Evans Says Millers Were ‘Second Best’ At Ashton Gate

Rotherham United Manager Steve Evans told the Official Site that the performance on Saturday was ‘very workmanlike’ from his players.

Speaking after the two-nil defeat away at Bristol City the Millers Boss said, that City were the better side saying, ‘There were a couple of key moments in the first half that could change a game because goals do change games. Tom Eaves went through and should have done better than hit the goalkeeper and then they get a penalty from what looks like a dive and I’m really disappointed with the referee’s decision. I think the boy has overrun the ball then leapt over Dillon (Phillips). That gives them a lot of momentum but we hang in there then their boy has a special free-kick and then at any stage it didn’t look like we could score a goal. But we never gave up at any stage today or last week which is a step in the right direction.

‘There’s lots of learning that I’m going through in this period of time but the ones I feel for is our supporters who’ve travelled a long way and if they’ve had to watch that type of performance all season well there are positives but we’ll see more in the summer.’

Talking about striker Tom Eaves his manager said, ‘there were two sides to Toms game today. I thought he worked incredibly hard and didn’t give their defenders a minutes peace. But that moment (in the first half) was a big moment for us and if you suddenly go one up then maybe Bristol City get a bit nervous. But strikers miss chances.

‘But we understand we were second and not a close second a long way second best.

‘There’s a lot of learning and we’ll continue to do that throughout the next week and ten days and then I’ll make my recommendation to the Chairman and the Board.

‘Now we’ll take the pain of losing a football match, go back, freshen up the group and try to get as many players fit to play against Cardiff as we can. The New York has had some special last days and I want to say to the supporters come and get behind the team next Saturday. It’s our last game in the Championship for twelve months so come and enjoy it.’

And the injuries? Peter Kioso was out with a hamstring problem and is rated doubtful for next weekend and the same for Cafu.