Fantastic Millers run ended as home campaign finishes with damp squib

Story of the game

Rotherham's 2015-16 home campaign ended in anti-climax as their 11-game unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn.

With safety assured last week, going out at New York Stadium and extending their hot streak of form were the only priorities for the Millers, but they fell to an early Shane Duffy strike.

They had chances to take something out of the game, none better than Leon Best's who inexplicably put a header wide from a yard out.

But Blackburn were clearly unaffected by news of Paul Lambert's impending departure and could have won at a canter had Lee Camp not put on a one-man show of defiance, making a string of superb saves.

Defeat was Neil Warnock's first at New York and the Millers' first since February 23 and the home fans recognised that fantastic run at the end of the match.

Key moment

Leon Best will have wanted the ground to open and swallow him up when he missed a glorious opportunity to equalise on the stroke of half-time. The striker nodded wide from a yard out, wasting the chance to change the game.

Good day

Even if Rotherham's good run of form did not continue, Camp's did at least. The Millers goalkeeper made a number of brilliant saves.

Bad day

Leon Best got no change out of Grant Hanley or Matt Kilgallon, missed a sitter and took a barrel load of abuse from Blackburn fans.

Goals

Shane Duffy (0-1, 6 minutes) - Duffy was left unmarked from an early corner and he powered his header past Lee Camp.

Teams

Rotherham: (4-1-4-1): Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, G Ward, Frecklington, Smallwood, Derbyshire, Best.

Subs not used: Kenny, Richardson, Thomas, Clarke-Harris, D Ward, Belaid, Green.

 

Blackburn (3-4-3-1): Steele, Lowe, Duffy, Hanley (c), Kilgallon, Marshall, Lenihan, J Gomez, Grimes, Bennett, Graham.

Subs not used: Raya, Henley, Brown, Mahoney, Evans, Conway, Jackson.

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Millers made to wait after but unbeaten run extends to 10

Story of the match

Rotherham's champagne remains on ice after results elsewhere meant that their 1-1 draw with Huddersfield was not enough to secure their Championship berth.

It looked like being another famous night at New York when Greg Halford's early goal put the Millers ahead but the Terriers were more than good value for their point, which came when Nahki Wells finally broke his duck against the men in red and white.

Indeed, the visitors looked the more likely to get the winner with Lee Camp redeeming himself for an error in Wells' equaliser with a string of second-half saves.

A point would have been enough to complete the great escape had play-off chasing Sheffield Wednesday been able to beat MK Dons, but the Millers' now head to Wolves knowing a point or anything other than an Dons win will be enough.

Good day
Greg Halford scored, though it may get taken off him, and was the best player on the field, again acting as a fine shield and also offering the most quality going forward.

Bad day
Graham Salisbury was a late replacement and most people would wish the referee had not turned up as he infuriated both sets of fans. 

Goals

Greg Halford (1-0, 10 minutes) - The comeback kid continued his rise with another strike, though the dubious goals panel may have something to say. His shot, which may have been going wide, took a decisive deflection off 

Nahki Wells (1-1, 22 minutes) - Wells finally brought his shooting boots to New York Stadium and levelled when Grant Ward spurned the chance to clear the ball, Huddersfield stole it, played in the former Bradford striker, who shot under Lee Camp.

Line-ups

Rotherham: Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, G Ward, Frecklington, Smallwood, Derbyshire (Best 64), D Ward.

Huddersfield: Steer, Smith, Hudson, Lynch, Davidson, Whitehead, Billing, Lolley (Scannell 90), Bunn (Paterson 58), Van La Parra (Matmour 58), Wells.

Referee: Graham Salisbury

Attendance: 10,292

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Rotherham demolish Dons to put themselves on the brink

Story of the match

Pinch yourselves, you're not dreaming. 

In their biggest game of the season, Rotherham produced a stunning performance to put themselves on the brink of safety with a 4-0 win at MK Dons.

