Yorkshire | Denzel Hall shines for Rotherham United

Rotherham United 1 - 0 Exeter City

Denzel Hall’s fierce volley secured victory for Rotherham in a hard-fought contest against Exeter.

Author | Jamie P

Stadium | New York Stadium

The hosts made the brighter start, with Jordan Hugill and Kion Etete both denied by sharp stops from goalkeeper Joe Whitworth. Hugill bulldozed his way through the defence only to be frustrated again, before Hall went close with a strike that flashed wide.

The Dutch defender eventually found his mark in the 39th minute, rifling home after Ed Turns’ clearance fell invitingly into his path.

Rotherham pushed for a second after the break but Whitworth remained defiant, keeping out a header from debutant Thomas Holmes. Substitute Joshua Kayode also threatened, firing narrowly off target from Reece James’s cross.

Exeter mounted late pressure

Home nerves were frayed when eight minutes of added time were signalled, and tension grew further when substitute Jamal Baptiste was booked for the hosts. 

Moments later Josh Magennis bundled in a cross from the left, only for Rotherham to be spared as the offside flag went up and Exeter’s celebrations were abruptly halted.

Which players stood out for Rotherham?

Denzel Hall | An assured display capped with an equally assured finish. There will be concern, however, that the injury he sustained proves to be more than a minor setback.

Thomas Holmes | He combined strength with composure, using the ball intelligently and competing with real authority. His reading of the game was sharp, he encouraged and organised those around him, and above all he provided genuine leadership.

Dan Gore | Produced his most impressive performance of the season. He was eager to get on the ball, drove at Exeter and unsettled their back line throughout, while also showing a fine touch with his passing.