THE events of the past seven days, let alone the past last five-and-a-half years, may have tested the spirit of even the most ardent Rovers supporter.

But while the future of the club may be shrouded in uncertainty there will always be hope when you have fans as good as the ones who roared Paul Lambert’s side on to victory on Saturday.

Some made it clear they want Venky’s out and some made their feelings known about the player who will go down as Rovers’ absent owners’ costliest transfer mistake.

Others gave their unequivocal backing to the manager whose announcement on the eve of the match that he would walk away at the end of the campaign had plunged the club into fresh turmoil.

But as one the magnificent blue and white army gave their team the assistance they needed from first whistle until last.

We should not be surprised. They have been a credit to the club all season and, given it was the final away game of the campaign, there was always going to be a big turnout.

But given the circumstances their support was nothing short of exceptional.

And how the players responded. Ever since the harsh defeat at Sheffield Wednesday too many had looked like their race was already run.

But by and large there was no questioning their commitment after a win which ended Rovers’ six-match winless sequence and Rotherham’s 11-game unbeaten streak.

They simply had to give their all given the barrage of noise generated by the 1,225 Roverites packed behind one end of the sun-kissed New York Stadium.

But credit where credit is due. Lambert’s announcement would have not been easy for the players either.

However their reaction at the end, when they made through their way the Millers supporters who had invaded the pitch, to pay tribute to the travelling fans, said it all.

There was no way they could fail to win this match for them and, thanks to Shane Duffy’s fourth goal of the campaign, they got the job done.

In the grand scheme of things it meant little more than light relief.

But it did prove what a difference a shared sense of togetherness, between players and supporters, can make.

And, if tougher times are ahead, then it is going to be needed more than ever, both away from home and at Ewood Park.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Rotherham’s fans had no answer as they saw their side lose for the first time since February 23.

And they could have no complaints as Rovers ultimately ran out deserved winners.

Indeed their margin of victory, secured by Duffy’s unstoppable header from a Matt Grimes corner, would have been greater had it not been for Lee Camp.

The Rotherham goalkeeper denied Danny Graham, Elliott Bennett and, on two occasions in a second half controlled by Rovers, the enigmatic Jordi Gomez.

In contrast the commanding Jason Steele was only ever tested from distance given the rock-solid performances produced by the new-look three-man defence stationed in front of him.

Duffy, captain Grant Hanley and Matt Kilgallon were excellent as Rovers racked up their 15th clean sheet of the campaign.

Outside of the top six only Preston North End boast a better defensive record.

It is at the other end of the field where Rovers have struggled.

But it’s safe to safe no-one will be pining for the return of Leon Best.

It would have been the final insult had he managed to mark his first appearance against the club he was paid to leave last summer with a goal.

Instead Best, who will have cost Rovers in the region of the £11m once his £32,000-per-week wages are settled in full, made a late entry for miss of the season.

Only the Republic of Ireland striker will know how he managed to head wide from virtually on the goal-line.

Not that the away fans cared. Having jeered Best every time he touched the ball, they erupted in laughter after his woeful effort went the wrong side of the post.

A better reception was afforded to the other former Rovers forward in Rotherham’s starting line-up, Matt Derbyshire.

Derbyshire wasted his team’s best chance after the break before being applauded off by all four sides of the ground.

By that stage it had become clear that Rovers were going to hold on to secure their first and only ‘double’ of the campaign having won December’s reverse fixture between the sides.

Back then the future seemed full of possibility under Lambert. That may no longer be the case.

But hope is not lost. Not with support like we witnessed here.