It began after 54 seconds with Matt Derbyshire's goal and only got better from there as Leon Best added a second on 17 minutes before second-half goals from Kirk Broadfoot and Richie Smallwood made it a day to remember for the near 3,000 Millers fans.

The Millers are a big-match side now and they produced the goods to make it 20 points from the last 24 available to move nine points above the drop zone.

The Dons, who fluffed their lines in the biggest way imaginable, are certainties to return to League One as they need to overhaul that gap in just five games.

If Carlsberg did Saturday afternoons in a relegation scrap.

Key moment
The Millers could not have dreamed up a better start to this game and coming at such an early stage their opening goal was crucial. Derbyshire did the business from close range after a lightning counter-attack.

Good day
From 1 to 11, the Millers produced a fantastic display, which was rewarded with the scoreline, in which was no way flattering. It would be unfair to single anyone out.

Bad day
On a day where winning was the only answer, the severity of MK's shocking no-show condemns them to the drop.

Goals
Matt Derbyshire (1-0, 1 minute) - The Millers showed their threat on the break with a devastating attack. Lee Camp's inch-perfect clearance found Grant Ward, he skinned Josh Murphy and centred to Matt Derbyshire to slam home at the second attempt.
Leon Best (2-0, 17 minutes) - Best scored his fourth goal of the season when he snatched a penalty off Greg Halford and stroked home after Derbyshire had been felled by goalkeeper Cody Cropper.
Kirk Broadfoot (3-0, 54 minutes) - It finally came, at the 55th attempt, Broadfoot broke his Millers duck by flashing a header into the roof of the net from Joe Newell's free-kick.

The teams

MK Dons: Cropper, Baldock, Kay (Maynard 77), Walsh, Lewington, Potter, Forster-Caskey, Bowditch (Baker 67), Williams (Carruthers 67), Murphy, Revell
Rotherham: Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, G Ward, Frecklington (Newell 40), Smallwood, Derbyshire (Thomas 78), Best (D Ward 55).

Attendance: 13,048

Referee: Iain Williamson

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Rotherham edge closer to safety with battling point at Bristol City

Story of the game

Rotherham showcased all of their battling spirit to extend their unbeaten run to seven games with a 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

Matt Derbyshire made the most of his reprieve from a three-match ban by superbly putting the Millers in front after 12 minutes, with a delightful finish.

Bristol City mounted the pressure and were rewarded with a leveller just after the break from Peter Odemwingie.

Both sides had chances to win it as Danny Ward went close for the Millers while Lee Camp made great saves to deny Odemwingie and Jonathan Kodjia.

The point, which was underpinned by a fine defensive display, sees Neil Warnock's men move six points clear of the drop zone following MK Dons' loss.

Key moment

With the game at 1-1, it was finely balanced when Adam Matthews whipped in a fine cross to Odemwingie, but as ever Lee Camp stood up for the Millers and produced a fine save.

Good day

Lee Camp is almost certain to be player of the year and he earned his money here, with three fine saves. First a brilliant one-handed effort to deny Aden Flint in the first half, then he got down to Odemwingie's header before also keeping out Kodjia. A fine display.

Bad day

The Bristol City fans did not cover themselves in much glory, berating referee Gavin Ward for every decision that did not go their way, embarrassingly so at times. They claimed fouls when perfectly good tackles were made and they contested clear free-kicks the other way. A few villages were missing their idiot during the 90 minutes at Ashton Gate.

Goals

Matt Derbyshire (1-0, 12 minutes) – Allowed to play after his ban was overturned, Derbyshire proved his worth with a delightful finish. He plucked Richard Wood's long ball out of the sky and lifted it over the goalkeeper.

Teams

Bristol City (4-2-3-1): O'Donnell, Matthews, Flint, Baker, Golbourne, Smith, Pack, Tomlin, Odemwingie, Bryan, Wilbraham.

