-kick of their own after Ricky Holmes drew a foul from Spireites midfielder Tendayi Darikwa. The set piece was then cleverly played to Nicky Shorey by Holmes, but the Portsmouth defender’s effort was blocked and the danger was soon cleared by the Chesterfield defence. 

As the clock ticked on, Chesterfield grew further into the game and a number of chances soon fell for a collection of Spireites players. 

The first opportunity fell to Banks in the 25th minute when the ball landed fortunately for the ex-Rotherham midfielder at some distance from the target. The 21-year-old then fired a long range effort towards the Portsmouth goal, but Pompey ‘keeper Carson was equal to the effort.

Chances then followed for both Banks and Jimmy Ryan, before Roberts tried his luck with an audacious chip from just outside the area. Carson was equal to the chances though and the Pompey defence held strong.

In the 38th minute, Chesterfield again won a free-kick in a dangerous position when Ben Chorley accidentally handled the ball. Roberts and Dan Gardner both stood over the set piece, before Gardner fired a powerful, low effort just past the Portsmouth upright.

The Spireites then had one last chance to score before half-time, but Doyle’s curling corner was collected well by Pompey ‘keeper Carson and the sides went into the break all square.

Half-time: Chesterfield 0-0 Portsmouth 

Chesterfield began the second-half much as they had ended the first, and came close to opening the scoring through a Roberts’ effort in the 47th minute. The 29-year-old midfielder’s left-footed shot fired just wide of the post though, and the scores remained level.

The first Portsmouth chance of the second-half came in the 59th minute, as Jervis again broke down the right wing before dragging a low, right-footed effort just wide of Lee’s goal.

Wes Fogden then came close to opening the scoring just minutes later when he fantastically controlled a lofted through-ball, before toe-poking a close-range shot towards goal. Lee was equal to the effort though and he brilliantly saved to keep Chesterfield level.

The first yellow card of the game went the Spireites’ way in the 70th minute, when Sam Morsy caught Roman Padovani late, leaving the referee with no choice but to book the Chesterfield midfielder.

Spireites boss Paul Cook then made two changes to his side, bringing on both Marc Richards and Jay O’Shea for Banks and Gardner.

However, it was Portsmouth who looked the most likely to score after the substitutions, and in the 77th minute, Jervis again came close to scoring after some excellent build up play from Fogden and Jed Wallace. The forward’s effort was a tame one though, and it rolled comfortably past the far post.

As the final whistle approached, Chesterfield went in search of the elusive winning goal, and with just minutes remaining a corner was won after Joe Devera deflected the ball behind. The corner was easily cleared by the Portsmouth back line, but the Spireites continued to push forward.

The final chance of the game fell to Richards midway through added time. The striker connected well with a Roberts’ cross from the right hand side of the pitch, but the header was straight at the ‘keeper and Carson held on well to earn Pompey a share of the spoils.

Full-time: Chesterfield 0-0 Portsmouth 

Chesterfield: Lee, Darikwa, Evatt, Cooper, Humphreys, Morsy, Ryan, Gardner (O’Shea 75), Banks (Richards 71), Roberts, Doyle (Gnanduillet 81)

Unused: Dunbavin, Smith, Hird, Togwell

Portsmouth: Carson, N'Gala, Padovani, Holmes, Shorey, Fogden, Chorley, Diagouraga, Jervis (Agyemang 90), Wallace, Devera

Unused: Smith, Ertl, Painter, Bradley, Harris, Racon

Attendance: 5807 (547)

Match Report: Rotherham United 2-2 Crawley Town 

Saturday 25th January, 2014


Rotherham United secured a valuable point in the fight for play-off spots after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Crawley Town at the New York Stadium.

Kieran Agard struck twice in an entertaining encounter and earned the Millers a point with a last gasp equaliser in the final minute of added time.  

Ex-Crawley boss, Steve Evans, made two changes to the Millers side that had seen off Shrewsbury Town 3-0, with the most notable change coming in the form of the return of Kari Arnason to the centre of defence, which also meant a drop to the bench for Mark Bradley.

Middlesbrough loanee Richard Smallwood, who signed on Thursday, took his place in the starting line-up at the expense of Captain Lee Frecklington, who was later confirmed to have been missing with a hamstring injury.

The first chance of the game came in just the second minute when Ben Pringle won the Millers a corner after some good build up play on the edge of the box. The 24-year-old then curled a brilliant corner into the heart of the Crawley area, but Kari Arnason's powerful header fired just wide of Paul Jones' goal. 

The Millers continued to push forward and another chance followed just minutes later. A neat passing move on the edge of the Red Devils' box allowed Alex Revell to turn and shoot, but the forward's effort settled comfortably in the palms of 'keeper Jones.

Moments later, the home side again came close to taking the lead, this time through Kieran Agard. The Millers' forward raced past the Crawley defence only to see his shot deflect into the path of Revell, who was later flagged as offside.

Despite Rotherham's numerous early chances and continued pressure, it was in fact Crawley who took the lead in the 24th minute when ex-Miller Matt Tubbs came back to haunt his former club.

After a curling ball was played across the box by Crawley midfielder Nicky Adams, Rotherham 'keeper Adam Collin's save was parried directly into the path of the on-rushing Tubbs, who subsequently slotted home for the first goal of his second spell at the Red Devils.

The first yellow card of the game was awarded not long after the goal when Miles Addison tackled goal scorer Matt Tubbs from behind, much to the anger of the travelling support. The referee was left with little choice but to brandish the yellow card and award a free-kick just short of the halfway line.

It didn't take long for the Millers to draw level though, and after 33 minutes a penalty was awarded.

Ex-Derby winger Ben Pringle forced his way into the box, with his pace proving too much to handle for Crawley midfielder Joe Walsh who consequently brought Pringle down. The penalty was awarded and Rotherham top scorer Kieran Agard stepped up to slot home and draw the game level at 1-1.

