Rotherham United 2 Aldershot 0: Scott delighted to see Millers start to make up lost ground on rivals

Goals from Lewis Grabban and Chris Oldroyd were enough for the home side take three points and climb up to 14th in the table.

Manager Andy Scott was full of praise for his players, particularly their energy and desire to get the job done.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done,” said Scott.

“We were never in trouble today, we created quite a few chances and had plenty of energy throughout the game.

“We showed plenty of desire not just to win the game but to keep a clean sheet as well. I was delighted for the lads. We have worked extra hard over the last month to turn results around, and it was a big relief.

“We’re capable of playing even better and we will do.”

Early indications were that it would be an open, attacking game and after initial threats at both ends, Rotherham took a 14th-minute lead, Grabban pouncing on a spilled save from goalkeeper Ross Worner to poke the ball into an empty net for his ninth goal of the season.

There were chances at either end in a relatively open game, but it was the home side who struck again five minutes before the break to deservedly double their advantage.

Jon Harley was fouled on the left and when Gareth Evans whipped in a devlish free-kick, Chris Holroyd produced a glancing header which flew into the far side of the net.

Any hope Aldershot had of a comeback ended eight minutes into the second half when goalkeeper Worner was sent off for fouling Alex Revell on the edge of the area when he was through on goal.

Rotherham United: Logan, Tonge, Branston, Foster, Harley, Evans, Taylor, Harrison, Holroyd, Revell, Grabban (Newey 87). Unused substitues: Warrington, Marshall, Schofield, Mullins.

Aldershot: Worner, Herd, Jones, Morris, Straker, McGlashan (Davies 67), Guttridge, Vincenti, Smith (Bubb 81), Rankine, Hylton (Collins 56). Unused substitues: Aaron Brown, Pulis.

Referee: J Linington (Isle of Wight).

Man of the match: L Grabban