Millwall 2 Rotherham United 1

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Millwall's promotion push received another boost with a 2-1 win over an under par Rotherham United at the New Den.

The pattern of the game was set early as Millwall started the game brightly and looked to control the midfield through hard work and Rotherham were happy to defend and hit on the break with Michael Proctor playing furthest forward.

Paul Ifill's winding runs through the Rotherham defence were a constant threat as he cut inside from both wings. His stinging drive from the edge of the box drew a good save from Mike Pollitt who got his body well behind the drive.

Millwall made their pressure tell and just before the break through Neil Harris put them ahead with a cool finish to leave Pollitt with no chance.

Danny Dichio flicked Robbie Ryan's crossfield ball into the path of Harris on the edge of the box, who collected the ball well to turn inside before tucking the ball away neatly into the corner from the penalty spot.

Rotherham looked a different team after the break and had spells of pressure themselves, but a mixture of dogged defending and poor finishing kept them at bay.

Andy Monkhouse fashioned an excellent chance for himself on the hour when he skipped through half a dozen Millwall tackles as he drove purposefully into the box.

His low shot though flashed wide of the far post with Proctor agonisingly close to meeting the shot cum cross.

The home side drew level when Proctor converted a penalty after Butler was bundled to the floor by Darren Ward on 89 minutes.

Millwall though came straight back at the home side and Tim Cahil rose above the Rotherham defence and headed home a Peter Sweeney cross to take all three points right at the death.