Rotherham (4-1-4-1): Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, G Ward, Smallwood, Frecklington, Derbyshire, Best

Referee: Gavin Ward

Attendance: 15,248 (327)

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Rampant Rotherham rule after more late drama in win over Leeds

The story of the game
Rotherham again dealt in late drama as they extended their superb run of form by beating Leeds 2-1.

Playing with 10 men following Matt Derbyshire's sending off, Luke Murphy's deflected effort brought Steve Evans' men level and it looked decidedly dodgy for the Millers after Lee Frecklington's opening goal had been cancelled out.

But it wouldn't be Rotherham under Neil Warnock if there wasn't a twist in the tale somewhere along the line and Greg Halford - of all people - scored the winner in the 89th minute after Marco Silvestri had been sent off for Leeds.

It continues a staggering run of form which has seen them win five of the last six games to move five points clear of MK Dons in third bottom and ruined Steve Evans' return to New York Stadium.


The key moment
In such a dramatic game Halford's late goal proved decisive, restoring the Millers' lead when it looked like they were hanging on for a point.

A good day
Lee Frecklington - The Millers midfielder was simply superb in the middle of the park, scoring the first and winning the penalty for the winner.

A bad day
Steve Evans - Would have so wanted to win on his first return to New York, but the late drama inflicted a defeat that the Scot can ill-afford, making it back-to-back Yorkshire derby losses.

The goals
Lee Frecklington (Rotherham 1-0, 27 minutes) - The key man did what he does best by arriving late in the box to slide in Joe Mattock's cross.

Luke Murphy (Leeds 1-1, 79 minutes) - The Millers were bereft of any luck their heroic defending had deserved when Murphy's shot was heavily deflected to bring Leeds level.

Greg Halford (Rotherham 2-1, 89 minutes) - Who would have seen this coming? There was no one more collected in the house as the midfielder nonchalantly rolled in the penalty. 

The teams

Rotherham (4-1-4-1): Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Doyley, Mattock, Halford, G Ward, Frecklington, Smallwood, Derbyshire, Best.

Subs used:

Subs not used: Kenny, Richardson, Wood, Newell, Thomas, D Ward, Clarke-Harris.

Leeds (4-4-2): Silvestri, Berardi, Bamba, Bellusci, Taylor, Diagouraga, Bridcutt, Mowatt, Cook, Antenucci, Wood

Attendance: 11,418 (2,311)

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Magical Millers make march out of relegation zone after Ipswich win

The story of the game

Rotherham closed a stunning three weeks of results with a 1-0 win at Ipswich which moves them out of the Championship relegation zone.

The Millers, who looked dead and buried towards the end of February, have strung an unbelievable run of results together to resurrect their season, with the latest one at Portman Road coming courtesy of Leon Best's first-half strike.

They put up another sterling defensive performance to claim a third clean sheet in four games, though in truth we never really tested by Mick McCarthy's play-off hopefuls.

The win takes their tally to a sublime 13 out of a possible 15 and 10 from 12 in March, which will surely see boss Neil Warnock claim the manager-of-the-month gong following the nature of their opponents.

Results went in their favour elsewhere to mean that the Millers move out of the bottom three for the first time since early February -  a perfect sign-off before the international break.

The key moment

So many times this season the Millers have been punished just before the break, but the boot was on the other foot this time as Best's goal came at the perfect time - a traditional team-talker changer.

The goal

Leon Best (0-1, 43 minutes): The striker, starting after Danny Ward picked up an injury, made it three goals in two games as unmarked and afforded time and space in the Ipswich box he converted Matt Derbyshire's cross. It was scruffy, but you won't find too many people complaining about that.

The line-ups

Ipswich: Bialkowski, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse,  Douglas (Feeney 46), Hyam (Bru 74),  Pitman (Pringle 70), Murphy, Sears.

Rotherham: Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Doyley, Mattock; Halford; Ward, Smallwood, Frecklington, Derbyshire (Newell 78);  Best (Clarke-Harris 84).

Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)

Attendance: 20,318 (344 Millers)

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Miraculous Millers stage recovery against Derby

Story of the game

Rotherham kept their impressive run of form going in the unlikeliest of manners as they staged a superb recovery in the final 10 minutes to earn a 3-3 draw with Derby.

A first home defeat in four matches looked on the cards after an impressive Rams side sauntered into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Tom Ince (2) and Chris Martin.

But in the 83rd minute, Danny Ward got the Millers on the scoresheet and kick-started the most remarkable 10 minutes of action this season.

Leon Best got his first goal for the club in the 88th minute, bundling home a corner and then in time added on, Ward hooked in a cross which Best powered past Scott Carson.

Key moment

The game was done and dusted until Richard Keogh gave the ball away, allowing Grant Ward to feed his namesake in to get the Millers' first. From there was an incredible force of nature which saw them pull level.

Man of the match

The Millers were three down and it could have been six had it not been for the relentless shot-stopping ability of Lee Camp, who is surely the leading candidate for player of the season.

Goals

Tom Ince (1-0, 55 minutes) - Ince drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after a poor clearance from Danny Ward.
Chris Martin (2-0, 63 minutes) - A marauding attack from Derby saw Cyrus Christie pull back to Jeff Hendrick, who diverted to Martin to sweep home from close range.
Tom Ince (3-0, 65 minutes) - More generous defending from Collins sold Camp short with a backpass, allowing Martin to win the 50-50 challenge, with Ince able to slot home into an empty net.
Danny Ward (3-1, 83 minutes) - Ward was set clear by his namesake and slotted into the bottom corner to give the Millers hope.
Leon Best (3-2, 88 minutes) - Best opened his account for the club when he bundled home from a corner with two minutes to come.
Leon Best (3-3, 90 +1 minutes) - The comeback was complete as Best headed home a superb cross from Danny Ward to lift the roof of the AESSEAL New York Stadiuum.

Line-ups

Rotherham: Camp, Kelly, Broadfoot, Collins, Mattock, Green (Best, 69), Smallwood, Frecklington, Thomas (G Ward, 31), Derbyshire (Newell, 69), D Ward.

Derby: Carson, Christie, Shackell, Keogh, Olsson, Thorne (Blackman, 75), Bryson, Hendrick, Ince, Johnson, Martin (Bent , 75).

Referee: David Webb

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Resurgent Millers stun Middlesbrough to win three in a row

The story of the match

Lee Frecklington scored two minutes from time to deliver Rotherham a coupon-busting 1-0 win over title contenders Middlesbrough and add further momentum to their great escape.

Frecklington slotted home from close range after good work from Jonson Clarke-Harris to give the Millers a third victory on the bounce.

They are now only a point off safety after MK Dons drew at Charlton.

The Millers were lucky to be on level terms, though, when Frecklington scored as Middlesbrough missed a host of chances, with David Nugent spurning two glorious chances and Gaston Ramirez hitting the post.

The key moment

When David Nugent broke clear after robbing Richard Wood in the 15th minute, the whole ground expected the former England international to score. But he inexplicably blazed over and gave Rotherham a reprieve that they made the most of.

Man of the match

The Titanic Kirk Broadfoot was back to his best, winning every header, defending for his life and marshalling his troops.

Goals

Lee Frecklington (1-0 88 minutes) - Clarke-Harris made superb headway down the left and squared to Frecklington who made no mistake.

The Line-ups

Rotherham: Camp, Richardson (Kelly, 25), Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, Smallwood, Frecklington, Thomas (Clarke-Harris 75), Derbyshire, Best (D Ward 58).

Boro: Konstantopoulos, Nsue, Fry, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Forshaw, Stuani (Downing 64), Ramirez, Adomah, Nugent (Rhodes 75).

Referee: Peter Bankes (Merseyside)

Attendance: 10,783 (2,623)

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Heroic Millers claim famous victory for Neil Warnock at Sheffield Wednesday

Story of the game

Matt Derbyshire wrote himself into Rotherham folklore by scoring the only goal of the game as the Millers heroically won 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday.

