Player ratings and match stats as Rotherham United see off high-flying Lincoln City 3-0
Millers writer Paul Davis delivers his verdict on yesterday’s events after Matt Hamshaw’s League One men proved far too strong for the top-six Imps at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Millers (3-1-4-2)
Cameron Dawson 8
The save he made just before half-time was a key moment in the game. As important as any of the three goals. His distribution was excellent, too – his kicks and throws got his teammates on the attack.
Joe Rafferty: 8
A defender who loves to defend. An experienced, vocal presence at the side of young Hamish Douglas. Knows the game, reads the game, can play the game. Excellent stuff from the captain.
Hamish Dougas: 8
More exciting signs that Rotherham have a real prospect on their hands. Fluffed his lines once with a fresh-aired swipe of a non-clearance but, otherwise, he was really solid in the air and on the ground. Doesn't let himself be bullied.
Reece James: 9
His best game in a Millers shirt and he deservedly took the sponsors' Man-of-the-Match award. His display was even more impressive when you factor in he's having injections so that he can play through a rib issue. Defended really well, joined in attacks and capped everything off with a fine, long-range goal.
Dan Gore: 8
Good on the ball, good off the ball. A wonderful mix of mongrel and pedigree, he took a grip on the game and never let it go. Made things happen for his team, stopped things happening for the opposition.
Denzel Hall: 8
Class. He pretty much always is. Always in control of what he's doing and always makes the right decision.
Shaun McWilliams: 8
Another huge shift from the midfielder. He ran and ran and then ran some more. Got the Millers up the field and kept nicking the ball off Lincoln. He and Gore mopped up so many ‘seconds’ throughout the afternoon.
Joe Powell: 9
Powelly at the top of his game. Quick, littles passes. Long, lovely ones. And all the while he was working his socks off, popping up here, there and everywhere. Quality. Composure. Effort.
Ar'Jany Martha: 9
This boy can be anything he wants to be. Too talented for League One. What a piece of summer recruitment. Few players could have scored the goal he did. Goes past opponents with such high-speed silk and finesse that they can't work out how he's done it. Just needs to add 90-minute focus to his game.
Jordan Hugill: 8
Had a little spell where he thought he'd turned into Martha and showed off skills I suspect even he didn't think he possessed. Has made a real contribution in the last few games. Put himself about and was a presence in both halves.
Sam Nombe: 8
Didn't score. Deserved to, though, for his threat and work rate. Looked after the ball in tight areas and then ran hard with it, punching holes in City's defence.
The subs
Dru Yearwood (for McWilliams 80): NA
Slipped in without fuss and helped Rotherham maintain their superiority.
Martin Sherif (for Hugill 80): NA
Lincoln couldn't contain him and he could have bagged two late goals.
Josh Benson (for Nombe 89): NA
A real game-changer on the bench. His services weren't required on this occasion but there'll be other days.
Marvin Kaleta (for Martha 90+3): NA
Good to see him available again after a six-week injury absence.
Not used: Ted Cann, Jack Holmes, Josh Ayres
Lincoln (4-2-3-1): George Wickens 6; Adam Reach 5 (Dexter Lembikisa 79), Adam Jackson 6, Sonny Bradley 6, Tom Hamer 5; Tom Bayliss 5, Conor McGrandles 5 (Ivan Varfolomeev 63, 5); Rob Street 5, Freddie Harper 4 (James Collins 63, 4), Erik Ring 5 (Francis Okoronkwo 79); Justin Obikwu 5 (Oscar Thorn 63, 5). Subs not used: Zach Jeacock, Ryley Towler.
Goals: James 10, Martha 31, Hall 59 (Rotherham)
Referee: Michael Skubala (America)
Attendance: 8,912 (1,534)
Opposition view
“We need to put right things that are going wrong. We were slow out of the blocks, which is really unlike us. I'm frustrated with the referee. I thought he played a part. But we've got to better. We've got simplify our game and pass the ball quicker. We haven't scored enough goals away from home but we've always been solid. Today, we didn't look solid. After the second goal, we weren't in the game enough.”
– Imps head coach Michael Skubala
The stats
Possession: Millers 40 per cent, Lincoln 60
Goal attempts: Millers 13, Lincoln 10
On target: Millers 5, Lincoln 4
Touches in opposition box: Millers 11, Lincoln 33
Corners: Millers 4, Lincoln 6
Fouls committed: Millers 9, Lincoln 10
Final word
Enjoy it. Savour it. It doesn't get much better than this.