BOSS Paul Warne believed that his Millers side were “unplayable” at times during their late opening day victory over AFC Wimbledon, but warned their League One rivals that there is a lot more to come from his team.
The Millers made the long trip from the capital with the three points thanks to Clark Robertson’s well-taken late strike after Joe Pigott had cancelled out Freddie Ladapo’s first-half goal, on his competitive debut for the club.
Speaking to the assembled media afterwards, Warne remarked that he felt his side were good value for the win at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, in front of a sell-out travelling contingent from South Yorkshire.
“I was pretty pleased.” Warne enthused.
“I thought we were unplayable at times in the first half. I think we should have gone in with a bigger lead.
“Wimbledon caused us all sorts of problems at the start of the second half. We did not start very well and it was disappointing conceding from a set-piece. The wave of impetus went towards them but we still had enough chances to win.
“We should have gone in at the interval with a comfortable lead. We had a couple of efforts cleared off the line. I’m happy with the win but there is more to come.”
With the visitors being pegged back early in the second half, Warne’s side had to withstand spells of pressure from the rejuvenated hosts – but the Millers chief was quick to pay tribute to the character of his side, and the impact of his substitutes, in particular, who helped change the course of the game, back in Rotherham’s favour.
“Any team you play have chances and they did have chances.” Warne admitted.
“The fact that the lads bounced back and are pretty happy with themselves to get the win was pleasing.
“I’m asking a lot from the lads physically and I’m happy with the bench. I thought the subs had a good positive impact today, Wilesy (Ben Wiles) especially.
“(Jamie Proctor) Procs came on and added a bit of physicality upfront and Carlton (Morris) was a problem for them.
“They just give us that bit of energy on a hot day on the opening day of the season when everyone was fatiguing.
“All the subs did well. I said this is the hardest 11 I’ve had to pick because any of the 18 could have started today and there would have been no complaints.”