League One play-off semi-final – Rotherham 2 Aldershot 0
(Rotherham win 3-0 on agg)
Clearly Adam Le Fondre isn’t one to break a promise.
A week ago he told the Rotherham fans that he would fire the side to promotion. Two goals and a play-off semi-final win later, the Millers are one match away from League One.
After claiming the winner in the first leg, the 23-year-old hit-man scored the all-important first goal in last night’s second leg, which proved to be the catalyst for the 2-0 victory over Aldershot. Kevin Ellison eased any nerves for the home side in the 68th minute when he headed home Nicky Law’s cross at the far post to double the lead.
Le Fondre has not surprisingly been attracting attention from other clubs thanks to his exploits this season, with Preston and Barnsley reportedly planning a £3million raid on the marksman. But with another impressive performance under his belt, the queue for his signature may be growing longer.
Millers boss Ronnie Moore is fully aware of Le Fondre’s contribution and is looking forward to Wembley.
Moore told Skysports: "Adam has had an absolutely magnificent season. It is absolutely fantastic, we are half way there and we have given ourselves a chance now. It will be a great day out, but we have to go and win there.
"We have to go from this quickly, I thought we were absolutely magnificent tonight, we defended well when we had to, and then we got the goal when we needed it and I thought we just about shaded it over the two legs."
Aldershot boss Kevin Dillon was gracious in defeat and was full of praise for his opposite number Moore.
Dillon told Skysports: "We had some chances - probably more chances in the two games than Rotherham - but you have got to give credit to (Rotherham boss) Ronnie (Moore), he's done a great job and I wish them all the best in the final."
But the final word came from Moore, who couldn’t speak highly enough of his star-man - no doubt hoping the financial advisors of the interested clubs were listening.
"He has come up with crucial goals all through the campaign and, obviously, the two he has notched in both legs of this play-off semi-final have been vitally important.
"It would be nice, though to see another striker scoring!"
Be careful what you wish for, Ronnie. You may just need one more match-winning performance from your star-striker before he moves on to bigger and better things.
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