Millers slump to Southend

The Millers’ worst performance of the season was punished by a brace from Watford loanee Britt Assombalonga and a further strike from winger David Martin at a stunned New York Stadium.

After a tame first 45 minutes, Assombalonga headed the visitors into the lead seven minutes into the second half and then crashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range to double the advantage on 66 minutes.

Rotherham had introduced Daniel Nardiello and youngster Alec Denton to try to pep up their attack but they continued to labour and their misery was complete 18 minutes from time when Martin finished off after Assombalonga’s initial header hit the bar.

Millers: Shearer, Hunt, Harris, Morgan, Sharps (capt), Ainsworth (Nardiello 46), O’Connor, Taylor, Evans (Noble 57), Pringle, Odejayi (Denton 57)

Southend: Smith, Clohessy, Straker, Cresswell (Coughlan 81), Barker (capt), Hurst, Timlin, Leonard, Martin, Tomlin, Assombalonga (Clarke-Harris 87)

Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland)

Attendance: 7,328 (472 away)