Rotherham United's win over Plymouth Argyle showcased a key difference - and potential for bridges to be built
There was a rather dramatic shift in the atmosphere in the New York Stadium as Rotherham United hosted Plymouth Argyle.
Pre-match, the tension could have been cut with a knife. The previous weeks had been utterly joyless and a wave of pessimism had spread across the stands.
On the receiving end of much of the anger has been Matt Hamshaw, the manager who has overseen the worrying descent into a relegation battle.
However, when the final whistle blew and Hamshaw celebrated a 1-0 win, there was a buzz back in the air.
“We were celebrating with a lot of people,” he said. “I just think a lot of people have stuck by me in this difficult time – and it has been difficult.
"I don't sit here thinking we've cracked it, and I don't sit here thinking I'm a broken man, but it's been tough.”
Rotherham United’s refusal to relent
Joe Rafferty gave Rotherham the lead after seven minutes, flicking a Dru Yearwood shot beyond the reach of Pilgrims stopper Luca Ashby-Hammond.
It eased some of the tension in the ground but not all of it – and it was never going to. Too often this season, Rotherham have invited pressure upon themselves by failing to flow with the turning tide. On too many occasions, momentum has been painfully short-lived.
This time, it was different. Rotherham simply did not cease, caring as much for what they could obtain as what they needed to protect. It was a different side to the Millers that needs showcasing more if they are to retain League One status.
“I just said, ‘look, go out there and play like you're 1-0 down for 10 minutes in the second half, just to get on that front foot’,” said Hamshaw. “I think we've been missing a bit of that and it's easy to sink, sink, sink.
"Nobody's that good defensively that they can take all that pressure. I do think the Rotherham United way has always been the best form of defence is attack.”
Reconnecting with fans
When the season ends, there can be an inquest into Rotherham’s recent failings. The decline started long before their relegation to League One in 2024 and changes will have to be made.
However, in the blood, thunder and relentless pressure of a relegation battle, Hamshaw must think short-term.
Rotherham fans may have voiced their anger but the win over Plymouth made it clear goodwill is there to be won back.
"I thought we saw that connection between the team and the fans come back,” said Hamshaw. “That's massive.
"I get it's been tough for every Rotherham fan, I've said it in every press conference I've had.
"I know how much it means to them, and to myself, and that's how we want this team to play. I've said all along, if we leave our bodies on there, and we've given our all, it is what it is.
"I'm not saying we haven't done that, but I think there have been times where that confidence has kind of crept in, and I think you've seen what the team's capable of again today. But we need to build on it.”
The win offered a glimpse into what Rotherham can be – what they should never have stopped being when the Paul Warne era came to an end.
It was a slither of hope creeping in through the blinds and one the Millers simply cannot afford to squander.
"It probably might have been easier had it not been my club,” admitted Hamshaw. “I honestly believe that.
"You're emotionally attached to it and you know what it means to people. There's been times where this club has been people's shining light in their lives and I don't want to let those people down. I feel like we've let them down at times this season.
“I was gutted with [the defeat to] Doncaster because I know what local bragging rights mean. And we went to Bradford, and I thought we put a good performance in away and didn't get a win there.
"I thought fans stuck by the team again there. Then again, today, I think it's the loudest it's been for a few weeks here.”
Rotherham United: Cann, Rafferty, Baptiste, Adegboyega (Jules 36), James; Yearwood; , Benson (Gore 53), Martha (Agbaire 82), Gray; Watmore (McWilliams 53), Nombe.
Unused substitutes: Dawson, Cover, Biancheri.
Plymouth Argyle: Ashby-Hammond, Edwards (Oseni 81), Pleguezuelo (MacKenzie 45), Mitchell, Harding; Sorinola (Paterson 81), Curtis, Boateng, Watts; Finn (Amaechi 50), Pepple.
Unused substitutes: Baker, Hayman, Benarous.
Referee: Zac Kennard-Kettle (Northumberland)