MILLERS chief Paul Warne believes that the nature of his side’s single goal victory over Burton Albion is laying down a marker to their Sky Bet League One rivals.
The AESSEAL New York Stadium outfit made it two wins out of three on the road thanks to Ben Wiles’ first-half effort which unluckily ricocheted into the Burton net from home ‘stopper Kieran O’Hara.
After failing to notch a decisive second goal, Warne’s side had to weather a late rally from the hosts before recording victory – with Nathan Broadhead blasting over from close range before sub David Templeton rattled the Millers crossbar with a sweet strike.
With the Millers making the short hop back to South Yorkshire with the three points, the Rotherham boss was delighted to toast victory despite admitting that his side were not firing on all cylinders.
“I don’t think we were fully firing on our best although we created enough chances to win the game comfortably, we didn’t take them,” Warne conceded.
“The pitch was a little dry and we did not move the ball well enough. I don’t think we were as good on the ball but our off the ball work was excellent and the lads were putting their bodies on the line. We looked a threat of every set-piece and I was disappointed we did not score from that but overall, I’m pretty pleased.
“I’m always happy with a clean sheet. They had a couple of chances late on but they are always going to create chances. We needed a second goal but we weren’t ruthless enough to get it.”
Warne continued to employ his three-pronged attack in Staffordshire – but with midfielders Shaun MacDonald and Jamie Lindsay thrown on in the latter stages of the game to preserve his side’s slender advantage, the Millers supremo admitted that his side’s new formation was a work-in-progress.
“We played three upfront again today and it did not work as well as I’d like but it’s going to take some time.” Warne added.
“We come with an intent to win and create chances. To win football matches is great but to win away from home is even sweeter.
“To come to a place like this, as I think Burton will be top-ten, and win is a real statement of intent and apart from the home game, we have had a good start to the season so I’m happy with the group.”