Rotherham gave their survival chances a massive boost as they produced one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Championship. Ollie Rathbone and Shane Ferguson scored either side of half-time to give the Millers their first win in 12 games since beating Sheffield United in November. They had to work hard for it, as Joe Gelhardt’s first goal for Sunderland since joining on loan from Leeds in January made it a game, but Matt Taylor’s side hung on to move five points clear of the relegation zone. The Black Cats suffered their first defeat in six games, jeopardizing their playoff chances, although being within striking distance of the top six. It was a calm start with little activity on either end until Rathbone asserted himself in style to give the Millers the lead.
He received the ball in the center of the pitch from Tariqe Fosu and raced forward before firing a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner. Sunderland rushed straight up the other end, with just a stunning save from goalkeeper Viktor Johansson keeping his side in front. Alex Pritchard cut inside to create space on the angle of the penalty box, then put in a curling shot that was destined for the top corner until Johansson intervened with a fingertip save. The threat to the Millers was not gone, as Dan Ballard was left unmarked from the subsequent corner, but he blazed a header wide.
As Luke O’Nien barged Jordan Hugill, the Millers appeared to have been denied a clear penalty, but referee Chris Kavanagh waved away objections. Early in the second half, Rathbone attempted to recreate the trick with a shot from the opposite flank, but Anthony Patterson got down effectively to save it. Rotherham extended their lead in the 56th minute, ending Sunderland’s finest stretch of the game. Fosu was the creator once more, tackling Dan Neil and setting Ferguson free, who hammered a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner. The Black Cats were determined to make a comeback and cut the deficit in half five minutes later.
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