Paul Warne admits Rotherham rode their luck to beat Lincoln

Posted Saturday, February 08, 2020 by PA

Rotherham manager Paul Warne admitted his side rode their luck after they won 1-0 at Lincoln City to cement top spot in Sky Bet League One.

Matt Crooks’ 47th-minute header – his 10th goal of the season – was enough to secure the three points against a spirited Imps side at a sold out Sincil Bank, with the hosts slumping to their fourth straight defeat.

“To win a game of football was great news,” said Warne. “We were much better in the second half than we were in the first as I don’t think we played the conditions as well as they did.

“We played a bit more like us in the second half, but we did concede a few chances and rode our luck a little bit, but if you’re going to win then you have to. Overall I am pretty pleased.

“They’re a really good team at home and have a better home record than us, so to come away and win on a Friday night is great. It will make the weekend all the better.”

If it wasn’t for goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, who kept out Jorge Grant’s header in the first half and Tyreece John-Jules’ effort at the death, the Millers may have come away empty-handed and Warne had words of praise for his stopper.

“I do pay him to come with his gloves and make saves,” added Warne, “but he did make a great save in the first half and after the break and if that was in the Championship we would have been two down.”

Lincoln boss Michael Appleton, who also saw Harry Anderson fire over from six yards out in the first half, was pleased and frustrated in equal measure as he watched his side produce a much improved display that was deserving of at least a point.

“The performance was excellent, but the result was frustrating,” said Appleton. “We probably limited them to two chances and made their keeper work on more than a few occasions.

“I think the players realised how well they played, but they are disappointed at taking nothing out of the game. There were good signs and Liam (Bridcutt) made a big difference in the middle of the park. He had a big impact.

“We played really well, but the players have to do that on Tuesday as well against MK Dons, games like that are the important ones.”

Appleton gave a 10-minute run-out to recent recruit Anthony Scully, signed from West Ham and was left salivating at the young striker’s impressive cameo, in which the Irishman created two good chances for John-Jules.

“He was everything I said he would be,” admitted Appleton. “He is a pocket rocket and very direct and strong, and he gives me a good selection dilemma for Tuesday.”