Darren Byfield scored the only goal of the game as Rotherham defeated Coventry at Millmoor.

Coventry are still looking for their first league win of 2003 and have now lost four consecutive games without scoring.

But the visitors created a lot of chances and the Millers had goalkeeper Mike Pollitt to thank for making several excellent saves.

Coventry started brightly and nearly opened the scoring after just three minutes.

Gary Caldwell's fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area was tipped around the bar by Pollitt.

Then Gary McAllister's well-struck 20-yard free-kick almost found its way into the net, but the ball fizzed narrowly over the crossbar.

And it was against the run of play when Rotherham took the lead after 33 minutes.

City failed to deal with a teasing delivery into the penalty area and Byfield capitalised on their defensive hesitancy to sweep the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Coventry goalkeeper Morten Hyldgaard then made a fine save to deny Martin McIntosh with a thumping header as Rotherham sought to extend their advantage.

But the visitors still posed a serious goal threat and Dean Holdsworth's superb left-footed volley from 25 yards forced a spectacularly save from Pollitt.

The Millers goalkeeper then denied McAllister with a superb relax save as Ronnie Moore's held on for a valuable win.

Rotherham: Pollitt, Bryan, Swailes, McIntosh, Hurst, Sedgwick, Mullin, Woodhouse, Garner, Lee, Byfield. Subs: Gray, Warne, Richard Barker, Daws, Monkhouse.

Coventry: Hyldgaard, Caldwell, Shaw, Konjic, Quinn, Bothroyd, Eustace, Engonga, McAllister, Pipe, Holdsworth. Subs: Debec, Davenport, Pead, Partridge, Yulu.

Referee: L Mason (Lancashire)