Millers boss Paul Warne admitted that he was “hugely disappointed” with his side’s reversal at the hands of Rochdale – with his team slipping to just their second defeat in 16 games.
Former Rotherham loanee Ian Henderson came back to haunt his former club with a well-taken double, either side of the break, before Matthew Lund added a third for ‘Dale.
Jamie Lindsay’s first goal for the Millers was scant consolation for the visitors – who were without the services of defensive lynchpins Michael Ihiekwe and Joe Mattock, due to injury.
Speaking to the assembled press corps afterwards, Warne conceded that it was a day to forget for all those with a Rotherham United persuasion.
“Overall, I was disappointed obviously.” Warne noted.
“We had a good following here today and they did not deserve to watch that. We came here to win but a few of the lads had an off day which is the nicest way to put it.
“We had a few changes across the backline and we did not look as organised as we have done.”
With the Millers trailing to Henderson’s opener, Warne’s side looked on course to go into the break on level terms through Ben Wiles’ goalbound header but with Michael Smith turning the ball home, en-route to the goal – the effort was ruled out with the Millers frontman in an offside position.
Warne added that the moment proved crucial in the final reckoning – with the Millers facing strong second-half resistance from the hosts, who proved worthy winners in the end.
“It summed our day up that Wilsey’s header was going in but Smudge touches it and it’s an offside goal.” Warne added.
“It would have been 1-1 at half time and I would have fancied us in the second half. I’ve seen it before where players touch it when it’s going in but he’s got to take it because he has a defender behind him. It’s a strikers’ instinct to get a touch but it was unfortunate for us.”
Following the reversal in Lancashire, the Millers are hanging onto second spot in the League One table by their fingertips – with just three points separating Warne’s side and Wycombe Wanderers, in eighth position, but Warne insists his side still have all to play for.
“We haven’t turned into a bad team overnight.” Warne added.
“We’ve been amazing away from home this season but it was not our day.
“We are still second. We have got nine cup finals left so it may be a good kick for the lads.
“It’s tight and it’s exciting for everyone. All the teams are looking to get to the Championship.”