Rocking horse poo

Wigan v Rotherham, Sat 14th April, DW Stadium, 0-0

Only five games left of the regular season and we would have to go into a meltdown not to reach the play-offs. Six points clear of seventh place we were surely just jockeying for position. Optimum finish is fourth, meaning we play at home in the second leg and avoid Shrewsbury/Blackburn/Wigan (whichever of those don’t get automatic). BUT, this is RUFC and nothing is ever taken for granted. 

Today’s game at leaders Wigan was a bit of a win/win. No-one, me included, expected anything from the game except a good thrashing. But we still had that cushion, and Another four games to cement that place. With that in mind we headed to Wigan in ebullient mood. 

The munch box was packed for almost the last time this season and we crossed over Saddleworth Moor, stopping for lunch with a stunning view of the old haunt of Hindley And Brady. We arrived at the DW car park about 2.45 to find it almost empty. We had heard we had sold 1000 tickets, but they must have all walked.

Inside the ground, however, was a different story, with lots of millers producing a great atmosphere. We were expecting s good thrashing, but hoping for at least a good performance. 

Can you spot us

Pre match entertainment was a bit different with three RAF Red Devil’s parachuting in with the match ball. They didn’t half come down fast. 

Then it was time for the proper stuff. Warneola had re-instated Emmanuel at right back, but dropped Semi in favour of Mike. DaBall was also sacrificed, with Smi ith playing the lone striker roll. There was a lot of head shaking and tutting at the team news. 

We started like a house on fire with Smi ith missing two fantastic chances, before Wigan came back into it a bit. As usual the referee was awful. We seemed to get none of the 50-50 decisions. But half time arrived at 0-0. Bizarly the ref was booed off by the home fans! As well as us of course.  

Second half Wigan came out fighting and we were hanging on a bit. But gradually we got back into the game and ended the stronger. 

The players had really put a shift in and were rightly applauded off the pitch. Another point towards our play-off dream. And the final score? One that the Millers haven’t been involved in for an absolute age. 0-0. As elusive as rocking horse poo. 

Next up Gillingham away. 

Man of the match

Ian - Wood

Jackie - John Taylor

Vicky - Mike

Toilet watch

7/10 - nice and clean, bright, and plenty of them.