Wolves ease relegation fears with narrow win over rock bottom Rotherham
Wolves eased their Sky Bet Championship relegation worries with a nervy 1-0 victory over Rotherham, whose miserable season has entered record-breaking territory.
Andreas Weimann's goal in first-half injury time was enough for Paul Lambert's side to win their first game in eight and remain a point above the drop zone.
It was far from an impressive performance from Wolves, who missed a penalty in the first half, but the result was the most important thing as they enjoyed all three points for the first time since January.
For Rotherham, this was their 28th defeat of a horrid campaign, which breaks their club-record for a 46-game season, while an 18th loss on the road also equals their worst ever.
For that reason, Lambert declared this game "must-win" for his side before kick-off but they were lucky to be still on level terms after 10 minutes as Danny Ward missed a superb chance to put Rotherham ahead.
The Millers striker has not scored in the league since Boxing Day and his lack of confidence in front of goal was evident as he was sent clean through on goal by Tom Adeyemi but did not show any conviction in his finish and shot tamely at Carl Ikeme.
Ward had a perfect chance to atone for that miss with an exact replica 11 minutes later as as another Adeyemi through ball sent him clear but the result was the same as a low show was saved by Ikeme.
It was an abject display from the hosts, whose supporters were getting on their backs, but they were given a golden chance to take an undeserved lead 10 minutes before the break when Millers defender Joe Mattock chopped down Helder Costa after being robbed of possession, with Jeremy Simpson pointing to the spot.
But Costa could not convert from 12 yards as his penalty was blocked by Lewis Price and the Millers got away with it.
Their reprieve did not last long, though, as Wolves went in front in first-half injury time when Weimann got in front of Semi Ajayi, rounded Price and rolled the ball home.
Wolves were hardly worthy of their lead, but it changed the complexion of the game and they came out after the break with some impetus.
Costa forced Price into a decent save just after the restart while the Millers goalkeeper was in the right place to keep out Dave Edwards' header on the hour.
Wolves became edgy as they closed in on an important three points and Conor Coady had another good chance to make the game safe but he drilled just over following a swift counter attack.
They almost paid the ultimate price for their nervy display as Semi Ajayi somehow put the ball over from inside the six-yard box, with Rotherham slipping to an 11th consecutive away defeat.
Source: PA
