Rotherham United narrowed their point's deficit to just -3 after a single goal victory over Luton Town.

Manager Mark Robins restored Alex Rhodes to the starting eleven and the forward took his opportunity by scoring the winning goal in bizarre fashion. Rhodes sent over what looked like a misdirected cross but it caught out Hatters 'keeper Dean Brill and sailed into the top corner to the delight of the surprised Millers faithful.

Rotherham made a bright start to the game and almost had the lead after eight minutes. Drewe Broughton, restored to the starting line-up, latched onto an Ian Sharps flick but fired over from six yards out.

After 17 minutes Rotherham almost worked another opening when Reuben Reid played in Alex Rhodes, the winger advanced into the area but was halted by the offside flag.

Both sides were struggling to get a firm hold on the game and as a result very few clear cut chances were created. On 28 minutes Pablo Mills charged forward from midfield but his shot from 20 yards was skewed well wide. Twominutes later Mark Lynch also tried his luck from distance, but his 20 yard daisy cutter flashed just wide of Brill's goal.

Ten minutes before half time Luton registered their first effort of the game when Michael Spillane nodded over a Rossi Jarvis corner. On 41 minutes Town had their best effort of the half when Keith Keane blasted a shot from the edge of the area which was palmed away by Andy Warrington.

Half time

Rotherham United 0 v 0 Luton Town

Luton had the first effort of the second half when after a neat build up striker Sam Parkin shot wide from just inside the area. On 55 minutes the visitors threatened again when Marc Pugh showed good skill to beat Lynch, but his low cross went straight across the six yard box without anybody making contact.

The Millers then started to take control and took the lead after 61 minutes when Rhodes caught out Brill, and to make matters worse for the 'keeper he collided with the post.

With 20 minutes remaining the already booked Claude Gnapka went through the back of Rhodes but amazingly stayed on the pitch, before being substituted. From the resulting free kick Reuben Reid connected with a fierce volley but Brill redeemed his earlier error making a low save.

With 15 minutes remaining Rhodes connected with a superb volley which was once again brilliantly saved by Brill at full stretch. In the 86 minute a Mark Hudson free kick was met by Mills but his shot at full stretch hit the side netting. The only down side of the afternoon was when Lynch was subbed in injury time with what looked like an arm injury and was replaced by Jamie Green. Luton failed to threaten in the closing stages as the Millers comfortably held on for what was a deserved three points.

Full time

Rotherham United 1 v 0 Luton Town.

Rotherham: Warrington; Lynch (Green 90), Sharps, Fenton, Nicholas, Harrison, Mills, Cummins (Hudson 84), Reid, Broughton, Rhodes.

Subs not used: Cann, Burchill, Garcia.

Luton: Brill; Gnapka (Charles 71), Spillane, Worley, Emanuel, Jarvis (Asafu-Adjaye 77), Keane, Hall (Watson 77), Pugh, Parkin, Martin.

Subs not used: Logan, Roper.

Referee: Mr. P. Gibbs