Rotherham boss Matt Hamshaw lauded Cameron Dawson’s shootout heroics as the goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks as the Millers beat Salford 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Carabao Cup first round.
The 30-year-old denied both Tom Edwards and Jorge Grant with superb diving saves before Kelly N’Mai blazed over from 12 yards.
Dawson made several crucial saves throughout an enthralling goalless 90 minutes and, following the match, was praised by his manager.
Hamshaw said: “When it went to penalties, I was sure Cameron Dawson would step up. He’s excellent at penalties, as we know from our previous times facing him, and I’m delighted Cam’s in our corner now.
“During the game, though, I thought we were a little bit too one-paced and did not have enough tempo in our work.
“I thought physically we looked a lot fitter than they did, and at the end of the game, if there was going to be one team to nick the win, it would have been us. At the weekend, I spoke to the players about making sure we are the ones that end with something.”
Karl Robinson was delighted with the application shown by his League Two side.
“I thought we were the better team and we were the ones who missed the most chances in the final minutes,” he said.
“I am really proud of our players and have seen a fantastic performance from them against a League One team.
“We kept our first clean sheet of the season, and our fans have been treated to a brilliant game. I’m ecstatic with how we performed. We kept going and defended well.”
