MX23RW : Friday, December 13 09:11:22| >> :120:7909:7909:
[monks data]
Attendance: 9,663
Rotherham logo
Championship | Gameweek 35
Mar 2, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
Blackburn logo

3-2

Ajayi (2', 83'), Williams (57')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Bell (51'), Mulgrew (93' pen.)

Rotherham return to winning ways against Blackburn

Rotherham return to winning ways against Blackburn
© Reuters
Semi Ajayi scored twice as the Millers picked up their first victory since New Year's Day.

Rotherham boosted their chances of survival in the Sky Bet Championship with a 3-2 victory over Blackburn.

It was the Millers' first win since New Year's Day – a run stretching back nine matches – and ensured they stayed in touch with the teams above them despite remaining in the bottom three.

Two goals from Semi Ajayi sandwiched Ryan Williams' effort to end Rotherham's run of five draws on the bounce.

Amari'i Bell and Charlie Mulgrew replied for Rovers but their winless streak now stands at six.

Rotherham flew out of the blocks and were ahead after just 96 seconds when Ajayi powered in Will Vaulks' long throw into the bottom corner.

The pressure was kept up by the Millers and Vaulks came close himself with a dragged effort.

Jack Rodwell had the visitors' first effort on target but his overhead kick was straight at goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

Bell then had a tricky run into the box stopped by fellow full-back Billy Jones as Rotherham saw off Blackburn pressure at the end of the first half.

Blackburn made an attacking change at the break, with Joe Rothwell brought on for the second half.

Mulgrew tried to take advantage of the windy conditions with an in-swinging corner which almost crept over the line.

And it was the Scot's delivery which led to Blackburn's leveller after 51 minutes. Rotherham failed to clear the initial ball in and Bell was on hand to hook into the net.

Rotherham responded swiftly and were back in front after 57 minutes when half-time substitute Williams nipped in ahead of Rovers goalkeeper David Raya to prod the ball in from Michael Smith's knockdown.

Blackburn dangerman Bradley Dack carved out a chance for himself from Elliott Bennett's pass but, after creating space, he lashed his effort wide.

Michael Ihiekwe then denied Rothwell a shot on goal with a strong challenge.

The chances kept coming for the away side but Danny Graham could only find the side netting after Adam Armstrong's direct run and Mulgrew then fired straight at Rodak from a decent free-kick position.

Rothwell came even closer with an effort from 25 yards which had Rodak scrambling.

After conceding deep into stoppage time in the previous home game against Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham needed another goal to settle the nerves and it came in the 83rd minute again through Ajayi.

The Nigeria international towered above the Blackburn defence to thunder a header into the top corner from Vaulks' cross.

Mulgrew converted a penalty in the third minute of added on time, when Billy Jones hauled back Graham after Dack's shot had cannoned off the post, but Rotherham clung on for a vital win.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '99032dcf-565a-4e9c-863c-95781b68fbf8');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:match-reports');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Rotherham return to winning ways against Blackburn'});

ID:352082: cacheID:352082:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5115:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne pictured on January 26, 2019
Read Next:
Rotherham boss Paul Warne to make late checks on several players
>
Read more about Semi Ajayi Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd20135228111742
2Leeds UnitedLeeds20125336142241
3Burnley2010822471738
4Sunderland20107329151437
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn1910452317634
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2071122314932
7Middlesbrough209473425931
8Watford199462725231
9Swansea CitySwansea207672119227
10Norwich CityNorwich206863530526
11Bristol City206862525026
12Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds207582329-626
13Millwall196762017325
14Preston North EndPreston2041062026-622
15Luton TownLuton2064102335-1222
16Coventry CityCoventry205692529-421
17Derby CountyDerby205692226-421
18Stoke CityStoke205692126-521
19Queens Park RangersQPR204972026-621
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd194692030-1018
21Portsmouth183872130-917
22Cardiff CityCardiff1945101730-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth1945101940-2117
24Hull City2037101828-1016


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!