Wilder critical of players after draw with Rotherham

Posted Saturday, November 24, 2018 by PA

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder bemoaned a poor display from his team as they drew 2-2 with local rivals Rotherham.

The derby came to life in the final 10 minutes with the Blades going ahead with five to play thanks to Chris Basham’s header.

But Rotherham rallied and got the goal their efforts deserved with Jamie Proctor slotting home an injury time leveller to stretch their unbeaten run to six games.

The Millers had earlier come from behind with the impressive Jon Taylor’s deflected strike levelling the scores after Mark Duffy’s classy individual effort had given the visitors a half-time lead.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept United in the game with a string of acrobatic saves throughout the contest.

Wilder admitted: “There have been a lot of times where we have played really well and not put teams to bed and not got what our performance deserved. We thought it was going to be one of those days where we didn’t play well.

“Apart from the goalkeeper I could have made any changes. We changed the shape about three or four times. We could have pulled anyone off at any given time but we managed to find ourselves 2-1 up.

“The performance was very, very poor but I need to compliment the opposition manager and their players. If I was in their changing room, not getting the win, I would be disappointed.

“We sent the warning signs out to them on our prep. We looked as though we dipped our toe in. They won more first and second balls. We thought that maybe we could just stroll in here and it would be a pretty easy afternoon.

“It has not been a good day for us and I won’t hide behind the result. We made four or five mistakes for their second goal which contrived to make sure we didn’t win the game.

“The goalkeeper has kept us in the game. I thought he was absolutely outstanding. He produced loads of good moments for us.”

Rotherham manager Paul Warne felt his side were more than deserving of the point.

He said: “Their goalkeeper was man of the match which speaks volumes.

“I think their dressing room would be happy with a point. At 2-1 it was a bit harsh on us. The lads don’t give up. If it’s only a one goal deficit you’re still in the game. We ask the lads to keep going and if nothing else you give the fans something to be proud of.

“I thought we started really well and they scored through our mistake which was hugely disappointing. We were well rocked and the game swung towards Sheffield United.

“In the second half we were really good and on the front foot. We took the game to them. For a neutral the game was hugely enjoyable.

“To get the equaliser late on made it feel like a win. We were always more than in the game. We caused them problems. If we had lost the game 2-1 I would still have been hugely proud of the performance.

“We deserved a draw and the lads will take a lot of confidence from it. It feels like a mini win.”