MATCH REPORT: Millers see victory snatched away at the death

Paul Warne and his former NYS colleague and now Posh boss Steve Evans. Pictures: DAVE POUCHER

Substitute Caolan Lavery’s second-half goal looked like earning the Millers a deserved win from a match they dominated for long spells.

But Jack Marriott struck at the death to earn the visitors a 1-1 draw, the goal coming in the 98th minute despite only six minutes of stoppage time being added initially.

Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor were given a warm reception at the start by the home fans but the pleasantries were soon forgotten once the action got underway.

Rotherham had the better of the first half and should have ended it in front.

Anthony Forde, clean through, shot at the legs of Conor O’Malley, Joe Mattock forced the Posh stopper to parry and David Ball was inches away from converting a tasty low centre from Matt Palmer.

The Posh still carried a lurking threat, in particular 23-goal leading scorer Marriott. They had a big yell for a penalty when he went to ground under a challenge from Semi Ajayi. Marek Rodak also did well to block a close-range shot on the turn from the division’s leading scorer.

The rain sheeted down at the start of the second half, with the greasy conditions adding a twist to a tight contest.

Caolan Lavery celebrates his goal, his first for Rotherham since his loan switch from Sheffield United.

Rotherham continued to ask most of the questions. Richie Towell couldn’t take advantage of two decent openings and Joe Mattock, an Evans signing, planted a volley into the ground and over the bar.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 69 minutes. Posh failed to deal with Forde’s free-kick and the ball fell for Lavery to coolly steer home from close in.

The Millers fancied more. Michael Smith twice went close but it took a flying save from Rodak to deny the ever dangerous Marriott.

Six minutes of stoppage time had come and gone when the final twist occurred. Junior Morias put a ball into the box and Marriott was on hand to convert in front of a stunned kop.

The result still leaves Rotherham eight points clear of Posh but they know it should be more. They will also have questions to ask of the time keeping.

Millers: Rodak, Emmanuel, Vaulks, Ajayi, Mattock (Ihiekwe 85), Forde, Palmer, Towell (Ihiekwe 90), Newell; Ball (Lavery 60), Smith.

Peterborough: O’Malley, Shephard, Hughes, Tafazolli, Forrester, Maddison, Taylor, Cooper, Grant, Lloyd, Marriott

Referee: Scott Oldham (Lancs)

Attendance: 9,573 (1,240 visitors)