The fixture with Bolton Wanderers may have signalled the start of a new year, but there was nothing ‘new’ about Michael Smith’s display against the Trotters at AESSEAL New York Stadium on New Year’s Day.
The Millers’ top scorer started 2022 in the same results he'd produced throughout the previous 12 months, finding himself on the scoresheet with his 16th and 17th goals of the campaign, to inspire Paul Warne’s side to a hard fought 2-1 win and as a result propel them back to the Sky Bet League One summit.
Always a keen worker and the focal point of the attack, Smith is amongst the league’s leading marksman for 2021/22 and the goals merely capped off another fine display at the spearhead of the United attack.
Smith’s display earned plaudits and acclaim from supporters, who crowned him their Man of the Match in the aftermath of the victory.
A 53.2% of the 945 votes cast saw Smudge receive the acclaim, with Rarmani Edmonds-Green, Shane Ferguson and Chiedozie Ogbene also nominated.
🏆| Vote and Retweet to be in with a chance of winning a Beanie Hat from @TerraceThreads.
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) January 1, 2022
Sponsored by @paentsuk #rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProud
Background
This poll is supported by our friends at PA Entertainments and Terrace Threads.
PA Entertainments have been long-term supporters of the football club and were hailed for their recent work which involved them lighting up the AESSEAL New York Stadium in the colours of the NHS and more recently, with the image of a poppy for Armistice Day.
Supporters may be aware that we recently welcomed Terrace Threads on-board, who took up the option of sponsoring our newly-produced ‘Goal Gifs’ for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign.
Following discussions between the two parties, they have collaborated to give supporters an added incentive to vote for our Twitter Man of the Match Poll, with fans who cast a vote and retweet our social media poll automatically entered into a prize draw to win a Beanie Hat from Terrace Threads.
The PA Entertainments Man of the Match and the lucky winner of the Beanie Hat will be revealed on a Monday morning following a Saturday fixture or midday on the day after a midweek fixture.
The next opportunity for supporters to pick their Man of the Match is on Tuesday evening when the Millers travel to Crewe Alexandra in the Papa John’s Trophy.