Rotherham United came from behind to defeat Oldham Athletic in the Vertu Trophy Group Stages last night, and assistant manager Dale Tonge praised the impact of the Millers’ second-half changes.
Impact
A triple change at the interval saw Joe Rafferty, Reece James and Jordan Hugill introduced to the action, described by Rotherham’s assistant manager as a ‘real difference’ and ‘what you want from your substitutes’. A moment of individual brilliance halved the deficit, as Kian Spence sent a superb effort into the top-left-hand corner 25 yards from goal.
Josh Ayres was later brought off the bench, and he saw a goal disallowed for handball. But it was one of the alterations at half-time, Joe Rafferty, whose dangerous cross was diverted home by Jake Leake. And that spurred Rotherham on to grab a winner in the first minute of stoppage time. Reece James got the better of Reagan Ogle, cutting back inside and finding the far corner to complete the comeback.
Work To Do
Oldham could hardly have asked for a better start, taking a first-minute lead when Kai Payne’s cross on the half-volley was thumped home by Luke Hannant. The Millers’ coaching staff will have been particularly disappointed in the ease with which the Latics doubled their advantage. Ryan Woods delivered a free-kick to the back post, headed back across goal by Jack Leake for Regan Ogle to glance the ball into the far corner.
Speaking to Paul Davis from the Rotherham Advertiser after the game, Tonge made his feelings clear regarding the opening 45 minutes.
“I think that, as a team, we were really poor in the first half, and that was really disappointing. The gaffer just felt at half-time that we needed experience, that mindset of what it needed to look like to turn it around.”
Injury Update
Looking ahead to Northampton Town on Saturday, Tonge gave an update on several Rotherham players. There was no substitute goalkeeper on the bench last night, while several first-team players have been absent in recent times.
“He [Liam Kelly] just took a knock. It was a really unfortunate collision right at the end of training one day last week. We’re quite hopeful on Josh [Benson] for this weekend. It’s an impact injury, so we’re pleased it’s not a serious one.
“Ted Cann is following the protocols at the minute. We’ll see what he does on Wednesday and that will dictate what that next stage looks like. Saturday will be too soon for him [Sam Nombe], unfortunately.”
Writer’s View
Rotherham United were far from their best in large spells yesterday evening, but did what was required to get over the line and give themselves an excellent shot at progressing in this competition. Oldham will be extremely disappointment to let the lead slip in the manner they did, having got everything spot on during the opening 45 minutes against a higher-ranked opponent.
