Next Up: Rotherham United Away
After a convincing win put City’s promotion hopes back on track following three scoreless matches, Paul Tisdale’s side turns its attentions to one of those matches oft referred to as a “six pointer” with a visit to Rotherham. Tisdale has 
further strengthened his midfield options this week with the loan signing of Brighton midfielder Anton Rodgers. Rodgers, the son of Liverpool manager Brendan, has had his fair share of problems recently, and is currently awaiting a retrial following an alleged sexual incident a while back, but hopefully the fresh fields of Devon may be just what he needs to take his mind off things.
It’s fair to say that since the latter part of last season Rotherham have dropped towards the bottom of most Christmas card lists once they confirmed the appointment of convicted fraudster Steve Evans as manager. The Merry Millers have since assembled an expensive squad to play in their new home, the New York Stadium, and are in the thick of the promotion mix, currently two points and two places behind City (albeit with a game in hand). Two names in particular stick out for City supporters – pulling the strings in midfield will be David Noble, who has overcome injury and “personal issues” to emerge as a star performer, and up front will be Dan Nardiello, who is sniffing around behind Curo in the top scorer charts with 18 goals this season.
The reverse of this fixture saw Rotherham emerge with a tight 1-0 win through a goal from Ian Sharps just before half-time. The last time Rotherham hosted City, at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, was just a tad memorable – a 1-0 win through Richard Logan on the final day of the 08/09 season causing pandemonium amongst a travelling support of 2,700 as it clinched City’s promotion to League One. Overall it’s Rotherham with the slight edge, with 13 league victories to City’s 10 (8 draws).
Match Day officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2013/03/21/match-officials-away-to-rotherham-united/
The unique Exeweb ground guide for the New York Stadium is here.