On-the-whistle report: Bristol City 0 Rotherham United 2

ROTHERHAM United gloriously stepped up their fight for Championship survival as they inflicted a sixth successive home defeat on Bristol City.
Freddie Ladapo in action at Bristol City. Picture by Jim BrailsfordFreddie Ladapo in action at Bristol City. Picture by Jim Brailsford
Freddie Ladapo in action at Bristol City. Picture by Jim Brailsford

Headers from Michael Smith - his 100th career goal - and Richard Wood did the damage and saw the 22nd-placed Millers close the gap between themselves and safety to three points.

With closest rivals Birmingham City losing, it was a sweet way for Rotherham to head into the international break and when they return for the run-in they have four games in hand over most other sides around them in the table.

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Manager Paul Warne, watching from his home in Tickhill as he completes a period of self-isolation will have been a happy man.

His team won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in December and this was their fourth 'double' over the season following home and away triumphs of Derby County, Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday.

Liam Walsh volleyed over for the home side in the fourth minute when a Kasey Palmer free-kick rebounded to him off the wall but Rotherham defended well in the opening stages and there were no clear openings.

With 13 minutes on the clock, Michael Ihiekwe's scuffed shot found its way to Smith who couldn't control the ball when he was in space in the area and the opportunity was lost.

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Nahki Wells fired a 22nd-minute free-kick over the bar on as the Millers contined to keep the Robins, who started the match in 13th spot, at bay.

Having soaked up some pressure and given nothing away, the visitors then took a precious lead on the stroke of half-time.

Wes Harding crossed from the left and City goalkeeper Dan Bentley looked favourite to reach it first until Smith timed his run in front of him perfectly to glance in a fine header.

Viktor Johansson had returned in goal after self-isolation in place of Jamal Blackman and midfielder Lewis Wing, also back after quarantine, was given the nod over Shaun MacDonald.

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Harding and Ryan Giles came in as wing-backs, with Matt Olosunde and Ben Wiles dropping to the bench.

Four minutes after the restart, Freddie Ladapo steered an effort at the back post tamely at Bentley as the game started to open up.

City were looking for an equaliser and the Millers were more of an attacking threat.

Nakhi Wells was worked clear just after the hour mark and Rotherham were relieved to see him drag his effort across goal and inches wide.

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Michael Ihiekwe almost doubled the advantage when his header drew a point-blank save from Bentley and Wood showed him how to do it from the ensuing corner.

The skipper was at the back post in the 74th minute to head home

The Robins tried to fight back but the the Millers were in no mood to let their lead slip and and a priceless victory was theirs.

Goals: Smith 44, Wood 74 (Rotherham).

Bristol City (4-2-3-1): Daniel Bentley; Jack Hunt (Sam Pearson 79), Adrian Mariappa, Tomas Kalas (Zak Vyner 27), Steven Sessegnon; Han-Noah Massengo (Sam Bell 79), Liam Walsh; Kasey Palmer (Henri Lansbury 60), Callum O'Dowda, Nahki Wells; Famara Diedhiou (Antoine Semenyo 60). Subs not used: Max O'Leary, Ryley Towler, Adam Nagy, Tyreeq Bakinson.

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Rotherham (3-5-2): Viktor Johansson; Michael Ihiekwe, Richard Wood, Angus MacDonald; Wes Harding, Lewis Wing (Trevor Clarke 87), Dan Barlaser (Shaun MacDonald 87), Matt Crooks, Ryan Giles (Matt Olosunde 65); Freddie Ladapo (Florian Jozefzoon 75), Michael Smith (George Hirst 87). Subs not used: Jamal Blackman, Ben Wiles, Kieran Sadlier.

Referee: Matt Donohue (Manchester).