'Nice to win a game of football': Leeds United loanee and debutant lift gloom for Rotherham United boss Matt Hamshaw
Matt Hamshaw spoke of his relief as his January signings came to the rescue of Rotherham United and lifted the gloom at the New York Stadium.
But a first-ever senior goal for 17-year-old striker Harry Gray - on loan from Leeds United - and debutant Emmanuel Adegboyega completed a second-half turnaround that has Rotherham finally looking upwards again.
Hamshaw said: “I certainly didn’t think it was coming at half-time, that was for sure. Disappointing first half and it felt a bit like the Northampton game earlier this season, we were low on confidence after a run of defeats.
“Then all of a sudden we get a bit of a spark, Harry scores his first senior goal, and then it gets better with Manny scoring.
“Two players we’ve brought in in this window who have made a huge impact tonight.
“It’s just nice to win a game of football. We’ve got to build on that, but let’s enjoy this for now after what has been a rough few weeks for us all.
“It’s a good group of lads, they’ve been low on confidence but when you bring in new players, they haven’t got the damage, they haven’t got the baggage that some players have got here.
“They come in with a fresh mentality, they’ve invigorated the group a little bit.
“I’m disappointed we haven’t got six points (drew with Wimbledon on Saturday), but it’s relief we’ve got the win tonight.”
Hamshaw also dedicated the win to Terry Stewart, the twin brother of chairman Tony.
“It’s been tough for the chairman, he’s a had a tough few weeks,” said Hamshaw. “Terry Stewart has been the heart and soul at this club for many a game. That win is for Terry and the Stewart family.”