Emirates FA Cup magic usually involves the underdogs coming out on top against a team from higher up in the footballing pyramid, but the Millers defied all of the odds to stage a remarkable turnaround on Monday evening, scoring four goals in just 16 minutes to overturn a three-goal deficit against Solihull Moors.
You would’ve had to search far and wide to find somebody who genuinely believed that the seemingly impossible was, indeed, possible after all. However, one man who did have faith that progression could be sealed was Rotherham winger, Chiedozie Ogbene.
Having watched the opening 54 minutes from a place on the substitute’s bench, he was thrown into the action with the scoreline at 2-0, and things got worse when the Moors added a third. Even then, the 22-year-old was praying for some Irish luck, and he had a devastating impact as he provided assists for three of the four Rotherham goals.
“We were delighted to win the way that we did. It was a great comeback and you can see from the character of the players what we are capable of,” Ogbene enthused.
“It could have been easy to give up but we didn't, so it was good to show the fans the spirit we have in the dressing room and dig deep. It was a great reward for all the players, staff and fans that stayed until the end and to get the result.
“You can feel that everyone believed that we could get one. When I came on I was telling the boys 'just get one and see how they deal with the pressure'. I was happy to put the cross in for Freddie and he tapped it in and that set us on our way.
“After that we looked to capitalise on unsettling them a little bit, which saw them drop deep and it allowed us to get the ball. When we got the second, we had momentum and from there I felt like we could go on and at least get the draw.
“Even at half-time it was obvious in the dressing room that the boys wanted to do more. Obviously it is very hard when you concede three away from home but it was great to win the way we did. That is just a lesson we need to learn, rectify and get better from next time.”
Although Paul Warne will be encouraging his side to get back to their solid self defensively, he will be delighted with the way his attacking players are coming to the fore as the season heads into a very busy festive period.
The Millers have rifled home nine goals in their last three fixtures in all competitions, and Ogbene insists that the abundance of quality in the final third is a real strength. He is eager to continue showcasing his ability to pave his way into the starting line-up on a regular basis, but the competition for places is something he and his teammates are thriving off.
“You have to take your opportunities when they come in this team. At the start I think it was a tactical move so we could match them up physically. In the second half I wanted to show the staff what I am capable of and show that I can do the more physical side of the game as well as the technical element. I came on and tried to express myself and just do what we are good at,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We're good at getting the ball out wide and getting crosses in. We had the big man [Michael Smith] in the middle and he was with Freddie, so it was much easier for us.
“All I had to do was my job - take on defenders and get the ball in the box - and I knew we had top strikers in there who want to score goals. We did that and went on to get the victory.”