Rotherham United manager Paul Warne couldn’t hide his delight after his team began their 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a last-gasp victory at Adams Park.
The game looked set to end goalless until stand-in skipper Michael Ihiekwe headed home from Joe Mattock’s corner to take all three points.
The manager insisted he knew that set-pieces would be crucial to coming out on top against the Chairboys and was pleased his side’s hard work on the training pitch paid off.
“I thought before we came here today that the game would go on a set-piece, both of us are good on set-pieces and I think last year we were one and two in the league for them,” told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We’ve worked really hard on set-plays this week and it has paid dividends, to score late on obviously gives me great joy.
“It was a really difficult game and both teams defended and attacked well on set-pieces and it was no surprise the game was won on one.
“We said to the lads they would have no time in the middle of the pitch, so it is difficult. So, to come here and get a win is great.
“It has reinforced the message on set-pieces, we had a Tuesday night session on them and we got our reward for that.”
With Warne well aware of the threats posed by Wycombe he admitted that a point on the road looked enticing, but was pleased with the way his side grew into the game before eventually winning it.
“I think Wycombe will cause teams no end of problems, they give you no time on the ball and they press.
“Their press was really good, and they fought for every ball. It was about our lads having the diligence to win the second balls.
“I would’ve been happy with a draw but we did go to try and win the game, I’m biased, but I thought there was only one team going to win it at the end. But while there’s set-pieces involved they always have a chance, it gives me great pride that they stuck in.
“I was really pleased for Jamal Blackman, he’s had a long time without any football and for him to keep a clean sheet, I’m delighted for him,” Warne added.