Millers denied after late push for victory: Gillingham 0 Rotherham United 0

Seeking their first win in the Priestfield Stadium in more than 20 years, the Millers gave as good as they got against their play-off rivals but were unable to force a winner in a strong finish.

Rhys Taylor was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half. He foiled Jo Kuffour, who was clean through, and then blocked Gavin Tomlin in another one-on-one situation, with Curtis Weston prodding the rebound wide.

Jack Evans also had the goalkeeper scrambling to divert a 30-yard drive.

After weathering the pressure, the Millers were unlucky not to go ahead on 36 minutes when Danny Harrison’s goalbound header hit team-mate Lewis Grabban’s hand on its way into the net and the ‘goal’ was disallowed.

In-form striker Shaun Harrad, seeking his fourth goal in as many games, saw a close-range blaste kept out by defiant defending from Connor Essam.

The visitors were thrust back on their heels early in the second half and had to work hard to protect their goal, with Michael Raynes, Johnny Mullins and even striker Alex Revell all popping up with important clearances.

The last half hour was a different story though as Rotherham finished the better and forced several close calls.

Leading scorer Grabban had a chance from a tight angle as the balance of play evened out and the industrious Sam Wood and Revell both caused worrying moments as the home side clung on.

Gillingham: Gazzaniga; Evans, King, Essam, Jackman (Lee 72); Whelpdale, Payne, Weston, Kuffour; Kedwell, Tomlin. Unused substitutes: Richards, Martin, Montrose, Hawkes.

Rotherham United: R Taylor; Bradley, Raynes, Mullins, Griffiths; Grabban, J Taylor, Harrison, Wood; Harrad (Warne 57), Revell. Unused substitutes: Tonge, Cresswell, Pringle, Warrington.

Referee: A Woolmer (Northants).

Dundee United moved into the top six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League last night with a crushing 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock.