ROTHERHAM United head to the Racecourse tomorrow with manager Mark Robins admitting that his side can learn from League Two leaders Darlington, who ended The Millers' unbeaten league record with a 2-0 victory last weekend.
"Darlington have shown us the way a bit in terms of how we've got to be," said Robins. "They are a big, strong, physical side and they'll definitely be up there at the end of the season. They've spent a hell of a lot of money in doing so.
"It reminded us that we have to improve and we have to be better at coping with sides like that.
"We have players and a side that can do it. We had a lot of possession and got in decent positions. But whereas they had three decent chances and took two, we did not match that ratio.
"It's about being more ruthless; you have got to be ruthless in that penalty area."
He said he replaced striker Chris O'Grady at half-time because he felt "it wasn't going to be his day",
"He and Derek Holmes were making the same movements and it didn't look right," said Robins. "So, I decided to make a change rather than wait, and Marc Newsham is a bit different.
"You have to make decisions as a manager and try and change it. I'm disappointed the unbeaten record has gone and that it has gone at home.
"We had a couple more players missing and, squad wise, it makes a difference to us. It is something we need to look at."
Neither central defender Ian Sharps nor midfielder Peter Holmes were able to play, although Robins remains hopeful they may be okay for Saturday's trip to Wrexham.
Marc Joseph switched to centre defence and Paul Hurst came in at left-back. Stephen Brogan played in Holmes' role on the left.
To help the Millers cause they have signed striker Bruce Dyer on a month's loan from Doncaster Rovers.
The 32-year-old has been brought in by manager Robins following a spate of early-season injuries at Millmoor, and he goes straight into the squad to face Wrexham.
Dyer began his career with Watford in 1993 before he sealed a £1.1million switch to Crystal Palace a year later. He has also had spells with United's Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, Sheffield United and Bradford.
Young forward Chris O'Grady is currently in the side, but he is only 21 and not got a lot of games behind him, whilst the back up strikers are youngsters Marc Newsham and Ryan Taylor.
"We have been striving to get someone in," said Robins. "Although I am looking to do something, I think there have been some good things from the lads up there.
"I'm pleased that Chris O'Grady has got a couple of goals already and we've seen some good things from him.
"I thought Marc Newsham did well when he came on against Darlington last Saturday and Ryan Taylor played really well against a good Sheffield United side in the reserves the other night and scored a cracking goal," said Robins.
"They are the sort of standards we are looking for but we are also looking for them on a regular basis, a game-in, game-out basis. Do that, and I've got a dilemma or two."
He confirmed that new goalkeeper Jamie Annerson would be on the bench at Wrexham. Having played for England U19s last season, Annerson comes in on three months loan from Sheffield United after Millers reserve 'keeper Steve Cann required surgery for a dislocated shoulder.
Robins also said that he was still checking out the possibility of bringing in a central defender.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane has paid tribute to former Sheffield Wednesday player and ex Sheffield United and Rotherham manager Ian Porterfield after his death on Tuesday.
The 61-year-old died at a Surrey hospice after a battle against colon cancer.
The Irishman said: "It's very sad news. The word legend is over-used in football, but having scored the goal he did (FA Cup final against Leeds), Ian Porterfield is a legend. He will always be remembered by the Sunderland fans, so it's a very sad time for the club - 61 is no age at all."
Porterfield will be honoured by his 1973 teammates in an emotional ovation at the Stadium of Light, when Brian Moore's famous commentary leading up to his memorable goal will be played before a minute's applause.
Millers' assistant manager John Breckin, who was in Rotherham's Third Division Championship (League One) winning side of 1980/81 managed by Porterfield, has paid tribute to his former boss.
"It's a very sad loss and many people who so fondly recall his time here will be saddened by it," said Breckin.
"He was a brilliant coach and he put together an excellent side, the best I ever played in and many people regard it as the best Rotherham United side ever," said Breckin.
Immediately after that title winning season - Rotherham's first trophy for 30 years and into what is now The Championship - Porterfield was lured away by Sheffield United and he was to lead them to two promotions in three seasons.
Sheffield Star
