MATCH REPORT: Dogged Millers pipped by Fulham

Joe Newell’s early strike was cancelled out by Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayite and although Lewis Price saved a second-half spot kick and Paul Warne’s men defended for their lives, they couldn’t stave off a 2-1 loss.

The Millers started well. They failed to capitalise on an early one-on-one and Tom Adeyemi forced David Button to tip over the bar before they took the lead on 18 minutes from a good move. Adeyemi broke down the left, fed Brown and the Chelsea loan man set up Newell to despatch a delicious 20 yarder into the bottom corner.

Fulham still hogged possession, forcing corner after corner, and it was no surprise when Johansen slotted an equaliser from the edge of the area just after the half-hour mark.

It was a blow when Brown, such a threat, had to limp off and although the hosts kept Price busy, there was still plenty of signs of the good defensive work that’s been taking place on the training ground lately.

Warne’s men were rocked back nine minutes into the second half when Ayite turned in substitute Lucas Piazon’s centre.

Fulham continued to pile on the pressure but were frustrated on 67 minutes. Michael Madl was fouled in the area but Price did superbly to keep out Chris Martin’s penalty kick.

It left the match in the balance but the Championship’s bottom side had to concentrate on defence and couldn’t fashion enough chances to force a draw.

Millers: Price, Fisher, Mattock, Wood, Belaid, Adeyemi (Frecklington 60), Vaulks, Forde, Brown (Taylor 35), Newell, Ward (Blackstock 60)

 Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Sessegnon,  Kalas, Madl, McDonald (Piazon 46), Johansen, Aluko (Parker 82), Cairney, Ayite,  Martin

 Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)