Rotherham 0-1 Watford: Yaser Asprilla stunner secures victory for Hornets

Watford ended a run of three straight Championship defeats with a confident victory over Rotherham United at the New York Stadium.

It was a passive performance from the home side, who struggled to create many chances throughout.

The Millers remain rooted to the bottom after a fourth successive defeat.

Rotherham started confidently, but Watford soon began to assert themselves as Ken Sema was denied by a last-ditch challenge by Hakeem Odoffin, and Francisco Sierralta headed wide.

Jamal Lewis was on hand to stop a swift-looking Rotherham counter-attackbut both sides went into the game in poor form and, in truth, it showed.

There were no clear-cut chances in the first half, although Watford could have gone in front two minutes before the break, only for no-one to supply a finishing touch to Wesley Hoedt’s cross.

Giorgi Chakvetadze’s introduction as part of a double Watford change gave them real impetus and he almost set Mileta Rajovic away with a superb through ball.

They goal came just shy of the hour mark as Asprilla smashed home from the edge of the area on the half-volley after the Millers failed to get enough distance on their clearance from a corner.

Rotherham looked to hit back but substitute Jordan Hugill headed wide and Ollie Rathbone saw a shot blocked.

Watford, though, were not seriously threatened as Valerien Ismael’s team achieved up a first clean sheet in five games.

Rotherham boss Leam Richardson told BBC Radio Sheffield:

“The result is frustrating, but the performance deserved more. We need to keep improving. We need to evolve and make sure we make a fist of it, otherwise what is the point?

“The Championship is full of quality players and well-coached teams. I knew the challenge when I came in, what we need to take forward.

“I’m not disappointed with the manner that we’ve lost, but I’m disappointed we have lost.

“Every club I’ve been at, when I’ve left it has been in a miles better place than when I arrived. Rotherham will be no different.”

Watford head coach Valerien Ismael told BBC Three Counties Radio:

“We were ready for the battle, we needed fighting spirit for this game. Our focus was all about the result.

“We knew the pitch would be an additional challenge for us and we dealt with the situation very well, we were strong. Finally another clean sheet, we stopped the bleeding and it’s a good reward.

“Yaser (Asprilla) is a player who’s learned a lot this season. He’s made the next step and he’s ready now to have an impact on the game and I’m very pleased for him.

“When you’re in front there will be a massive wave after wave, but there was great bravery from everyone to support Ben (Hamer) and protect our goal. They didn’t have any big chances and it was a very solid performance in a difficult situation.”