Paul Warne post-Lincoln City...
Millers boss Paul Warne was pleased to see his side progress into round two of the Carabao Cup this evening, as his side overcame a very impressive Lincoln City side at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Jamie Proctor and Anthony Forde were the scorers – both fine goals in their own right – as Rotherham progressed 2-1 under a torrential downpour.
“Overall, I’m pleased with the performance,” said Warne. “I thought our attacking play, at times, was excellent.
“I thought Joe Newell was outstanding tonight. You can see what he brings to the team. Overall, not a bad night’s work.”
Both of the Millers’ goals had quality in different ways, with Proctor’s opener curled into the top corner from 22 yards before Forde’s excellent finish at the end of a brilliant team move.
“It wasn’t bad to be fair,” said Warne of Proctor’s strike. “When he hit it I thought it had a chance. I really liked Fordey’s goal. It was just really good team play. The lads were really composed on the ball on a wet night, it had been lashing it down all day. I enjoyed that goal possibly more.
“I always want the forwards to score if they can because it builds confidence for them. I thought there were some really good performances today. It was nice for Frecks when I took him off and he got a good ovation.
“In fairness, Bally’s probably been our best player in pre-season. I’ve got a few decisions to make in the attacking six but everyone I brought to the club, I said that. I like to stick with a sustainable, solid back five. But I might tweak a couple of things.”
The only blemish on the night for Warne was the goal conceded, as he continued, “I was disappointed because it was an easy ball to clear. Either my ‘keeper comes and clears the lot or Semi just puts it out for a throw. We’ve expressed it to the lads beforehand about there’s no reason you have to play pretty. It was wet and slippy and a game for mistakes. The lad amazingly, tucked it in from a tight angle.
“I thought, generally, the lads defended quite well from a lot of set-pieces and throw-ins. They’ve got a lot of big lads so, in that respect, I was pretty proud of them.
“I’m not saying my back five are bad defenders. It’s maybe a bit of inexperience, possibly. I’m not saying I need to sign three defenders but I probably need one more. If we keep working with them and they get more confidence, they can become a good back five.
“I’ve got two very good left-backs but I’ve only got one right-back.”