Rotherham United boss Paul Warne assessed his side’s display after a 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
With the score deadlocked at the interval, the Millers remained patient and were rewarded with two quick-fire goals in the second half as they stunned the Gas through Kyle Vassell and Michael Smith.
“I thought Bristol Rovers were really good,” said Warne. “We sort of went away from what we’re good at, first-half. Then I was pleased to get them in at half-time where we tried to re-address what we do. When we’re like that, we’re unpayable at times. There was a good pace and energy about us in the second half and I’m pleased to come away with another win.
“It went away from our identity in the first-half. But then I thought our second half performance justified the win.
“Chieo (Ogbene) put in a couple of great balls. First-half, we were good in parts but not overall. Bristol Rovers came here with a threat as well and they worked really hard out of possession. They made it difficult for us but I thought the longer the game went on, the stronger we became.
“We made some subs and freshened it up. For both our strikers to get a goal is great, and the third goal came from Freddie’s good play. Most of the lads can go home pleased with their day’s work.”
Having set up the first two, Ogbene got himself on the scoresheet as he notched his first Millers strike, reacting to a spilled Freddie Ladapo shot.
Warne continued: “At 2-0, with ten or five minutes left, if they get one – in fairness they did have a couple of scraps – at 2-1 at home makes it nervous. I was just wishing the clock away.
“To come away with a clean sheet, to score three and be as good as we were second-half gives us hope going into the next game.
“I’m obsessed with recruiting really good people. I ask a lot of them and train them really hard. I shout at them to make them run all the time! They’re a really good group and people know I’d do anything for them; in fairness, they’d do anything for the staff! We’re on a good little run and long may it continue.
“I’ll keep the group here and I can’t see anyone leaving. If I need to add one or two, I’ll do that as well.”