Burnley prosper in safe hands of Michopoulos

Burnley 3 Rotherham United

As family reunions go, this was one that Ronnie Moore, the beleaguered Rotherham manager, would rather forget. After his side had edged a poor and goalless first half yesterday, his son, Ian, broke the deadlock for Burnley within minutes of the restart with a strike which paved the way for a comprehensive victory, even if the final margin flattered the hosts and owed as much to the reactions of their goalkeeper Nik Michopoulos as any prowess in front of the Rotherham goal.

In seeking their first win of the campaign, Rotherham took the early initiative and Stewart Roberts rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike, before Michopoulos was called on to make a magnificent, one-handed save from Mark Robins' fine header, for which the Greek keeper was congratulated by the Rotherham veteran. Michopoulos later defied Robert Scott, who evaded his markers to head from the back post when the visitors were threatening to trim Burnley's then two-goal advantage.

Stan Ternent, the Burnley manager, acknowledged: "He was outstanding. His recent performances deserve a recall to the Greek team and it would be a proud day for Burnley to see him play against England next month.''

While Michopoulos excelled, his opposite number, Mike Pollitt, was at fault in Burnley's goals. For Moore's contribution, the ball was tucked under his body after a previously subdued Glen Little had played the striker through. With Rotherham still regrouping, Little then launched a perfectly flighted ball from inside his own half. Pollitt came to clear it, but a moment's indecision gave Paul Weller the space to clip over him.

Then, with two minutes remaining, he brought down Gareth Taylor in the box after the former Manchester City forward had plainly lost control of the ball. Andy Payton scored the ensuing penalty.

Rotherham can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken anything from a game in which they matched the league leaders for endeavour and chances. "We battled well and worked hard, but we have to be able to defend at this level and take the chances which are presented,'' said the Rotherham manager, who has steered his side through consecutive promotion campaigns.

As for the damage inflicted by his offspring, Moore conceded that it was a quality strike from a player he would rather have in his own side. Moore Jnr tactfully stated: "It's a shame for my dad, but it's part of the job.''

"Come here, you little bastard,'' was the sum of the paternal congratulation – with a smile which betrayed a reluctant pride.

Burnley 3 Rotherham United 0

I Moore 48, Weller 49, Payton pen 90

Half-time: 0-0 Attendance: 14,820