Millers boss Paul Warne admitted that his side improved as the night went on during their narrow victory over Lincoln City, as they stretched their lead at the summit of the Sky Bet League One standings to six points.
Matt Crooks was the Rotherham hero, as his well-taken second-half header proved the difference between the sides, as the Millers earned their eighth victory in nine games.
However, Warne’s side were indebted to Danish ‘keeper Daniel Iversen, who produced a couple of timely saves, either side of the interval, to preserve their slender advantage.
Speaking to the assembled media afterwards, Warne was delighted that his side maintained their winning ways despite not being at their flowing best at the LNER Stadium.
“It was mixed, but to win a game of football is great news. We were much better in the second half than we were in the first half,” Warne admitted.
“I don’t think we played the conditions as well as they did in the first half. The only disappointment is they created a couple of chances and we rode our luck a little bit, but overall I’m pretty pleased.
“We broke on the break really well in the second half and on another night, we may have made it a little more comfortable.”
Warne was quick to praise the battling qualities of his Millers team, who were able to lay down a marker to the rest of the League One promotion challenges, by earning a vital victory, ahead of the Saturday fixtures.
With a large travelling contingent heading back to South Yorkshire in jovial mood, Warne admitted that his side are now handily placed for a promotion tilt, as they look to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
“Lincoln are a really good team at home. They have a better record than us. They play and cause your problems, so to get the win is great for us.” Warne added.
“It’s a full house, so to get a win against a team, who are fired up playing the top of the table, is good for us.
“It’s all about winning football matches, so for us to win and get a weekend off is great.
“I saw loads of Rotherham fans, in the city today. For them to make the effort on a Friday is appreciated. We did not play our best but the fans want to see you win and they left the ground in good voice.”