Neil Redfearn post Bristol City...
Rotherham United boss Neil Redfearn believes his side were fully deserving of their 3-0 victory over Bristol City, which marked his first in charge of the Millers at AESSEAL New York Stadium.A double salvo from Jonson Clarke-Harris set the ball rolling for the Millers before Lee Frecklington added gloss to the scoreline to ensure back-to-back Championship wins for Redfearn’s side.
The Millers took the early incentive through a spectacular finish from Clarke-Harris which Redfearn believes settled his side into the game.
“I thought for 10/15 minutes at the start we looked a bit shaky, they looked really bright and they came onto us,” he admitted in the aftermath of the game.
“But after Jonson’s goal we really settled into it, we put the ball into good areas, and we pressed them and they always looked under pressure.
“In the second half, when they did have a bit of play they did have quite a bit of possession but we kept our shape really well. We broke well and we kept a high line meaning we didn’t allow any space for Luke Freeman.”
The Millers recorded two victories on the bounce for the first time under the new manager who insists he will not get caught up in the euphoria, as he prepares his side for a home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend.
“It’s a couple of wins and it’s a long old season. I didn’t get too down when it wasn’t so good and I don’t want to get carried away now,” Redfearn explained.
“I know the nature of the Championship, it’s a tough division but the signs are good. When games have nothing in them like at Leeds last week, we look mentally tough as a group.
“I think the presence of some experience has helped and if you look at the back four today, it was really experienced with Danny Collins at left back – and its helped it’s given us a platform.”
Redfearn was also pleased with his team’s second clean sheet in as many games and was delighted to have nullified the attacking threat of a Robins’ side with plenty of attacking flair.
“I know it’s a really boring thing to say, but I was more pleased with the clean sheet. Bristol City have had some good results recently, and to ‘nil them, is a good achievement.
“I’ve always been told that the harder you work, the luckier you get, and we deserve this clean sheet.”
The Millers’ boss reserved special praise for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Grant Ward, who extended his stay with the club earlier in the week.
“I thought Grant Ward was the stand out player, he has pace with and without the ball, and he can run away from players."