Rotherham United: Why Paul Warne and the Millers will not be underestimating out of form Rochdale

Rotherham boss Paul Warne says their narrow escape at Solihull Moors this week means they will not take Rochdale lightly.
Rotherham manager Paul WarneRotherham manager Paul Warne
Rotherham manager Paul Warne

The Millers were very nearly the subject of an FA Cup upset on Monday as they trailed the non-league team 3-0 with 76 minutes gone.

However, Warne's side scored four goal in the final 14 minutes to complete an amazing comeback and book their place in round three.

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They are back in League One action tomorrow against Dale, who are in 16th position and have lost their last five games in the competition.

But Warne insists his side will be focused.

"Every game is tough,” the boss said. “In fairness, you could say they are in the bottom half of the league, but in all due respect, Solihull were two leagues below us.

"I have full respect for every team. They really play possession football and they love to keep the ball and move you around until they can smell a weakness and then try and punish you.

"They are really well coached. In that respect, they'll be well-prepared. They'll want to play at our place because it is a great place to play football, so they'll turn up and really fancy the challenge against us and there will be pressure on us to perform as well, as there always is for the home team.

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"Me and Rich (Barker, assistant manager) went and watched them against Boston, which was a really good game and hopefully we'll pick a really strong team to be competitive.”

The Millers are back at the AESSEAL New York Stadium after playing six of their last seven games away and Warne hopes his side can put on a show for their fans.

They have not had the best time on home soil this season and the boss is keen for his side to play like they did in the final 15 minutes at Solihull rather than the first 75.

"If we can win at home it would be great,” he added. “But all we want from our lads is to play their absolute best and if they do that, and they don't win, then what more can we ask.

Football sometimes isn't fair but I'm hopeful that if we carry on from the last 15 minutes the other night and really try and get at them.”