Rotherham v Oxford, Tues 13th Feb, 3-1
With four wins in a row we were really building up a head of steam when Oxford rolled into town. Still, this was a potential banana skin, especially with an old friend returning. Ian’s best mates, daughters, boyfriend, Wes Thomas. Remembered of course for being a Wembley sub in THAT play-off final.
Wes (of the big mouth and wild eyes) in happier times
After tea we layered up and took a steady walk down to the New York to find that, despite our run, not many other people had bothered. All the usuals had made the effort though.
Oxford fans and manager, and a Rotherham hat
Unsurprisingly Warne had named an unchanged side with the ginger Palmer and Keelan having to make do with a place on the bench.
The game turned out to be somewhat of a training exercise for the Millers, with Anthony Forde in particular in sparkling form. First he fizzed a wonderful shot into the net from from the right, 1-0.
Then he bamboozled the oxford defence before picking out Smi ith who’s shot was parried onto the post by their keeper. Oxford had no answer for the Millers and we were soon two up when the keeper pushed away a Newell shot into the path of Richie Towell. He made no mistake with the finish.
Despite the Millers dominance though, Oxford grabbed a goal just before half time leaving the score at 2-1 and the fans starting to worry.
We needn’t have bothered. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with the Millers Well on top and a third goal soon arrived in the form of Another Forde run and cross, and a third goal in four games for Michael Smi ith
We easily saw the game out after that. In the end we hardly had to get out of second gear, this team is really gaining momentum now. The only blot on the sunny horizon was an injury to Joe (Mattock) leading to his replacement by Mike, not a natural left back. Even Ian was worried by that one. That made it five wins in a row and cemented our fourth place. One or two are starting to eye up automatic. Not me though! I’ve only just accepted that we won’t go down this season. Next up, league leaders Shrewsbury away.
Man of the match
Ian - Anthony Forde
Jackie - Anthony ‘messi’ Forde
Vicky - Anthony Forde
Ex hero alert - Lee Frecklington injured
Comments
Post a Comment