Mick Bemoans Defensive Frailties

Talking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Harford commented: "The two goals we conceded in the last few minutes of the first half just typifies our season, defensively we haven't let in all that many goals but the ones we have let in have just been giveaways.

Feeling The Heat

"Week in and week out we gift teams goals, we dominate games but if you defend poorly then you end up getting beaten as we are doing. There's no excuse for the goals we are conceding, the ball should have been dealt with better on both occasions and mistakes like that can cost you dear as we are experiencing recently. If you don't defend properly you get beaten.

"In the first half we controlled the game with Walsall twice changing their system to counteract what we were doing but we just can't defend. I am not blaming the keeper for any of the goals, everytime the ball goes in our box we panic. Their centre forward will not get two easier goals this season."

Harford went on to give a special mention to the traveling Millers fans: "I would like to say that our supporters were absolutely first class, they have had a torturous 12 to 15 months but they came here today to get behind me and the team. They kept singing to the end and didn't deserve that performance."

Next up for the lads is a massive six pointer against Swindon Town at Millmoor and Harford insists his players are up for the battle ahead. "I have asked the players individually if they are ready for a scrap, i have been trying all week to get in a centre half and today proved that we needed one. It didn't happen and we know now that we are in a battle, if they don't realise that then they are stupid. We are in trouble and if we don't start getting points we will be relegated. But i believe we are up for the fight and can turn the corner."