Jinx? What Jinx?

The Millers are back in third place tonight after a convincing display away at ‘bogey’ side Chesterfield brought about their seventh consecutive league victory.

The visitors coped better with the strong winds and could have gone into the lead in the third minute if referee, Mike Russell, had given a sure-fire penalty when Derek Niven barged over Stephen Brogan, but instead gave a corner. But the goal wasn’t long in coming when on eight minutes Barry Roche only managed to parry a Chris O’Grady shot into the path of Derek Holmes who had the simplest of shots to score his fifth goal of the season. The Spireites had few chances during the first half, and those they did have, Andy Warrington in the Millers goal was equal too. The Millers pressed forward with every opportunity, spurred on by their faithful supporters who had made the short journey into Derbyshire.

The Millers started the second half as they had finished the first with a cross from Marc Joseph headed out by Janos Kovacs and from the resulting corner, Derek Holmes blazed over from a few yards out. But the Millers pressure paid off on the fifty-fifth minute when substitue Peter Holmes crossed the ball, Chris O’Grady headed it down and ex Spireite, Mark Hudson, was on hand to double the visitors lead. The home side struggled to take control and Pablo Mills was a thorn in their sides all night in midfield. The referee hadn’t had a particularly good night and when a foul by Danny Harrison on Peter Leven went unpunished, a brawl broke out which included nearly every player on the pitch ending in Peter Holmes and Steve Fletcher being booked and the Millers being awarded a free-kick which brought sarcastic applause from the home support. The Millers ran the clock down and received a standing ovation from the away support when the whistle went.

The Millers thoroughly deserved their win tonight and keeping another clean sheet must surely be a bonus for Mark Robins side.

Manager of the Month jinx? Chesterfield being Rotherham’s bogey side? Who you kidding? Both can be put to rest after tonight.