‘Coventry outfought us which I don’t like to say’ admits Rotherham United boss Paul Warne

On a night when the hosts could have swapped places with the Sky Blues and moved out of the bottom three in the Championship, it was the visitors who secured a huge psychological victory in the context of their season thanks to a goal 20 minutes from time from defender Leo Ostigard.

Playing their second game in 48 hours after Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over QPR, the Millers produced a jaded performance in their third match in six days.

Warne admitted that Coventry – thwarted by the heroics of Viktor Johansson in the first half – were worthy winners on a night when the hosts created little.

A strength-sapping schedule of four matches in nine days – in a spell which Warne has labelled as ‘the Week of Death’ – ends when the Millers welcome another side in the relegation picture in Birmingham City on Sunday.

Warne said: “I think we got what we deserved. Coventry were significantly better than us on the night.

“They started the game on the front foot and outfought us which I don’t like to say. Viktor kept us in the game.

“We looked a bit jaded. I can have no complaints on the scoreline. We will try and pick them up and go again Sunday, but it was a blow.

“We have to play these games. It is just unfortunate for us with the order they go in. I would have loved to have played this game with more rest.

“We didn’t have much of a threat. Collectively we just weren’t great. We didn’t create anything and that’s disappointing.

“The lads still know they are in a real scrap and hopefully their character will shine through.”

Rotherham are four points behind fourth from bottom Derby County, with two games in hand.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.