A number of chances followed for the hosts after the goal, with Richard Smallwood and Kari Arnason both coming close, but it wasn't to be and the sides went into the break on level terms.

Half-time: Rotherham United 1-1 Crawley Town

The first chance of the second-half fell to the visitors when a Nicky Adams corner eventually dropped for Mark Connolly. The Crawley man controlled the ball well, but fired just wide of the target with a tantalising volley from just outside the box.

The pressure only continued to build on the hosts, and in the 58th minute, Crawley missed a fantastic chance to regain the lead as Billy Clarke fired a tame shot directly into the hands of Collin.

Crawley did regain the lead just after the hour mark though.

Adams, who had been the catalyst for much of the visitor's attacking play, picked up the ball on the wing before cutting inside to create some space for Matt Tubbs in the box. The striker then played an audacious flick into the path of Josh Simpson who calmly slid home to guide Crawley back into the lead.

Minutes later, Crawley had the chance to seal the game when Mike Jones and goal scorer Simpson combined well to create an opening in the Millers' defence, but the chance went begging and Jones fired into the side of the net, keeping the home side in the game.

Tubbs was then involved again in the 85th minute when his clever flick created space for Simpson, but the Crawley man fired over the bar from distance.

The game appeared to be slipping away from Rotherham, however, deep into injury time the Millers secured a crucial point in the fight for promotion. After Ben Pringle's curling cross had caused trouble in the Crawley penalty area, the ball was knocked into Paul Jones before bouncing invitingly for Agard to hit home and send the home fans into wild celebrations.

There would be one last chance for Crawley to claim all three points though when the ball fell first to Gary Alexander, then Andy Drury, and finally Billy Clarke, but the Red Devils couldn't find a way past Adam Collin whose triple save ensured a share of the spoils for the hosts.

Full-time: Rotherham United 2-2 Crawley Town

Rotherham: Collin, Tavernier, Arnason, Skarz, Agard, Smallwood (O’Connor 72), Milsom, Pringle, Revell (Thomas 46), Hitchcock (Vuckic 53)

Unused: Shearer, Brindley, Davis, Bradley

Crawley: P Jones, Sadler, Connolly, McFadzean, Clarke, Drury, Simpson (Dicker 90), Walsh, Adams, Tubbs (Alexander 90), M Jones

Unused: Essam, Torres, Proctor, Malins, Maddison

 Attendance: 7579 (201)

Match Report: Rotherham United 4-2 Crewe Alexandra 

Saturday 11th January, 2014


Rotherham United secured their first points of the New Year after defeating Crewe Alexandra in an enthralling game at the New York Stadium.

A second-half brace from captain Lee Frecklington ensured the victory after Bradden Inman had given Crewe the lead early on in the match.

Steve Evans made two changes to the side that slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Coventry City on New Year’s Day.

On-loan Bournemouth defender Miles Addison made his debut in place of the suspended Craig Morgan, whilst Ben Pringle returned from suspension to take his place in the starting eleven, replacing Joe Skarz who slipped to the bench.

A familiar face to Crewe fans featured on the Millers’ bench, as Tom Hitchcock came up against his former employers just over a week after playing his last game for the Alex.

The Millers’ opening chance of the game came in the first minute, when Kieran Agard took on a shot from just inside the box after beating Anthony Grant for pace. The effort wasn’t quite as emphatic as Agard’s run though and rolled harmlessly wide of Ben Garratt’s goal.

The visitors’ attacking intent was also clear to see in the early minutes, as Ajay Leitch-Smith took on a mazy run before firing a powerful drive through the centre of the box. The danger, however, was averted by Adam Collin who made a comfortable save. 

The Alex weren’t to be denied though, and in the 12^th minute Bradden Inman gave the away side the lead.

A deep long ball was nodded into the path of Leitch-Smith by Millers’ defender Kari Arnason, and the Crewe forward created some space after outwitting Miles Addison. His left-footed shot bounced back off the upright though, and the chance instead fell to Inman who smashed home from close range.

The hosts fought back valiantly after the goal, and when Ben Pringle played a dangerous ball into the visitors’ box, frontman Alex Revell was unlucky to see his looping header bounce off the upright and away from the on-rushing Agard.

The Millers’ next outstanding opportunity came in the 25th minute. Ben Pringle’s corner was only half-cleared by the Crewe defence but Lee Frecklington’s long range effort was high and wide of the target, much to the relief of the away support behind the goal.

The pressure was now fully on the Alex and it was only a matter of time before Rotherham found an equaliser through Kieran Agard. The goal was scored in the 28th minute when Mark Bradley and Agard combined well before the Millers’ top scorer rolled home past an outstretched Garratt to make the score 1-1.

The home side’s pressure only continued after the equaliser and Lee Frecklington came close to giving the Millers the lead in the 31^st minute, however, the 28-year-old blazed wide from just inside the area.

Rotherham’s first yellow card of the game came just before half-time, when Welshman Mark Bradley hauled down Leitch-Smith who had proved to be a handful in the first-half.

The last chance of the half fell to debutant Miles Addison after Ben Pringle curled in a threatening corner, but the defender’s header sailed wide of the post and the sides went in level at the break.

Half-time: Rotherham United 1-1 Crewe Alexandra

The second-half started where the first half had left off, with a chance for the Millers. This time it was James Tavernier who took on a shot, but he also saw his effort fly past the target and into the crowd.

Despite the home side’s numerous chances and continued pressure, it was in fact Crewe who regained the lead on the stroke of 60 minutes. After some scrappy play in the box, Kelvin Mellor controlled the ball and fired home for the Railwaymen, sending the away support into raptures and once again silencing the home crowd.

As had happened in the first-half though, Rotherham pegged the visitors back. Ex-Crewe loanee Tom Hitchcock drew Mark Ellis into a challenge in the area and referee Keith Hill awarded a penalty.  Lee Frecklington then stepped up to draw the Millers level for the second time in the game and score his first of the match.

