Half-Time Report: Matt Derbyshire goal puts Rotherham United ahead at Fulham

Relegation-threatened Rotherham United have a 1-0 lead at half time away at Fulham.

Rotherham made a fast start and almost took the lead after 23 seconds as Danny Ward found Matt Derbyshire at the near post and he flicked the ball just wide.

The Millers didn't have to wait long for their goal though as Derbyshire was on hand to prod the ball into the back of the net following a goal-mouth scramble.

Fulham almost hit back just three minutes later in an open game, but Matt Smith's header from Danny Guthrie's corner was cleared off the line by Jack Hunt.

Rotherham continued to be bold in attack and should have doubled their lead in the 15th minute but Kirk Broadfoot planted his header from a corner straight at Marcus Bettinelli from five yards.

Fulham's goalkeeper made another smart stop to deny Derbyshire scoring a second when the striker's shot was blocked from close range a few minutes later, before Ward curled an effort over the bar from 18 yards.

Ward missed a golden opportunity in the 42nd minute when Ben Pringle found him in the box, but he scuffed his shot wide of the post, and Fulham almost made them pay, but Emiliano Martinez kept out Bryan Ruiz from close range.

Bettinelli made sure that Rotherham only led by one at the break with a fingertip save from Broadfoot's powerful shot.