Fury over referee overshadows Matt Hamshaw's pride in Rotherham United performance
FUMING boss Matt Hamshaw hit out at the standard of refereeing in the aftermath of Rotherham United’s defeat today, declaring a wrong decision had cost his side dear yet again this season.
The Millers slipped to a seventh straight League One loss but performed so well in the second half at Stockport County that they received a standing ovation from the 600-plus fans in the away end.
Hamshaw claimed that the home side's second goal in Rotherham's 3-2 reverse should have been ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Cameron Dawson and added that he's sick of his side suffering injustices at the hands of match officials.
“We've had a couple of those in this run that we're on,” he said. “It feels that a lot of things are conspiring against us. It's really hard to take.
“I'll let other people decide on that second goal. But I'm just fed up of getting apology letters about decisions that are killing us. It's just not right. It's clear to you, to me and to everybody in the stadium, but not to the people that matter.”
The two sides traded own goals to go in level at the break and Hamshaw then sent on three substitutes who had been out injured - top scorer Sam Nombe, Kian Spence and Reece James.
What followed was the best display since the 3-0 home win over Lincoln City in November when the Millers were on an unbeaten sequence of nine third-tier games.
County went in front through that disputed Josh Stokes goal not long after half-time before Nombe struck within 15 minutes of coming on to make it 2-2.
Benony Andersson put Rotherham behind for a third time and Nombe hit both posts with the same shot in time added on as the visitors frantically chased an equaliser.
“We got a fortunate goal. However, they got a fortunate goal as well, let's not forget that,” Hamshaw said.
“It's 1-1, there's not a lot in the game. We are then on top at the end of the first half. Jordan Hugill could arguably score (with a header), and then I make the changes. I don't want to be unfair to anybody, but I need my best players fit. You saw the difference that Sam made.
“It was a really positive performance that hasn't got any points, and that's bitterly disappointing. There are things we can do better, of course there is. But in terms of the effort, the commitment, the desire this afternoon, that is what we need.”
The result saw the Millers drop another place in the table, to 23rd spot, and they now have home matches against AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town coming up before ending January with a trip to Exeter City.
They should be boosted by the presence of even more key men as the treatment room finally becomes less crowded.
“We have three huge games where we need to get some points on the board,” Hamshaw said. “My frustration all season, really, is that I've been able to put out what I see as my best team only a handful of times. That's what's killing us.
“We've hopefully got some positives - we're hopeful that Joe Powell, Ar'Jany Martha and Dan Gore will be back next week.
“No disrespect to anybody in the squad, but you need your best players on the pitch - and we haven't had that consistently.”
The clash at Edgeley Park saw young hot-shot Harry Gray play for the first time since his loan move from Premier League Leeds United on Wednesday.
“I thought he was very good, considering he's 17 and it's his full debut in men's football,” Hamshaw said. “He's got bloody knees and a scratched face and all the rest of it, but that'll do him the world of good.”