Paul Warne post-Blackburn Rovers...
MILLERS boss Paul Warne believes his battling side were full value for their hard-earned point at Blackburn Rovers, this afternoon.
Despite a backs-to-the-wall effort in the second half at Ewood Park, man-of-the-moment Michael Smith broke the deadlock with fifteen minutes to go with a fine header – to leave the Millers fans dreaming of a rare victory on the road.
However, Bradley Dack broke Rotherham hearts when he levelled matters for Tony Mowbray’s side, just six minutes later – with Warne’s side withstanding late pressure from the hosts to claim a share of the spoils.
Speaking to the assembled media afterwards, Warne was quick to express his pride at the manner of his side’s performance over the Pennines – with the Millers stretching their unbeaten run to five games ahead of the November international break.
“I think it was a point gained,” Warne stressed.
“Their play definitely deserved a goal but it’s a bit disappointing that we could not hang on for the three points, which would have been a good day for us.
“Marek (Rodak) made a few saves and they missed a couple of good opportunities. They caused us a few problems so for us to get a point and go five unbeaten, is good for us. The lads gave me everything so I have no complaints.”
Despite the disappointment of Rovers’ late equaliser, Warne believes that the hard-earned point could prove vital, by stressing that his side can take tremendous credit in shackling Rovers, who are proving a difficult proposition on their home patch.
“I thought we started the game really well for the first 20/25 minutes. Blackburn is a difficult place to come and they have only lost one in 30 odd games here,” Warne added.
“We knew how difficult it would be. They got back into the game and I thought in the first part of the second half, we just couldn’t get out.
“We couldn’t retain the ball and they had a 20 minute spell. They definitely deserved a goal for their efforts.”
Despite the Millers defending for large spells of the second half, Warne was quick to express his delight at Smith finding the net on the road once again, by remarking that the goal was just reward for his tiresome display, as Rotherham’s sole frontman.
“My lads just don’t give up and they keep throwing their bodies in the way,” Warne added.
“We like to get crosses into the box and our goal was the only time that Willo (Ryan Williams) went past (Amari’i) Bell in fairness. For Smudge, who works so hard for the team, to get another goal was hugely impressive and enjoyable and fully deserved for him. The only disappointment was that Smudge did not score that goal in the 85th minute!”