Cruel late blow as Millers lose at Forest

Ex-Miller Lewis Grabban scored the only goal of the game from the spot in the 86th minute to leave Paul Warne’s side with nothing to show for their efforts.

They defended diligently and succeeded in frustrating their hosts but that will be scant consolation from another defeat on the road. The Millers have yet to collect a point in their five away matches since returning to the Championship.

The main action early on took place in the stands as the crowd, Rotherham fans included, joined in a minute’s standing ovation in memory of the late, great Brian Clough.

There was little to worry the Millers in the first half-hour and they even had a half-chance when Ryan Manning stood up a decent corner Will Vaulks, under pressure, planted his header wide.

Ben Osborn had a shot deflected wide for Forest and although they had spells of pressure up to the break, they didn’t look like a side befitting the millions invested this summer. Rotherham’s game plan had worked to perfection.

The recalled Jamie Proctor made way for the man he originally replaced, Michael Smith, at half time, and Forest emerged for the second period with more intent. Their £13 million club record signing, Joao Carvalho, rattled the outside of the post from an angle close to goal and Gil Dias’ snap shot forced Rodak into a decent low save.

The Millers weathered the storm and nearly took the lead with ten minutes to go. Billy Jones, making his first league start, and Smith combined to free Towell and the Brighton loan man’s angled shot was turned over not too convincingly by goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.

A creditable point looked within reach until four minutes from the end of normal time.. Ryan Williams brought Osborn down in the area and Grabban stepped up to send Rodak the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

Rotherham threw the kitchen sink at it in the closing minutes but couldn’t find a way back and have now gone 30 matches since an away win at this level.

If they can add more of an attacking threat to the defensive quality shown here then that run will surely end soon.

Nottingham Forest: Pantilimon; Janko, Hefele, Fox, Robinson; Guedioura (Lolley 60), Watson; Dias (Cash 71), Carvalo (Bridcutt 90), Osborn; Grabban

Millers: Rodak; Jones, Ajayi, Wood, Mattock; Vassell, Vaulks, Towell (Taylor 88), Manning (Palmer 71), Williams; Proctor (Smith HT)

Referee: Robert Jones

Attendance: 27,479 (1,291 visitors)