Rotherham United crashed to their second consecutive league defeat after a 2-0 loss at Darlington.

The home side netted either side of half time with goals from Tadhg Purcell and Gareth Waite to leave the Millers in fifth place in League Two.

Rotherham had plenty of possession but struggled throughout to create any clear cut chances, with Quakers 'keeper Shane Redmond barely having a save to make. The signs looked good at the start for the Millers when they created an opening after four minutes. Gavin Gunning's header forward was seized upon by Adam Le Fondre and his cross to the far post just eluded Tom Pope.

Darlington began to come into the match with Purcell missing a great chance when he dragged his shot across goal on 19 minutes. Two minutes later Purcell redeemed himself when he burst into the area before firing past Andy Warrington via a deflection.

Danny Harrison almost put the Millers level when Redmond was stranded outside of his goal but the Millers midfielder couldn't find the net with a shot on the run from fully 40 yards.

The Millers' only other chance before the interval came late on when Pablo Mills connected firmly with a volley from 20 yards but his effort flew over the bar.

Half time

Darlington 1 v 0 Rotherham United

Darlington added a second seven minutes into the second half. The awkward front man Mor Diop had an effort saved by Warrington low down with the ball rebounding to the striker, who laid the ball to Waite for a simple tap-in.

The Millers responded and picked up the tempo but couldn't create anything of any real substance. On 56 minutes Le Fondre looked like he was in on goal but a fantastic last ditch challenge by Ian Miller denied the prolific marksman.

It coud have been worse for the Millers when sub Nathan Mulligan had an effort smothered by Warrington, with Nick Fenton clearing the rebound.

Le Fondre was denied a late consolation when he skied an effort after being put through on goal.

Darlington: Redmond; Miller, Madden, White, Giddings, J. Smith (Gray 84), Dempsey, Waite, Diop (Deane 61), Purcell, Main (Mulligan 70).

Subs not used: Liversedge, G. Smith, Groves, Byrne.

Rotherham: Warrington; Tonge, Fenton, Sharps, Gunning, Law, Mills (Roberts 55), Cummins (Broughton 61), Harrison (Marshall 74), Pope, Le Fondre.

Subs: Taylor, Lund, Ellison, Joseph.

The Millers Match report is brought to you in association with The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust