We're very, very grateful for the points

Last updated : 13 March 2005 By Tony Scholes

Rotherham boss Alan Knill is still looking for his first victory since taking over from Ronnie Moore who left at the end of January.

Knill bemoaned his side’s poor fortune as they went down to a fifth successive defeat. “I was disappointed with the result and how we didn’t come away with some reward I don’t know,” he said.

“We dominated the game, especially in the second half, but at the moment the luck just isn’t going with us. We had a great start with the early goal from a set piece and that is pleasing.

“It was a great header from Phil Gilchrist but as has been the case for the majority of the season we conceded an early equaliser. Leandre Griffit slipped at the far post and their lad came inside to put the ball in.

“Then we conceded a corner from which the ball came off Rob Scott’s foot for their lad to get in a header that flew into the top corner. But credit to the players, they picked themselves up and kept going and in the second half we were the better team by far.

“It’s disappointing because we have lost again and that really, really hurts but we are playing better football and are making chances.

“If I remain positive then the players will as well. You work all week towards something and it doesn’t always go to plan.”

Steve Cotterill was happy enough to pick up the three points despite the fact that we hadn’t played well.

“I don’t think today’s win was any more important than any other game, but it has been a while and there was a little bit of expectation today because of Rotherham’s league position. I did think the best bits of quality football we played came from both goals with some good passing and movement.

“All credit to Rotherham though, I’ve just told Alan Knill and Mark Robins that I thought they played some good football today. Rotherham have only had one game when they got turned over by four and that was at Sunderland, and other than that, they’ve been in every game. It shows there are no easy games at this level.

“They were relaxed and we weren’t, that was probably the difference. There was a little bit of edginess. We had a lot of young players out there today and it could have been a bit edgy for them. Pete Whititngham, Dean Bowditch and Gary Cahill all came through with flying colours though.

“We’ve played a lot better and lost though, so we’re very, very grateful for the points. We felt we played some good football in the first half but we didn’t play as well as we can do, or have done, in the second half.

“We needed that win though and it was an important win.