Rotherham United

Rotherham United boss Steve Evans believes his team will be competitive in the second tier this season if they turn in performances like the one they produced in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Millers started brightly and took the lead in Nottinghamshire through former Forest defender Danny Collins before they were dealt a blow as Matt Mills equalised on the stroke of half time. 

Michail Antonio’s strike after the restart ensured Dougie Freedman’s men edged their way to victory but Evans was delighted with his team’s showing on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s disappointing to lose when you put so much into an afternoon. Last week we were really down but if we play like we have today most weeks we’ll win a lot of points in the Championship for sure,” he explained.

“We’ve come to a fantastic football club here at Nottingham Forest who have very good players and I’m really pleased with my players’ performances.”

Joe Mattock returned from injury to make his Rotherham United debut, with Lewis Buxton completing his second competitive game in a red and white shirt. The Millers boss was pleased with what he had seen from his players and insists they will improve as the matches pass by.

“We’ll get better, some of the boys will come away a little bit fitter and I’m really encouraged by what I’ve seen here today. We need to add to that and build on it but if we play like that then we’ll get a lot more points than we got last year.”

With Mattock occupying the left back berth, new recruit Joe Newell was given licence to operate further forward which allowed him to turn in a performance of the highest calibre according to boss Evans.

“Newell was the best player on the park. He’s got wonderful vision and his passing is outstanding,” he enthused.

“We’ll try and find two or three more like that because if we do we’re signing good players. I’m looking at Lansbury who is a wonderful talent and I think if you come as a neutral today you go away with Newell’s name on your notepad."