Warne believes home comforts can usher Rotherham into play-offs

Posted Sunday, April 08, 2018 by PA

Rotherham manager Paul Warne feels his side just need to win their home games to stay in the League One play-off mix after beating Fleetwood 3-2.

Rotherham had to work hard for the points. They went behind to Ashley Eastham’s early effort before Nathan Pond turned into his own goal from Joe Newell’s cross.

Newell smashed Rotherham ahead with a volley in the second half but Cian Bolger netted a swift equaliser just three minutes later with a powerful header.

Newell provided the winner with his cross being forced over the line by Rotherham skipper Richard Wood.

“I thought apart from our defending on set-pieces we were pretty good and deserving of the win,” said Warne.

“There was tension in the stadium because everybody knows the importance of these home games.

“We are in a good position, however, I am well aware of the fact that we have achieved nothing.

“Now we’re in fourth, we have everything to lose and nothing to gain. The pressure isn’t any less on us but if we can win our home games that might be enough to get us in the play-offs. We are getting closer but we are not close enough.

“I think Newell was literally unplayable. People come to sport to see great things and, considering this is the third tier of football, he is some player.

“I think the lads were more relaxed than I was. I thought overall that we had done enough to win the game but we should not have to score three a game to win.”

Fleetwood manager John Sheridan felt Rotherham were the better side.

He said: “It’s obviously disappointing but it is the first defeat since I came here. I am not going to be too harsh on the players.

“We could have got a draw out of the game but I don’t think we have played well. We got off to a great start but when we analyse the game I think Rotherham were the better team.

“We looked a bit flat. I would like us to have a bit more belief. It’s the best pitch in the division and with the system we play, we should have been passing the ball and creating more problems for Rotherham.

“I know we scored two goals but we didn’t really get going at all throughout the game.”

Sheridan also had praise for Newell but felt his side’s defending could have been better.

He added: “We know we can do a lot better. I think I know who should have done better but we gave a lot of silly free-kicks away and Newell has got a good delivery. It puts you under pressure.”