The story of the game
Rotherham
breathed fresh life into their battle at the foot of the Sky Bet
Championship with a superb 2-0 win over promotion-chasing Hull.
The
Millers, heavily criticised after their poor defeat at Huddersfield
in the week, put in a resounding performance full of heart, desire
and energy and won it through goals from Lee Frecklington and Joe
Newell.
Frecklington
opened the scoring in first half when he slammed home a penalty after
Kirk Broadfoot had been tripped by Moses Odubajo.
A
backs-to-the-wall job looked on the cards after the break and Chuba
Akpom hit the post for the Tigers, but Newell's strike just before
the hour, a superb high shot with his right foot, gave Neil
Redfearn's men some much-needed breathing space.
Hull
had chances to get back into the game, with Akpom again hitting the
post, but the Millers held on for deserved three points.
Key moment
When
the Millers came out after the break a long 45 minutes was on the
cards as they aimed to protect their lead, but they were given a
vital cushion when Frecklington poked through to Newell and he did
the rest. From that point on a Millers victory looked much more
likely.
Man of the match
Ridiculed after being selected in front of Jonson Clarke-Harris, Danny Ward did a superb job in a lone striking role. He led the line well, won his headers, held the ball up outstandingly and showed great mobility.
Goals
Lee
Frecklington (1-0 28 min): The Millers' captain stepped up to the
plate to his side in front from the spot, smashing home a penalty
after Kirk Broadfoot had been fouled.
Joe
Newell (2-0 57 min): After being sent into the area, Newell wriggled
free in the area and slammed a right-footed effort into the roof of
the net.
The line-ups
Rotherham
(4-5-1): Camp; Kelly (Buxton, 46), Rawson, Broadfoot, Mattock; G
Ward, Smallwood, Frecklington (Andreu 85), Hyam, Newell; D Ward
(Clarke-Harris 81).
Hull
(4-4-2): McGregor; Odubajo (Diame 55), Davies, Maguire, Robertson; Elmohamady, Meyler (Huddlestone 67), Livermore, Maloney; Akpom,
Hernandez (Diomande 67).
Attendance:
10,355 (2,571)
