Frecklington

Rotherham v Walsall, New York Stadium, Tues 12th Sept, 5 (FIVE) - 1

Hurracaine Aileen blew into Rotherham at precisely 7.45pm on the night of our home game with Walsall, meaning that we arrived perfectly dry. As we took our seats the rain began to fall heavily. Question of the night was do the Southern(ish) opposition like it or not. All the usual suspects were there, Keith lording it in front greeting all his numerous mates. OMOTE in enigmatic form. Chris et al arriving bang on kick off. Even James put in an appearance due to Rob Berry loaning out his season ticket. The team showed just one change, with Towell being thrown in from the start due to Cummings injury. Not many Walsall fans had made the journey from Poland, but those that had were in good voice.

Once again we made a good start, and after 13mins the ball dropped to Captain Frecklington 30yards out. He caught it so sweetly on the volley that it dipped over the keeper and into the net. A worldy and goal of the season candidate. 1-0 Millers

We were so on top at this point, we went back down their end and scored again! A great cross from Williams found the head of Jon Taylor and he steered it past the keeper. 2-0 Rotherham. It was beginning to become apparent that Walsall don't like rain. 

Not long after that, a mix up in the Walsall area saw the keeper kick the ball against his defender. Luckily Jon Taylor managed to get the slightest touch on the ball before it crossed the line, meaning he could claim his second goal of the night. 3-0 Millers

We were totally on top now, so naturally we scored again! A will Vaulkes cross found Captain fantastic Frecklington powering into the area to head home. 4-0 Millers. And only 30mins gone. 

Getting frustrated, the Walsall number 20 earned a booking, sparking shouts from the Walsall fans for a red card, and boos when it was only yellow. Quality humour. 

Alas, we didn't manage to add to that score before half time, but unsurprisingly the team, well our team, were applauded off the park. The Walsall fans were not so generous. 

As the second half began the rain eased off, and the opposition picked it up. They made some changes and came at us. The number 20 fouled Wood, a definite booking, but the ref was lenient and chose to give him a good talking to instead. Of course he was then in the right place from a corner to prod home and score. 4-1. Being a Rotherham fan I then began to worry that four goals wasn't enough and we would end up loosing. Chris et al had a bet on 4-1 and spent about 15 mins deciding wether to cash out. Keiffer Moore went down and had to be subbed off without even scoring. 

Thankfully the rain began again in earnest, and the Millers began to play again. Williams missed a couple of good chances before Walsall lost the ball on the edge of their own area. Joe Newell made a surging central run, put a pinpoint pass to the feet of Vaulkes, who crossed into the area. Who else would be charging in at the back post to finish off his first career hatrick? Lee 'Mr Rotherham United' Frecklington of course. 

5-1 to the Millers. That was how the score stayed until full time. The Walsall fans made their feelings known, as did us Millers, and the cry of 'Frecklington' echoed around the New York Stadium. If we don't have a Statue of him outside turnstile 9 next season I'll eat my hat.

My ball

Sponsors man of the match

Next up, Bradford away

Man of the match

Ian - Frecks

Jackie - Frecks

Vicky - Frecks

By the way they did cash out, for £28