Match Report| Rotherham United 1-2 Barnsley

Covid-ravaged Rotherham were edged narrowly by Barnsley in the South Yorkshire Derby.

The Millers had three players out with the virus and two other unnamed players had only just returned to the squad, one of which is suspected to be before his ten-day isolation was completed.

The EFL demanded Rotherham to play or risk a fine and points deduction, causing uproar that reached the hights of the local MP’s. Barnsley started the covid show with two quick goals in the first half which proved to be enough as the pendulum swung towards the home side in the second half.

The defeat sees the Millers drop into the relegation zone below Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference, but with two games in hand.  

Barnsley took control early in the first half, scoring twice in seven minutes. Cauley Woodrow slipped two defenders and slotted past Johansson in the Rotherham goal. Alex Mowatt pounced on a clever cut back to give the Tykes a two-goal lead at the interval.

Rotherham came out better in the second half. Michael Smith grabbing a goal after an inch perfect corner was nudged in for a tense end to the game.

Victor Adeboyejo bottled a great chance to restore the two-goal advantage but fired well wide of goal.

George Hirst was so close to an equaliser, heading over a cross/shot from Ben Wiles.

Barnsley clung on through clever fouls and the frustrating routine of ball hold up around the corner flag. The Tykes played the better football at times in the game. But the Millers certainly didn’t roll over and surrender.

Hot water bottle and rest required for the coronaMillers and well wishes to the three still in isolation.  

Teams:

Rotherham: Johanson, Wood (Clarke 80), Vassell (Hirst 64), Wiles, Ladapo, Lindsay, Harding, Ihiekwe, Olosunde, Barlaser, Jozefzoon (Smith 45)

(Subs not used: Blackman, Thompson, Miller)

Barnsley: Walton, Styles, Anderson, Brittain, Woodrow, Sollbauer, Mowatt (Moon 86), Frieser (Thomas 73), Adeboyejo, Helik, James (Palmer 73) Goals: (Woodrow 8’), (Mowatt 15’), Smith 56’

Goals: (Woodrow 8’), (Mowatt 15’), Smith 56’