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

Warne had talked of being under pressure in the build-up to the Championship clash at ASSEAL New York Stadium.

But he had no reason to worry as his players responded with a spirited display brimming with endeavour and goal threat.

They led 2-0 at the break and were barely troubled in the second half as they saw out the enounter against a side that had arrived in South Yorkshire sixth in the table.

The Millers remain in 20th spot and on this evidence look capable of surviving in the second tier despite their huge injury list.

Rotherham got off to just the start they wanted as Dan Barlaser delivered a fourth-minute free-kick from the right and Matt Crooks' thumping header gave Daniel Bentley in the visitors' no chance.

At the other end, Viktor Johansson was down quickly at his right-hand post two minutes later to palm away Nahki Well's low 20-yard effort following a Millers infringement.

Ben Wiles had a clear sight of goal on 11 minutes following Michael Ihiekwe's cross but the midfielder couldn't keep his effort below the bar

Play was going end to end and moments later Tyreeq Bakinson fired over for City before Michael Smith's goalbound shot was pushed wide by Bentley.

In a really positive opening Rotherham period, Smith had another chance but glanced a 15th-minute header over and a minute later Matt Olosunde tested the busy Bentley.

With less than half an hour on the clock, the home side were relieved to see Antoine Semenyo's fierce cross-goal effort flash wide after the wide man had been played in down Bristol's left flank.

Chairman Tony Stewart lost his cool in the 36th minute, leading the shouts for what looked to be a certain penalty for a trip on Olosune only for referee Leigh Doughty to shake his head.

However, Rotherham had to wait only five minutes for the second goal they deserved as Olosunde sent in a stunning cross and Smith turned it past Bentley.

In between the spot-kick shouts and Smith's strike, Crooks had driven the ball just over and Kyle Vassell had been only centimetres away from connecting with his head when Jamie Lindsay's shot came back off Bentley.

Warne had brought in young Swedish goalkeeper Johansson for only his second start and dropped Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman to the bench.

Michael Smith won the battle with Freddie Ladapo to start up front and skipper Richard Wood was recalled at the heart of the defence, with Wes Harding - a starter in every match this season - granted a rest among the substitutes.

The early stages of the second half saw the Millers keep City at bay with a strong, disciplined display, although it required a brilliant reflex save from Johansson to deny Famara Diedhiou just past the hour mark.

Ladapo was on the pitch for Vassell and twice forced corners with shots on the turn while Smith tried the same on 76 minutes but managed only to give Bentley an easy save.

Wiles hit the side-netting after great set-up work from Lindsay as the clock ticked down, Barlaser's free-kick piledriver stung the hands of Bentley and Smith saw his header saved.

Victory was in the bag long before the final whistle as Rotherham produced the perfect reaction for their boss at the perfect time.

Goals: Crooks 4, Smith 41 (Rotherham).

Rotherham United (3-5-2): Viktor Johansson; Michael Ihiekwe, Richard Wood, Angus MacDonald; Matt Olosunde (Wes Harding 88), Jamie Lindsay (Billy Jones 88), Dan Barlaser, Matt Crooks, Ben Wiles; Michael Smith (George Hirst 90+2), Kyle Vassell (Freddie Ladapo 66). Subs not used: Jamal Blackman, Adam Thompson, Trevor Clarke, Florian Jozefzoon.

Bristol City (4-2-3-1): Daniel Bentley; Jack Hunt (Famara Diedhiou H-T), Zak Vyner (Adrian Mariappa H-T), Tomas Kalas, Tommy Rowe; Tyreeq Bakinson (Chris Brunt 63), Adam Nagy (Han-Noah Massengo 82); Antoine Semenyo (Opi Edwards 82), Callum O'Dowda, Nahki Wells; Chris Martin. Subs not used: Max O'Leary, Taylor Moore, Sam Bell, Ryler Towler.

Referee: Leigh Doughty (Lancashire).