Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell revealed that he ‘said his piece’ at half time to his players and he got the exactly the response he was looking for.
Crewe had trailed at the break after Will Vaulks had curled the Millers ahead in the 21st minute - but a spirit performance from the Alex saw us fight back to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Brad Walker and a late winner from Callum Ainley.
Following the dramatic cup-tie, Artell told the club’s official website: “It was a game of two halves and after we scored the equaliser I thought there was only one team going to win it. I know it is an old cliché but it was true today.
“I said my bit at half-time. I said what I had to do and told them to go back out. There was a bit of fear and apprehension because they were a League One side and we just spoke about them relaxing and matching their effort.
“We did that and then a goal inside the first two minutes of the restart helps. It was a quality delivery from George Cooper because it has enticed the goalkeeper off his line and that takes real skill. We thought we could benefit from that type of ball before the game and Coops’ ball invited Brad to go and attack it. He was brave and it was a good header.
“Callum has really matured his mindful and attitude was superb to get that goal. He has challenged the goalkeeper and then had the awareness to get another touch on it and Semi couldn’t clear it off the line. It is a great finish off the floor.
“I thought the referee got it right for the disallowed one. Raynes was fouled as the corner was about to come in and because it wasn’t play in, the corner had to be re-taken. He was a brave man to go over but I think the decision was correct. I would have said the same thing if it had occurred at the other end as well.
“It is great to be in the hat. It is about time this club had a little cup run. The aim was to get into the hat and that is what we have achieved.
He added: “My dad is at our house tonight because I have got a 40th birthday party with some friends. I will get him a four-pack so he can commiserate. “