Proud Paul Hurst hails his Town heroes for battling back with a punch

Brave 10-man Town struck a 94th-minute winner to seal the points and launch memorable scenes of celebration as they extended their lead at the top of League One to four points.

And Hurst, who was welcomed on to the AESSEAL New York Stadium as a returning legend to rapturous applause ahead of kick off, ended the day triumphantly celebrating with Town’s travelling faithful.

Top scorer Stefan Payne’s dramatic winner, his ninth goal of the season, came after the Millers used their man advantage to finally haul level 14 minutes from time. Abu Ogogo was controversially sent off after the break following Jon Nolan’s early opener.

“When we were coming off (the pitch) and you let a bit of emotion out I was saying ‘that’s what we’re about’,” beamed Hurst.

“That was my feeling. If you’re going to beat us, you’re going to have to absolutely run over the top of us.

“And to coin the phrase, we’re going to come back swinging. We’ll stand up and be counted. The players did that excellently.

“It wasn’t about coming back here. It could’ve been against Peterborough or Gillingham but when you’ve got a good crowd in, an atmosphere, that is what makes you proud to be a manager.”

It was Yorkshireman Hurst’s first time back at Rotherham as a manager, the club he served as a player for 15 years.

He added: “I looked up and could see my family really happy and proud. Seeing my son’s cheeky face, it was my daughter’s birthday – I can be in a good mood now for that.

“It culminates what has been a very nice day in terms of meeting people I haven’t seen for a while and a few familiar faces in the crowd as well.

“When Nolan scored I turned around and could see my son with a little punch to the air.

“Half the time he’s not really interested in watching football!

“Rotherham were very good in terms of looking after them. They went above and beyond. I respect them for that.”