Rotherham United midfielder Ollie Rathbone insists the team are taking nothing for granted, despite opening up a six point gap at the top of the Sky Bet League One table at the weekend.
The midfielder, who has instantly elevated himself towards fans’ favourite status since signing from Rochdale in the summer, praised the squad’s resilience following a rare defeat in January at the hands of Fleetwood Town.
Since then, the Millers have won all four of their proceeding league games, but Rathbone stressed that there is no room to let it up in the race for promotion.
“In the games this season where we have suffered a setback we have generally responded quite well, which is crucial,” Rathbone told www.themillers.co.uk.
“The bounce back ability of the squad has been incredible really, but we can’t rest on our laurels and we just need to keep taking each game as it comes.
“We know that nothing is won in February and the Gaffer has been saying similar throughout the whole campaign. We’re fully aware of this. We’re in a great position, but that is all it is and we have to ensure that we capitalise on that."
“One thing about this team is that I know that we will be doing everything to try and see it through right until the end of the season.”
Victory on Saturday came after some heroic defending at the death to protect Dan Barlaser’s second half stunner.
The Millers were reduced to 10 men after Richard Wood was adjudged to have handled on the line from Korede Adedoyin’s late strike, resulting in a penalty for the visitors.
However, Josh Vickers saved Harry Spell’s spot kick and only some frantic rear-guard action prevented Stanley from claiming a leveller, with Rathbone stating the Millers found another way to win.
“I think Accrington was the only game this season really where we’ve been proper clinging on at the end,” Rathbone said.
“We showed great character to find a different way to win and that’s what this team is all about really."
“I think throughout the season, we’ve probably earnt that little bit of luck we had against Stanley as there’s been games where we’ve been the better side on perhaps not got what we deserved.”
The Millers are back in action tonight, when they make their first ever trip to Cherry Reds Record Stadium to take on AFC Wimbledon.
And Rathbone is taking nothing for granted against Mark Robinson’s side.
“Wimbledon are always a difficult team to play against and we’re expecting more of the same on Tuesday.
“They had an excellent start to the season so we’re fully aware of what they are capable of.
“Hopefully, if we can execute the game plan and continue the performance levels that we have been recently it will be enough to get the result we want, but we know it won’t be easy.”