It was a sweet day for Neil Redfearn, but he should be most pleased about the manner of his side's performance against Steve Evans' men.
 |
| Credit: leedsunited.com/Varley Photography Agency |
Here's how his players rated at Elland Road.
Lee Camp 8 - If Camp's level had dropped in recent weeks, he found it again at Elland Road. He made a superb save in the first half to keep the scores level and his handling and commanding of the area was exemplary throughout.
Lewis Buxton 7 - Finding himself back in the side after a two-game absence, Buxton put in a solid performance at right-back. Still perhaps lacking the legs to get up and down the pitch, the former Wednesday man let no one down.
Stephen Kelly 8 - The former Republic of Ireland international made some impact on his debut as he marshalled the defence superbly. He won his headers, won his tackles, made clearances and looked comfortable on the ball. Kelly looks a promising signing.
Kirk Broadfoot 7 - There were worries how Broadfoot would cope with the pace of Mirco Antenucci and there were some hairy moments, but overall the Scot came out on top. There was one moment of brilliance in the first half to cut out a cross with Leeds players lining up for it and he was solid throughout.
Joe Mattock 7 - Mattock was also back in the side after a two-game spell out of it and performed well on his return. He was solid against the attacking threat of Leeds, but it came at a cost as the injury-prone left-back suffered a hamstring strain and was taken off at half-time.
Grant Ward 7 - Ward has been up and down in recent weeks, but he worked hard for the side in the right midfield role. Although he did not impact the game too much, his energy added something to the performance and Redfearn seems to rate him.
Richie Smallwood 9 - Rightfully restored to the starting line-up, Smallwood put in a show that was reminiscent of last season. He scrapped for everything, broke up play, won tackles and spread the ball well. He showcased his creative side as well, sending in the cross for Joe Newell and hitting the post with a free-kick. Keep it up Richie!
Lee Frecklington 7 - Although not being the best Miller on the pitch, Frecklington highlighted his importance to the side with a bustling, all-action, box-to-box display. Rotherham might want to make their Christmas wish a few weeks early and pray that their skipper can stay fit for the crucial run up to the festive period.
Joe Newell 7 - Having been seen in the cinema on Friday night, the question was asked whether Newell had too much popcorn after a particularly flat first half, which was undermined by giving the ball away and failing to beat the first man at a corner on several occasions. However, he put all that right after the break with the decisive moment of the game, earning the points with a precise header.
Jonson Clarke-Harris 7 - Not many people thought Clarke-Harris would have started with Leon Best, but he was given the shirt and let no one down. He fought hard, showing development in his skills as a target man and could have scored in the second half, but shot straight at Marco Silvestri after rolling his defender well.
Leon Best 7 - Although flitting in and out of the game, Best showed that he could be an impressive signing with glimpses of quality. His physicality is something that has been drastically missing from the Millers side, but that boiled over as he was sent off for elbowing Gaetano Berardi. He was only on the pitch for 75 minutes but we saw enough to know he'll be missed for three games.
Subs
Harry Toffolo 7 (45) - Toffolo, who is expected to extend his loan stay at the Millers, had endured a slide after an impressive debut but he made his mark after coming on as Mattock's half-time replacement. He was solid at the back, none more so than when he made a superb tackle to prevent a Leeds equaliser.
Danny Ward 6 (73) - Sent on to lead the line after Best had been dismissed, Ward did a good enough job, without excelling.
Danny Collins 6 (89) - Came on to help out during the six minutes of added time and for just the fourth time this season, the Millers did not concede with him on the pitch.
