Two minutes in and we were to find out why Rotherham are ‘bottom 4’. Marcus Browning burst through a non-existent defence but managed to shoot against the keeper’s legs. Luckily the ball bounced up to Foley who smashed the ball unceremoniously into the roof of the net. For once, that elusive early goal had been obtained.
To be honest every time we attacked, it looked like we could score. 11 mins in and it was two. Good work and a cross from a lively Rodrigues enabled Foley to attempt goal number two. Alas for him it hit the post but ‘Ooh Jamie’ reacted first to hook the ball home. Vain attempts from the goal-line defender prevented the ball reaching the back of the net but over the line it was! 2-0.
Steve Fletcher may have sensed that today may have been the day to open his league tally for the season but no…on 25 mins he limped off with a hamstring niggle. Rodrigues moved into the middle to carry on the good work, with Coutts as the replacement.
Gareth Stewart made his customary excellent save soon after, twisting in the air to tip over a wonderful shot from Rotherham. Has there been a more consistent performer this season? Easy containment until the half-time whistle.
HT: 2-0
The half-time team talk must have been interesting as it is usual for Sean to attempt a comeback, not be 2 up!
Second half, attacking the North End, we created a fair few chances with Purches becoming more and more influential. Any Yorkshire attack was more than likely crunched into submission by the superb Neil Young, or hoovered up the equally impressive Cooper. Stewart didn’t really have another save to make.
The move of the half swung in from the right, Coutts played a lovely ball in, Rodrigues dummied taking out the last defender ….Foley rushing in, smashes his screamer 2 inches wide. Pity…
Late cameo appearances for Tindall and Pitman, as we cruised to a 2-0 thrashing. As the team left the pitch, cries of ‘Ooh Jamie ‘ayter’ roared out from the North End. Let’s hope we hear that again.
Foley? Cooper? I would just give it to Young (again!) for a majestic ‘tough guy’, faultless performance. AFCB: Stewart, Young, Hart, Cooper, O'Connor, Browning, Foley, Purches, Rodrigues, Fletcher, Hayter
Subs: Moss, Coutts (on for Fletcher, 28), Howe, Tindall (for Coutts, 87), Pitman (for Rodrigues, 90)
Richard Butler, Chertsey