The season that was 04/05 – Deano's November review

Junior

A 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest could have proved far more fruitful though, as once again, the pride Park episode repeated itself as we tossed away a two goal advantage. After Sedgy had headed in Paul Hurst’s left wing cross and on-loan Brazilian Junior struck home an angled left foot shot to beat Paul Gerrard, the visiting Millers supporters were in high spirits (I remember it well!).

Having been pegged back though by David Johnson, Junior’s foul on the same man when he was clean through on goal saw Junior dismissed and Marlon King stroked home the penalty. Forest rarely threatened from then on, despite their man advantage, and probably breathed a sigh of relief at a valuable point.

Big Al

On the following Saturday, the Millers turned the tables on Cardiff, as Alan Lee returned to Millmoor for the first time. After falling two goals behind to two stunning strikes from Joe Ledley and Paul Parry, Rotherham hit back, Paul McLaren’s shot from 30 yards thumped back off the bar, and bounced back into the net of ‘keeper Tony Warner. Then, Michael Proctor broke clear and surprised Warner as, despite having space to run towards goal, he drove home a first time volley across the City stopper to equalise. “Two nil, and you ****ed it up!” yes Lennie, we know you heard those chants from the Tivoli!. Only a late Warner save from McLaren denied the Millers making a super comeback.

Meanwhile, off the field Ronnie’s attempts to bring in Coventry big man Dele Adebola fell through, and Neil Freeman stated on Radio Sheffield’s Football Heaven that he would be interested in joining forces with Ken Booth to help the Millers fight for survival. As the team prepared for a home clash with Wolves, a bid from Preston for Chris Sedgwick was turned down. Martin Butler, fully recovered from Hepititis A, lasted 74 minutes as the lads went down to their only defeat of the month. Goals from Cooper and Cort cancelled out Martin McIntosh’s first half header to snatch the points for managerless Wanderers.

Sedgy SOLD

After a tussle with Watford at Vicarage Road ends goalless, Preston’s perseverance finally pays off as Chris Sedgwick swaps Millmoor for Deepdale. Obviously Sedgy saw the move as a step forward in his career, ending a successful time at Millmoor in which he starred in two promotions. Meanwhile, Junior extended his loan until the new year, Richie Barker departed for Mansfield Town on a free transfer and the coaching staff were working their socks off with the team as a live Sky game with Yorkshire rivals Leeds approached.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce

Jamal Campbell-Ryce was set for his debut after some of the Sedgwick money was used to snap up the tricky Charlton winger on a two-year deal. And finally, at the 21st time of asking, the Millers ran out victors in front of a live TV audience and nearly 9,000 at Millmoor. Having been on the back foot for long periods, and Leeds hitting the post and bar on several occasions, we had a feeling on the Tivoli that this was going to be our night. Pollitt was superb as he had been all season, and we had to wait until the hour for the first effort on target as Junior’s free kick was well held by Sullivan. With 13 minutes left, McLaren’s free kick was back heeled by Shaun Barker in a crowded box, but Macca found space and scored from close range to spark wild celebrations in the home dugout and around the ground (think I started on row U in the Tivoli and ended up on row S!). Campbel-Ryce looked impressive and Pollitt in great form, the defence a bit more solid, could this be a sign of things to come?

Maybe, just maybe, a flicker of light at the end of a very dark tunnel…..