Substitute Paul Mullin scored in the 90th minute to give Alex Bruce his first victory as Rotherham United manager as the Millers edged out Chesterfield 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at a noisy New York Stadium.
It was the first league meeting between the two sides in 13 years, and Rotherham made a fast start.
The hosts took the lead after 12 minutes when Ewan Otoo’s ball over the top caught out the Chesterfield defence.
Fabio Tavares showed composure to round goalkeeper Ryan Boot before rolling the ball into an empty net.
Chesterfield were handed a route back into the game before half-time when George McEachran brought down Tom Bradshaw inside the penalty area.
Bradshaw stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick, but Boot produced an important save to keep the Spireites within touching distance.
Chesterfield looked to have rescued a point with just two minutes remaining.
Sonny Aljofree brought down substitute Fraser Bryden inside the box, giving the visitors a penalty.
Liam Mandeville made no mistake from 12 yards, calmly sending Ted Cann the wrong way to level the game.
But the drama wasn’t over.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Mullin took advantage of a slip by Jack Simpson on the slick surface.
The former Wrexham striker raced through on goal before keeping his cool to slot home a classy finish and send the home supporters into celebration.
The late winner secured Alex Bruce’s first victory at the Rotherham helm and left Chesterfield empty-handed despite their late fightback.
Paul Cook said: “It was a real funny game. We are going through a spell at the minute where for some reason there is a lot of anger from our fans.
“When we are trying to pass and play you can feel it. It is the first time today I have seen the lads playing with a bit of fear and a bit of tension.
“You can dissect the game for as long as you want but we had got back in it. Would have it been a fortuitous point? I think yes.
“Typical of us at the minute, you then just watch madness in front of you and I don’t understand it.
“We’ve just had a good heart to heart in the dressing room but we have got to be careful. We’ve played three games. It is early on in the season and we are trying to get lads to play together and build confidence.”
“Rotherham is a tough place to come. 100 per cent. You can feel that. I just don’t know where a lot of our supporters’ bad energy is coming from, I’ve got to be honest,” he continued.
“I don’t enjoy it, that’s the truth. I’ll always take criticism. Managers today, we take criticism.
“We had five debutants at Chesterfield and when we play Tuesday we will have lads playing at our ground for only the second time.
“Come on. Let’s have a little bit of reality check about where we are. It is easy to criticise today and then you’re voice goes away when you’re winning and then comes back.
