Rotherham 1 West Ham 0

Last updated : 23 August 2003 By Mad Reporter

Rotherham notched up their first win of the season as they stunned West Ham 1-0 at Millmoor.

A stunning goal from Darren Byfield and a defiant display by keeper Mike Pollitt gave Ronnie Moore's side the shock win.

West Ham, boasting eight internationals in the starting line-up refused to change in the tiny Millmoor dressing room because they were too small and opted for the comfort of their hotel, but Rotherham made it even more uncomfortable on the pitch.

They could have been in front after just eight minutes after making a flying start and catching the Hammers on the hop.

Ex-Upton Park star Scott Minto's corner was headed on by Martin McIntosh but Byfield's overhead kick looped over the top.

And England keeper David James had to stay alert when Byfield out muscled Christian Dailly and cut inside before hitting a low shot.

But James - who impressed for England in midweek - had no answer when Jamaican international Byfield stretched to steer Stewart Talbot's cross in for his first goal of the season.

As Rotherham tore Glenn Roeder's side apart Chris Sedgwick headed wide and, after 36 minutes, James had to pull off an international class save diving low to his right to turn Byfield's snap shot out.

England Under-21 star Jermaine Defoe flashed his speed and style but shot wide after Rob Lee's through ball.

Another deflected shot was save by Pollitt and then Defoe hoisted another over the top.

As Rotherham ran out of steam Defoe tormented the home defence but was denied three times by keeper Pollitt.

He struck a stunning free-kick from 30 yards only for Pollitt to tip it onto the post and when Garcia followed up McIntosh blocked.

And two minutes later the youngster - said to be a £10million target of Manchester United - burst into the area, but Pollitt dived at his feet to block him out.