Cresswell basks in glow of special goal

ROTHERHAM United skipper Ryan Cresswell says his match-winner at Accrington meant more to him than any other goal he has scored.

The Swinton-born centre-half marked his return from compassionate leave following the death of his granddad, Arthur Tilson, by thumping in an unstoppable injury-time header in a dramatic finish at the Crown Ground last Saturday as members of his family looked on.

He dedicated the goal to his granddad, the man who Cresswell credits with playing a huge part in his career since he started out as a kid.

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Cresswell said: "It meant a lot more than any other goal I've scored and it had a little bit of added spice because it was the winner. It was a great feeling."

Manager Ronnie Moore also paid tribute to Cresswell, a long-time Rotherham supporter who realised a dream when he made a permanent switch to the Millers this summer from Bury.

Moore had decided his skipper was finally fit and ready to return after three matches out and his judgement was proved correct.

The Millers chief said: "It was fantastic after what he has been through.

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"I know him inside out. His heart was running but he would have been no good the previous week but this time he was ready and he came back and had a tremendous game for us.

"He's one of the best centre-halves in this league. He's a leader and he's 22 and he has a fantastic future.

"He's still learning but he is a man mountain and he's Rotherham through and through and that's what you need from someone captaining the side."