MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 23:23:04| >> :120:42336:42336:
[monks data]
Attendance: 11,012
Rotherham logo
Championship | Gameweek 40
Apr 6, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
Nottingham Forest logo

2-1

Smith (10'), Ihiekwe (60')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Grabban (28')

Paul Warne "over the moon" with crucial Rotherham win

Warne
© Reuters
Michael Smith took his goals tally to six this season.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne hailed striker Michael Smith for helping his team record a vital 2-1 Championship win over Nottingham Forest.

Smith, back in the Millers side after illness sidelined him for the 6-1 hammering at Derby, scored the opener before setting up Michael Ihiekwe for the winner on the hour after Lewis Grabban had hauled Forest level in the 28th minute.

Rotherham's first win over Forest in 23 attempts leaves them a point from safety with six games remaining, while in turn severely denting the visitors' play-off hopes.​

Warne said: "He (Smith) has come on no end. People who come and watch and don't think he's a good player obviously don't understand football.​

"It is no surprise that when our best players are here, we're a better team. He played well and was one of many. I thought there were some good performances.​

"It was quite an open game and edgy at times for both teams. There wasn't a great deal of quality in the first half. I thought we played a lot better in the second and I am pleased with the win.​

"There were some really good performances. I am exhausted but over the moon. We rode our luck initially but I just had a funny feeling it might be our day."​

Warne feels the win has brought more teams into the relegation mix, so increasing their chances of survival.​

"The three points were essential and it pulls other teams into it," added Warne.​

"Our lads can't give much more. How well we are competing and how hard we are to play against is testament to the lads.​

"We did see the game out quite well in injury time and frustrated them and got free-kicks. When the referee blew it was a joy.​ The lads will take confidence from this."​

Forest manager Martin O'Neill was left frustrated his players did not stand up to the physical challenges he had prepared them for.​

"I am naturally disappointed we conceded from the set-pieces," said O'Neill. "We have tried in recent weeks to be as strong as we possibly can defensively.​

"We have been able to do it at the other end offensively. ​

"I thought we would go on to take control of the game. I know we hit the post a couple of times in the first half. ​

"We got the equaliser and then Grabban had a good chance but the goalkeeper made a good save. Then it was a free header (for the second goal).​

"These type of margins in games like this are everything​

"This is not the early part of the season where we can look at it. We are in the real business end now and to lose games like this is obviously a set-back for us.​

"I think we were ready for the game but unfortunately we did not deal enough with the set-pieces and it has cost us."

ID:355510: cacheID:355510:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4671:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill pictured on February 12, 2019
Read Next:
Martin O'Neill admits Forest still "have lots to do"
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds38257670284282
2Leicester CityLeicester37264774334182
3Ipswich TownIpswich38249580493181
4Southampton36227773472673
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom381991059362366
6Norwich CityNorwich381871369541561
7Hull City371610115346758
8Coventry CityCoventry3715121059431657
9Preston North EndPreston37168134954-556
10Middlesbrough38166165352154
11Cardiff CityCardiff38165174351-853
12Sunderland38146184845348
13Watford381212145351248
14Bristol City38138174245-347
15Swansea CitySwansea381210164858-1046
16Millwall381110173650-1443
17Blackburn RoversBlackburn38119185164-1342
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth381011175462-841
19Stoke CityStoke38118193553-1841
20Queens Park RangersQPR381010183650-1440
21Birmingham CityBirmingham38109194259-1739
22Huddersfield TownHuddersfield38815154261-1939
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds38115223061-3138
24Rotherham UnitedRotherham38311243077-4720


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!