Rotherham United: Player ratings from the Blackburn Rovers clash

Millers man of the match Richie SmallwoodMillers man of the match Richie Smallwood
Millers man of the match Richie Smallwood
The Star's Millers man, Paul Davis, assesses the performances in the 1-1 draw at New York Stadium.

ROTHERHAM (4-1-4-1)

RICHARD O’DONNELL 7

Two terrific saves from a goalkeeper who is starting to look the part for the Millers. He thought he was impeded as Blackburn’s equaliser went in.

STEPHEN KELLY 6

Scored the own goal, but boss Paul Warne wasn’t blaming him. Otherwise, he was relatively sound.

SEMI AJAYI 7

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Raw and prone to one or two mistakes, but has the size, pace and mobility to make up for them. Home debut.

RICHARD WOOD 6

His battle with Sam Gallagher and Danny Graham finished about even.

BEN PURRINGTON 6

Another home debutant. Rotherham have found a player. Didn’t shine, but evidence of quick feet, intelligence, good positional play and athleticism.

RICHIE SMALLWOOD 8

Excellent, particularly in the second half when he kept Rotherham moving forward while still protecting his back four.

ANTHONY FORDE 4

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Never imposed himself in the way a winger should try to do. Taken off at half-time.

TOM ADEYEMI 7

A welcome return after illness. The Millers have missed his physicality and ability to drive forward and get beyond the ball.

JOE NEWELL 6

Much like the team as a whole ... poor in the first half, better in the second.

JON TAYLOR 7

Always having a go, and he’s to be admired for that. More poise and thinking wouldn’t go amiss though.

DANNY WARD 6

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Hardly seen in the first half, much more of a threat after the break.

Subs used:

JERRY YATES 6

Replaced Anthony Forde and strengthened Rotherham as an attacking force.

WILL VAULKS

A replacement in the 77th minute for a tiring Tom Adeyemi.

Subs not used: Bilboe, Mattock, Blackstock, Bray, Ekstrand.

Blackburn (4-4-2): Steele 6; Nyambe 5 (Akpan 65, 6), Lenihan 6, Mulgrew 6, Williams 6; Feeney 5 (Mahoney 69, 7), Lowe 6, Bennett 8, Conway 5 (Emnes 69, 7); Gallagher 6, Graham 6. Subs not used: Raya, Joao, Guthrie, Brown.

Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands) 7.

Attendance: 9,438 (1,195).

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