The Spireites were once the Millers’ bogey side and their wins tally to 44 to 19 before this first league meeting between the two in 13 years was testament to that.
Victory number 45 didn’t come, poor decision-making and the two shots on target from nearly 70 per cent possession telling its own story. Credit too to Rotherham's stoic defensive work.
Still, they did their best to leave the door open to a comeback by missing a lot of chances after Fabio Tavares shot them into a first-half lead.
Handed a get-out-of-jail card by Liam Mandeville’s late penalty, what manager Paul Cook admitted would have been a fortuitous point was lost when one defensive slip let Paul Mullin in to make it 2-1.
In that solitary moment a scruffy draw that most of the 2,000-plus supporters behind the goal would have accepted turned into a tight loss and a post-match inquest.
The frustration from the fans was justified. The more over-the-top reactions just three games into a 46-game league season less so.
With Gillingham in town tomorrow there’s a swift chance to try and make amends.
Here’s our player ratings from the game.
1. Ryan Boot 7
Ryan Boot 7: Exposed for both Rotherham goals but dealt with pretty much else. Did well to keep his team in it with the penalty save and a smart stop from Tavares at 1-0. Photo: Tina Jenner
2. Remeao Hutton 6
Remeao Hutton 6: Bright start and dovetailed nicely with Markanday and Koroma in one early move before fading as the match wore on. Quiet afternoon by his standards Photo: Tina Jenner
3. Jack Simpson 6
Jack Simpson 7: Competent and confident in the air and on the deck until his untimely slip on the turf let Rotherham in for the winner Photo: Tina Jenner
4. Kyle McFadzean 6
Kyle McFadzean 6: Didn't do much wrong. His misfortune that his pass to central defensive partner Simpson invited the slip and a free run at goal for Paul Mullin to decide the match Photo: Mark Sutton