Valerien feeling bleeding great as Hornets stop rot

WATFORD boss Valerien Ismael was relieved they “stopped the bleeding” after Yaser Asprilla’s sweet strike ended their poor form.

The Hornets had been slipping out of the play-off picture after a five-game winless run, including three losses in a row.

Asprilla scored his second fine away goal within a week as the Colombia attacker followed up his stunner at Norwich.

Ismael said: “We were ready for the battle. We knew the pitch would be an additional problem and were strong.

“Finally, with another clean sheet, we stopped the bleeding. Yaser Asprilla has learned a lot this season.

“He’s ready to make an impact now. It was a big relief to take three points.”

Rotherham battled hard early on but Watford grew into the game.

Millers boss Leam Richardson was frustrated when Andy Rinomhota went to ground easily and was not awarded a penalty early in the second half.

The Hornets then stung when Asprilla fired in his goal after the home team failed to clear a corner.

Rotherham fought well late on, with Sean Morrison coming close, but ultimately suffered a fourth home league defeat in a row.

Richardson said: “We’ll stay positive. We’ve got to find a little edge and turn our endeavour into wins.

“The players were on the floor when I came in. I’ve got to pick them up.” ROTHERHAM: Johansson 6; Kioso 6 (Ferguson (79) 6), Odoffin 7, Morrison 8, Humphreys 6 (Cafu (79) 6), Revan 8; Rinomhota 6, Tiehi 6 (Clucas (68) 7), Rathbone 7; Nombe 6 (Eaves (68) 6), Wyke 7 (Hugill (68) 6) WATFORD: Hamer 6; Dele-bashiru 6, Pollock 7, Sierralta 6, Hoedt 7, Lewis 6 (Dennis (85) 6); Asprilla 8 (Andrews (85) 6), Kone 7 (Chakvetadze (55) 8), Kayembe 6 (Ince (55) 7), Sema 7 (Livermore (76) 7); Rajovic 5 STAR MAN: Yaser Asprilla – Eye-catching winner and was a key figure in other moments of danger. REF: Andrew Kitchen 6