Derbyshire joined famous names in the club's history when he poked home at the back post in the 21st minute and that proved decisive.

The Millers had to defend heroically after the break as they weathered a Wednesday onslaught but the back four, Greg Halford and goalkeeper Lee Camp put their bodies on the line.

Wednesday had a goal disallowed in the first half for offside, while Lucas Joao, Ross Wallace, Jack Hunt and Atdhe Nuhiu all went close.

But the hosts' failure to score meant that the Millers are the first team since Middlesbrough in August to beat the Owls at Hillsborough and it gave Neil Warnock a winning return to former hostile territory.

Key moment

Derbyshire was in the right position to stab home at the far post, giving the Millers a deserved lead and one they were able to hold on to.

Man of the match

Greg Halford - Perched in front of the back four, Halford played a superb role in winning loose balls and breaking up play. The reintegration is complete.

Goals

Matt Derbyshire (1-0 21 minutes) - Derbyshire has regained the knack of being the right man in the right place as he slid in Frecklington's low cross at the back post.

Line-ups

Sheff Wed: Westwood, Hunt (McGugan 74), Turner, Lees, Pudil, Wallace, Lee, Bannan, McGeady (Joao 46), Nuhiu, Hooper

Rotherham: Camp, Richardson, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford, G Ward (Kelly 90), Smallwood, Frecklington, Derbyshire (Newell 82), D Ward (Best 90)

Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Attendance: 2,8912

 

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Rotherham edge closer to relegation after 21st loss of season

Story of the game

Reading hammered another nail in Rotherham's relegation coffin with a 1-0 win at the Madejski Stadium which leaves them six points from safety.

The Millers, desperate for the points, battled hard and were not outplayed, but were undone by Hal Robson-Kanu's goal midway through the second half.

Typically, they played a part in their own downfall as Paul Green squandered possession on the edge of the box and Robson slotted home.

Despite throwing bodies forward, Neil Warnock's created nothing of any danger in the second half as they limped to a 21st league defeat.

However, they should have been awarded a penalty four minutes before the break but referee Kevin Johnson booked Richie Smallwood for diving.

Key moment

Only the diehard Reading fans would contest that the Millers should have been given a penalty in the 41st minute. Richie Smallwood was clearly tripped but the referee saw things differently. If the Millers were awarded that spot-kick and converted it, it would have been completely different.

Man of the match

Kirk Broadfoot - Battling, solid and strong at the back. He led in style.

Goals

Hal Robson-Kanu (1-0 66 minutes) - Paul Green was dispossessed on the edge of the area and it allowed Robson-Kanu to fire into the bottom corner.

Line-ups

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Obita, McShane (c), Cooper, Norwood (Rakels), Hector, Quinn, Robson-Kanu, John (McCleary 73), Kermorgant

Rotherham: Camp, Richardson, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford (Derbyshire 79), Smallwood, Green (Best 73), Newell, G Ward, Clarke-Harris (Thomas 73) .

Attendance: 13,504 (271)

Referee: Kevin Johnson

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Rotherham suffer routine loss at Burnley

The story of the game

Rotherham slipped to a 20th league defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-0 at promotion-chasing Burnley, though they lost no further ground at the foot of the table.

The Millers were never really in the game at Turf Moor and fell behind to Sam Vokes' 27th-minute penalty after debutant Lloyd Doyley tripped George Boyd.

Burnley's winning margin should have been even greater, but Andre Gray headed against the crossbar and then blazed over.

They eventually added a second at the death when Scott Arfield powered home.

But Rotherham should have been level by the point as Joe Newell inexplicably missed a golden opportunity with 10 minutes remaining.

They remain five points adrift of safety after MK Dons were beaten by Bristol City.

The key moment

The Millers had looked barely capable of getting a shot on target until Joe Newell stole into penalty area with 10 minutes remaining, but with the whole goal to aim at he inexplicably put the ball wide.

