Yorkshire’s team of the week

The Reds avoided a club-record equalling NINTH successive league defeat in a sweet Roses win at Oldham, made all the more delicious given the stick that was dished out by Latics supporters in the direction of their former boss Lee Johnson.

Johnson’s counterpart at Rotherham in Neil Redfearn was also afforded a cherished moment in a 1-0 victory at old side Leeds United, while there was dismay for ex-Millers chief Steve Evans against the club where he made his name on the back of two joyous promotions. If he could have picked a side not to lose to, it would have been Rotherham.

Across at Bradford, Monday morning will have also been bright and breezy for a decidedly chirper Phil Parkinson after his side’s impressive 2-0 win at Scunthorpe. On the rise is the phrase regarding the Bantams, who are unbeaten in nine games.

As for the Yorkshire team of the week, here’s our top XI.

1: Ben Williams (Bradford City). In accomplished form, yet again, at Scunthorpe - and the in-form custodian has now recorded six successive clean sheets. Has not conceded in 578 minutes and when called upon at Glanford Park, he excelled. Bravo. A mention in dispatches also to Sheffield United’s George Long, who made some key saves in the Blades’ 1-1 draw at Walsall.

2: Lewis Buxton (Rotherham United). Restored to the starting line-up by Neil Redfearn and produced a solid an unflappable performance at Elland Road in helping the Millers chief to record the first clean sheet of his tenure.

3: Stephen Kelly (Rotherham United). The full-back fared much better than fellow debutant Leon Best, who received his marching orders for an X-rated elbow on Gaetano Berardi. Kelly’s performance was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Redfearn.

4: Kevin Long (Barnsley). The Irishman, seeking game time after ten months out with a knee injury at parent club Burnley, has joined Barnsley to both get fit and provide some defensive ballast. First impressions were very impressive, but it was his contribution in the final third in netting a precious late winner for the Reds that proved more fateful. In terms of his ‘day job’, looked good alongside Alfie Mawson at the back.

5: Kirk Broadfoot (Rotherham). Brought in from the cold by Redfearn and showed all his nous and experience amid the derby cauldron at Elland Road. Making up for lost time after his epic suspension.

6: Jake Livermore (Hull City). On current form, there are few better midfield operators in the Championship if any and produced another strong and imposing performance at Ashton Gate. Back at the top of his game.

7: Adam Hammill (Barnsley). Much was made of Lee Johnson’s ability to reignite the careers of several players at previous club Oldham, which he labelled as a ‘home for the unloved.’ After his career hit skid row at Huddersfield, the Scouser has found redemption at old club Barnsley and again caught the eye in Saturday’s victory at Boundary Park. Getting his act together in a positive way.

8: Lee Freckington (Rotherham United). Produced a skipper’s performance in the engine room against his boyhood club - albeit ruining the 50th birthday of his father Craig, who is an avid Whites fan. Outstanding in his first game in two-and-a-half months following a problematic calf injury.

9: Lucas Joao (Sheffield Wednesday). Life is pretty darn good at the moment for the jet-heeled Portuguese - who stepped up from the bench to inspire the Owls comeback in a 3-1 win over David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town. Struck twice, including a fine curled strike in stoppage-time - not bad given that he had only trained on Friday. His form is reportedly being monitored by Everton.

10: Jordan Bowery (Bradford City). A fraught start to the campaign at Rotherham and loaned out to Bradford with a view to bolstering his confidence levels. Endeared himself to the claret-and-amber faithful with a strong debut, which almost yielded a goal, only for home keeper Daniels to make a good save. Encouraging bow, certainly.

11: Kyel Reid (Bradford City). Posed the Scunthorpe defence more than a few problems with his pace, persistence and trickery and was felled by home player Gary McSheffrey, which led to City’s opener from the spot. An astute piece of business by Phil Parkinson to bring him back to Bradford.

Manager: Neil Redfearn. A few contenders for this one, with an honourable mention in dispatches to Lee Johnson, not forgetting Phil Parkinson. But the Millers chief gets the nod with his boldness in his selection making - nine changes to his line-up in total after a demoralising 5-2 home loss to Ipswich - being vindicated by way of the first win of his Rotherham tenure. It proved a bit of a tactical success for the ex-Leeds head coach at his old stomping ground.