Then came the game’s major turning point, a second penalty of the match.

Crewe were given the opportunity to take the lead for the third time when Miles Addison forced AJ Leitch-Smith to ground inside the area. Harry Davis stepped up for the Railwaymen, however, Adam Collin correctly dived to his left and forced the ball out for a corner, much to the delight of the Millers’ faithful.

The tide then began to swing Rotherham’s way, and almost immediately after the penalty save Alex Revell put the hosts in front for the first time in the match.

After some good build up play from Hitchcock, Ben Pringle found himself in acres of space, and with time on his side, fired a pinpoint cross for Revell to steer home, who had intelligently found space in the box.

The momentum was now fully with the Millers and a fourth goal in the 91^st minute all but wrapped up the three points in emphatic style. Tom Hitchcock was once again involved as he thread the ball through to Lee Frecklington who impressively hit home to score his second of the afternoon.

The result sees Rotherham move up to fifth in the play-off spots, whilst Crewe fall further back in the relegation zone.

Full-time: Rotherham United 4-2 Crewe Alexandra

Rotherham: Collin, Bradley (Brindley 90), Arnason, Addison, Tavernier, Agard, Frecklington, Milsom (O’Connor 82), Pringle, Revell, Vuckic (Hitchcock 61)

Unused: Shearer, Skarz, Walker, Rowe

Crewe: Garratt, Tootle, Mellor, Davis, Ellis, Osman, Leitch-Smith (Pogba 81), Moore, Inman, Aneke, Grant

Unused: Martin, Ray, Guthrie, Nolan, Oliver, Evans

Attendance: 7737 (456)

Match Report: Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United

Wednesday 27th November, 2013


Manchester United booked their place in the last-16 of the Champions League with a convincing 5-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

Goals from Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Nani were more than enough to sink the Bundesliga side and all but secure top spot in Group A.

Following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff, David Moyes made four changes to the United side, including the return of Ryan Giggs who made his 138^th European appearance just days before his 40^th birthday.

Phil Jones and Shinji Kagawa also came back into the starting XI to play alongside Giggs, and were looking to impress after missing recent games in the Premier League.  

The visitors were not injury free though, and both Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic were deemed unfit to play.

The game started in a good manor for United, and it appeared Wayne Rooney was in on goal after a brilliant through ball from Shinji Kagawa left him one-on-one with Leverkusen ‘keeper Bernd Leno. The chance was not to be though, and the linesman correctly raised his flag to signify offside against the United number 10.

The away side weren’t disheartened though, and they continued to press during the first 15 minutes of the match.

As the pressure continued to build, a chance soon fell to Nani on the inside of the 18-yard box. The Portuguese winger stepped onto his favoured right foot before firing a dipping effort just over the crossbar - much to the agony of the away crowd.

Minutes later, it was the home side who were on the front foot, as Stefan Kiebling pushed forward into the United area. A last ditch tackle from Jonny Evans, however, ensured the score would stay level for a little longer.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 22^nd minute though, as Antonio Valencia slotted home his second goal of the group stage.

Wayne Rooney again lofted a dangerous ball into the box and, after dipping over Shinji Kagawa, the cross fell perfectly for Valencia to side foot against the post and into the back of the net.

The first-half scoring wasn’t done here though, and bang on the half-an-hour mark, United doubled their lead over the Bundesliga side.

A free-kick was won on the edge of the Leverkusen box, and Rooney yet again fired a swirling cross into the box for Chris Smalling to attack. The right-back was beaten to the ball by Leverkusen defender Emir Spahic though, who agonisingly watched his header fly into the top corner of his own net.

A number more chances followed for the away side, however, the score stayed at 2-0 going into the break.

Half-time: Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Manchester United

The second-half was a far more one sided affair, and it only took 20 minutes for the visitors to all but end Leverkusen hopes of a comeback.

From a United corner, Patrice Evra rose highest to nod the ball down to the feet of Wayne Rooney. The forward couldn’t quite force the ball home though, and the chance instead fell to Jonny Evans. The defender simply couldn’t miss and the ball was scrambled home to make the score 3-0 in favour of the Red Devils.

The scoring wasn’t done here though, and as the game looked to be fizzling out, Wayne Rooney was once again involved in a United goal.

This time, the England international picked up the ball just outside Leverkusen’s six yard box after a wonderful pass from Shinji Kagawa. Unselfishly, he played the ball back across the box and through the keepers’ outstretched arms for Chris Smalling to tap home.

The scoring was finally completed in the 88^th minute, when 27-year-old Nani rounded Bernd Leno before audaciously chipping home to add extra gloss to an already emphatic scoreline.

The win sees United secure qualification to the knockout round and tightens their grip on top spot in Group A.

Full-time: Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United

Bayer Leverkusen: Leno, Spahic, Omer Toprak, Donati, Reinartz (Hegeler 70), Rolfes, Bender (Kohr 81), Can, Castro, Son (Derdiyok 70), Kiessling

Unused: Lomb, Stafylidis, Wollscheid, Kruse

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra (Büttner 70), Giggs, Jones, Valencia (Young 80), Kagawa, Nani, Rooney (Anderson 80)

Unused: Lindegaard, Cleverley, Hernandez, Welbeck

Attendance: N/A

Match Report: England 0-1 Germany (Friendly)

Tuesday 19th November, 2013


England slipped to successive defeats at Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1977 after Per Mertesacker scored the only goal in a close encounter which saw Germany end the international season a high.

Ahead of the game, England boss Roy Hodgson made a number of changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Chile on Friday night. The most significant change came in the form of Joe Hart returning to the side after recent criticism over his goalkeeping performances for Manchester City.

