Millers look to steal a march on rivals

MANAGER Paul Warne says Rotherham United can’t afford to underestimate this weekend’s opponents Bristol Rovers and believes the first strike could be extra important.

Both sides have only one win between them in their last six matches and sit bottom of the League One form table, with the Millers' last three-pointer coming against Scunthorpe United in mid-October.

The clash at the Memorial Stadium is one of only two in the division tomorrow and a victory would take Rotherham back up to seventh in the table and leave Rovers still teetering just above the bottom four.

Warne told the Advertiser: "Bristol Rovers are on a bad run, we're not on a great run and without a shadow of a doubt the first goal will be important for either team

"We don't underestimate anyone. Bristol played really well at Blackburn last week and were unlucky to lose. They hit the bar twice and for part of the game they were the better team.

"We've watched them the last three or four matches and know the way they can play, so we'll set up a team as we always do to try and win on the road."

Celebrations...after David Ball's equaliser on an otherwise difficult day against Wigan.

Warne, who completed a year in charge this week, expects his side to be better placed but stresses that fortunes can quickly change in such a tightly contested division.

He added: "I remember when we beat Southend a while back, a few people said to me they weren't very good. I said I guarantee they'll be in the top eight by the end of the season. We also beat Oldham well and now they're flying. There is not much in the league at all."

Warne reported no fresh injury worries from the Wigan game.

Catch exclusive columns from Paul Warne and Lee Frecklington plus all the analysis and the latest from the Millers camp  in the 24-page sports pullout in today's Advertiser. You can also follow developments at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow on our Live Matchday Blog.