Huge tonic for Redfearn and Millers

Joe Newell headed the only goal of the game early in the second half to hand Neil Redfearn his first win in charge and ensure a painful afternoon for his predecessor, home boss Steve Evans.

The only downer was a red card for debutant Leon Best, the striker sent off along with home defender Gaetano Berardi after the two clashed late in the second half.

Redfearn also handed a debut to experienced former Reading defender Stephen Kelly and saw him play his full part in a resilient defensive display. The line-up showed nine changes from the defeat to Ipswich last time out.

The platform was laid in the first half when the Millers put their bodies on the line to protect gaolkeeper Lee Camp. He was called upon to make only one serious save in the opening 45 minutes, diving full stretch to deny Alex Mowatt.

Mirco Antenucci blazed a great chance wide soon after the break and Rotherham took advantage of the let-off when Newell nodded in Richie Smallwood’s cross.

Chasing a third straight win, Leeds pressed for an equaliser but couldn't exploit some promising positions, either before or after the teams were reduced to ten men.

Chris Wood planted a header straight at the stopper and sub Jordan Botaka snatched at a late chance but Grant Ward nearly added a second goal in six minutes of stoppage time.

“The situation called for men and we had them,” said Redfearn, who was delighted to put one over on the club he left in the summer.

Evans said:  “I always take defeats hard so to take defeat against a team I have great pride in leaving does hurt more.”

Leeds: Silvestri, Berardi, Wootton, Bellusci, Cooper, Dallas (Botaka 67), Cook (Erwin 85), Mowatt, Murphy (Adeyemi 67), Wood, Antenucci

Millers: Camp, Buxton, Mattock (Toffolo 46), Broadfoot, Kelly, Grant Ward, Frecklington, Smallwood, Newell (Collins 90), Clarke-Harris (Danny Ward 80), Best

Referee: Keith Stroud

Attendance: 25,802