Revell grabs late goal to reward Rotherham

The visitors had won their previous four games going into this contest and were unbeaten in six.

Russell Slade’s side began with an air of confidence befitting the division’s top scorers; they had netted 32 away from home before Saturday.

Dean Cox looked lively and put a 20-yard shot just too high and wide of the target.

In windy conditions, Ben Alnwick completely misjudged Ben Pringle’s free-kick, but the ball drifted wide of the empty net.

Pringle’s next centre, however, was productive as the Millers went ahead on nine minutes.

A corner was only cleared as far as Lee Frecklington who fed Pringle.

He controlled the ball before swinging in a cross which enabled Wes Thomas to glance beyond Alnwick for his first goal for the club.

Millers’ manager Steve Evans had said these were the two hardest-working sides in the division and both teams’ quick closing down and willingness to counter-attack confirmed his assertion.

Orient’s Cox should have done better with a chance from 18 yards which he drilled wide as the visitors enjoyed a spell on top heading into the break.

The interval did not disturb their rhythm although Tom Hitchcock went close to doubling the hosts’ lead, his shot being deflected wide off Alnwick’s legs.

Orient continued to press in all areas of the pitch and gained parity from their first clear-cut opportunity.

Chris Dagnall’s cross from the left reached Moses Odubajo who controlled the ball before firing it high into the net.

Scott Cuthbert prevented Pringle restoring Rotherham’s lead, but the home fans were jubilant deep in stoppage time when Revell’s measured, low, 20-yard shot found the bottom corner for a dramatic winner.

Evans said: “It was a fantastic result. In games like this, it’s always going to take something special to win.

“It was two good teams, but we should have been comfortably in front in the first half.

“We have had a real bit of focus in the group and it’s a good win for us.”

Rotherham United: Collin, Bradley, Davis (Skarz 61), Arnason, Tavernier, Agard, Smallwood, Frecklington, Pringle, Revell, Thomas (Hitchcock 46). Unused substitutes: Shearer, Brindley, O’Connor, Addison, Vuckic.

Leyton Orient: Alnwick, Cuthbert, Clarke, Baudry, Omozusi, Odubajo, Vincelot, James (Bartley 69), Cox, Dagnall (Loza 89), Simpson (Mooney 57). Unused substitutes: Sawyer, Larkins, Lasimant, Ness.

Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire).