Wing answers Warne’s prayers with late strike
PAUL WARNE is dreaming of an improbable survival as Rotherham gear up for two monumental games which could clinch their safety and send Derby and Sheffield Wednesday down.
Middlesbrough loanee Lewis Wing claimed his first goal for the Millers with a brilliant 86th-minute freekick, sending life surging through the home side’s late scrap.
Before Wing’s timely intervention, Rotherham were heading for a sixth successive defeat after Adam Armstrong fired Blackburn in front in the 17th minute.
They will climb above Derby and out of the relegation zone if they win their game in hand at Luton on Tuesday — and another victory in Wales next weekend would see them safe.
Warne said: ‘It’s kept the season alive and allows us to go into the last two games with hope.’
Rotherham trailed in disastrous f ashion when defender Angus MacDonald miscontrolled the ball and Blackburn marksman Armstrong seized possession. He scampered clear to fire past goalkeeper Jamal Blackman for his 26th goal of the season.
Warne made five substitutions duri ng t he game and t he Millers improved as the match wore on.
Chances came and went for both sides and Blackburn were especially wasteful in front of goal.
They should have made the game safe before Wing’s free- kick — awarded after Rovers skipper Darr a gh Lenihan f o ul e d o pposit e number Richard Wood — levelled matters.
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray complained bitterly and said: ‘ It was a really poor decision to give the free-kick, and we are left frustrated that we didn’t win by a lot of goals!’
Rotherham substitute George Hirst drew a smart stop from Thomas Kaminski late on before the outstanding Blackman denied Armstrong a winner in the closing stages.
The massively relieved and grateful Warne added: ‘ Jamal’s save could be a massive turning point in our season.’