Daniel Sturridge also came back into the starting-XI after missing Friday’s friendly with a foot injury, and was looking to impress after his recent good form in the Premier League.

Another notable name in the side was Southampton forward Adam Lallana, who started his second successive game after making his international debut at Wembley on Friday.

The opening exchanges of the game were dominated by an attack-minded England who looked positive from the outset. It was Germany who had the first chance of the match though, when Heiko Westermann’s curling cross was headed wide of the post by Marco Reus in the 13^th minute.

England’s first clear cut chance of the game didn’t come until the 19^th minute, when Tom Cleverley picked up the ball on the left before whipping in a delightful ball for Wayne Rooney to attack. The striker, however, saw his looping header dip just over the crossbar, much to the despair of the home crowd.

Another chance soon followed when Steven Gerrard, making his 108^th cap for England, picked up the ball just outside the 18-yard box. The Liverpool midfielder watched his right-footed volley fire high over the crossbar though, despite a good touch and control before the shot.

The only goal of the game came against the run of play in the 39^th minute. A German corner was bravely met by Per Mertesacker, who saw his header wonderfully saved by an outstretched Joe Hart. The ball was then cleared straight to Toni Kroos who played a first time ball into the box. The cross once again fell to Mertesacker and this time the Arsenal defender didn’t miss as his towering header looped into the net to make it 1-0.

Steven Gerrard then had another chance to score just before half-time but his dipping, 25-yard drive fired just over the crossbar leaving the home side undeservedly trailing at the break.    

Half-time: England 0-1 Germany

The second-half started very much as the first had left off, and a frantic phrase of play led to chances for both the home and away side. It was first the German’s chance to strike as Mario Gotze somehow weaved his way through the defence, before setting up Marco Reus, whose shot was well saved by Joe Hart. A swift counter attack from Andros Townsend then led to a chance for England, however, neither Daniel Sturridge nor Adam Lallana could provide a sufficient finish.

Andros Townsend then had a chance of his own in the 57^th minute of the game, when the ball fell to him 30 yards from goal. The Tottenham winger may have had the German ‘keeper Weidenfeller beaten, but his swirling shot fired back off the post leaving the score at 1-0.

The away side had another chance to extend their lead later on in the second-half when Mario Gotze once again broke through the England defence, only to see his shot well saved by Joe Hart low down to his right.

With the game finely poised, yet more chances fell the Germans’ way, with shots from Sidney Sam, Andre Schürrle and Gotze all firing just past the post.

However, England would have one last chance to equalise late in the game.

The ball fell to the feet of Andros Townsend just outside the box, who cleverly turned and shot towards debutant Weidenfeller’s goal. It wasn’t to be though, and the drive fired wide of the right-hand post.

The result sees England slip to their second friendly defeat at Wembley in five days.

Full-time: England 0-1 Germany

England: Hart, Walker, Smalling, Jagielka, Cole (Gibbs 53), Townsend, Gerrard (Henderson 56), Cleverley (Wilshere 64), Lallana (Lambert 76), Sturridge, Rooney (Barkley 71)

Unused: Ruddy, Johnson, Baines, Cahill, Milner, Lampard, Defoe, Rodriguez, Forster

Germany: Weidenfeller, Schmelzer (Jansen 45), Westermann (Draxler 67), Mertesacker, Boateng (Hummels 45), Sven Bender, Kruse (Sam 56), Lars Bender, Kroos, Reus (Schürrle 82), Gotze

Unused: Adler, Howedes, Muller

Attendance: 85,934

Match Report: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town 

Saturday 3rd August, 2013

Scunthorpe United kicked-off their League Two campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Conference champions Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Matt Sparrow and Sam Winnall would seal a crucial three points for the Iron on the day that saw Scunthorpe play League Two football for the first time since 2005.

Brian Law’s new-look side started with six of his summer signings in the starting 11, with Deon Burton, Matt Sparrow, Terry Hawkridge, Andy Dawson, Andy Welsh and Sam Winnall all in the side. This also, however, meant places on the bench for fellow summer signings Chris Iwelumo, Jordan Clark and Sean McAllister.

Despite the early buzz around Glanford Park, it would in fact be Mansfield who would have the first chance of the game. Lee Stevenson, however, whilst under pressure from Iron defenders, would fire his low shot just wide of the left hand post.

A second chance soon followed for Mansfield when, after 16 minutes play, Sam Clucas fought his way down the left hand side of the pitch before firing a shot at the Iron goal. The shot, however, was a tame one and Sam Slocombe saved comfortably.

The Stags’ pressure would only continue as the game grew older and Clucas was once again involved in the 19^th minute, winning the Stags a free-kick within dangerous territory around the Iron box. The host’s wall would stay strong though and the danger was soon cleared.

Scunthorpe’s first real chance of the game wouldn’t come until the 22^nd minute after a free-kick was won on the edge of the Stag’s 18-yard box. The set piece was whipped into the box by Andy Welsh only to be cleared away by the Mansfield back line. The ball, however, fell to Scunthorpe Captain Michael Collins who blazed high and wide of the goal on the half-volley. 

Despite Mansfield’s numerous early chances and pressure, it would in fact be Scunthorpe who would take the lead on the stroke of 30 minutes. After some good build up play between the Iron midfield, it would be Welsh to cross the ball into the box for the returning Matt Sparrow to fire home on the volley into the top right corner. The score was now 1-0 to the iron.

Scunthorpe almost doubled their advantage immediately when Terry Hawkridge was awarded a free-kick after being brought down on the edge of the area in the 31^st minute. Andy Dawson stepped forward to take the set piece, however, he saw his curling effort brilliantly saved by the Mansfield number one, Alan Marriott.

The lead would be doubled in the 41^st minute though, when debutant Sam Winnall raced onto a long-ball from Hawkridge, before rounding the stranded Mansfield ‘keeper Marriott to comfortably slot home and send the Iron into the break with a two goal lead.

