MILLERS boss Paul Warne was quick to express his pride at his side’s battling display at Elland Road, despite the Millers having to make the short trip back to South Yorkshire empty-handed.
In front of a vociferous home crowd, the Millers gave as good as they got in the first 45 minutes against Marcelo Bielsa’s unbeaten side and they were unfortunate not to be leading at the break with Ryan Williams denied at point-blank range before Jon Taylor smashed a long range effort against the post.
However, Leeds came out firing in the second half to maintain their 100 percent league record when Luke Ayling notched his first goal for the club – with a header which was adjudged to have narrowly crossed the line before Kemar Roofe doubled the home side’s advantage, late in the game.
Speaking to the assembled press corps afterwards, Warne was delighted with his side’s display, by remarking that they were worth a half-time lead before Leeds ran out comfortable victors in the second 45.
“For large parts, I was really pleased and proud of them,” Warne enthused.
“In the first-half, I thought we were excellent. Leeds are a formidable team to play, especially the way they are at the moment. I thought we set up well and I thought we had the best chances in the first half but you have to take your chances at this level because there are not that many in a game.
“We limited them to shots from 30 yards which I was quite happy with. We knew how they would try to play but it’s another thing trying to stop them. We countered them really well and I was really proud of our wingers, against two of the best full-backs in the league.
“I was disappointed we did not get the first goal because I know what it’s like being the home side because the pressure mounts when you are one-nil down. We frustrated them but in fairness, they came out worthy winners.”
Warne conceded that Ayling’s opener, just minutes into the second half, proved decisive in the end, in that it gave Leeds the initiative, at a crucial point of the game, and the home side never relinquished control with Roofe sealing the deal, in the latter stages of the game – with a well-taken second goal.
“I was disappointed with the first goal we conceded, especially from a corner,” Warne added.
“Woody (Richard Wood) is claiming he is pushed but I have not watched it back. They had a good period after the goal and we did not have a threat on their goal.
“I thought we were competitive but we need to keep our standards up. We need to lick our wounds for Tuesday and start picking up points.”