Ben Wiles impresses for Rotherham, but misses the chance to be their hero as the Millers fire another blank at Huddersfield

Rotherham United midfielder Ben Wiles was one of Rotherham’s top performers as the Millers drew 0-0 away at Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town, however, the 21-year-old’s performance could’ve been responded to with much greater praise.

Wiles had a golden opportunity to seal all three points for Paul Warne’s side in the final minute of normal time as striker Michael Smith beat Huddersfield defender Naby Sarr for pace and squared the ball across goal to his Rotherham teammate, only for the youngster to miss the target from close-range.

Had Wiles scored, it would’ve almost certainly sealed three vital points for Rotherham as they continue their quest for Championship survival.

Unfortunately for Paul Warne’s side, they still find themselves in the bottom-three, however, their deficit behind 21st-place was reduced to six points after Coventry’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth.

Despite the late missed opportunity, Wiles proved a significant presence all over the pitch for the visitors, with the Rotherham youth product creating a similar chance to the one he squandered in the first-half.

The 21-year-old was released after a excellent pass from deep from Millers skipper Richard Wood. Wiles demonstrated decent pace and skill as he weaved through the Huddersfield defence, teeing up Matt Crooks with a squared-ball across goal, only for the forward to hit the post.

Saturday’s result extended a goalless run to three games, with the Millers scoring just five goals in their last ten league outings. The South Yorkshire side weren’t limited to few opportunities though, with Lewis Wing striking the bar and forcing Huddersfield ‘keeper Ryan Schofield into an excellent save in the second-half as well as seeing Matt Crooks bundle the ball into the back of the net, only for the 27-year-old to be flagged offside.

As for the hosts, they too looked lively in spells, with Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johannson having a decent game in goal.

That stalemate was the West Yorkshire side’s fourth in a row at home, with the Terriers unbeaten at the John Smith’s Stadium since mid-February.

Carlos Corberán’s team now look to have a strong grasp on their status as a Championship outfit eight points clear of the drop with six games to go.

Having been battered 7-0 on Tuesday night by champions-elect Norwich City, Corberán made five changes to the side that started at Carrow Road, with 22-year-old Rarmani Edmond-Green impressing at the back as the defence responded well to their hammering earlier in the week, keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Huddersfield will have left the John Smith’s Stadium the happier of the two sides, with little to play for in the final weeks of the season besides guaranteeing their Championship status.

Despite the hosts having chances in the game, Rotherham had the better of the opportunities and an extra two points would’ve proved a major bonus with Coventry and Derby both losing.

With four games in hand still on most sides, there is an opportunity to close the gap between them and safety in the coming weeks, however, four games to come in just eight days will be a major test for Warne’s squad.

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