It did appear as if the Stags would pull a goal back before the interval though, as Matthew Rhead saw a thunderous header ricochet back-off the crossbar, however, the officials would ultimately adjudge the forward to be offside and maintain Scunthorpe’s lead going into half-time.

Half-time: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town

The tempo would only continue from Scunthorpe in the second-half, and a third goal could have been added straight from the kick-off when an early corner was won. The ball was played short to Hawkridge who subsequently fired the ball into the box, however, the necessary finish couldn’t be applied and the danger would be cleared.

The first substitution of the game came in the 51^st minute, when Stags boss Paul Cox brought on Lindon Meikle for Lee Stevenson with the hope that the 24-year-old striker would provide a route back into the game.

Ex-Corby Town striker Matt Rhead would be the first player in the referee’s notebook after 57 minutes play, when a blatant push on Iron defender David Mirfin was spotted by the officials and the 6”4 Mansfield man couldn’t escape unpunished.

Despite the Stags bringing on Meikle, it would be another chance for the Iron that came just minutes later. Eddie Nolan, however, saw his pin-point header narrowly miss the target after some more good build up play between Collins and Welsh.

Scunthorpe would continue to press for the third and after some stern determination from Andy Dawson, Mansfield defender John Dempster was pressured into giving the ball away. The ball then fell to Welsh, however, his shot would be well blocked.

Just as the game appeared to be slipping away from Mansfield, defender Lee Beevers placed a dangerous ball into the box which Ross Dyer met with a diving header. However, the ball rolled just inches wide of Slocombe's goal.

Mansfield’s best chance to score though would come in the 89^th minute after a penalty was awarded against Eddie Nolan for a hand ball on the edge of the area. To make matters worse for the Iron, the defender had already been booked, and so the referee had no choice but to give him his marching orders. Substitute Louis Briscoe stepped up to take the penalty, however, his effort blazed over the bar and there would be no consolation for the Stags.

Full-time: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town

Scunthorpe United: Slocombe, Nolan, Mirfin, Canavan, Dawson, Hawkridge, Sparrow, Collins, Welsh (Clark 88), Burton (Iwelumo 81), Winnall (Godden 77)

Unused: Severn, Ribeiro, McAllister, Howe

Mansfield Town: Marriott, Beevers, Dempster, McCombe, Jennings, Murray, Howell, Stevenson (Meikle 51), Clucas, Dyer (Briscoe 70), Rhead (Palmer 61)

Unused: McGuire, Sutton, Speight, Deakin

Attendance: 5241 (1500)

Match Report: Kent Spitfires vs Hampshire Royals (FLt20) 

Monday 29th July, 2013

Hampshire Royals confirmed their place at the top of the FLt20 South Group after a comfortable victory over Kent Spitfires, with Mark Carberry top scoring on 83*and Ben Dawson claiming four wickets for just 19 runs.

With the Royals already guaranteed a home tie in the quarter-finals, and the Spitfires already out of the competition, there was little to play for at the Lawrence Ground but for the chance Hampshire had to claim top spot.

Carberry’s superb innings of 83 not-out helped the side to a competitive total of 185-6 after captain Dimitri Mascarenhas had won the toss and elected to bat.

The opener’s innings could have unfolded quite differently though; had a first ball LBW appeal been given against him off the bowling of Mark Davies. Replays, however, showed the ball to be going just over the stumps.

Hampshire’s innings really got started in the second over when James Vince, celebrating the signing of a new contract with the Royals, hit two sixes off two balls to take the side to 20-0. His stay at the crease, however, would be a short one and he was clean-bowled just two balls later for 18.

With the loss of Hampshire’s second wicket coming in the fifth over, this brought about Neil McKenzie to the crease, who would prove to be a suitable partner for Carberry. His innings would end early, however, after being run-out for 45 off just 35 balls; just his second out of the tournament so far.

Carberry would continue his assault on the Kent bowlers though, and whilst Mascarenhas (4 runs), Ervine (10) and Dawson (17) would fall before the end, the opener would finish with his second best t20 score to date and guide Hampshire to 185-6.

This set Kent a target of 186 to win, with a rate of 9.30 runs an over required.

The innings couldn’t have started much better for the hosts, with Bell-Drummond hitting a four off the first ball of the innings, and without a loss of wicket by the fourth over, things looked to be going well for the Spitfires.

However, they soon found themselves two wickets down after some ‘fortunate’ catches off the bowling of the soon-to-be-retired Mascarenhas. First Bell-Drummond fell for just 12, after flicking the ball backwards towards Ervine at first slip. Then fell Cowdrey for 13, after hitting straight down the ground and into the hands of Chris Wood, who would go on to take 2-21.

With two men on 0 now at the crease, it looked like an impossible task for Kent to come back into the game. However, a partnership of 60 between Darren Stevens (39) and Sam Billings (21) brought the hosts back to 88-2 and in with a slight chance of victory.

Three quick wickets from off-spinner Liam Dawson, however, left Kent 89-5 and needing 97 more runs off just 42 balls to win. From here, Dawson claimed one more wicket to earn a competition best of 4-19 whilst the Spitfires struggled to 123-9, leaving them 63 short of the target.

Hampshire will now await Wednesday’s quarter final draw, whilst Kent will turn their attentions to the County Championship and the YB40.

Kent Spitfires: Bell-Drummond, Cowdrey, Billings, Stevens, Blake, Harmison, Jones (C), Coles, Claydon, Davies, Riley.

Hampshire Royals: Carberry, Vince, Adams, McKenzie, Ervine, Wheater, Dawson, Mascarenhas (C), Wood, Briggs, Griffiths. 

Match Report: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United 

Wednesday 24th July, 2013

An experienced Stocksbridge outfit prevailed over a youthful Millers’ side on Wednesday night, as Paul Raynor’s Rotherham slipped to a comprehensive defeat in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

Goals from Chris Bettney, Nathan Joynes and Steven Hoyles saw the Park Steels take the spoils after an entertaining encounter at Bracken Moor.

