Rotherham United v Crewe Alexandra: Central defenders hold key to play-off ambitions

The Millers manager accepts that his side should have gone up automatically but says unity is needed to secure promotion via the play-offs.

With two games left, against two clubs playing for nothing but pride, the Millers are fourth needing two more points to guarantee a top-seven spot.

Victory against Crewe will allow Moore's men to relax at Hereford United next weekend.

"Maybe we could have and should have taken one of the automatic promotion places but we haven't done and we have to get on with it," said Moore. "People complain about our season but we have won 11 away and only lost four at home!

"We had a great opportunity but we haven't taken it," he admitted.

"It has been one of those 'if only' seasons but right now there are eight or nine other teams who wish they could swap positions with us.

"If there is a party atmosphere among the fans on Saturday that will be brilliant, but not among the players. I want the fans to keep the faith and get behind us vocally."

The Millers are paying the price for suffering four consecutive defeats during March and April but have returned to form in the last three games by taking seven points and keeping three clean sheets.

"Our players have been a little nervous all season," said Moore. "But they are now starting to look like they really do believe we can go and win this. We are five points clear of the chasing pack and the only way to guarantee anything is by winning this weekend."

Moore says centre-backs Ian Sharps and Nick Fenton hold the key to success this afternoon.

The pair will be up against one of the biggest and fastest striker pairings in the division in the shape of Clayton Donaldson and Calvin Zola.

"Last week, I said that our fullbacks needed to be on form to win the game. This week, it changes. If our two centre-backs cope with their two up front, it goes a long way towards winning," said Moore, who managed Zola at his previous club Tranmere Rovers.

Plans for the Millers to return to a new 15,000-capacity stadium in Rotherham have moved forward after the local council agreed to buy land at the former Guest and Chrimes site.