Rotherham United: Player ratings as the Millers seal their play-off place by beating Bristol Rovers 2-0
ROTHERHAM (4-1-4-1)
MAREK RODAK 7
Crucial second-half save to deny Kyle Bennett and did everything well.
JOSH EMMANUEL 7
Better defensively and a real threat bursting forward.
MICHAEL IHIEKWE 8
Back in the side for the last three games and he’s been excellent in all three. Speed, anticipation and snap in the tackle.
RICHARD WOOD 7
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Hide AdBlood, elbows, challenges ... just what the skipper enjoys. Clean sheet says it all.
BEN PURRINGTON 6
Another steady display from the left-back who is doing all he can to keep Joe Mattock out of the side.
WILL VAULKS 6
A little leggy after a great midweek display at Gillingham, but still contributed.
JON TAYLOR 6
Never stopped running until he had to stop running because his legs would work no longer.
RICHIE TOWELL 7
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Hide AdLacked his usual sharpness in possession, but nicked the ball off Bristol Rovers several times through sheer unstinting effort.
MATT PALMER 6
Rotherham have found a player, although this wasn’t his best game and he had to go off after being bashed in the face.
JOE NEWELL 6
Flickers of his danger. Didn’t do it throughout the 90 minutes.
MICHAEL SMITH 8
Scored a superb goal and a key man for the Millers. Constantly troubled the Rovers defence.
Substitutes:
CAOLAN LAVERY 7
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Hide AdA scorer and lively presence after replacing Richie Towell on 59 minutes.
RYAN WILLIAMS 6
Ran around and got involved as a 64th-minute substitute for Jon Taylor.
SEMI AJAYI 7
On for Matt Palmer after 76 minutes. Looks good as a defensive midfielder. Huge physical presence and good on the ball.
Subs not used: Price, Cummings, Forde, Ball.
BRISTOL ROVERS (4-4-2): Slocombe 6; J Clarke 5, Lockyer 6, Craig 6, Bola 6; Moore 6 (Mensah 69, 5), Lines 7, O Clarke 6, Bennett; 5 Nichols 5 (Telford 69, 5), Harrison 6 (Gaffney 78). Subs not used: Smith, Brown, Broadbent, Ruse.
Goals: Smith 9, Lavery 90 (Rotherham).
Referee: Andy Haines (Tyne & Wear) 4.
Attendance: 8,579 (608).