Player ratings and match stats from Rotherham United 1 AFC Wimbledon 1

Millers (3-4-1-2)

Cameron Dawson: 5

Had little to do, but still looked nervy when the ball came into the box and it was his job to claim it.

Joe Rafferty: 5

Battled gamely - he's that kind of character. However, he was given an awkward afternoon by the pace and balance of a real young talent in Junior Nkeng.

Zak Jules: 6

His best display for a while after some poor ones. Did his job defensively until he didn't get to Marcus Browne for the Wimbledon goal. Good to see him on the scoresheet. Missing that last-gasp header will haunt him, mind.

Jamal Baptiste: 7

Made a contribution. Shirked nothing defensively and offered something in attack with his pace and touch.

Marvin Kaleta: 8

Caused the visitors a lot of problems with his direct running. He hits top speed very quickly, can beat a man and opens up gaps in tight spaces. Important he stays free of injury. More to come from a dangerous attacker still working his way back to full fitness.

Kian Spence: 8

The pick of the midfielders from both teams. Nimble in possession and quick to hunt down opponents when he didn't have the ball. Good with his corner deliveries as well. Unlucky not to score before and after the break. Has that 'Rotherham DNA' that manager Matt Hamshaw is so desperately seeking.

Dru Yearwood: 6

Did a solid job until being taken off at the break as the Millers went for a more attacking option.

Reece James: 6

Having a good season. A slight dip here, but only a slight one. Not as influential as he can be.

Joe Powell: 6

Ran hard with and without the ball and asked some questions of Wimbledon.

Harry Gray: 7

The Leeds United kid came to life for a spell in the second half and showed why there's so much noise about him at Elland Road. He's a proper footballer. What a player the 17-year-old will be when he's a few pounds heavier and a few games wiser.

Sam Nombe: 7

The Millers are so much more threatening when he's in the side. He has sharp feet and a sharp mind. There were times when Wimbledon couldn't handle his running. Another player who was unfortunate not to score.

The subs

Ar'Jany Martha (for Yearwood H-T): 5

Yet to find the form he was showing before reaching the World Cup Finals with Curacao. Moments of danger in attack, moments of going missing in defence. Where was he for the cross that created the Dons' goal?

Shaun McWilliams (for Spence 72): NA

Showed a good engine, as he always does.

Liam Kelly (for Gray 78): NA

Once a very good player. He turns 36 early next month, the legs have slowed and he isn't what he was. A two-year deal is proving to be 12 months too long.

Hugill (for Nombe 78): NA

The Dons defence had a far easier life in the closing stages of the second half. Like Kelly, his best is behind him. Laboured and heavy-legged.

Lenny Agbaire (for Kaleta 78): NA

Injuries have left him on the fringes after that bright start to his Rotherham career. Hopefully, he'll come again.

Not used: Ted Cann, Sean Raggett.

Wimbledon (4-2-3-1): Nathan Bishop 7; Isaac Ogundere 6, Patrick Bauer 7 (James Tilley 72), Ryan Johnson 7, Steve Seddon 6; Jake Reeves 6 (Zack Nelson 72), Alistair Smith 6; Myles Hippolyte 6 (Callum Maycock 72), Marcus Browne 7, Junior Nkeng 8; Matty Stevens 4 (Antwoine Hackford 72). Subs not used: Joe McDonnell, Nathan Asiimwe, Omar Bugiel.

Goals: Jules 50 (Rotherham); Browne 82 (Wimbledon)

Referee: Richard Eley (Derbyshire)

Attendance: 7,787 (464)

Opposition view

“We started the second half poorly. It had been a pretty even game in the first half. We stood up to the way Rotherham want to be direct and put it on you.

“We gave away a soft goal from a throw-in. We let the cross come in too easily. The atmosphere changed and they were on top.

“I had to make changes to give us a different stimulus. We got energy on to the pitch and it definitely worked."

- Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson

The stats

Possession: Millers 45 per cent, Dons 55

Goal attempts: Millers 16, Dons 7

On target: Millers 6, Dons 1

Touches in opposition box: Millers 30, Dons 9

Corners: Millers 8, Dons 4

Fouls committed: Millers 18, Dons 15

Final word

Needed to be a win. Should have been a win. Sadly, it wasn't a win. The triple substitution killed the home side.