Rotherham United boss Paul Warne reflected on his side’s narrow defeat to Millwall at The Den this afternoon.
The Millers were well in the game and unlucky not to be ahead, with the only goal of the game coming after Richard Wood’s dismissal early in the second half.
Michael Smith had the chance to level it late on, but his 84th-minute penalty was well saved by Bartosz Bialkowski.
"It had a little bit of everything - apart from points for us which is the most crucial part,” said Warne.
“I thought the first 15-20 minutes of the game, they were the better team and we didn’t get to grips in the middle of the park as well as I’d liked. I thought, after that, we were the better team in a scrappy game. We had a couple of chances. Freddie’s hit a cracker and we had a legitimate claim for a penalty when Freddie’s had his shirt pulled.
“Then, second half, they started really well again. They had consecutive set-pieces and we know they’ve got a threat on them. But the sending off of Woody is an absolute hammer-blow, so we’re outnumbered on set-pieces.
“It was a wonder-goal from Wallace that took the tie in their favour. Even after that with 10 men, the lads gave everything. We needed to make changes to get back in the game but also have one eye on the next game and the game after that.
“I’ve said it all along that it’s about the squad. It’s always about everybody playing a part. The subs went on and had a positive impact. It’s just unfortunate that Flo’s cross didn’t get someone on the end of it and the elephant in the room is the missed penalty.
“It would have been a very good point there, which is disappointing.
“We’re not at the stage of the season where you build on performances; you build on results and we need results. I’ve just said to the lads that I can’t ask for much more from you, obviously maybe a different decision here or what you do on the ball."
Warne’s attention now quickly turns to that of Wycombe on Monday, as the division’s basement side visit AESSEAL New York Stadium.
"We’re now at the point where the lads feel sorry for themselves and licking their wounds a bit,” continued Warne. “I’ve asked them to just have a shower and let it go. There’s another game in a couple days’ time and it’s a big game, as they all are.
“Against a good Millwall team, there’s no shame but I thought our performance merited something."