Michael Smith talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
MILLERS striker Michael Smith admitted that his side were determined to right the wrongs of their midweek Hull City defeat, as Sean Raggett’s first goal for the club earned them a narrow victory over Millwall on Sunday.
At a rain-soaked AESSEAL New York Stadium, Paul Warne’s side earned just their second victory of their Championship campaign, despite the South Londoners knocking on the door for an equaliser in the latter stages of the game.
However, Rotherham’s defence held firm in the face of a late onslaught from the visitors – with Raggett’s first-half header proving the difference between the sides.
Speaking exclusively to www.themillers.co.uk following the Lions victory, Smith admitted that Warne’s masterplan to frustrate Neil Harris side, first and foremost, worked a treat as the capital outfit made the long trek south empty-handed.
“The gaffer said before the game that you don’t want to lose two home games on the bounce but to win any game of football is nice,” Smith stated philosophically.
“I think the conditions suited us today and we thoroughly deserved the three points.
“The gaffer drills it into us to get the wingers in and be nice and tight and try and get a goal and the game plan worked today.
“We got the goal and it gave us something to hang on to. A second goal would have been good for us and I had a few chances, but it wasn’t to be.”
Smith, who popped up with a last-gasp winner over Ipswich Town in the Millers home league opener, produced a superb display at the tip of the Rotherham frontline, by withstanding a physical barrage from visiting centre-halves Jake Cooper and Murray Wallace to bring Rotherham’s midfield runners into play, at every given opportunity.
Despite modestly playing down his own personal contribution, Smith was quick to praise his side’s fighting qualities to keep the Lions at bay – with all the Millers players showing their defensive fortitude against determined opponents.
“We know what we have got at the back,” Smith enthused.
“I thought Woody (Richard Wood) and Sean (Raggett) were immense today with Semi (Ajayi) sat in front of the back four.
“Marek (Rodak), Zak (Vyner) and Joe Mattock performed well. I could go through the full team. I thought everyone was on their game today.”