Paul Warn post-Shrewsbury Town...
MILLERS chief Paul Warne believes that his side’s eye-catching victory at table-topping Shrewsbury Town will make their League One rivals sit up and take notice.
Richard Wood’s first-half strike proved the difference in Shropshire as Warne’s side held firm to notch their sixth successive victory and consolidate their position in the League One play-off berths.
Speaking to the assembled press corps, Warne was full of praise for his side’s ability to dig out a result against Paul Hurst’s high-flyers on a difficult New Meadow playing surface.
“It was a difficult game,” Warne admitted.
“It was a hard game and the pitch wasn’t amazing and was not good for football for either team. It became a game of corners, throw-ins and hard work really and I thought on chances created we edged the game.
“We started really well and in the first 15 minutes we were really good but Shrewsbury, top of the league, came back at us but we weathered their storm. In the second half, we really pressed for the second goal, which would have made my life at the side of the pitch much easier but to win one-nil is obviously very pleasing.”
With the Millers stretching their unbeaten run to 13 games following the victory, Warne was quick to hail the character of his side, who have gone from mid-table obscurity to knocking on the door of the automatic promotion places, following their impressive run of form of late.
“The lads have a real belief in themselves,” Warne added.
“We are on a fantastic run at the moment but we just go onto the next game, and so on. The lads have amazing belief as a group. They are a really close group. I’m lucky as the moment as it’s very difficult to pick the 18. I’m really pleased with what they are doing on the pitch and they deserve all the plaudits.”
A delighted Warne admitted that he would share a post-match drink with his Shrewsbury counterpart and Rotherham playing legend, Paul Hurst and the Millers boss had kind words for the hosts, who are leading the League One pack.
“Shrewsbury have done really well this year and I obviously know Hursty really well,” Warne added.
“What they have and will achieve is pretty amazing so for us to come away from home and keep a clean sheet makes us very proud.
“I thought we were a constant threat on the goal and on another day we may have scored more. We had chances. I had no issues with the players missing them as long as they keep putting themselves in the situation.
“When you are on top away from home you have to score and going up 1-0 at half time did not flatter us at all.”