It’s Millers Time is paying tribute to a fantastic 2014 for Rotherham with a footballing advent calendar.
In each day of December, leading up to Christmas Day, we are looking back at a game from this year.
Behind window number 17 is a superb and thrilling League One win.
Behind window number 17 is a superb and thrilling League One win.
Gillingham 3 Rotherham 4 (1/4/14)
Kieran Agard scoring after just 13 seconds was a mere side dish to a thrilling match in which Rotherham booked their play-off place thanks to Tom Hitchcock's superb hat-trick.
Hitchcock's treble helped an insatiable Rotherham side come from 3-2 down with just four minutes of normal time remaining to cap an amazing win in a game which epitomised the Millers' season.
When Agard put them ahead with the game only seconds old it did not look like Hitchcock's late antics would be necessary.
Straight from kick-off the Millers were on the front foot and Agard tapped in following Nicky Adams' cross for the fastest goal in the club's Football League history.
But it wouldn't be a trip to Gillingham without some strife and Adebayo Akinfenwa headed the hosts level on the half-hour from a corner, before Curtis Weston put them ahead 12 minutes into the second half.
But Hitchcock came off the bench to rescue the Millers as he first drew them level in the 69th minute with an exquisite finish at the near post, sweeping home after brilliant control.
However that rescuing act was in vain as the Gills stole into what looked like a decisive lead with six minutes remaining when Bradley Dack capitalised on a woeful error from Kari Arnason.
Back came the Millers, though, and only two minutes later they were level again when Hitchcock stole in and popped the ball into the bottom corner.
The on-loan QPR forward saved his best until last, though, to steal the unlikeliest of wins in the 90th minute.
A corner was cleared and after James Tavernier hooked it back in, Hitchcock's control was sublime to pluck it out of the air and his next touch was even better as he delightfully chipped Gills keeper Stuart Nelson and into the net.
It was Hitchcock's crowning moment of his loan spell and deservedly won him the goal of the season award.
It also sealed a first win at Gillingham since 1988 and extended a super unbeaten run to 16 games.
Rotherham: Collin, Tavernier, Morgan, Arnason,
Skarz, Adams (Hitchcock 60), Frecklington (Milsom 81), Smallwood (O’Connor 89),
Pringle, Agard, Revell
Attendance: 6,027 (420 Millers)
One to remember: Hitchcock's picture book third was a worthy goal of the season winner.
One to forget: Arnason's error in the 84th minute, where he was robbed in possession, looked like spelling defeat for the Millers.
To find out what match was behind window number 16, click here!
