Rotherham United 1 Preston North End 0

Last updated : 27 March 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Martin Butler - Goalscorer
Martin Butler pounced with his 11th goal of the season as Rotherham gave their survival hopes a welcome boost.

Leading scorer Butler plundered his first goal since February to gave Ronnie Moore's strugglers the lead after 30 minutes.

And despite a second-half onslaught from Craig Brown's play-off hopefuls the Millers hung on for only their second home win since December 2.

Butler could have given his side the lead with a header in a high-energy start but for an acrobatic stop from Jonathan Gould after a Chris Sedgwick cross.

And Andy Monkhouse came close when raced onto Robbie Stockdale's deft flick but for a timely intervention by Michael Jackson.

Preston striker Richard Cresswell found his feet and came close to breaking his goal drought, but his first-time shot was high after good work Paul McKenna.

Two minutes later only a superb diving save from Mike Pollitt denied Cresswell with a fierce drive before Phil Gilchrist tidied up.

Rotherham's breakthrough came from a set piece after 30 minutes. John Mullin's ball into the area was headed clear by Jackson but Monkhouse lashed a dipping volley that Gould matched with a super stop.

Andy Monkhouse - Fierce Shot

He could only parry the powerful effort and Martin Butler was hovering to head in his 11th goal of the seasonThe setback re-ignited Preston's challenge and Cresswell was at the forefront again but Pollitt made another important save.

Minutes after the restart Briscoe tried to catch Rotherham on the hop with a quickly taken free-kick but was Pollitt was alert enough to get behind the low shot.

Dickson Etuhu should have levelled in the 53rd minute but hit a tame shot at Pollitt and the Millers clung on to take the points.