Steve Evans knows Rotherham need improvements fast after Crawley defeat

Steve Evans admitted Rotherham’s performance levels were “not where they should be” after a 1-0 defeat at his former club Crawley.

A first-half goal from forward Will Swan made it an unhappy return to Crawley for manager Evans, whose side crashed to their fourth defeat in the last five League One games and languish just two points above the relegation zone.

The Millers could have stolen a point at the death in the wind and rain at the Broadfield Stadium but substitute Ciaran McGuckin failed to head in at the far post.

Evans said: “You can imagine how disappointed I am feeling. Crawley dominated the ball but we missed two big chances in the first half.

“And then, to get a point right at the end, we missed the biggest chance of the season.

“Crawley is a tough place to come, but our performance levels are not where they should be.”

Evans rejected any idea that his side were in relegation danger, saying: “There’s no way we’ll be relegated.

“We are arguably missing some of the best players in the league and we will do our level best to turn this. We have to find a way.”

Crawley’s victory, only the second in nine league games since boss Rob Elliot took over seven weeks ago, lifted them out of the bottom four.

Elliot said: “We deserve to be out of the bottom four not just because of this but due to our performances in the last few games.

“Rotherham may be having a bad spell but they are still a very good team with serious talent and the players that came off the bench proved that.

“In the first half we were excellent, moved the ball really well and the back four were excellent.

“Second half we played some good football but had to be a bit more direct. Against one of the most physical teams the fight and spirit shown by the lads should fill them with exceptional pride.”