By PA Sport Staff
Click here for full match stats
Nottingham Forest tuned up for a play-off clash with Sheffield United in less
than convincing fashion as they were held to a draw by battling Rotherham at
Millmoor in Nationwide Division One.
With a host of first-team regulars rested, the visitors could be forgiven for
being below par.
But boss Paul Hart will have plenty to think about after an entertaining game
that was sparked into life by three goals in six second-half minutes.
Chances were at a premium in a cagey opening period with both sides struggling
to get hold of the ball but it was Rotherham who settled first.
With nine minutes gone a deep cross to the back post was headed wide by Alan
Lee and two minutes later they threatened again as Martin McIntosh curled a
free-kick just past the post.
Forest were restricted to efforts from distance with a Eugen Bopp daisy-cutter
failing to find the target.
With 23 minutes gone Bopp again caused problems with a burst from midfield and
thunderous shot from 35 yards that forced goalkeeper Ian Gray to save before
Eoin Jess unleashed a fierce, dipping right-footer on the half hour that again
drew a fantastic save from Gray.
In between, Lee again headed close and as the half drew to a close Rotherham
continued to pump balls into the box.
With 35 minutes gone McIntosh was only denied by a full-length save from
Forest goalkeeper Barry Roche before Talbot followed suit.
And as Rotherham ended more brightly, Guy Branston was unfortunate not to give
his side an interval advantage as his six-yard snapshot was blocked by Jack
Lester on the line.
The Millers picked up where they had left off after the break and nine minutes
into the second period they gained their reward as Lee blasted them ahead.
After Forest had surrendered possession cheaply in midfield, Mark Robins burst
forward with the ball before releasing the Republic of Ireland international
striker to drill home.
That seemed to spark the game into life and three goals in six minutes
followed.
With 62 minutes gone Jack Lester hauled his side level with a low drive from
the edge of the box from Riccardo Scimeca's pass.
And soon after Forest forged ahead as youngster Craig Westcarr fired home his
first senior goal for the club.
Rotherham have proved they can battle with the best already this season and
three minutes later they squared the match again as Robins hooked the ball over
his shoulder with his back to goal.
The hosts then stepped up the pace with the former Manchester United man
proving a real handful.
After 71 minutes he thought he had snatched the points when he bundled home
from close range only to see his effort chalked out for offside.
But despite Rotherham throwing everything forward in the closing stages the
visitors held on for a point.
Teams
Rotherham: Gray, Shaun Barker, Swailes, Branston, McIntosh,
Sedgwick (Warne 84), Daws, Talbot, Hurst, Robins,
Lee (Byfield 75).
Subs Not Used: Monkhouse, Richard Barker, Hudson.
Booked: Lee, Swailes, Branston, Talbot.
Goals: Lee 55, Robins 69.
Nottm Forest: Roche, Louis-Jean, Hjelde, Walker, Doig,
Thompson (Cash 90), Scimeca, Jess, Bopp, Westcarr, Lester.
Subs Not Used: Johnson, Ward, Morgan, Bodkin.
Booked: Louis-Jean, Westcarr, Doig, Hjelde.
Goals: Lester 63, Westcarr 66.
Att: 9,942
Ref: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).
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