MATCHDAY CENTRE: Millers hold firm to earn first win

The ‘0’ in the against column will have been just as satisfying for Millers boss Alan Stubbs as the ‘1’ in the for column following Saturday’s first victory of the season over Brentford at AESSEAL New York Stadium .

Striker Danny Ward – looking much leaner and fitter than previous campaigns – netted the only goal of the game and his second of the season in the 32nd minute to give Stubbs his first win in charge.

And as the torrential rain – which came and went throughout the afternoon – began to clear for one last time, a rainbow arched over NYS and the Millers’ pot of gold was within touching distance.

The Millers' pot of gold was waiting at the end of the rainbow.

Against Wolves in the season opener, Rotherham excelled in the first period before waning and ultimately throwing away a two goal lead to only earn a point.

There was no chance of a repeat against a mobile and fluid Brentford as every player put his body on the line to repel attacks time and time again.

Of course the visitors did have chances, particularly in the second half, but a defence that included right back Darnell Fisher and centre back Dominic Ball making their home debuts closed the door in their faces.

When the Millers’ new-look defence was breached, last season’s player of the season Lee Camp was standing tall between the sticks to provide an unbreakable last line.

There were full debuts for midfielders Izzy Brown and Tom Adeyemi, signed from Chelsea and Cardiff respectively on season-long-loans.

New boys Izzy Brown (left) and Tom Adeyemi.

Brown, who was calm and confident on the ball, had a golden chance to make himself a hero when he found himself one-on-one with Bees stopper Daniel Bentley before the Millers took the lead, but his effort was deflected on to the bar before bouncing over for a corner.

Adeyemi – who had to be replaced at half time due to a thigh complaint - looked physical and energetic, something the Millers have missed in the centre of the park in recent weeks.

Stubbs’ men held firm to deny a Brentford side missing key man Alan Judge and managed to keep their threat in attack throughout.

They attacked and defended as a team and looked more like a unit all over the pitch. There is still work to be done, of course, and with more recruits likely before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month, the group should get stronger.

But there were clear signs of progress and, at the final whistle, the Millers’ pot of gold was firmly in Stubbs’ hands for the first time.

Anyone up for a South Yorkshire derby next week?

Keep your eyes on the Advertiser website throughout the morning for all the reaction to Saturday's 1-0 win over Brentford.