Town manager Joe Royle praised his defenders after they racked up their first league clean sheet of the season in the 2-0 win at Rotherham.

Royle told the club site: "It was a comfortable win without us being anywhere near our best.

"It's nice to get another clean sheet and the whole back four played very well.

"Drissa didn't lose a header all day, Fabian was solid on the left side and the two lads in the middle did their jobs.

"Shefki set us on the way with a great strike, and we were much better in the second half with Jim Magilton having an influence on the game.

"It took an hour for us to get going really, but I can't remember Rotherham having any real chances and I'm pleased for Shefki that he is up and running now with his goals.

"He could, and should, have had a hat-trick but we're not complaining and we are averaging two goals a game so far, so that's encouraging."

Skipper Jim Magilton also highlighted the key role of the Town defensive line this season, while recognising the front pair's contribution at Millmoor: "Shefki took his goals well, his first was a terrific strike and his second was a poacher's goal after great work by Darren Bent.

"Defensively though, we were very strong and the triangle of Kelvin Davis, Richard Naylor and Jason De Vos were important for us.

"Those three players will be very big for us this year.

Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore was understandably downcast after his side's defeat: "In the first half there was nothing in the game and I thought we were very unlucky to go in one behind.

"They scored a wonder goal out of nothing - it came from a 70-yard freekick - and to end in our net was criminal, although it was a great finish.

"It was like a knife in the heart but then we came out in the second half and gifted them a goal.

"Our two most experienced players got in a mess, either one should have shoed [sic] the ball into the stand.

"Once we had gifted away a 2-0 lead, Town were always going to keep the ball; they have players who can pass.

"But a minute before half-time and a couple into the second half, I honestly believe it was where the game was won and lost.

"We are OK until we get into the attacking third, but once we get there we don't know what we are going to do. The movement and quality of the ball aren't good enough and that is why we are bottom of the league.

"We have to be careful the players don't start believing they aren't going to score. When the second goal went in some of the heads went down. That attitude needs changing but they are professional people."

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