The visitors dominated the early stages of the game, with Kayode Odejayi and Mitchell Rose both seeing shots fly past the target after some good build-up play.

The hosts, however, took the lead in the 16^th minute when Chris Bettney pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box, much to the despair of the Millers’ backline.

The Park Steels almost doubled their advantage immediately, when Andy Ring’s intricate through ball saw Chris White bear down on goal. A clever stop from Tony Thompson, however, kept the host’s lead to just one.

A second goal did come for the home side though when Nathan Joynes rose above the Miller’s defence to head a teasing free-kick into the bottom right corner of Tony Thompson’s goal.

Rotherham then came close to pulling a goal back before half-time, as Lionel Ainsworth forced his way through the Park Steels’ defence. However, his low shot was parried away by the Stocksbridge number one, Ben Scott.

A number of chances soon followed for the Millers, however, the host’s back line stayed strong to see a two goal lead into the break.

Half-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 2-0 Rotherham United

Stocksbridge continued their assault on the Rotherham defence after half-time, with substitute Joe Igenoza and Nathan Joynes both seeing efforts thwarted by some sturdy defending.

The Millers then had a chance for themselves just minutes later, however, Rowe saw his effort saved after meeting a swirling cross from Nicky Walker.

Rowe then saw another chance pass him by just minutes later as the assistant referee adjudged the Millers’ man to be offside after heading a Lionel Ainsworth cross goalwards.

Rotherham then came close again in the 70^th minute, when Kayode Odejayi’s low cross was met by James Cadman. His sliding shot, however, was miraculously kept out by Ben Scott after some good build up play from the Millers.

It would be Stocksbridge though who would have the final say, and with just three minutes remaining Hoyles rounded a helpless Tony Thompson before comfortably slotting home to ensure the win for the hosts.

The Millers would have one last chance to score though before the end of the game. However, Lionel Ainsworth’s thunderous strike was somehow kept out by Ben Scott to ensure a clean sheet for the Park Steels.

Full-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United

Rotherham: Thompson, Gibson, Johnson, Rose, Rowe, Lucas, Cadman, Watson, Odejayi, Ainsworth, Walker

Substitutes: Bryan, Williamson, Wiggley, Bevins

Stocksbridge: Scott, Royles, Turner, Swirad, Bowden-Lovell, Callery, Bettney, Telling, Ring, Joynes, White

Substitutes: Hoyles, Travis, Davies, Senior, Knowles, Hoyles, Black, South, Igenoza

Attendance: N/A










Match Report: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Rotherham United 

Saturday 20th April, 2013


Rotherham United took a giant step towards automatic promotion after Kieran Agard’s 75th minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Plymouth at Home Park.

Agard scored his third goal in three games, after captain Johnny Mullins nodded down for the Millers’ frontman to poke home from close range.

Steve Evans stuck with the same starting eleven that had seen off Bradford City on Tuesday night, as the only changes came in the form of Daniel Nardiello and David Noble returning to the bench.  

A familiar face featured in the Argyle starting line-up, as Reuben Reid came up against his former employers and the ex-Millers forward was immediately thrown into the fold when he was caught just offside after a minute’s play.

Plymouth’s attacking intent was clear to see in the early minutes, as Onismor Bhasera took on a mazy run before firing a dangerous ball across the box. The danger, however, was cleared by Claude Davis who ensured that a chance wouldn’t follow for the awaiting Reid.  

The Millers’ first chance came in the ninth minute when ex-Pilgrim Kari Arnason took on a shot from distance that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar, much to the delight of the Home Park faithful.

The first yellow card of the game came the Millers’ way, when Alex Revell made a late aerial challenge on Paul Wotton that saw him pick up only his second caution of the season. Andres Gurrieri then had the Pilgrims’ first chance of the game, however, his shot from just outside the area flew over the bar.

Two more yellow cards soon followed for the Millers as Kieran Agard and Kari Arnason both found themselves in the book for poor challenges on Gurrieri and Bhasera with Rotherham struggling to get a grip on a scrappy game.

The hosts then came close to taking the lead in the 25^th minute when Paris Cowan-Hall’s chip evaded the Millers’ defence before the on-rushing Scott Shearer beat Gurrieri to the ball to ensure that the score stayed at 0-0.

The tide, however, began to swing Rotherham’s way and after Kieran Agard had earnt the Millers a free-kick 25 yards from goal, Michael O’Connor saw his swirling effort stunningly saved.

Lee Frecklington then had Rotherham’s best chance of the half in the 44^th minute, when he flicked on Ben Pringle’s cross only to see a another astounding save from the Pilgrims’ number one, Jake Cole.

Half-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Rotherham United

The Millers began the second-half, much as they had ended the first and came close to opening the scoring from a Kari Arnason throw-in. The Icelandic midfielder’s long throw was met by the head of Alex Revell who played a quick one-two with Kieran Agard, before seeing his effort fly just past the post.

Kieran Agard then had a chance of his own just minutes later, when he headed Ben Pringle’s cross wide from only 10-yards out. His golden chance would come later in the game.

The hosts, however, started to pull themselves back into the game and ex-Miller Reuben Reid saw his headed opportunity fly just past the post in the 54^th minute.

The forward was involved again just minutes later after Bhasera raced down the flanks before whipping in a cross that was cleverly dummied by Gurrieri. The ball then fell to Reid, however, with the goal gaping, he fired over from just over 12-yards out; another golden opportunity gone.

This would prove costly for the hosts, and in the 75^th minute the deadline was broken. A deep Joe Skarz free-kick was nodded into the path of Agard by Johnny Mullins, and the Millers’ forward tapped home from close range to send the travelling support wild. Not for the first time this season, a single Kieran Agard goal would prove enough to separate the sides.

