MATCHDAY CENTRE: Stand-in skipper apologises for heavy derby defeat

The 32-year-old Irishman apologised to fans following the humiliating defeat, saying: “It wasn’t good enough.”

It was the manner of Rotherham’s performance after falling behind to Marc Roberts’ tap in 10 minutes after the restart that upset Kelly, something he says the Millers need to improve on.

He said: “I think after we conceded the first goal we went a little bit gung-ho and lost our shape, that caused us problems.

“Then at 2-0 we were chasing it, leaving ourselves exposed.

“For the first half we had a good shape but as soon as they scored their first goal, which is a bit unfortunate I think, we just lost our shape and discipline.

“It’s just a downer that for us as a team in a game where we should really come away with something.

“To have a second half like that is just so disappointing.”

The Millers went on to conceded another three goals in just 34 minutes, making it a tough day for over 3,200 fans that made the short trip.

Kelly added: “It’s more disappointing that the fans had to endure that.

“Being a derby, being just a few miles up the road, bragging rights are always nice.

“On that front we’ve let the fans down and after being captain for the last few weeks, all I can do is apologise for the team and say it wasn’t through a lack of effort, everyone gave 100 per cent but today we switched off and caused our own problems.”

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