Paul Warne left with mixed emotions after Rotherham’s draw with Bolton

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2018 by PA

Rotherham manager Paul Warne was in a philosophical mood after seeing his side drop two points against Bolton.

The Millers looked on course for a much-needed win when Will Vaulks put them ahead in the second half with a brilliant free-kick, which came not long after goalkeeper Marek Rodak saved Josh Magennis’ penalty.

They had plenty of chances to extend their lead, with Michael Smith hitting the post with a fine effort while also shooting straight at Ben Alnwick.

And Bolton made them pay in the 85th minute when substitute Christian Doidge scored his first goal for the club to earn an unlikely 1-1 draw.

Warne felt his side deserved to win but was pragmatic.

“Disappointed not to win, even more so because their goal was so late on,” he said.

“I never think that, I am a bit more experienced, until the whistle goes I am virtually having a heart attack.

“They had four strikers on the pitch so I knew they would create something.

“It’s a pity we didn’t get a second goal. I thought we created two really good chances from set-pieces, on another day they go in and we take three points.”

The Millers could easily have been awarded a penalty of their own in the second half after Ryan Manning looked to be tripped but referee John Brooks opted to book the midfielder for diving.

“I honestly think there is contact, I have watched it back eight times, I think there is contact,” Warne said.

“The ref has obviously seen it from a different angle and has booked him for simulation.

“I think it is a penalty, in the speed of the game sometimes people might get it wrong.”

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson praised his side’s character but felt it could have been a different game had Magennis scored his penalty early in the second half.

“It is a tough place to come and Rotherham have proved that this season, with games against Derby and Stoke,” he said.

“They put the ball into the box and it is a difficult place to come.

“I thought the penalty was a turning point in the game. We started the second half very well and had the chance to go in front.

“The penalty miss, it was a great save, was a key moment and it gave them a great lift, the crowd got behind them and they went on to dominate.

“You have got to give our lads credit, 1-0 down to respond in the way we did. We wanted three points but we will definitely take a point.”