The man of the match

Grant Ward - Coming off the bench to replace Danny Ward, the on-loan midfielder added energy to the Millers side.

The goals


Sam Vokes (1-0 27 minutes) - Vokes made no mistake from the spot, sending Lee Camp the wrong way after Lloyd Doyley's foul on George Boyd.
Scott Arfield (2-0 86 minutes) - A nice move saw Arfield played in at the far post and he made no mistake, firing past Camp.

The line-ups

Burnley (4-4-2): Heaton, Lowton, Keane (Tarkowski 37), Mee, Ward, Boyd (Taylor 90), Jones, Barton, Arfield, Vokes, Gray (Hennings 90)

Rotherham: (4-4-2): Camp; Halford, Broadfoot, Doyley (Best 72) , Richardson, Burke (Shinnie 46), Smallwood, Green, Newell, D. Ward ( G Ward 39), Clarke-Harris

Referee: Tim Robinson

Attendance: 15,849 (644 Millers)

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Rotherham 0 Birmingham 0: The player ratings

Rotherham put in a spirited performance in Neil Warnock's first game as manager.

However, they slipped five points adrift of safety after results went against them elsewhere.

Here's how the players rated and the chance to add your own.

Lee Camp 8 – As trustworthy as ever, the goalkeeper made two vital saves to earn a point.

Frazer Richardson 7 – A solid display from Richardson, who defended well throughout and looked to get forward.

Kirk Broadfoot 7 – A strong showing from Broadfoot, who won his headers and shackled Clayton Donaldson well.

Richard Wood 6 – Wood was putting in an impressive display until his early bath for two yellows.

Joe Mattock 6 – Sent off for two yellows at the death, Mattock was not as consistent as usual.

Chris Burke 6 – Struggled to make an impact on the right and was replaced midway through the second half.

Richie Smallwood 6 – Smallwood was below his best, wasteful in possession and unable to dominate like he usually does.

Paul Green 6 – Another solid effort from Green, who has overcome his pre-Christmas wobble.

Joe Newell 6 – After improving last week at Bolton, Newell's level slipped again as he failed to get in the game.

Matt Derbyshire 6 – Handed a rare start, worked hard and had a decent effort in the first half.

Danny Ward 6 – Another bustling performance from Ward in attack. If only he could add goals to his game after spurning three opportunities.

Jonson Clarke-Harris 6 - Put himself about but to little end.

Greg Halford 7 - A five-month exile came to an end and put in a promising performance at centre-back.

Grant Ward 6 - Added legs to the side when he came on but couldn't create anything.

Do you agree? Add your ratings below.

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Neil Warnock's Rotherham reign begins with battling draw against Birmingham

Life under Neil Warnock began with a 0-0 draw against Birmingham at New York Stadium, but the Millers are plunged into further relegation trouble.

Warnock's men put in a battling display against the play-off chasing Birmingham but could not create any clear-cut chances and are now five points from safety after MK Dons surprisingly won at Derby.

Rotherham finished with nine men as Richard Wood and Joe Mattock saw red.

Birmingham also had chances with Paul Robinson heading wide and Lee Camp producing a brave stop to deny Jacques Maghoma.

Key moment

Camp was Rotherham's hero as the goalkeeper raced off his line to deny Maghoma with 15 minutes remaining.

Man of the match

Lee Camp - Made two vital saves to ensure he kept a clean sheet.

The Line-ups

Rotherham (4-4-2): Camp, Richardson, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Burke, Smallwood, Green, Newell, Derbyshire (Clarke-Harris 64), Ward

Birmingham: (4-2-3-1): Kuszczak, Shotton, Morrison, Robinson, Grounds, Gleeson, Kieftenbeld; Buckley, Toral, Maghoma, Donaldson

Referee: Richard Clark

Attendance: 11,018 (2,614)

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Weak Millers slip to another damaging defeat at Bolton

Story of the game

Rotherham slipped back into the relegation zone as they suffered a damaging last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Bolton.

