SAM AND MARVIN

THEY sound like some great lost 60s soul group and Sam Gallagher and Marvin Emnes hit all the right notes on their first start together.

Emnes was a class above. Rotherham simply could not get near the on-loan Swansea City striker – a fact which was reflected in the fact that he ended the match with a 93.5 per cent pass accuracy.

But, more importantly, it is what he did with the ball, following up his second goal in as many games with two assists. You will not see many better full and home debuts.

It shows how well Gallagher played, then, that he managed to pip his strike-partner to the man-of-the-match award.

The on-loan Southampton forward was outstanding. Blessed with a good touch, power, a turn of pace, and an impressive work ethic, he looks a star in the making. When he got the goal he had been threatening all afternoon it brought the house down.

Danny Graham and Anthony Stokes have their work cut out getting back into the team.

BEN IS BACK

FELLOW wideman Craig Conway may have taken most of the plaudits after producing the latest entry into his catalogue of excellent displays for the club.

But praise must also go to Ben Marshall. Like for most of the season, he wasn’t quite at it in the first half, summed up when he just failed to latch on to an Emnes through pass.

But from the moment he cut inside and bent the ball beautifully into the far corner of the net to register his first goal of the campaign he grew in confidence and influence.

The past is the past now. Afterwards he stressed his happiness to stay at the club.

It took Venky’s far too long to put fresh terms on the table but, with Marshall indicating his willingness to sign a new contract, they now need to tie down one of Rovers’ remaining saleable assets.

Lancashire Telegraph:

REASONS FOR CONCERN

POSITIVES were found in Rovers’ improved performances after those shocking first three league defeats.

It is only fair, then, to pick out the negatives after they deservedly ended their winless start to the Championship.

And the negatives from what was otherwise an afternoon to savour were their defending for Rotherham’s two goals.

Rovers, not for the first time this season, found themselves wide open in the middle of the park for Danny Ward’s opener.

And their continuing tendency to concede late goals could have cost them more precious points as Ward stuck again after Derrick Williams gave the ball away.

As it was, roared on by a magnificent home support, they netted for the fourth time to make the points safe.

But, as thrilling as it is, you should not have to score three or four goals to win games.