Two teams cancel one another out
Many predicted a 0-0 draw between two sides whose similar styles were likely to cancel each other out. It was perhaps a surprise that the game had something of a flow to it – fouls and bookings were minimal and game management at a premium. This obviously didn’t stop a few be-moaning Wycombe as ‘anti-football’ afterwards, another case of people basing their opinion on reputation rather than fact. In truth though the Chairboys had more possession, were often quick to get the game moving when they could and showed more endeavour in the second half. The Millers seemed more content with a point, which given the two teams’ current league positions is no surprise as Adams Park witnessed its first Saturday afternoon 0-0 draw for nearly 16 months.
Rotherham’s defence remains watertight
Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool may well have conceded less league goals than Rotherham’s 21 thus far this season, but then they have played at least nine games less. It’s quite staggering just how mean United are at the back – but watching them at Adams Park on Saturday, it’s not surprising. For all of Wycombe’s endeavour and more creative set-piece routines than usual, they simply couldn’t break through the red wall. Josh Vickers in the Millers goal was well protected, only being called into action twice. Wycombe have more than their fair share of players who can score goals – from Sam Vokes to Anis Mehmeti, via Lewis Wing and Garath McCleary – but they were perhaps too patient in playing it across the front whilst trying to seek an opening. The clinically well-drilled defence may have been off-putting, but a few more attempts at half chances may have snuck through or taken a lucky deflection. You have to buy a ticket to win the raffle…
And Wycombe’s defence is looking solid…for now
Wycombe conceded twelve goals in four games in February, prompting Gareth Ainsworth to revert to a back four against Cambridge United. He even had them in to practice defending set-pieces on the day of that game. It reaped rewards and the Chairboys have now conceded just once in three matches, keeping back to back clean sheets at home for the first time this season. The experience and calmness of Anthony Stewart and Ryan Tafazolli has shored things up and a resolute defence could be key in the run-in. Just ask Rotherham.
Are Rotherham on a bad run?
The league leaders have now just picked up two points from the last nine on offer. Is this a bad run? Not yet, but it could well turn into one. They could have perhaps done without Harry Darling’s late equalizer for Milton Keynes against Wigan as whilst that keeps the Millers clear at the top of the table, it keeps MK in the automatic promotion hunt. It is going to be two of Wigan, Rotherham and Milton Keynes who achieve automatic promotion and United, whilst being in a great position, still have some work to do. We know that they’re superb at the back, but things are drying up at the other end too with Dan Barlaser’s penalty last week being their only goal in the past three league games, as injuries cripple the attacking options. You wouldn’t bet against them, but everyone else in the top ten has won at least two of their last three games and an end to this mini-blip is becoming a necessity, game by game.
Joe Mattock lines up a free-kick that flew over but was Rotherham’s only effort of the second half
Wycombe remain in the hunt…but it’s going to be tight
Wanderers are somewhat marooned in eighth place at the moment – neither victory nor defeat against Rotherham would have changed that. Yet their seven-game winless streak has had an adverse effect on their promotion hopes and the relative upturn in form has coincided with everyone else winning games, such is the relentless nature of the top half of the division. The run-in does suit them – they have none of the current top five to play and still have games against four of the sides embroiled in the relegation dogfight. There is little margin for error though, and victory over Fleetwood on Tuesday is vital.
Wycombe Wanderers 0 Rotherham United 0
Att: 5,742 (Away – 988)
words Phil Slatter, D3D4 Chairboys writer