Rotherham United Paul Warne reacts to victory on a day the Millers left opposition boss Karl Robinson feeling "sick"

DELIGHTED boss Paul Warne praised the comeback victory that has kept Rotherham United's League One automatic-promotion fate in their own hands.
Dan Barlaser celebrates his successful spot-kick. Picture by Kerrie BeddowsDan Barlaser celebrates his successful spot-kick. Picture by Kerrie Beddows
Dan Barlaser celebrates his successful spot-kick. Picture by Kerrie Beddows

The Millers went behind early on against Oxford United at AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon but goals from Rarmani Edmonds-Green and Dan Barlaser brought them victory and left them on the verge of a return to the Championship.

One win from their final two matches should be enough to maintain second place in a division in which the leading six sides have all accummuated 80 point or more.

Warne, whose team go to Sunderland on Tuesday and the Gillingham on next Saturday's final day, said: "In the second half we looked back to our glowing best and could have got a couple more goals."

Edmonds-Green's header seconds before the break cancelled out Barlaser's own goal and then Barlaser redeemed himself by converting a 66th-minute penalty as the Millers began to dominate proceedings.

“Fortunately we got the goal just before half-time," Warne said. "It gave the lads a real boost. It definitely settled us down.

"I am just really pleased to finish the regular home season in front of our fans with a win.

“Sometimes it's just about raw effort. The lads gave everything and created plenty of chances."

The Millers are on the same number of points, 86, as MK Dons but have a game in hand and a superior goal difference - plus-35 compared to plus-29.

Rotherham's triumph put an end to Oxford's play-off hopes and U's head coach Karl Robinson said: “I am sick. It's a sick moment and one that I am struggling with.

“We have accumulated 75 points yet with a game to go we have nothing to play for other than pride.

“We gave far too many free-kicks away in the first half and knew there would be consequences. There was human error at certain stages."