Millers boss Paul Warne was pleased to see his side earn a share of the spoils against fellow promotion contenders, Coventry City, in difficult conditions at St Andrew’s Stadium.
In a tussle of the division’s top-two sides, Freddie Ladapo repaid the faith of his manager who gave him a starting berth, by putting the Millers ahead at the break with his 16th goal of the season in all competitions.
However, Matty Godden struck for the Sky Blues, just minutes into the second half, to level matters. Despite Godden coming close to notching a decisive winner late in the game, Rotherham’s rearguard held firm to ensure it was as you were in the race for Sky Bet League One automatic promotion.
Speaking to the assembled press corps afterwards, the Millers boss believed that there was very little to separate the two sides, by conceding that a draw was a fair result in the end.
“First-half I thought we were excellent.” Warne enthused.
“We were the team in the ascendancy and we moved the ball quite quickly. We were getting a lot of 2 v 1’s out wide which was our game plan. We came here playing 4-4-2 and Mark (Robins) changed his system, which was a complement to our team. I didn’t think that they contained us first half and we were really good. We took the lead and could have scored another. Chieo and Freddie had two good chances, which the ‘keeper made good saves from.
“We reminded them at half-time that they had done nothing yet and there was another 45 minutes to go which needed a similar intensity. I thought we frustrated them but to concede that goal from a quick free-kick and a cross in was hugely disappointing.
“I thought in the end they thoroughly deserved a draw and they were the better side in the second half. I didn’t think our key players had their best games and that was disappointing. I think if we had been at our best tonight, we would have won, but to take a point away from home, I can’t complain.”
Despite the encouraging nature of the score line in the West Midlands, Warne was dealt a blow, in the second half with Newcastle loanee, Dan Barlaser, being forced to leave the fray on a stretcher – although the Millers gaffer is hopeful that the injury will not keep him out for long.
“He has done his ankle.” Warne added.
“He got a kick one side but the pain is on the other side. He will be scanned first thing. He’s not in any pain and not rolling around. The physios are hopeful it’s not too serious.”