Rotherham went a long way to preserving their Nationwide First Division status
next season with a crucial victory over Stoke.
Jody Morris fired the visitors into a 22nd-minute lead after the former
Chelsea and Leeds man latched on to Michael Proctor's precise delivery before
sliding the ball into the back of the net.
The last time Morris was on the scoresheet was as a Chelsea player in the
fourth-round FA Cup victory at Shrewsbury in January 2003.
Although Morris is now a million miles away from the affluent arena of
Stamford Bridge, the combative midfielder put in another eye-catching
performance and could have doubled his tally when he struck the woodwork in the
second half.
Stoke were not at the races all afternoon, and Ronnie Moore's team improved
their advantage when Martin Butler pulled the trigger from long range with a
fierce strike after 68 minutes.
And with fellow relegation candidates Gillingham and Derby both winning today,
the importance of the victory cannot be underestimated.
Three points off the relegation places prior to the game, Rotherham
predictably started with purpose and went on the offensive from the first
whistle.
Morris signalled his intentions as early as the fifth minute with a rasping
long-range drive which fizzed just over the crossbar, while Stoke goalkeeper
Neil Cutler had to be on his toes to parry Chris Sedgwick's deft flick away for
a corner.
The home side's performance smacked of a side ensconced in mid-table obscurity
and were deservedly punished for such a languid approach.
Shortly after Morris spurned a gilt-edged opportunity four yards from goal,
the former Leeds midfielder made emphatic amends with a well-crafted goal.
Proctor unlocked Stoke's statuesque defence with a perfect delivery and Morris
made no mistake with a thumping finish across the face of goal.
Morris' strike roused the Potters from their slumber and Carl Asaba should
have restored parity with two clear-cut chances - with the latter forcing Mike
Pollitt into a superb reaction save to deny the former Sheffield United
marksman.
But Rotherham remained a constant menace on the counter-attack, and promising
young defender Shaun Barker should have extended their advantage when his header
blazed over the crossbar.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis had seen enough, and replaced the ineffectual Peter
Hoekstra with Karl Henry after 64 minutes.
However, the change had a negative effect as Rotherham strengthened their hand
four minutes later courtesy of Butler's intervention.
Sedgwick's defence-splitting ball found the towering striker in acres of space
who controlled well, before unleashing a fierce drive which left Cutler with no
chance.
Stoke were resigned to their fate, and things could have been even worst for
Pulis' weary troops when Morris' thumping strike from outside the penalty area
cannoned off the woodwork and away to safety.
Teams
Stoke Cutler, Halls, Thomas, Taggart (Hill 76), Marcus Hall,
Hoekstra (Henry 64), Russell, Clarke, Commons, Asaba,
Noel-Williams (Palmer 71).
Subs Not Used: Gunnarsson, Svard.
Booked: Hill.
Rotherham Pollitt, Stockdale, Swailes, Gilchrist, Minto,
Sedgwick (Warne 90), Shaun Barker, Morris, Mullin, Butler,
Proctor.
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Richard Barker, Monkhouse, Hurst.
Goals: Morris 22, Butler 68.
Att: 11,978
Ref: R Olivier (W Midlands).
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