The hosts fought back valiantly though and a number of chances followed after the opening goal.

The first chance for Argyle came after a neat touch from Ronan Murray set up Conor Hourihane. The centre-back, however, could not supply a finish and his effort went past the post after a sliced shot.

Hourihane then had his second chance in a matter of minutes when the ball fell to him in a similar position to the first oppurtunity. His shot had power this time around, however, the ball flew harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Pilgrims continued to bombard the Millers’ 18-yard box and chance after chance fell to the players in green and white. Max Blanchard had the most notable opportunity, however, his shot failed to challenge Scott Shearer and the Millers held on for an invaluable three points.

Full-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Rotherham United

Rotherham: Shearer, Mullins, Davis, Morgan, Skarz, Agard, O’Connor, Arnason, Frecklington, (Ridehalgh 87), Pringle, Revell (Odejayi 90)

Unused: Warrington, Tonge, Ainsworth, Nardiello, Noble

Plymouth: Cole, Blanchard, Branston, Hourihane, Cowane-Hall (Murray 51), Bhasera, Wotton, Nelson, (Chadwick 79), Bryan, Reid, (Harvey 81) Gurrieri

Unused: Gilmartin, Berry, Young, Charles

Attendance: 10,648










Match Report: Rotherham United 2-1 Fleetwood Town

Saturday 13th April, 2013


Rotherham United secured a second consecutive win after Kieran Agard’s 62^nd minute goal was enough to sink the seasiders of Fleetwood Town.

Daniel Nardiello opened the scoring with his 19th goal of the season before Fleetwood's David Ball equalised after six minutes had been played. The game would be decided on the hour mark though, when Ben Pringle’s shot was deflected into the path of Agard who simply couldn’t miss. 

After the 4-1 demolition of Exeter City on Tuesday, Steve Evans stuck with almost the same starting eleven to face Fleetwood. He did, however, make one change with Dale Tonge making way for the recently suspended Johnny Mullins who would once again take up the captain’s armband.

The first goal of the game came in just the third minute when an attempted clearance from the Cod Army’s ‘keeper fell straight to Daniel Nardiello who skilfully controlled the ball before volleying past the outstretched hand of Scott Davies. The ball settled into the bottom left corner of the net to the crowd’s delight, however, the number 17’s celebrations were muted as a late tackle from a Fleetwood defender left the Millers’ talisman injured.

Fleetwood’s first opportunity of the game came just a minute after the opening goal, when Junior Brown took on a tame shot that settled into the palms of Scott Shearer. This would, however, prove not to be Brown’s only involvement in the game.

With six minutes gone, ex-Miller Gareth Evans proved too much to handle for Kari Arnason, and after beating the Iceland international for pace, Evans proceeded to play a dangerous ball across the box. The cross fell to Junior Brown who, for the second time, fluffed his lines. The Millers, however, failed to clear the danger and David Ball calmly stroked home from the penalty spot to level the score at 1-1.

Following the Cod Army’s celebrations, Daniel Nardiello was substituted and replaced by Lee Frecklington, who took his position in the centre of midfield. This also meant that Kieran Agard was to be pushed up top to play alongside Alex Revell.

The visitors now had the momentum behind them and a number of chances soon followed. The first of which coming immediately after the goal, with another David Ball effort seeing the Millers’ defence all at sea, however, the danger was eventually cleared.

The next Fleetwood chance came directly from a corner when Gareth Evans whipped the ball across the box only to see his effort thwarted by the Millers ‘keeper Scott Shearer.

The first yellow card of the game went the Cod Army’s way in the 27^th minute, when Jamie McGuire unfairly challenged Michael O’Connor deep in the Millers’ half to concede a free-kick. The kick was taken by Shearer and, resulting from the following run of play, Kieran Agard fired just wide of the target.

In the 34^th minute a free-kick was awarded when Lee Frecklington angrily brought down Jamie McGuire. Ex-Miller Gareth Evans once again stepped up for the set piece, however, he failed to trouble the Rotherham number one and his shot fired over the bar.

The Millers’ chance to challenge from a set piece came in the 42^nd minute when Michael O’Connor was brought down by Paul McKenna in a dangerous area. The Northern Irishman pulled himself up only to see his menacing strike fire just past the post.

With half-time now only minutes away, the Millers would have once last chance to score a second goal before the break. The chance fell to Ben Pringle when a Kari Arnason throw-in evaded the majority of the Fleetwood defence. However, the Rotherham number 15 fired high over the crossbar to see the scores level at half-time.

Half-time: Rotherham United 1 -1 Fleetwood Town

After the break, the Rotherham dominance became clear to see and following a chance for Junior Brown the Millers began to push forward. Appeals for a penalty were soon waved away when Alex Revell fell to the ground after being tripped by Jamille Matt in the early stages of the second-half.

Michael O’Connor then had two chances to score the Millers’ second, however, both of his right-footed strikes flew harmlessly over the bar much to the home fans’ disappointment. Millers’ fans were soon cursing their luck again as Alex Revell’s toe-pocked shot rolled just past the post after Shaun Beeley’s backwards header left Fleetwood ‘keeper Scott Davies stranded.

Then, in the 61^st minute, Johnny Mullins tried his luck with a looping header from a Ben Pringle cross. However, his effort was once again cleared off the line leaving the Millers players bemused as to how they hadn’t scored a second.

The winner came just a minute later when Ben Pringle’s shot was deflected into the path of Kieran Agard, who took a touch before hammering home his third league goal of the season to secure a crucial three points.

The Millers didn’t sit back after the goal though, and went close to a third on a number of occasions. In the 65^th minute Lee Frecklington’s right footed shot was cleared off the line before Kari Arnason went close with a header from an inswinging O’Connor cross.

