Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Rotherham: Michael Smith double seals first league win for Owls

Striker Michael Smith scored twice against former club Rotherham United as Sheffield Wednesday ended a 13-game winless run in the Championship in a South Yorkshire derby.

Barry Bannan, whose pass found Musaba to create the chance, was busy for the Owls and it was from his half-cleared cross that George Byers struck a shot over the bar.

The Owls doubled their lead when Smith struck again in the 36th minute, tucking the ball beyond Johansson.

Josh Windass then tried a speculative effort that faded, while substitute Sebastian Revan wasted a chance for Rotherham when he skied over from close range and then fired wide late on.

There was a poignant moment of togetherness for the two rivals when a minute’s silence was held before the match for Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, who died after an accident in Saturday’s Challenge Cup game with Sheffield Steelers.

Victory in this derby was a welcome first three league points for Wednesday fans who have endured a miserable season so far, and for new head coach Danny Rohl, who succeeded Xisco Munoz amid the poor run of form for his first role as the main man.

Rohl’s side started the game with enthusiasm from the off, with Bannan crafting in midfield, and Rotherham, besides a couple of chances, were second-best throughout.

It was a disappointing result for Millers boss Matt Taylor, who had a good record at Hillsborough of late and his side had drawn with in-form Southampton and beaten Coventry City in their past two games.

Wednesday remain bottom but cut the gap between them and Huddersfield Town in 21st to eight points, while third-bottom Rotherham are three clear of the Owls.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl:

“It’s amazing to be a part of this club. It’s amazing to be in the stadium, to see all the fans that are so great. The performance on the pitch was just what we need. We trained hard for the last 10 days and now you see the direction of how we want to play.

“A clean sheet, two goals, and a great performance of high intensity against a difficult opponent.

“We spoke about our plan today. It’s about creating a winning mindset and enjoying playing football.

“We spoke about how we want to play and you always need to first win to create the belief and conviction for the direction.

“I see a team that is ready for a hunt to win balls and it is fantastic.”

Rotherham manager Matt Taylor:

“Bitterly disappointed, frustrated, upset and angry in so many ways that we were so poor in so many departments today. In possession and out of possession, we were second best.

“In local derbies, you certainly can’t afford to do that. For 10 minutes, the game was relatively balanced and then one midfield giveaway and a breakaway goal, and the whole atmosphere changed.

“We just weren’t bright enough in our moments of the game. Get to the ball first, come out on top. If you win the ball, use the ball better. We were too poor in too many departments.”