Millers edged out at Brighton

Steve Evans’ men turned the division’s top versus bottom clash into a close affair but a late goal from substitute Jonson Clarke-Harris wasn’t enough as they were squeezed out 2-1.

Lee Camp’s goal was peppered with shots throughout the first half and the Millers were forced to concentrate almost entirely on defence as they tried to contain the quick-passing home side They look good value for their lofty league position.

A header from Matt Derbyshire, recalled to the side, presented a fleeting moment of danger but it was no surprise when the first goal arrived on 27 minutes.

Jamie Murphy broke down the left and his low cross was turned high into the net by the in-form Israeli striker, Tomer Hemed.

Chris Maguire miss-cued from a rare opportunity no more than ten yards out as Rotherham emerged for the second half looking a little more threatening.

Brighton’s uncertainty was ended on 67 minutes when Dale Stephens lashed in hard and low from 20 yards but no sooner had the celebrations died down than Rotherham replied. Joe Newell whipped in a free-kick and Clarke-Harris sent a header inside the far post to the delight of the 165 travelling supporters.

Camp kept his team in the game with good saves from Uwe Huenemeier and Solly March and six minutes of stoppage time offered extra time to find an equaliser but despite their best efforts, the Millers couldn’t fashion a clear cut chance.

Brighton: Stockdale, Saltor, Greer, Bong, Huenemeier, Stephens, Kayal, Murphy March (Rosenior 89), Hemed (Ince 81), Baldock (Zamora 69)

Millers: Camp, Buxton, Mattock, Rawson, Collins, Maguire, Smallwood (Halford 79), Newell, White (Ward 46), Odjidja-Ofoe, Derbyshire (Clarke-Harris 60)

Referee: James Linington (Isle of Wight)

Attendance: 21,397 (165 visitors)