No Cliff edge as ‘Bachelor Boys’ put to Bed early
MANAGER Russell Martin hailed the guy he calls “boss” as Saints surged into the Championship top two.
Southampton stretched their unbeaten run to 23 games with goals from Jan Bednarek – on his 200th club appearance – and top scorer Adam Armstrong.
Poland centre-half Bednarek headed home after just four minutes and gave a masterclass as his side eased past rockbottom Rotherham.
Stuart Armstrong also celebrated his double-ton for the visitors. Martin said: “They’ve both been massive for us. Huge.
“Janny is for the courage he shows with the ball. He’s been one of the best players in the league. He’s been amazing. He’s so commanding, has authority and with the ball people underestimate what he does for the team.
“I love working with him and call him the boss on the pitch as often he is. He starts so many things for us and orchestrates so much.”
In a bid to improve the matchday atmosphere, Rotherham gave longsuffering fans a chance to vote for a new club anthem.
Cliff Richard’s ‘Bachelor Boy’ came out tops and it helped get the noise levels up at kick-off.
But the home faithful – whose side have won just once in 17 games – were soon silenced when
Bednarek headed in his second goal of the season.
Jordan Hugill clipped a shot narrowly over in response but then it was all Southampton as they dominated.
Ryan Fraser saw his 20-yard curled effort strike a post. Che Adams slipped Stuart Armstrong in but Millers keeper Viktor Johansson produced a great save.
However, Martin’s side did add their second in the 38th minute when Fraser produced an exquisite backheel for Armstrong to fire home his 15th goal of the campaign.
Rotherham are now 12 points adrift of safety but boss Leam Richardson said: “Southampton are full of quality. We knew the challenges. We’re just disappointed with conceding early.”
ROTHERHAM: Johansson 8; Kioso 6 (Appiah (84) 5), Odoffin 5, Morrison 5, Revan 6 (Seriki (84) 5), Peltier 6; Lindsay 5 (Rathbone (62) 6), Tiehi 6, Clucas 5, Cafu 6 (Eaves (88) 5); Hugill 6 (Nombe (62) 6) SOUTHAMPTON: Bazunu 6; Walkerpeters 7, Harwood-bellis 8, Bednarek 7, Manning 7; Smallbone 7, Downes 8 (Rothwell (74) 6), S Armstrong 7 (Charles (89) 5); A Armstrong 8, Adams 7 (Mara (81) 5), Fraser 8 (Brooks (74) 6) STAR MAN: Ryan Fraser – Buzzed around from first whistle and constant threat down the left. REF: Sunny Singh Gill 6