Rotherham United 1 Bristol Rovers 3: Davis’s debut red card adds to Millers’ woes

Bristol Rovers, under recently installed manager John Ward, lifted themselves off the bottom with this victory and Rotherham dropped out of the play-off spots.

To make matters worse, Claude Davis was dismissed on his Rotherham debut.

“I don’t think there is a manager or coaching staff in the the country that can legislate for the three errors that gave Bristol Rovers three goals,” said Millers chief Steve Evans.

“We lacked energy, a spark, a passion – but we still dominated the ball.

“We didn’t work hard enough and if you don’t work hard enough then you don’t get the chance to play properly.”

Davis bundled over Ryan Brunt to hand Rovers a penalty, which was converted by midfielder Lee Brown in the 42nd minute.

The defender then received a second yellow just before half-time and got his marching orders.

Ellis Harrison’s superb solo effort seven minutes after the break made it 2-0 and Joe Anyinsah drilled home a third just after the hour-mark before substitute David Noble grabbed a consolation for the Millers in the 73rd minute, just two minutes after being brought on.

Harrison, 18, who came through Rovers’ academy set-up, had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he took possession on the halfway line, weaved through the Millers’ defence and fired a fierce right-footed shot past Andy Warrington.

Rotherham United: Warrington, Tonge, Davis, Mullins, Ridehalgh, Arnason, Frecklington (Noble 72), O’Connor, Pringle, Revell (Odejayi 59), Nardiello (Cameron 46). Unused substitutes: Thompson, Adam Morgan, Agard, Kearns.

Bristol Rovers: Mildenhall, Smith, Parkes, McChrystal, Lee Brown, Norburn, Clucas, O’Toole, Brunt (Woodards 81), Richards (Harrison 50), Anyinsah (Clarkson 72). Unused substitutes: Gough, Broghammer, McDonald, Hitchcock.

Referee: D Webb (County Durham).

Man of the match: Ellis Harrison.