Cresswell’s late intervention gives spectating Evans winning start

With new manager Steve Evans watching from the stand, they dug deep to get the three points and hand caretaker boss Darren Patterson his fourth victory in five games.

Rotherham thought they had missed out after squandering a golden chance just before the half-hour mark. Lewis Grabban was tripped by Alan Bennett and picked himself up to take the resulting penalty, only for goalkeeper Jack Butland to keep out his low effort.

Ben Pringle had a long-range drive saved and a delicate lob from Cresswell caused more panic in the visitors’ defence before another big opportunity went begging just before half-time.

Grabban pulled the ball back and unmarked Jason Taylor dragged a shot wide from 12 yards.

The visitors were relieved to hear the half-time whistle, Butland having parried another good effort from Gareth Evans to keep the scores blank.

Chasing a play-off place, Cheltenham took until the early stages of the second half to create their first serious chance, headed wide by Kaid Mohamed, and Josh Low stabbed over from close range as they came out of their shell.

Millers captain Johnny Mullins came up with a clearing header from substitute Brian Smikle but the home side continued to do most of the pressing and got their breakthrough at the finish.

Pringle swung in a corner and Cresswell rose to thump in a header to Evans’s delight.

Rotherham United: R Taylor, Tonge, Wood, Cresswell, Mullins, Grabban, J Taylor, Schofield, Evans (Hoskins 72), Pringle, Revell (Cadogan 80). Unused substitutes: Warrington, Newey, Harrison.

Cheltenham Town: Butland, Lowe, Garbutt, Bennett, Elliott, McGlashan (Low 60), Spencer (Duffy 80), Summerfield, Penn, Mohamed, Burgess (Smikle 46). Unused substitutes: Hooman, MacLean.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).