Warne’s half-time tough love sparks Rotherham fightback at Hull

Posted Wednesday, February 13, 2019 by PA

Rotherham boss Paul Warne revealed his side required a stern talking to at half-time in order to fight back and salvage a 2-2 draw at Hull.

The Millers were 2-0 down after just 23 minutes at the KCOM Stadium following goals from Jarrod Bowen and Fraizer Campbell.

Yet they turned the game around in the first 10 minutes of the second half to move two points above the Championship relegation zone.

Anthony Forde took advantage of a mistake from Hull goalkeeper David Marshall, tapping into an empty net following good work from fellow substitute Jon Taylor, whose shot was then deflected in off Robbie McKenzie.

“I thought we were a lot better second half. On another day, if it was Roy of the Rovers stuff, we might have nicked it,” Warne said.

“I did question the lads’ character at half-time, asking them to put on a performance to be proud of. We were nowhere near them first half.

“We got a couple of lucky goals, but I don’t care as we don’t get much luck. I did put it on their toes a little bit at half-time.

“If they had come out and downed tools, I would have had a good look at myself. But they want to win for everyone in the dressing room.

“That one point could be a big difference at the end of the season. I am pretty proud of them.”

Warne had a huge hand in the comeback, realising his mistake in picking the wrong team and making two early substitutions.

Forde came on for Jerry Yates in the 38th minute, eight minutes before Taylor, and the pair both made an instant impact.

Warne said: “I think the lads will take a lot of positivity from it. Obviously, the subs made a big difference. The two wingers pushed them back.”

Rotherham pushed for a winner as Marshall was forced to tip over two headers and Will Vaulks fired wide late on.

Asked of his reaction if his side had won it, Warne joked: “I would be running home, streaking, down the M62. But it wasn’t to be.”

Hull boss Nigel Adkins refused to rule his side out of a play-off push despite slipping seven points off the top six following a below-par second-half display.

“We are aware we missed an opportunity today. It was a game of two halves,” he said.

“We are disappointed we didn’t win, but it’s time to sit down and reflect.

“We have honest hard-working guys, we are a team. We need to reflect on where we are, come back here and attack the next 14 games.”