Despite the chances, the third goal never quite came and the Cod Army almost shocked the Millers faithful with a speedy counter attack in the 84^th minute. Andrew Mangan created space for himself before shooting juts wide into the side netting.

Full-time: Rotherham United 2 -1 Fleetwood Town

Rotherham: Shearer, Mullins, Arnason, Morgan, Skarz, Agard (Ainsworth 84), O’Connor, Noble, Pringle, Revell (Odejayi 90+1), Nardiello (Frecklington 8)

Unused: Warrington, Tonge, Davis, Ridehalgh

Fleetwood: Davies, Beeley (Nicholson 83), Matt, Brown, Goodall, McLaughlin, McGuire (Fountaine 90), Ball, Edwards, Evans (Mangan 76), McKenna

Unused: Lucas, Barry, Crowther, Atkinson

Attendance: 7360 (201)

Match Report: Rotherham United 4-1 Exeter City 

Tuesday 9th April, 2013

Rotherham United firmly moved themselves back into the fight for automatic promotion with a convincing 4-1 victory over play-off chasers Exeter City on Tuesday night.

Ahead of what Steve Evans billed as ‘the most important game of the season’ the Millers made three changes to their starting line-up. The most notable being the return of top-scorer Daniel Nardiello, who took his place upfront against his former club, the Grecians. This saw a return to the bench for ex-Aldershot loanee Lionel Ainsworth, after being substituted at half-time during Rotherham’s 2-1 defeat to Morecambe on Saturday.  

Dale Tonge also found himself back in the starting eleven after Welshman Mark Bradley had started Saturday’s game at the Globe Arena. The move didn’t come as a surprise, however, with his imminent return to the side proving too much to start two games in a row.  

The final change for Rotherham came with David Noble replacing suspended captain Johnny Mullins, whose position at centre back was taken up by part-time defender and captain, Kari Arnason.  

The game started in the best possible fashion for the home side, as ex-Derby winger Ben Pringle ran onto Scot Bennett’s tame pass before drilling home a 25-yard shot into the bottom right corner of Artur Krysiak’s net. After finding himself out of favour in recent games, it was the perfect time for Pringle to score his ninth goal of the season.

With the confidence of the first goal behind them, the Millers’ players continued to push forward and when Kieran Agard was brought down by Pat Baldwin the first free-kick of the game was awarded. Ben Pringle stepped up, looking for his second goal of the game. However, his shot from the edge of the box was cleared with reasonable ease by the Exeter defence.

The first corner kick of the game was awarded just two minutes later when Daniel Nardiello’s attempted cross was knocked out of play by the Grecians’ number three, Craig Woodman. The corner was then taken by Michael O’Connor, who curled the ball over the top of the fully stretched Artur Kyrsiak. However, just as the ball appeared to be going in, Aaron Lawson scrambled the ball past the far post to keep the score at 1-0.

Exeter’s only real chance of the first-half came in the 14^th minute when Craig Woodman tested Scott Shearer directly from a free kick. However, the ex-Crawley ‘keeper comfortably punched the ball behind for a corner kick that would be cleared by the Rotherham defence.

The Millers’ next outstanding opportunity came in the 25^th minute. Michael O’Connor’s free-kick was nodded down by Craig Morgan before Kieran Agard’s close range shot was deflected wide by Aaron Dawson.

The pressure was fully on the Grecians and it was only a matter of time before Rotherham extended their lead.

The second goal finally came in the 28^th minute when Ben Pringle and Daniel Nardiello combined well before the latter neatly chipped home past a helpless Krysiak to make the score 2-0 in Rotherham’s favour.

It seemed that the floodgates had now opened and the hosts added a third just two minutes later when an attempted clearance fell to Michael O’Connor who comfortably volleyed home from 30-yards out. 

This would see the two sides into half-time, with the hosts comfortably and deservedly leading 3-0 at the break.

Half-time: Rotherham United 3-0 Exeter City

The second half began with a different tone as Exeter shared slightly more of the possession in the first five minutes, giving some of the away supporters hope of a comeback.

This would prove to be a false dawn, however, as in the 51^st minute Rotherham scored a fourth to put the game beyond doubt. Alex Revell headed back across the box, after an attempted Exeter clearance, before Craig Morgan emphatically volleyed home to score his first for the club.

The first yellow card of the game was shown just minutes after the goal, when the Grecians’ number 25 Lawson D'Ath heavily brought down Joe Skarz much to the discontent of the Millers faithful.

With Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers in the crowd, it was no surprise to see Exeter boss Paul Tisdale bring on Rodgers’ son in the 70^th minute to replace Tommy Doherty in the centre of midfield. 

A number of chances soon followed for the visitors before they finally pulled back a goal after a scramble in the Millers’ box.

Confusion arose when Aaron Davies’ corner was headed downward by Danny Coles. The ball appeared to cross the line before hitting the arm of Ben Pringle, leading to calls for a penalty from some Exeter fans. However, play carried on and Jamie Cureton made sure the ball had crossed the line.

In the end the goal was awarded to Coles sparing Pringle any punishment for his goal line handball. 

The 83^rd minute saw a return to action for Lee Frecklington after shaking off a virus in time to take his place on the bench. He replaced goalscorer Michael O’Connor and took his position back on the field for the first time in three matches.

Full-time: Rotherham United 4-1 Exeter City

Rotherham: Shearer, Tonge, Morgan, Arnason, Skarz, Agard (Ainsworth 73), O’Connor (Frecklington 83) Noble, Pringle, Nardiello, Revell (Odejayi 78)

Unused: Warrington, Rose, Ridehalgh, Rowe

Exeter: Krysiak, Woodman, Bennett, Baldwin, Coles, Davies, Cureton, Doherty (Rodgers 71), Dawson (O’Flynn 46), D’Ath, Molesley (Keohane  46)

Unused: Bauza, Evans, Reid, Moore-Taylor

Attendance: 6703 (222)