'Huge credit to them. They maximise everything they've got and they're a physically dominant team.' What the Bristol City boss thought of Rotherham United

Michael Smith scores Rotherham's second goal. Picture by Dave Poucher

The Robins arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium in sixth spot but were sent packing 2-0 through goals by Matt Crooks early on and Michael Smith just before the break as Paul Warne's men ended a run of six Championship matches without a win.

Holden, who was a a Millers teammate of Warne's back in 2010, said: "Huge credit to Rotherham. They were right at the top of their game.

"They maximise everything they've got and they're a physically dominant team Sometimes you can't compete with players big like Crooks and Smith."

Such was the superiority of their display that Rotherham, who stayed in 20th spot but increased the gap between themselves and the drop zone, could have won by a greater margin.

Manager Paul Warne had spoken of being under pressure in the build-up to the clash but coach Matt Hamshaw insisted the boss, who has twice led Rotherham to the second tier, was the "best man for the job".

Standing in for Warne at the after-match press conference, Hamshaw said: "It was an excellent afternoon's work.

"The early goal is a confidence boost. From back to front, everyone performed to their capabilities. We got what we deserved.

"The gaffer has made no secret that we have been on a bad run. In my opinion, he is the best man for the job. He should not feel pressure because the job he has done over the last four years has been remarkable.

"Everyone is in it together. The lads will take massive confidence from that result. We showed what we are all about and what the lads think about the manager and the staff here.

“We kept them to once chance and on another day we could have scored a lot more goals.

"We dominated against a really strong opponent. We take huge confidence and belief from it."

Holden added: "To concede or score first is a big swing in the psychology. To concede when we did for the second one made it even more difficult.

"Rotherham had the bit between their teeth. For us it was a disappointing afternoon. It was a good day for them and a difficult one for us."