After last week's loss to Charlton, the Millers were hurt again as Kaiyne Woolery scored deep into injury time to win it for Bolton.

It had looked as if Neil Redfearn's men were going to be leaving with a point as Chris Burke's 43rd-minute effort cancelled out Jay Spearing's early goal for the hosts.

The Millers were the side that looked the more likely to go on and win it with Andrew Shinnie missing a golden chance.

But Woolery had the final say with his first career goal to move Bolton to within one point of Rotherham and three from safety.

Key moment

Just when the Millers looked set to take a point, Woolery's goal in added time broke their hearts.

The goals

Jay Spearing (1-0 2 mins) – Bolton enjoyed the dream start as Spearing sent a rising shot into the top corner after the Millers failed to clear a corner.

Chris Burke (1-1 43) – Burke got on the scoresheet for a second week running with a composed finish from close range from Danny Ward's cut-back.

Kaiyne Woolery (2-1 90) – Woolery's rolled into an empty net after Lee Camp had saved Mark Davies' effort and gave Bolton the precious three points.

The line-ups

Bolton: Amos 8, Vela 6, Dervite 6, Holding 7, Moxey 6, Spearing 7, Davies 7, Pratley 6, Feeney 7, Wellington 6, Heskey 6

Rotherham: Camp 7, Richardson 7, Broadfoot 6, Wood 7, Mattock 6, Burke 7, Smallwood 7, G Ward 6, Newell 7, Shinnie 7, D Ward 6

Referee: Stuart Atwell

Attendance: 14,641 (1,348)

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Below-par Rotherham fall to damaging defeat as Charlton ease to win

Story of the game

Rotherham endured an afternoon from hell as they missed the chance to pull clear from the relegation zone by losing 4-1 to strugglers Charlton.

The Addicks had conceded 11 goals in their last two away games but were the better side at New York Stadium and won it through Simon Makienok's brace and Igor Vetokele's goal on the stroke of half-time. Ademola Lookman made the game safe in injury time.

Chris Burke had brought level in the 10^th minute when he scored on his home debut but that was as good as it got for the Millers who put in a woeful display.

They had a chance to get themselves back in it with 18 minutes remaining when Jonson Clarke-Harris won a penalty but he blazed his effort well over.

The Millers stayed out of the drop zone on goal difference.

Key moment

As has happened so many times over the course of the season, the failure to see out a half has cost the Millers badly as Vetokele's effort just before the break gave Charlton a lead that the sub-standard home team were unable to claw back.

Man of the match

Farrend Rawson - Recalled in the absence of Aimen Belaid and was the dominant presence, performing a number of last-ditch tackles and crucial interceptions.

Goals

Simon Makienok (1-0 4 minutes) – Igor Vetokele surged forward and squared to the Addicks striker whose first-time shot from the edge of the area found the bottom corner.

Chris Burke (1-1 11 minutes) – Danny and Grant Ward combined and played Burke in through a wide open defence and he slipped home from 12 yards.

Igor Vetokele (1-2 43 minutes) - Another lightning quick break does for the Millers as Johann Berg Gudmundsson gallops clear down the right and squares for Vetokele for an easy tap-in.

Simon Makienok (1-3 64 minutes) – The panto villain scored his second to win the game for Charlton with a free header.

Ademola Lookman (1-4 90 minutes) - The afternoon from hell was completed in final throes as Lookman broke clear and slotted home.

Line-ups

Rotherham: Camp; Facey, Broadfoot, Rawson, Mattock; Burke (Shinnie 59), Smallwood, Green (Becchio 46), Newell (Clarke-Garris 59), G Ward; D Ward.

Charlton: Henderson; Solly, Teixeira, Lennon, Fox; Gudmundsson, Cousins, Jackson, Bergdich;, Vetokele, Makienok.

Referee: Keith Stroud.

Attendance: 9,227 (739)

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