ROTHERHAM UNITED 2

ALDERSHOT TOWN 0

(Rotherham won 3-0 on aggregate)

ALDERSHOT last night failed in their bid to make amends for an uninspired performance in the first leg of their League Two play-off – the biggest match in the club's 18-year history.

On Saturday, they were beaten 1-0 at the Recreation Ground to leave themselves facing an uphill struggle to go through.

And a 2-0 defeat at Millmoor ended finally Aldershot's promotion dream.

Aldershot's strong finish to the season has been based on disciplined defence and slick combinations through midfield and attack, but on Saturday the ball spent more time in the air than a BA airliner. Twice it was booted high over the railway line, never to be seen again.

The Shots' failure to play ball to feet against Rotherham finally wore down the patience of their loyal fans – which was a pity because it was a great occasion on Saturday, with the media, including Sky Sports, descending en masse on the EBB Stadium and 5,470 fans turning out on Cup final day to make it a colourful scene on a beautiful May evening.

The 6pm kick-off made it murder for goalkeepers, looking right into a dazzling sun at the East Stand end. But both they – three of them due to injury – and the defences emerged with credit.

Have sympathy then for centre-back Aaron Brown who marred a solid display with the woeful backpass that gifted Rotherham their precious winner with two minutes to go.

The pass was anticipated by Adam Le Fondre, the one player Aldershot didn't want to see in that position. The livewire attacker darted goalwards before calmly slotting past the advancing Mikhael-Jaimez Ruiz.

Moments later, Brown was announced as man of the match and probably wished the ground would open up to swallow him.

Ronnie Moore's Rotherham had defended superbly under intense pressure, although Aldershot played into their hands with too many high balls which were easily picked off by the tall centre-backs or by the Millers' excellent keeper, Andy Warrington.

Aldershot's best chance of unlocking that defence was through the two Morgans: the shielding skills of Marvin and quick feet of Dean.

But the Morgans lacked a decent service. Although they had their moments, it was never more than a half-chance.

In fact, there was hardly a hint of a goal in the first half. Marlon Jackson just failed to get on the end of a raking cross from Dean Morgan and, just before the break, Marvin Morgan was denied by a goalmouth block. For Rotherham, Nicky Law brought a sharp save from Ruiz, who had replaced an injured Jamie Young after 23 minutes.

Aldershot stepped up the pace in the second half and Dean Morgan came close to breaking the deadlock with a fierce shot on the turn. Ryan Taylor missed with a free header at the other end, but the Rotherham defence was at last creaking and the persevering Anthony Straker saw three efforts go narrowly wide.

But then came Brown's howler, Le Fondre's expert finish, and it was advantage Rotherham.

Aldershot: Young (Jaimez-Ruiz 23), Herd, Straker, Brown, Charles, M Morgan, Halls, Donnelly, Jackson (Spencer 78), D Morgan, Sandell. Subs (not used): Soares, Hylton, Hudson, Winfield, Harding.

Rotherham United: Warrington, Lynch, Sharps, Fenton, Gunning, Law, Harrison, Mills, Ellison, Taylor, Le Fondre. Subs (not used): Annerson, Green, Warne, Marshall, Broughton, Walker, Bell-Baggie.

Referee: Andy D'Urso.

Attendance: 5,470.