Rotherham United: Player ratings from the Cardiff City clash

The Star's Millers man, Paul Davis, assesses the performances at Cardiff City Stadium.
The Millers' best performer, Jon TaylorThe Millers' best performer, Jon Taylor
The Millers' best performer, Jon Taylor

ROTHERHAM (4-1-4-1)

Richard O’Donnell 5

His shot-stopping has been good at times, but signs that he isn’t the bravest goalkeeper and likes to stay on his line.

Stephen Kelly 5

Coped quite well with the speedy, skilful threat of Kadeem Harris early on, but sucked into the general malaise thereafter.

Joel Ekstrand 5

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A couple of good headers and tackles, but at fault for the third goal.

Richard Wood 5

Defiant in the air. However, his defence leaked five goals.

Ben Purrington 5

He gave the second goal away but, relax, he’s going to have better days and be a good player for the Millers.

Richie Smallwood 5

Unusually for him, he was a peripheral figure and unable to have a significant impact on the game.

Jon Taylor 6

His effort couldn’t be questioned. Nothing much happened for him, but he never stopped running.

Will Vaulks 5

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Struggled to get up to speed and was too rushed in his passing.

Joe Newell 5

One of two clever touches, but not enough of them. Injured towards the end but had to stay on.

Joe Mattock 4

Looked like a left-back trying to be a left midfielder and was taken off after an ineffectual first-half display.

Dexter Blackstock 3

Showed no mobility or fight. Gave Sol Bamba probably the easiest game he’ll have this season.

Substitutes

Anthony Forde 5

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On at half-time for Joe Mattock but the improvement was only slight.

Jerry Yates 6

Ran hard after replacing Dexter Blackstock in the 59th minute and always showed for the ball.

Aimen Belaid 6

Came on for Joel Ekstrand in the 68th minute.

Subs not used: Bilboe, Fisher, Bray, Warren.

Cardiff City (4-4-2): McGregor 6; Connolly 6, Bamba 8, Morrison 7, Richards 6; Noone 8 (Pilkington 72), Gunnarsson 6, Ralls 6, Harris 7 (John 80); Healey 6 (Hoilett 45, 6), Zohore 8. Subs not used: Murphy, Whittingham, Bennett, Halford.

Goals: Harris 11, Hoilett 45+2, Noone 49, Zohore 54, 83 (Cardiff).

Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire) 7.

Attendance: 15,615.