Hours after returning home from Hampshire and the end of his side’s historic FA Cup run, Millers’ boss Kevin Watson gave us his thoughts looking back on a campaign that started back in early September.

“First and foremost, on behalf of the players I would like to thank all those that sent well wishes and supported the club through this cup journey. It was not a journey that I felt needed to end today but fine margins are often all it takes”.

Looking at the narrow 1st round defeat to Havant & Waterlooville, he said “We are pleased with the mindset and aptitude displayed by the players but to be honest that is the least we expect. At times the game lacked a bit of quality but in high stakes cup football it can happen.”

“If there was one aspect which I felt the opposition performed better, it was the management of the game. I didn’t feel there was any gulf of difference between the players as is so often expected.”

“There were certainly some talking points in the game which could have easily swung things more in our favour, but we are not looking for reasons or excuses beyond those that we can control”.

So with the team in mid-table in the league as we enter lockdown – with just one win in five matches -, Watson looked at the priority for the remainder of the season.

“I hope that our players can grow and improve as a result of this experience. It’s imperative that we improve our performances in the league, whenever that may resume again.”

“In time, we will digest today and look to give the right guidance and support to foster the growth”.

“I felt it was a game that had everything – two goals down, penalty saved and then scoring the winner in the final minute.”

“These moments are ones to be cherished by everyone associated with the Club. We are a small Club with a big heart. It’s an incredible achievement by the players.”

“I didn’t think there was the gulf between the two sides that is often assumed. Once our players recognised that, I felt we were more fluid with our decision making and collective performance.”

“As well as some excellent performances, most pleasing for the management team was the character shown at pivotal moments of the game. I believe that weaker characters would have “thrown the towel in” when 2-0 down, or later in the game looked to settle for a draw and go to penalties.”

One downside of the Cup run has seen The Millers trailing in 5th position in the League table, with just 5 points from the four fixtures played.

“Attention needs to turn back to the League campaign where results have not been as desired. We cannot afford any psychological hangover from this high, as so often seen in sport” added Watson.

Picture supplied by Dave Cumberbatch.