Clinical Rotherham defeat the U's

Luca Garofalo
Jan 28
3 min read

The Millers reply to their poor Saturday performance with a win at home to the U's. After little action in the first half the second half was poised to impress. A Loft goal made it 1-0 to the visitors however only 4 minutes later a Wilks goal put the home side level. Neither side creating any clear cut chances throughout the game didn't seem to effect Steve Evans' men as they went on to take a 2-1 lead through an Odoffin first time strike. A lot to build from for both sides as neither seemed to impress however it's the home side who will be walking away with all 3 points.

Kachunga kicked the game off with Cambridge United kicking off right to left. The Amber Army in full voice behind Stevens in goal helped lift the spirits of the side in green. However after both teams struggle to keep possession no chances were created. The first opening 10 minutes saw Kachunga's name be taken by the referee for kicking the ball away, denying the swift restart of play that Rotherham wanted. In the 14th minute saw Ryan Loft's first attempt of goal with a flick aimed goalward but only resulted in a tame effort and a Rotherham goal kick. Cousins made a lunged header helping towards Loft's direction however only resulted in a slight knock for the former Wigan Athletic and Jamaica capped midfielder. The remainder of the first half continued in the same fashion resulting in a first half substitution for Rotherham, replacing Alex MacDonald for Sean Raggett. One minute of added time was awarded by the fourth official which drew the first half to a conclusion.

It was just the 1 change at the half with Okedina being replaced by James Gibbons. The second half started with a sense of urgency as in the 49th minute Ryan Loft muscles the ball past 2 Rotherham defender and blasts the ball past Phillips in the Rotherham net. This goal set the away into carnage as the U's continue their fast openings with another goal soon after kick off. This now leaves Loft with 2 goals in 2 games, which for a striker who has struggled with goals this season will be greatly beneficial for his season as well as the teams. As well as that attack was the U's were soon pegged back with a great headed effort from Wilks who beat Watts in the air and with a bit of luck from the post levelled the home side only 4 minutes of being behind. A now level game and the momentum in Rotherham's hands the home side continued to keep the ball and use the threat of deep crosses to pave chances. Sibley's 59th minute booking had little effect to his work ethic throughout the game. Garry Monk was first to use the subs bench in the second half as new signing Dom Ballard came on in replace of Josh Stokes and Paul Digby replaced James Brophy in the 68th minute. Unfortunately for the side in green it was only 1 minute later when Wilks beat the offside trap before squaring the ball into the box for Hakeem Odoffin who calmly slotted home with a first time shot into the far corner giving Stevens no chance. After Andre Green took a knock to his shoulder Evans replaced him with Sam Nombe, who got the winner at the Abbey the last time these sides faced each other. After repeated fouls Gibbons had his name taken into the referees book. A double change for Monk's side in the 85th minute saw Osong replace Bennett and Barton replace goal scorer Ryan Loft however it was too late as Rotherham had control of the ball. In the 89th minute, after Watts took what appeared to be a knee to the face, Hoddle was introduced to replace Watts. The fourth official raised his board signaling 7 minutes of added time but it wasn't enough for the U's to claw a goal back. The game finished 2-1 with Rotherham taking all 3 points.

Next up for United is a home tie against in form and promotion chasing Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday 1st February. Monk's side will be needing to be at their best in order to gain an all important 3 points in 4 days time.

PLAYER RATINGS

Stevens - 6/10

Okedina - 5/10

Morrison - 5.5/10

Watts - 5/10

Andrew - 5/10

Brophy - 6/10

Cousins - 5.5/10

Bennett - 5.5/10

Stokes 6/10

Kachunga - 4/10

Loft - 6/10