Manager Matt Taylor sets out his priorities in mission to tackle Rotherham United away woe

Emergency centre-back Cohen Bramall in action for Rotherham United at Cardiff City in the Championship. Picture: Jim Brailsford

The injury-hit Millers suffered a 2-0 defeat at in-form Cardiff City yesterday and have now lost all five league matches on their travels as well as a Carabao Cup tie at Stoke City.

They didn't manage a shot on target in South Wales but Taylor is more concerned, for now, about his side preventing goals rather than scoring them when they hit the road.

"I'd love to have an away team that creates chance after chance and keeps the ball consistently but we are nowhere near there as yet," the boss said after the loss to the sixth-placed Bluebirds had kept Rotherham in 23rd spot.

"Let's be hard to beat, let's be resilient, let's be tough in the tackle, which we generally were today. We defended set-pieces really well."

The Millers had restricted Cardiff, who have won six of their last seven second-tier matches, to very few sights on goal until falling behind in the 56th minute. The home team then wrapped up the victory as the contest was slipping into added time.

"For the first hour, it was the best we have been away," Taylor said. "It wasn't spectacular but it was structured. We lacked a little bit of quality going forward but it was a really positive start to the game."

Rotherham, without seven potential first-teamers and fielding a makeshift backline, were frustrating the Bluebirds until Karlan Grant was given too much time and space to cross and Kion Etete headed home at the back post.

"We kept them at arm’s length for the majority of the first half, then one momentary loss of concentration has allowed them to get ahead," Taylor said.

"We felt in control without being spectacular in any way. You don't have to be spectacular but you've got to be in the game to give yourselves a chance.

"We have to ask for the basics first, especially away from home with our form as it is."

The Millers had only one fit central defender in Tyler Blacket and full-backs Dexter Lembikisa and Cohen Bramall were pressed into service as stand-in centre-halves.