Rotherham United 1 AFC Bournemouth 3: Rotherham fail to hold on as rivals pull away

The visitors, who strengthened their hold on second place, deservedly equalised two minutes after half-time and ran out comfortable winners.

It was Bournemouth who started much the better side and top scorer Brett Pitman took advantage of defensive hesitancy but was denied by Millers goalkeeper Andy Warrington.

Danny Hollands then let Rotherham off the hook before the home side almost scored from their first real threat.

From a corner, Tom Pope headed on and Adam Le Fondre saw his effort blocked on the line.

However, Rotherham didn't have to wait long before going in front and it was a fine goal by Pope after 24 minutes.

He rose superbly to a Marc Joseph centre and netted a powerful header from 10 yards.

Warrington tipped over a

30-yarder from Pitman but the Bournemouth striker was on the mark on 47 minutes with his 17th goal of the season.

He went past Pablo Mills before running on and calmly beating Warrington.

The visitors went in front on the hour mark when midfielder Hollands pounced on a header by Mills to score from outside the area.

On 67 minutes it was 3-1 when veteran Steve Fletcher nodded down from the corner and Hollands forced the ball in.

Rotherham were disappointing but they almost pulled one back but Le Fondre saw his effort hit the post.

Rotherham United: Warrington; Joseph (Tonge 72), Mills, Sharps, Gunning; Law (Taylor 78), Cummins, Roberts, Ellison (Marshall 78); Pope, Le Fondre. Unused substitutes: Lund, Fenton, Harrison, Broughton.

AFC Bournemouth: Jalal; Bradbury, Garry, Pearce, Wiggins; Feeney (Goulding 90), Robinson, Hollands, McQuoid (Connell 90); Fletcher, Pitman. Unused Substitutes: Thomas, Tindall.

Referee: N Swarbrick (Lancashire).

Charlton missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Leeds as they drew 1-1 in their Coca-Cola League One trip to Walsall.

The Saddlers went ahead through Troy Deeney before Deon Burton's penalty equaliser.