The last thing you want to be doing on a blistering cold Saturday afternoon in February, is going into deepest, darkest Rotherham, but given the fixture schedule, Rovers fans really had no other choice.
In total 2,609 Doncaster fans travelled, knowing all too well their team had not won in Rotherham since 1985. This was also Rovers’ first league game at the New York Stadium, which is quite impressive, by the town’s standards.
The home side had the game’s first real chance – a header wide of the mark – and though United were on top, five minutes before half-time Rovers went ahead when Semi Ajayi was dispossessed by Alex Kiwomya 30 yards from goal. Kiwomya burst into the box and pulled the ball back to John Marquis, who converted superbly.
The second half started in terrible fashion as Marko Marosi accidentally clattered into Tom Anderson, with the latter having to come off on a stretcher. Ajeyi then went close for the Millers, before Tommy Rowe had an effort blocked by a diving defender.
Rotherham continued to press and saw chances flash wide, as well as a two strikes blocked on the line. Rovers injury crisis then went from bad to worse as Alfie Beestin was the second player to leave on a stretcher.
Then… in the 93rd minute; a goal. An all too familiar feeling as Michael Smith levelled for Rotherham.
Finally, utter misery. In the 103rd minute, Marko Marosi conceded an unnecessary penalty, and Joe Newell converted.
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