It does seem like every game is described as a "must win, six pointer"even at this relatively early stage of the season. Having said that, our game at home to Bristol City did appear to qualify as one of those season defining games. 

Bristol were improving after finding life difficult after their promotion. Their fans were ultra confident of a win against us and Keiron Agard, our former talisman striker was making his first return to the NYS. 

On the other hand from our perspective, we'd finally won under our new manager and desperately needed to follow that up by winning at home for what would be the second time this season.

Two enforced changes saw Danny Collins in at left back for the injured, yet again,Mattock, with Danny Ward, emerging as something of a Neil Redfern favourite, in for the suspended Leon Best.

Before the kick off, Agard's reception was somewhat muted and subdued but there was some polite applause.

We began slowly and Collins struggled for pace early on looking out of position at left back. Fortunately, Bristol were no Ipswich and lacked the fire power to trouble us too much.

Then came those two first half goals from JCH. That first one, taking everyone by surprise, as if flew past their keeper. Then came that bullet of a penalty which Fielding did well to get out of the way of, such was the power of the kick which would surely have taken their goalkeeper into the net with the ball had he managed to get behind it.

By now, our manager had negated the threat down our left hand side by playing Danny Ward just in front of Collins and as the first half drew to a close, it was the Millers who were on top.

Agard missed a one on one with Camp and he was virtually forgotten after that until his substitution midway through the second half.

Second half, both teams tried to play from the back. Bristol had lots of possession but hardly threatened and despite Kelly's injury, the introduction of Rawson, if anything, made us look more secure in defence.

Frecklington scored a third much to the delight of his teammates and the home support and it was job done.

A good battling performance and an even better result against a side who will be one of our rivals for those three relegation places come May. Despite the visitors having the Lion's share of possession, they rarely looked capable of scoring. A bit like we'd done at Middlesbrough a couple of week's ago.

A second successive win then and a successive clean sheet, my how things change in just a fortnight.

Ratings:

Camp 8 Rarely troubled but did manage to keep out Agard on that one on one. He oozes confidence and it shows throughout the defence.

Buxton 7 Arguably one of his better displays, gave 100% and looked steadier than in previous games.

Broadfoot 8 Had a fine ninety minutes and rarely put a foot wrong. What he lacks in pace, he makes up for in experience and reads game well.

Collins 6 Surprising choice at left back, especially with the pacy Toffolo on the bench. Struggled early on but improved after NR's tactical change after twenty minutes which effectively and in my opinion, won us the match.

Kelly 6 Looked a bit jittery early on but steadied like the rest of the defence. Picked up an injury and was substituted.

G Ward 9 Simply outstanding, a Roy of the Rovers performance. He was everywhere and gave their defence a torrid time with his pace and trickery and charging forward at every opportunity.

Frecklington 8 Another fine display, no coincidence that we've improved since his return crowned by one of his trade mark goals.

Smallwood 8 Back to the form of last season again following on from Leeds. He loves playing alongside Frecklington and controlled midfield for long spells of the second half.

Newell 7 At times tried a little too hard but gave another competent display.

D Ward 6 Did well as cover for Collins down our left. Gave 100% but struggled when in possession.

JCH 8 Two goals and an all round 100% performance from our striker. A real handful all afternoon, noticeable that Bristol rarely pushed their defenders up fro corners or free kicks.

Rawson 8 A fine solid game after coming on for the injured Kelly in the first half. If anything, he actually improved our backline and Bristol rarely threatened in that second period.

Referee 5 Poor indecisive and inconsistent. Some baffling decisions and ought to have considered an alternative kit to the Green and Black which clashed with the Bristol strip.

Linesmen 5 Inconsistent and ponderous throughout.

Travelling support 5 Good numbers but quiet so very quiet. Understandable I suppose given the result.

Judging by the Bristol fans forums, their fans didn't rate us at all and are confident they'll finish above us? We shall see. Sour Grapes are evident a plenty!!!Fact is, we've beaten them on the last three occasions we've met, enough said. We move on to play a proper football club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.