Rotherham United 2 Bristol City 0: Revived Millers hit back with classy win

Goals from Matt Crooks and Michael Smith saw them 2-0 ahead at the break but, such was the Millers’ dominance, it could easily have been more.

Given their recent lack of form and confidence, it might have been easy for Paul Warne’s side to fall away in the second period as their bedraggled opponents made changes to try and retrieve the contest.

But, for all City - sat in seventh before kick-off - showed improved competitiveness, classy Rotherham never really looked troubled as they secured a much-needed success to edge clearer from the relegation zone.

Indeed, they finished this Championship contest in a stronger fashion, Dan Barlaser’s thunderous free-kick forcing a desperate save out of Daniel Bentley.

The Millers played with plenty of verve and enterprise right from the off, the impressive Barlaser curling in an inviting free-kick for Crooks to direct in a bullet header after just four minutes.

The midfielder’s last goal was the late winner in the South Yorkshire club’s last victory against Preston North End on November 7.

An unmarked Ben Wiles shot wide and Smith also tried his luck from the edge of the area, forcing Bentley to tip around a post.

Another lovely ball in from the right from Barlaser saw Smith nudge a head over and Bentley had to save well again as the lively Matt Olusunde was the next to take aim from distance, his side quickest to all the loose balls.

Bristol did bundle in via Chris Martin on the half-hour but referee Leigh Doughty had already blown for the ball having gone out of play; it was the closest the disappointing visitors would ever get.

The hosts had a big call for a penalty denied when Olunsunde appeared to be brought down by Tommy Rowe but they added their second goal soon afterwards regardless, Olunsunde’s lovely cross from the right being hooked in by Smith.

It was only the former Swindon striker’s second goal in 17 games this term but it was the least he and his side deserved.

It was no surprise City made changes at the break, Famara Diedhiou and Adrian Mariappa both coming on as they looked to restore parity at least.

It did not have the desired effect, though.

Instead, as the hour mark passed, it was Ben Wiles’ overlapping run down the left which created the most likely chance, but both Rotherham attackers over-ran it.

City did finally get a look-in when a ball ricocheted to Diedhiou in the box.

Crucially, though, Viktor Johansson made a fine save and Warne - who admitted being under pressure this week - was left to enjoy not only a rare three points but also a cleansheet, too.

Rotherham United: Johansson: Ihiekwe, Wood, MacDonald; Barlaser; Olusunde (Harding 88), Lindsay (Jones 88), Crooks, Wiles; Smith (Hirst 9), Vassell (Ladapo 65).

Bristol City: Bentley; Vyner (Mariappa 45), Kalas, Rowe; Nagy (Massengo 82); Hunt (Diedhiou 45), Semeyo (Edwards 82), Bakinson (Brunt 63); Wells, O’Dowda, Martin.

Referee: Leigh Doughty (Blackpool)