Paul Warne post-Oldham Athletic...
MILLERS boss Paul Warne was quick to praise his side’s battling qualities after they gained a hard-fought point at Oldham Athletic, thanks to Ryan Williams’ early strike.
Warne’s men took control of the Roses clash when the Australian fired home on seven minutes following good work in the build-up by David Ball and Anthony Forde. However, Rotherham’s hopes of securing their fourth away on the spin were dented when Craig Davies levelled matters for the Lancastrians, soon after.
Speaking to the assembled press corps afterwards, Warne insisted that it was a point gained over the Pennines rather than two points dropped, owing to the difficult playing and weather conditions at Boundary Park.
“It wasn’t a game for the purists,” Warne remarked.
“The pitch was soft and not conducive for either team to play a passing game. We worked out how we were going to play before hand and we were pretty much in control of the game but we gave away a needless free-kick and they worked it quite well and scored.
“We went in at half-time and asked the lads to do everything a bit quicker. The lads are disappointed in the changing rooms because they think they have dropped two points, which is good from my point of view, as they are motivated to come and win but to pick up a point away from home and go seven without defeat is a good little run for us. It’s not the worst day I’ve had.”
The Roses clash saw the Millers travelling contingent get their first view of new signing Michael Smith but Warne acknowledged it was difficult game for his forwards to make an impression – with both sides locked in a midfield battle, especially in the second-half.
“We didn’t get the ball to Bally and Jerry as much as we’d like and it was a little flooded in midfield,” Warne added.
“We did not have enough quality but it was a difficult game for us. The lads fought hard and we defended resolutely at times and I was pretty comfortable we were not going to concede again.
“We’d have liked the three points, but it wasn’t to be today and we’ll take a point.”