Preston v Rotherham: Peers’ disrespect will help to motivate Millers

When he was scouting tonight’s opponents Preston last week, Evans was told by a pair of rival bosses that they were amazed at how the Millers had lasted this long in the play-off chase and that a top-10 finish would still represent a fantastic result for the South Yorkshire club.

He felt it was their way of saying ‘little’ Rotherham have had a nice run, now the big boys should be left to decide promotion – and it left Evans’s blood boiling.

“They were gobsmacked with where we were in the table and they said they’d consider me very fortunate if we finish in the top 10,” said Evans.

“If ever I wanted to be in the play-offs at the end of the season now is the time because when I see those guys next I’ll have a little smile to myself.

“It was good motivation for me driving away from Milton Keynes last Tuesday.

“That was a widespread view of us at the start of the season. A lot of managers with League One experience didn’t think we’d be part of the promotion race. But if you’ve played us you’d probably think we’re not a bad side and where we are is deserving, but people are entitled to their opinions.

“I think they probably were thinking ‘let the big boys now fight it out for the play-offs’. They expect Brentford, Leyton Orient, Wolves, Peterborough and Preston to be in there and they don’t expect us to be competing at this stage of the season.

“But we’ve fought so hard to get in these play-offs (spots) and we desperately want to stay in them – and we’re proving people wrong.”

Since the turn of the year Rotherham have continued to confound their critics. After losing on New Year’s Day they have picked up 19 points from a possible 21 to open up a 10-point gap on those outside the play-offs. In that time they have scored four late goals to either win or draw.

“That’s down to a desire and a hunger to be successful,” said Evans, who is without striker Alex Revell against fellow form side Preston. “We are still trying to earn the right to be in the play-offs, but the pressure lies on Simon Grayson and Preston to win (tonight), because of their resources and the expectation levels at Preston.”

Last six games: Preston WLWDDW, Rotherham WDWWWW.

Last time: Preston 2 Rotherham 0; August 30, 2004; Championship.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottinghamshire).