Rotherham United earned three vital points to distance themselves from the Championship relegation zone courtesy of a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town this afternoon.
Ipswich had a glorious chance to take the lead in the first minute of the game as Daryl Murphy was put through on goal, but he could only fire his strike straight at Adam Collin, who made the stop with his legs.
The Republic of Ireland forward had the next opening too as Jay Tabb's corner landed at his feet inside the box, but he was unable to direct his effort on target from close range as his shot flashed over the bar.
Rotherham hit back with a good opportunity of their own as Craig Morgan was presented with a free header in the box, although he guided his effort straight into the arms of Bartosz Bialkowski.
David McGoldrick almost engineered a goal for the visitors as he turned his man in the penalty area, but his low strike towards the near post was well saved by Collin.
The home side took the lead just before the break when Derbyshire reacted fastest to a loose ball in the penalty area and powered a diving header past Bialkowski.
In the second half, the Tractor Boys responded and Rotherham were grateful to a fine save from Collin to keep them ahead as he turned a Luke Chambers header from close range over the bar.
The keeper made another important stop minutes later as Freddie Sears pounced on the ball in the penalty area, but Collin tipped his low strike past the post.
Ipswich were denied again minutes later, this time by Zeki Fryers as he cleared Murphy's header off the line after the striker had latched onto a cross.
The visitors paid for missing their opportunities as the Millers doubled their lead when former Ipswich loanee Connor Sammon fired a low effort past Bialkowski.
Ipswich tried to hit back late in the game, but the home side held out to secure the victory at the New York Stadium.
Simon Sinclair
