Bolton clearly came to the NYS set up not to lose this one and to perhaps nick a goal on the break, as a consequence the first half was a dire affair with both sides failing to raise their game above the mediocre with the Bolton defence working hard to stop Rotherham getting any joy in the final third.  Clough for Bolton looked the biggest threat and he perhaps should have scored with Bolton's first meaningful attack after a smart lay off from Heskey.  Rotherham had a couple of half chances with Danny Ward should be doing better when shooting from inside the box and Grant Ward forcing the 'keeper into a smart save when his cross looked to be sneaking it at the far post.  

But that was about it and we all trudged off for our half time pie, pi55 and pint wondering if this game would ever get going - who knew what was to come?

The second half started brightly for the Millers and they played with a greater freedom and attacking intent than Bolton.  Heskey went down injured and had to be replaced by Madine who actually looked quite bright without ever being too much of a threat.  It was no surprise when Rotherham took the lead from a well worked Andreu corner as he played the ball to Grant Ward on the edge of the box, he let fly with a superb half volley that arrowed through the players in the box with the keeper probably unsighted, he did get a hand to it but was unable to keep it out.  That was followed moments later when Newell played a delightful chip over the back line for Ward to run on to, round the keeper and fire home from a tight angle.  

Bolton were dead and buried by this point and were never coming back from this, the scoreline could have been even worse for them if it hadn't been for the excellent Amos in the Bolton goal who pulled off one of the saves of the season from a point blank Broadfoot header.  The third goal was all down to Newell and Andreu's craft as the latter played a first time pass from Clarke Harris's knock down to find Newell goal side to confidently slot past the exposed Amos.  And the forth was another assist from Andreu as his smart back heal put Clarke Harris through to coolly slot home his sixth of the season.

Camp (8) Another assured performance from the Rotherham keeper.  Excellent game changing save to keep out Clough in the first half.  Had that gone in Bolton would have shut up shop and I fear we would have had a very different game on our hands.

Richardson (7) Came back into the side and did well, a couple of misplaced passes in the first half were probably the result of a little rustyness but he grew into the game and let nobody down.

Rawson (8) Another commanding performance at centre back from the lad,  I don't think Collins will be getting anywhere near a start with Rawson on this kind of form.  Two games back into the side and two clean sheets.

Broadfoot (9) Masterful again, kept Heskey quiet, marshaled the defence and was very unlucky not to score when Amos pulled off a worldy to deny him.  Should he be captain?  Certainly playing like one.

Mattock (7) A solid display from the left back, he got forward more in the second half and was a threat in the opposition box.  But we need to see this on a more consistent basis from him - left back still a problem for me and an area for investment in January..

Smallwood (8) Solid, dependable, strong.  He is playing out of his skin in that central midfield role at the moment, he was everywhere breaking up their play and getting us going by playing some nice football in tight areas.

Grant Ward (8) The lad is really shining under Redfearn.  Given the freedom to play his game he is real handful for opposition defences as you never quite know where he's going to pop up.  Great strike for the opening goal.

Frecklington (8) Together with Smallwood, Frecklington is looking like the real deal again in our central midfield.  Not afraid to get stuck in and with neat close control and the ability to pass his way out of trouble he got our attack going on numerous occasions.

Newell (10) Absolutely superb yesterday, silky skills, great timing and a goal taken with all the confidence of a 20 a season striker.  Could turn out to be Evans best ever signing.

Adreau (9.5) Was very unlucky not to get Man of the Match after that display yesterday.  Three assists and a lively midfield performance, he has come back into the side and taken his chance to stake a claim for a start on Tuesday.  Hyam who?

Danny Ward (8) A little subdued in the first half, should have done better when free inside the box but his weak effort was easily dealt with by Amos.  Came alive in the second and held the ball up well to bring our midfield into the attack, played his little flicks onto a Rotherham player more times than not and was rewarded with a goal that he took very well from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.

-- Edited by S8Miller on Sunday 27th of December 2015 10:09:19 AM