Steve Evans post Wigan Athletic...
Manager Steve Evans admitted that defeat was hard to take after his Rotherham United side were beaten 2-1 by Wigan Athletic at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Millers were undone by two terrific free-kicks from Jermaine Pennant before Matt Derbyshire gave them hope just before half-time by reducing the deficit.
Despite having the lion’s share of the play in the second half the Millers couldn’t break down a stubborn Wigan defence and Evans conceded he was disappointed to lose out.
“It is hard to take isn’t it?, he said after the game.
“They have had two efforts on goal; you can say two wonderful free-kicks. We have laid siege to their goal in the second half but we couldn’t get the equaliser, the ‘keeper has made two wonderful saves so we are disappointed obviously.
“I thought that in the first half we were a little average if I can use that expression but I think second half we were fantastic, we put them to the sword but couldn’t find a way to get the second goal.”
The Millers carved out several opportunities in the second half with Wigan ‘keeper Ali Al Habsi in inspired form with two world class saves from Jordan Bowery.
“There were two big chances for Jordan,” added Evans. “The goalkeeper has made a wonderful save from his header but he should follow it up and tap it in. Just minutes after that he has a left-footed shot that he blazes high and wide just like Kari also did from good positions. It is hard to take but we will look at it again on Monday and learn from it. If we play as well as did in the second half more often then we will get a lot of points.
“Two goals in five minutes dent your confidence a little bit but we got a wonderful response. It was a great piece of play, good ball from Ben (Pringle) and a great finish by Matt (Derbyshire) and we all bar score goals in the second half, I cannot ask us to do anything more.”