High marks for the Millers ... player ratings and match stats from Rotherham United 2 Chesterfield 1
The Millers could have triumphed by a much greater margin
Paul Davis gives his verdict on Saturday’s proceedings at AESSEAL New York Stadium as Alex Bruce’s side won for the first time in League Two this term by seeing off Chesterfield 2-1
Millers (3-5-2)
Ted Cann: 6
Nothing wrong with his handling or positioning. His distribution remains a work in progress, though.
Emmanuel Adegboyega: 7
Was playing well until that clash of heads forced him off. Made his physicality count and competed hard.
Sonny Aljofree: 9
Like a young Richard Wood, and that's a huge compliment in Millers circles. Didn't let anyone go past him, and got a head or foot to everything. A young player improving every week as he comes of age.
Kieran Ngwenya: 7
Looked very much at home on the left of a three-man defence in his first start. Had a smooth, silky look to him at times. Did the ugly stuff and also looked to get Rotherham on the front foot.
Denzel Hall: 7
More like the real Denzel. Good in possession and used his speed to telling effect.
Kian Spence: 9
Has gone from very good to excellent to exceptional in pre-season and the opening stages of the League Two campaign. Hit a new level here. Has a real bite in his tackling - just ask Chesterfield's George McEachran - and a snap to his work in possession. And he never stops running. A gifted all-rounder with an attitude to match his talent.
Brandon Cover: 7
Neat and tidy. Bits and pieces. Get it, give it, go again. Did absolutely nothing spectacular yet his performance was a really important one for the team. Always ready to receive the ball and move it on. Not quite in the Spence class for covering the ground, but he constantly popped up where he was needed.
Ewan Otoo: 8
I like him. He's looking like a good signing. Makes sure the opposition know he's around, and doesn't let himself down in possession. Already, he's played at centre-half, left-back and midfield. It was a midfield role here and he was a big, tough presence. Set up the Millers' opening goal as well.
Jili Buyabu: 6
Some dangerous darts, but this a quieter afternoon for one of Rotherham's major threats.
Fabio Tavares: 8
A twinkle in his smile and a twinkle in his feet. Took his goal really well, and he knows better than anyone that he should have had a hat-trick. His movement and lively running were too much for the Spireites to handle. Caused all kinds of problems.
Tom Bradshaw: 6
Showed up pretty well on his first start. There's still plenty of spark in those 34-year-old legs. However, not converting the penalty costs him a mark. Looked like he scuffed his connection.
The subs
Joe Rafferty (for Adegboyega 60): 7
A solid, reliable contribution from a solid, reliable player.
Paul Mullin (for Bradshaw 64): 7
What a finish for the late, late winner. Vintage Mullin. Everything was perfect from the moment he latched on to a loose ball 40 yards from goal until the moment it nestled in the back of the net.
Josh Austerfield (for Buyabu 64): 6
Nothing fancy, nothing bad from the new boy signed on the eve of the contest.
Ar'Jany Martha (for Tavares 81): NA
Not on the pitch for long enough to make a real impact.
Not used: Julian Eyestone, Ossama Ashley, Aaron Nemane.
Chesterfield (4-2-3-1): Ryan Boot 6; Remeao Hutton 6, Jack Simpson 6, Kyle McFadzean 6, Lewis Gordon 6 (Malik Owolabi-Belewu 81); Ryan Stirk 6, George McEachran 6 (Rafiq Lamptey 81); Dilan Markanday 6 (Danny Anisjko 81), Liam Mandeville 7, Josh Koroma 4 (Tom Naylor 70); Lee Bonis 5 (Fraser Bryden 60, 5). Subs not used: Alfie Pond, Junior Eccleston.
Goals: Tavares 12; Mullin 90 (Rotherham); Mandeville pen 87 (Chesterfield
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge (Tyne and Wear)
Attendance: 9,291 (2,285)
Opposition view
"We don't play forward enough. It's a criticism of us and I fully support that criticism. We were begging our lads to play forward and run.
"We're going through a little spell where there's a lot of anger in our fans. You can feel it. We've played three games!
"We got back into the game. Would it have been a fortuitous point? Yeah. We're not at it 100 per cent, but I'm not certain where the supporters' bad energy is coming from.
"Today was the first time I've seen our lads play with a bit of fear and tension."
- Spireites boss Paul Cook
The stats
Possession: Millers 38 per cent, Chesterfield 62
Goal attempts: Millers 13, Chesterfield 7
On target: Millers 4, Chesterfield 2
Touches in opposition box: Millers 16, Chesterfield 24
Corners: Millers 2, Chesterfield 0
Fouls committed: Millers 14, Chesterfield 11
Final word
A bit like Spence. Very good, excellent. The end? Exceptional.