Alan Stubbs post Bristol City...
Manager Alan Stubbs had mixed emotions following today’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City, but gave credit to his side’s effort after a pulsating game at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Millers moved into a two goal lead after goals from Izzy Brown and Greg Halford, but a strong second half showing from the visitors saw them claim a point after goals from Tammy Abraham and Bobby Reid.
Despite being frustrated at losing a two goal advantage, Stubbs was pleased with his side’s effort and application to bounce back from their defeat at Barnsley.
“We find ourselves two up and the second one was a bit fortunate, but then we’ve had a couple of chances to make it 3-0 and they’re the important ones,” Stubbs said after the game.
“That would completely kill the game but even then the lads have put a lot of effort in, and I thought they gave us a good response to our last result and it was what I was looking for in terms of that but obviously not the result.
“We go again on Wednesday and we’ve got another home game and one we’ll be trying to take three points from. It’s going to be a long season and there are a lot of big clubs in the division that have improved and spent a considerable amount of money.”
Late on both sides created chances to win the game with City substitute Jamie Paterson hitting the post, and Millers debutant Dael Fry headed just wide following a corner.
Despite being pegged back, the Millers remain unbeaten in the league on home soil with Nottingham Forest next on the menu this coming Wednesday night.
“We’ve got to make sure we compete and ensure that we do well at home and pick up the maximum amount of points that we can and if we do that we’ll give ourselves a very good chance,” Stubbs added.
“At 2-0 it looked like it was going according to plan. We’re a bit fortunate with the second goal, but then we’ve had a couple of really good opportunities to kill the game but we never took them.
“We gave a silly foul away and that’s led to their goal that’s got them back in the game, and given them a lift and something to go after and they pinned us back in the second half.
“You have to realise that Bristol City are a good team that have spent a lot of money, but when you’re 2-0 you’re disappointed not to take maximum points.
“It’s always disappointing when you don’t see a game out but this is a very tough division and one that I feel now is as tough as what it ever has been.”
Stubbs revealed that he was forced into two substitutions with Jon Taylor being withdrawn at half-time following a knee injury, whilst goalscorer Izzy Brown came off late with cramp.
“I can’t fault the lads’ effort today and they all dug in right until the end when it wasn’t easy,” Stubbs continued.
“I’ll stick right behind the players all day long, you won’t get me coming out and criticising them because I’m right behind them and we go again on Wednesday.
“Izzy has come off with an injury and he was a threat when he was on the pitch. Jon Taylor gives us an outlet in the first half with his pace and he comes off with an injury.
“Jon has come off with a knee injury. It looks like he’s got an impact from a stud or a boot on it and he’s lost a bit of feeling in it, and he’s unable to carry on unfortunately. We’ll see how it is and how it settles down and look how he is for Wednesday.”