That was reflected not only in the 2-0 scoreline but the player ratings for the two sets of players.

Lee Nicholls - let a wind-wobbled cross through his hands in the first half but otherwise assured 6

Tom Lees - good defensively and got forward too 7

Michal Helik - a very good defender 7

Will Boyle - more than played his part at the back 6

Kaine Kesler-Hayden - looks a world away from the player Mark Fotheringham seemed to mistrust when he first arrived 8

Jonathan Hogg - his sheer presence alone is so reassuring 7

David Kasumu - an energetic midfield presence 7

Josh Ruffels - did a good job up and down the left 6

Jack Rudoni - terrific both in midfield and when he pulled out right to get crosses in 8

Duane Holmes - very cool finish for his first goal of the season 7

Jordan Rhodes - missed a couple of chances but his nerve-settling goal made up for it 7

Substitutes:

Sorba Thomas (for Rudoni, 61) - has been held back over Christmas 5

Tyreece Simpson (for Rhodes, 74) - valuable minutes for him 5

Etienne Camara (for Kasumu, 84) - N/A

Connor Mahoney (for Holmes, 84) - N/A

Not used: Spencer, Bilokapic, Ayina.

Viktor Johansson – got away with a first-half rush of blood 5

Wes Harding – part of a back three which was put under pressure throughout 5

Cameron Humphreys – unable to keep Rhodes under wraps 5

Jamie McCart – a difficult night for the Millers' defence as a whole 5

Peter Kioso – his game-time was the only positive, according to his manager 6

Dan Barlaser – not able to dictate as he does at his best 6

Jamie Lindsay – a really poor miss in the second half 5

Ollie Rathbone – robbed for the opening goal 5

Cohen Bramall – Huddersfield were at their strongest down his side 5

Chiedozie Ogbene – failed to take his chances and his ankle injury late on was a concern 5

Tom Eaves – made way before he could put his mark on the contest 5

Substitutes:

Conor Washington (for Eaves, 19) - the ball did not really stick with him 5

Shane Ferguson (for Kioso, 63) - came on as a left winger in a 4-3-3 5

Brooke Norton-Cuffy (for McCart, 76) - his face does not seem to fit, which is a pity 5

Hakeem Odoffin (for Lindsay, 76) - an injection of energy at least 5

Not used: Hemfrey, Wood, Bola.

Gulf in class between Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United reflected in player ratings