Reid Pen Earns Millers Point

Reuben Reid, booked while warming up, came off the bench last night and gained the Millers a point by putting away a penalty infront of the one hundred and six Millers fans who made the journey South.

Rotherham’s on-loan ‘keeper, David Stockdale, was soon in the action last night at St James’ Park when he had to make a fingertip save in the opening minutes from Liam Sercombe. A few minutes later Ryan Taylor had a shot from twenty yards out that was easily saved by Paul Jones at the other end. And it was Jones who made a fingertip save when Mark Hudson let fly with a ball from the edge of the area on thirty-five minutes. Richie Barker went over in the penalty area with what looked like a tug on his shirt, but the referee Scott was having none of it. Dale Tonge and Marc Joseph both had shots at goal before half-time but it was the Grecians who went in front when an Ian Sharps’ pass fell to Manny Panther just outside the area who crossed the ball to Ben Watson. Watson shot from six yards out, leaving Stockdale no chance, as the home side went in front.

The Millers came out for the second half looking for a goal and nearly got it after five minutes when a Holmes cross found Taylor, who’s shot was blocked, but the ball fell to Dale Tonge whose strike was tipped over for a corner by Jones. A few minutes later, Marc Joseph was deemed to have fouled Watson just inside the penalty area. After the referee went over to the touchline and booked Reid, presumably for protesting, Watson picked himself up to take the penalty. Stockdale was alert and made a magnificent one handed save to keep the Millers in the game. Reuben Reid was sent on just after that for Ryan Taylor and the Millers started to have some movement into the box and on the sixty-fifth minute, Fred Murray pulled down Richie Barker and the referee pointed to the spot. Reid stepped up and struck the ball into the top corner to even up the score. Exeter then had an opportunity to go back in front when Stockdale dropped a cross under pressure and was relieved to see Micky Cummins get the ball away from Steve Basham’s shot but with five minutes to go the young ‘keeper made up for that mistake when Harley headed towards goal, only for Stockdale to appear from what seemed like nowhere to fling himself at the ball and save it from going over the line to ensure the Millers went home with a point.

The game might have been a bit scrappy at times but I think the Millers had a lot more play round the box than I’ve seen over the last few games. In fairness, it was a game we really needed to get something from and neither team deserved to lose. We have to build on this and our strikers have to learn to have a shot at goal and take their chances when they fall to them.