Rotherham United Manager Paul Warne thought the FA Cup time against Maidenhead today had everything an FA Cup tie should have.
The weather was awful, the rain was coming down in buckets (and we know about rain in Rotherham after the last few days), there were goals and a sending off and Timmy Mallett was in the ground.
Speaking to iFOLLOW after the three-one win, the Millers Boss said, ‘It was tough but we didn’t expect anything less. With them scoring first it put more pressure on us but, when we moved the ball about quickly we created enough chances to win the game.’
Warney was asked if he thought the red card for Maidenhead was a turning point in the game and he said he thought it was but also that he thought his team were on top before that. And I think they were too.
‘I don’t like playing against ten men,’ admitted Warne, ‘I didn’t think it was an advantage although at the end of the day it did pay dividends.’
Adam Thompson finally made his debut this afternoon, coming on for Richard Wood who went off in the first half with an injury, with the Gaffer saying he was ‘excellent’ while he also said Freddie Ladapo’s goal will give him confidence. He also went on to mention Dan Barlaser and Ben Wiles saying they were ‘outstanding’ and that it was ‘like they had old heads on young shoulders.’
Magpies Manager Alan Devonshire wasn’t happy with the red card telling the Maidenhead Advertiser that, although he hadn’t seen the incident himself, some of his players said Alan Massey (who was sent off) hadn’t ‘touched him’ saying, ‘The referee said it was two-footed. It definitely wasn’t two-footed. And it’s absolutely killed us. It was a good game of football and he’s totally ruined it by seeing something no one else saw.’
I thought the home side were on top at the start of the game and probably deserved their goal but then the Millers eased themselves into the game and, I believe, in the end the fitness showed.
Some bad news after the game is that Richard Wood, who was rated doubtful to start today, has a hamstring injury which could keep him out for three or four weeks.
The draw for the second round proper of the competition will take place on Monday.
