Rotherham 2-0 Bristol City: Matt Crooks and Michael Smith see Millers to victory

Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Rotherham and Bristol City at the New York Stadium as goals from Matt Crooks and Michael Smith saw the Millers back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday 12 December 2020 18:39, UK

Rotherham ended their winless run with an impressive 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

Paul Warne's side had lost their last three matches and were without a win in six, but put on a strong first-half display to upset the promotion hopefuls.

Matt Crooks opened the scoring early on with Michael Smith adding another before the interval as the Millers moved three points clear of the relegation zone.

Rotherham were ahead within four minutes, with Dan Barlaser picking out Crooks perfectly from a free-kick and the midfielder powering in a header.

Nakhi Wells called Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson into an early stop at the other end, with the Swede equal to the powerfully-hit free-kick.

Ben Wiles snatched at a chance from Michael Ihiekwe's deflected cross as the hosts attempted to double their lead.

A swift move at the other end saw Tyreeq Bakinson fire off target after Callum O'Dowda's storming run.

City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley then had to be alert to push Smith's effort from the edge of the box behind.

Rotherham were in the ascendancy before the break and after a strong penalty shout for a foul on Matt Olosunde was dismissed, Crooks fired over a decent chance from the edge of the area.

They got their second after 41 minutes, however, with Olosunde holding his run to beat the offside trap and then picking out Smith, who poked in from close range.

The visiting side brought on striker Famara Diedhiou for ex-Miller loanee right-back Jack Hunt in the second half in a positive switch to try and get back into the game.

An uneventful start to the second period certainly suited Rotherham more and it was they who had the first opening after the restart with Jamie Lindsay curling an effort wide.

Diedhiou's first real involvement was to volley at goal and force Johansson to make a save with his legs.

Rotherham substitute Freddie Ladapo was having much more of an impact and he twice troubled the City defence in a matter of minutes, with the second occasion seeing his shot diverted behind for a corner.

A neat move down the right almost saw Rotherham net a third but Lindsay's cross was volleyed into the side netting by Ben Wiles.

Rotherham went even closer to rounding off a perfect afternoon with Barlaser smashing a 20-yard free-kick at goal which Bentley had to instinctively punch over the crossbar.

Wells had the best opportunity in the six minutes of added-on time but his glancing header did not trouble Johansson and the Millers could celebrate a clean sheet as well as three well-deserved points.

What the managers said...

Rotherham first team coach Matt Hamshaw: "It was an excellent afternoon's work. The early goal is a confidence boost. From back to front, everyone performed to their capabilities. We got what we deserved. The gaffer has made no secret that we have been on a bad run.

"In my opinion, he is the best man for the job. He should not feel pressure because the job he has done over the last four years has been remarkable. Everyone is in it together. The lads will take massive confidence from that result. We showed what we are all about and what the lads think about the manager and the staff here."

Bristol City's Dean Holden: "It's the first time this season that our performance levels have not been up to the standards. We just weren't able to find a spark within the 90 minutes. That is the first time this season we have had that. Credit to Rotherham and the way they play. I thought they were right on the top of their game. We have got to learn from it quickly.

"To concede or score first is a big swing in the psychology. To concede when we did for the second one made it even more difficult. We weren't at the top of our game and when that happens you lose. They won the majority of first and second balls. That was disappointing."