Match Report| Rotherham United 2-1 Preston North End

Matt Crooks ended Preston North End’s unbeaten away start in a dramatic misty afternoon at the New York Stadium.

Captain Richard Wood opened the scoring, controlling in the area and firing past Declan Rudd. An assist by the shoulder of vice-captain Michael Ihiekwe setting the veteran defender perfectly in the six-yard box.

Crooks grabbed the winner after Florian Jozefzoon rode a red card challenge and ran 60 yards to set up the substitute, who calmly dispatched the ball past Rudd.

Preston’s goal was sandwiched between the well taken efforts from the Millers. Following a corner, the ball fell to Ryan Ledson who’s 20-yard effort nestled in the bottom corner.

The opening forty-five was one of heavy challenges, little attention given to free kick cries, and the Lilywhites riding multiple Millers attacks.

Kieran Sadlier was an early casualty after returning to the starting 11. The Referee gave little attention to the painful cries of Sadlier and play continued.

A ferocious free kick from Kyle Vassell was the only threatening chance of the half. Rudd in the Lilywhites goal certainly felt it in the chilly air at New York.

After the magic hat man opened the scoring for the Millermen, the game suddenly exploded into life. If the Lilywhites attacked, then the Millers attacked. Final third to final third.

Preston equalised with a ‘sweet as a nut’ strike from Ledson and debutant ‘keeper, Viktor Johansson pulled of a brave save moments later.

Crooks won the day in the closing minutes and Rotherham clung on to record a victory over the once unbeatable away team.

Teams:

Rotherham United: Johansson, Olosunde (A MacDonald 88), Ihiekwe, Wood ©, Harding, Lindsay, Barlaser, Wiles, Sadlier (Jozefzoon 23), Vassell (Crooks 66), Ladapo

(Subs not used: Vickers, Hirst, Miller, Smith)

Preston North End: Rudd, Fisher (Gallagher 74), Huntington, Storey, Rafferty, Ledson, Johnson, Browne ©, Potts, Sinclair (Barkhuizen 58), Jakobson (Stockley)

(Subs not used: Ripley, Maguire, Harrop, Earl)

Goals: Wood 54’, (Ledson 79’), Crooks 84’

Referee: Andy Davies