Matt Hamshaw breaks with his usual protocol as he reacts to Rotherham United's superb win
DELIGHTED boss Matt Hamshaw revelled in what he described as a “a really good day for the club” as Rotherham United demolished play-off-chasing Lincoln City to continue their climb up the League One table this afternoon.
The manager usually remains level-headed regardless of the result. However, he gave a rare show of emotion after watching his improving side give their most complete display of the campaign to leap into 12th spot, only four points away from the top six.
“I try not to get too high or too low but it’s hard not to get too high after that performance,” he said.
“I just felt that, without sounding too cheesy, that the club felt united in the stands and on the pitch.”
“The players responded to the fans and it was a really good day for the club.”
Rotherham scored twice in the first half at AESSEAL New York Stadium, through spectacular Reece James and Ar'Jany Martha strikes, and Denzel Hall rounded off a comprehensive 3-0 victory after the interval.
The Imps had arrived in fifth position, but were no match for the Millers who could have triumphed by a greater margin as they extended their unbeaten league run to six games.
“Lincoln are a really good team with good characters and players,” Hamshaw said. “I thought that they did not pose us as many problems as they might have done – and that was down to us.
“As performances go, it was really good. Now, we have got to keep the consistency levels. We are on a good run and have been really good at home. We are not so bad away but we need to be better.
“We are pleased with the levels we are getting to. The players are giving their all.”
Lincoln head coach Michael Skubala was disappointed with what he felt was an uncharacteristic performance from his side.
He said: “It was completely not us. That’s the reality. In the first 20 minutes, we were passive and letting things drop and not getting to things.
“We looked tired and we turned the ball over too cheaply. We have got to find a way to not do that.
“We have to get to the ball quicker (for the first goal). Being passive can be through energy but also mentality. It’s a soft goal. We were second best in that moment.
“There are one or two players offside for Rotherham's second goal. I don’t think the ref had the best performance at all, but we have got some work to do, for sure.”