Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Rotherham United: Hosts get late point despite Marek Rodak heroics
- Published
Rotherham were in defiant mood at Ewood Park
Dominant Blackburn came from behind to take a point after Bradley Dack finally found a way past inspired Rotherham keeper Marek Rodak.
Rodak made a string of vital saves to deny Rovers, including two in two minutes as Danny Graham and Elliott Bennett both went close for Tony Mowbray's side.
And Paul Warne's visitors almost grabbed their first away win of the Championship season when Michael Smith headed them in front with 15 minutes left.
But in-form Dack, who has now been directly involved in 15 goals in his 15 appearances for Rovers this season, turned home Ben Brereton's cross at the near post with a smart finish to level.
Rovers have now lost just once in nine league games on home turf this season, but remain eighth after a stalemate that saw so many chances go begging, while the Millers drop a place to 19th.
Despite missing out on the win, Warne can reflect on an inspirational display from Slovakia Under-21 international Rodak, who excellently denied Dack before the Rovers man's eventual leveller and also thwarted Adam Armstrong late in the contest.
Meanwhile, Mowbray can point to his changes, along with the fine form of Dack, for his side's point.
He brought Brereton off the bench to create the breakthrough and the hosts finished the stronger of the two sides.
Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray:
"Frustration is probably the best word. First half we struggled a bit with their directness and long throw ins and didn't deal with the first ball very well. The second half was as good in possession creating chances as we've been and just a real frustration we only managed to create one goal. But it's done now. There was a lot of good play.
"They went and scored from their only shot on target."
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne:
"I think it's a point gained. We started well but it's a difficult place to come and their home record is pretty phenomenal. They've beaten Leeds and QPR here.
"It was disappointing because I think their goal was offside but I'm not being a baby about it because their play probably deserved a goal."
