Rotherham United clinched their first win of the League Two season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chesterfield at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday. The result, which lifts the Millers to 13th in the table with four points from three games, was also the first win of Alex Bruce's tenure as manager.
Fabio Tavares opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and substitute Paul Mullin sealed the win with a stunning 90th-minute strike after Liam Mandeville had equalised from the penalty spot for Chesterfield three minutes earlier. Tom Bradshaw missed a penalty for Rotherham before the break in a match watched by 9,291 fans, including 2,285 travelling supporters from Chesterfield. The report from the Rotherham Advertiser described a performance reminiscent of the club's promotion-winning eras.
How did Rotherham secure the victory?
Alex Bruce's side started aggressively in a 3-5-2 formation. Denzel Hall set the tone with a thumping tackle after a 30-yard sprint, and Kian Spence won a key 50-50 challenge early on. The pressure told when Fabio Tavares found the net early. Rotherham created further chances but were denied by a missed Bradshaw penalty and some resilient Chesterfield defending.
The game turned tense when Sonny Aljofree fouled Fraser Bryden to concede a penalty, which Mandeville converted calmly in the 87th minute. Parity lasted just three minutes. Chesterfield defender Jack Simpson slipped, allowing Paul Mullin to seize possession, drive 25 yards, and fire a low shot from 18 yards past Ryan Boot. Mullin, who came on with half an hour to play, sparked wild celebrations with his late winner.
What did Alex Bruce say after the match?
The Rotherham boss acknowledged the emotional nature of the contest. "It was a roller coaster of emotions - a missed penalty, missed chances, tackles flying in, a really good watch," Bruce said. He immediately framed the win within the broader promotion picture. "I've said to lads, it takes 23 wins, on average, to get out of this league. That's the first one ticked off."
Bruce has been managing the minutes of strikers Paul Mullin and Tom Bradshaw, who both missed much of pre-season. The tactical substitution of Mullin for Bradshaw in the 64th minute proved decisive. The victory ended a six-month wait for a home win in S60.
What is Rotherham's current league position?
The three points moved Rotherham up to 13th in League Two. They now have a record of one win, one draw, and one loss from their opening three fixtures. The team has scored four goals and conceded four, giving them a neutral goal difference. They sit three points behind early leaders Barnet. You can track their progress on our standings page.
This context makes the next fixture critical. Rotherham travel to face Tranmere Rovers, who are 8th in the table, on Tuesday, September 1st. A positive result there could see the Millers climb into the top half. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
How did the team perform individually?
Fabio Tavares was excellent from the start, earning a standing ovation when substituted in the 81st minute. Goalkeeper Ted Cann marshalled a defence that included Emmanuel Adegboyega, Sonny Aljofree, and Kieran Ngwenya. Bruce utilised his bench effectively, with Joe Rafferty, Josh Austerfield, and Ar'Jany Martha all entering the fray.
Chesterfield, a play-off team last season, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 under boss Paul Cook, who was visibly angry with the fourth official at full-time. For Rotherham, the win provided a massive confidence boost. The atmosphere at New York Stadium was amplified by Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' playing before and after the match, soundtracking a hard-earned victory. With the first win secured, the focus shifts to building momentum, starting with the trip to Prenton Park. The squad details for that challenge can be found on our squad page.
