Paul Warne post-Doncaster Rovers...
A dramatic turnaround in stoppage-time saw the Millers win all three points in a South Yorkshire derby to remember, with manager Paul Warne reflecting on his side’s performance.
“It was sort of a game of two halves, really,” said Warne. First-half I don’t think there was a lot in it but Donny had more composure on the ball. It’s the first time we’ve played in a full house for a while, which is great and we want people to come and watch this great team.
“We asked them where they thought it was going wrong at half time and we adjusted it. Then I thought the second half we were really good. I hope the two Donny lads are all right, as neither of them looked like good injuries. I hope they’re okay. It sort of ruined the run of the game. It wasn’t smooth, but we had a lot of possession, attempts on goal and corners.
“Then there was another injury so we didn’t get going as well as we’d liked.”
It’s now seven wins on the spin and 14 unbeaten as Rovers were overturned thanks to a lovely header from Michael Smith before the striker won a penalty in the 12th minute of stoppage-time, allowing Joe Newell to seal the points.
“In the end, I threw my dice and we went for it,” he continued. “Fortunately, it’s nice to get a penalty in the last minute. I haven’t watched it back but I’m presuming it was one. I think he comes from the blindside of the ‘keeper and he’s pulled him down. That’s testament to the lads, they kept running and chasing every ball which is what I ask them to do every week. To perform like that for us makes us all really proud. As a staff and dressing room, they’re really pleased to come away with a win.
“They don’t know when they’re beaten. They’ve won 11 in 14 and got three draws. You can’t guarantee results and the performance first half wasn’t up to our standards but it was second half. We created enough chances in the second half, we had the clearance off the line, couple of headers from set-pieces and we did more than enough to win the game.
“I thought Doncaster came here and played really well. They made it really hard for us, we’re a good team and in good form but they came here and really gave us a tough game. If it would have been a draw I couldn’t have had too many complaints. But to nick it at the end, the way Smudge (Michael Smith) and Lavs (Caolan Lavery) chased it down for us and got the penalty. I’ve just said to Joe Newell he’s a bigger man than me, ‘cause I couldn’t have took that penalty – no chance.
“I thought all of our set-pieces were put in good areas today. Woody might have had one, Will Vaulks might have had one. Another day we might have scored more goals and made it a lot easier for ourselves.
“I think that’s only the second penalty we’ve had. Kieffer (Moore) missed our other one so it’s like Walt Disney stuff. Rotherham fans leave this ground really happy and, hopefully, they’ve been entertained by what the lads have tried today.”