Preston’s attacking ineptitude ultimately cost them against a regimented Millers side

Rotherham United became only the fifth side this season to win three successive away matches in the Championship. They beat Preston North End 2-1 with substitute Ben Wiles and an own goal by Joe Rafferty proving to be the difference.

After emerging victorious from ties at Pride Park and the Riverside Stadium, the Millers made it three away wins on the bounce after beating Alex Neil’s Lilywhites.

The deadlock was broken within 17 seconds after Freddie Ladapo looped a ball into the penalty area. Joe Rafferty leapt to try and divert the ball away from the onrushing forward; however, he instead found the top corner of his own net, giving Daniel Iversen no chance.

The early strike allowed the visitors to sit deeper and play a more rigid, counter-attacking style of football.

Preston responded well to the goal, creating an abundance of chances and dominating the remainder of the first-half. Debutant Ched Evans was denied by an astounding save from Rotherham shot-stopper Viktor Johansson following a menacing delivery from Tom Barkhuizen.

Barkhuizen created another key chance for Evans just minutes later, but the 32-year-old failed to properly connect with the delivery.

The dynamic winger was at the epicentre of the hosts’ creativity at the end of the first-half. He was presented with a chance of his own when he was played through on goal. However, he couldn’t give Neil’s side the equaliser that they craved as his shot went straight into the arms of Rotherham goalkeeper.

After the interval, North End switched off defensively as Lewis Wing was allowed to play a pass to an unmarked Wiles – the young Englishman couldn’t miss. Their backline was disjointed and Wiles was one of two players who had the right half of the penalty area to themselves.

The home side clawed one back with 25 minutes remaining through Evans. The striker finally converted after he pounced on a mistake from the Millers goalkeeper. The Swede fumbled the ball, allowing Evans to halve the deficit with ease.

After hunting for the goal that would draw them level, Preston finally had the ball in the back of the net late on. The shot was powered past Johansson by Daniel Johnson, who was introduced shortly after the goal. However, he was deemed to be offside by the linesman.

The Lancashire outfit faltered creatively in the final minutes of the contest, failing to create anything noteworthy after the disallowed goal.

The Millers held on to gain a crucial victory that moves them out of the relegation zone with games in hand on their opposition.

Ben Wiles was undoubtedly the star performer at Deepdale. He was introduced after 14 minutes following the injury of Jamie Lindsey. This proved to be a blessing in disguise for Rotherham boss Paul Warne.

The midfielder completed five shots throughout his 75 minutes of game-time – the same number as starting strikers Ladapo and George Hirst combined.

North End fans will not be able to ignore their lacklustre form in front of goal at the weekend, as a first-half goal could have easily changed the outcome of this frustrating game.

Their side are currently languishing in 11th, with their hopes of Premier League promotion being well and truly extinguished.

Warne’s side are currently set to remain in the second tier for the first time since the 2015/16 season – putting a stop to their relegation curse.

They take on a Cardiff side in midweek who recently put a seven-match winless streak behind them with a 2-0 victory away playoff hunters Bristol City.

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