CITY could not find a way past Rotherham in their final EFL Trophy group game last night.

T&A chief sports writer SIMON PARKER was at a bitterly-cold Valley Parade and provides the match stats and his player ratings.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Jamie Walker got stuck in and linked the play well on his 100th City appearance – and went as close as Vadaine Oliver and Andy Cook with an added-time volley that pinged against the Kop woodwork.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Vadaine Oliver could not believe he had not scored with the follow-up header that beat keeper Dylan Phillips but bounced off the inside of the post before Rotherham could scramble the ball clear.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The right post at the Kop end did City no favours – as three efforts came back off the same part of the goal frame.

TACTICS

City made six changes with Brad Halliday wearing the captain’s armband as Richie Smallwood was among those dropping to the bench.

Paul Huntington made his first start at the back where Cheick Diabate also returned.

Corry Evans played the holding midfield role with Clarke Oduor taking over from the injured Lewis Richards at wing-back. But he was played on the right with Halliday switching to the left.

Tyler Smith started up front alongside Olly Sanderson.

REFEREE: Jacob Miles (Sussex)

BOOKINGS: Diabate, Walker, Smallwood (City); Kelly (Rotherham)

ATTENDANCE: 1,640 (with 192 from Rotherham)

SHOTS ON TARGET: City 5 Rotherham 2

SHOTS OFF TARGET: City 10 Rotherham 1

CORNERS: City 3 Rotherham 6

FOULS: City 15 Rotherham 15

POSSESSION %: City 48 Rotherham 52

PLAYER RATINGS

CITY: Doyle 6, Diabate 6 (Benn 70min), Huntington 6, Shepherd 5 (Byrne 39min, 6), Halliday 6, Evans 6 (Smallwood 70min), Oduor 5, J Walker 7, Pointon 6, Sanderson 6 (Cook 76min), Smith 5 (Oliver 46min, 7). Subs (not used): Ibbitson, S Walker.

ROTHERHAM: Phillips 6, Hatton 6 (Nombe 72min), Jules 6, Humphreys 5, James 6, Odoffin 6, Kelly 6, McWilliams 7, Holmes 6 (Powell 90min), Hugill 6, Hungbo 7 (Hull 90min). Subs (not used): Raggett, Tiehi, McGuckin, Dawson.