Player ratings and match stats from Lincoln City 3 Rotherham United 0

Millers (4-2-3-1)

Ted Cann: 5

His error for the opening goal was a big moment because Rotherham had been well in the game up to that point. An unconvincing display. Not doing as well now as when he first came into the side last month.

Joe Rafferty: 5

Below his best all afternoon. Should have equalised but got his timing wrong at the back post.

Lenny Agbaire: 5

A kid still learning the game. Some decent moments, some others where he was found wanting. Needs to develop more authority.

Zak Jules: 5

Probably too late now for Jules to develop the authority that ought to go with his physique. Too often, you think he has a bit more that he could give.

Reece James (Lino Sousa 80): 5

Showed up better in attack than he did in defence.

Liam Kelly (Brandon Cover, 80): 5

No issues on the ball, but ponderous in his running - to be expected from a 36-year-old.

Jamal Baptiste: 6

Probably the Millers' best player. Given a defensive midfield role and showed signs that his touch, combativeness, mobility and size could be an asset there.

Ar'Jany Martha: 1

A big chance to impress the new boss and then he plays like this. A passenger in the hour of need. Worse than that, a passenger who didn't seem too bothered about being a passenger. Lincoln bullied him.

Josh Benson: 5

One two flashes of quality from a talented player but, generally, this was a quiet afternoon. Still working his way back to fitness.

Duncan Watmore: 5

Part of some of Rotherham's best passages of play. Not involved enough. Was certain he should have been awarded a penalty, although his manager had a different view.

Sam Nombe: 5

Not his day. Ran hard at times, although to no real effect.

The subs

Gabriele Biancheri (for Martha H-T): 5

Showed a bit of twinkle in his feet, but Lincoln found it too easy to take the ball off him. Just a teenager. Needs a bit more strength. The experience will have done him good.

Dan Gore (for Watmore 65): 6

So good to see him back. Straight into things, keeping possession and driving forward in his customary style.

Josh Ayres (for Benson 65): 5

Willing and covered the ground, but unable to make an impact after his loan recall from Alfreton Town.

Brandon Cover (for Kelly 80): NA

Better ‘legs’ than the man he replaced, less assuredness on the ball.

Lino Sousa (for James 80): NA

Yet to show much in a frustrating loan spell.

Not used: Cameron Dawson, Jack Holmes.

Lincoln (4-2-3-1): George Wickens 6; Tendayi Darikwa 7, Tom Hamer 7 (Deji Elewere 88), Sonny Bradley 8, Ryley Towler 7; Ivan Varfolomeev 7 (Tom Bayliss 84), Conor McGrandles 7; Reeco Hackett 8 (Alfie Lloyd 84), Jack Moylan 6 (Dom Jefferies 68, 6), Ben House 8; Rob Street 6 (Ryan One 68, 6). Subs not used: Zach Jeacock, Erik Ring.

Goals: Hackett 17, 45, House 34 (Lincoln)

Referee: Craig Hicks (Surrey)

Attendance: 10,071 (943)

Opposition view

“It was a professional performance from start to finish and a good day at the office.

“Rotherham came with a different shape to what they have been playing with, and it took us a bit of time to get the required information to the lads. In the second part of the first half, some of the football was sensational.

“We looked aggressive and were front-footed. In the second half, we did a really professional job, didn't give any chances up and looked really threatening through our substitutes.

“The lads are going to have a breather for a couple of days, which is really important as some guys have played lots of minutes.

“We know football can turn quickly and nothing's done yet, but as soon as we're back into training we'll be getting ready to attack the final seven games."

- Lincoln boss Michael Skubala

The stats

Possession: Lincoln 44 per cent, Millers 56

Goal attempts: Lincoln 16, Millers 5

On target: Lincoln 6, Millers 0

Touches in opposition box: Lincoln 33, Millers 14

Corners: Lincoln 7, Millers 4

Fouls committed: Lincoln 11, Millers 4

Final word

Top v 22nd and it showed.