'They go long. They don't pass.' Opposition manager John Coleman's verdict on Rotherham United

RIVAL boss John Coleman accused Rotherham United of being a long-ball team who "don't pass" after his side lost to the League One leaders yesterday.
John ColemanJohn Coleman
John Coleman

The Millers triumphed 2-1 at Accrington Stanley to remain in top spot but Coleman thought his team were unlucky to suffer a defeat against visitors who have won nine and drawn one of their last 11 league outings.

"They are effective at what they do," he said. "They go long. They use their width and the pace of their wide players, which is their only main threat really. 

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"They don't pass the ball really. They get it wide and run at people. They've got players who are capable of flashing the ball across. If they have a sympathetic ref who gives lots of fouls, which they did have, they put balls into your box."

Rotherham won the fixture between the two clubs at AESSEAL New York Stadium 1-0 in November and Coleman added: "They've beaten us by the odd goal on two occasions now and I don't think they deserved to win either game."

Freddie Ladapo put the Millers in front in the 64th minute at the Wham Stadium and Stanley equalised immediately after before Ben Wiles won the contest for Paul Warne's men in time added on.

"It's frustrating," Coleman said. "The least we deserved is a point. We've made the best chances. Their lad heads one in in stoppage time and Offrande (Zanzala) heads one over the bar for us. It's harder to miss, to be honest. 

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"The players battled for everything. They more than matched Rotherham who are a good side."

Rotherham included Accrington old boys Michael Ihiekwe, Matt Crooks, Dan Barlaser and Michael Smith in their team and, despite his disappointment, Coleman would like to see the Millers reach the Championship.

"Rotherham have go quite a few of our old players," he said. "I get on well with their manager and I hope they go on and get promoted."

 

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