NEIL SHOCKED BY ‘HORRIFIC START'

Own goal sets tone for hosts

- Simon Smedley

ALEX Neil was left ruing a “frightening” open-ing that left his Preston side “horrified” as Joe Rafferty’s bizarre own goal helped Rotherham win.

Rafferty headed Freddie Ladapo’s shot into his own net within just 20 seconds and Preston were unable to recover after that – despite dominating the first half.

Ben Wiles fired home for 2-0, with Ched Evans’ goal a consolation for the hosts as Rotherham climbed out of the relegation places.

“We should have won the game, we had enough chances to win,” said manager Neil.

“We didn’t take our opportunities, which is frustrating. You need to be clinical and deadly in those areas, but I’ve never seen a start to a game like that. It was frightening.

“The day is a sore one for me. We had so many chances, but the first goal was horrific.