Notts County fell to their second successive defeat over the festive period at Meadow Lane this afternoon, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Rotherham United.

Marc Joseph hit `the winner in the first half, driving into the net from just outside the penalty box.

Ian McParland made two changes to his side which bravely pushed leaders MK Dons all the way on Boxing Day, with Spencer Weir-Daley and Krystian Pearce handed starts in place of Neil MacKenzie and Austin McCann as Notts reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

The Millers carved out the first two opportunities of the game, but one-time Notts loanee Chris O'Grady fired straight at Kevin Pilkington and then midfielder Mark Hudson fired over the bar when well placed in the box after Danny Harrison's diagonal ball over the Notts defence picked him out well.

Notts responded by forcing a corner immediately which found its way to Pearce in the box, but being closely marked he was unable to get sufficient power behind his effort after displaying some neat footwork and the attempt trickled into the grateful arms of Warrington.

The goalkeeper was forced into a save just before the half-hour as Notts put together a sweeping move down the left with Weston's pace leaving his marker for dead. He was able to pick out Dudfield in the box who leaped above his man to plant a header towards the roof of the net, but the experienced goalkeeper was equal to the ball and turned the effort over.

Both sides were using their wingers as their main outlets and using the width of the pitch whenever possible, and Notts were able to fire a number of dangerous balls into the box which the Millers defence were equal to.

Ten minutes before the interval however, the Millers took the lead through defender Marc Joseph. The former Peterborough defender lashed home from the edge of the box with a low drive in-off Pilkington's far post after smart hold-up play by O'Grady in the box.

It was a blow from nothing for Notts, who were unable to force any opportunities to draw themselves level before the interval in a tight first period.

Half-Time: Notts County 0-1 Rotherham United

Notts boss Ian McParland was clearly unhappy at the break and made a double change at the interval by throwing Austin McCann and Jason Lee into the action in place of Myles Weston and Spencer Weir-Daley.

The second period began at a fanatic pace and only a fine reaction stop, possibly with his face, by Kevin Pilkington kept Notts only a goal behind as Coughlan flicked Ross' free-kick for the Millers towards goal only three minutes into the half.

The Magpies had to chase the game and caused problems in the Rotherham box on the hour from a McCann corner but in the middle of a goalmouth scramble no-one could force the loose ball into the net.

Dudfield headed wide on the hour from a smart Jason Lee cross as Notts began to dictate the play and take the game to the visitors, but just after the hour the visitors spurned a glorious chance to extend their lead. O'Grady raced onto a long ball over the top to advance towards goal, but with only Pilkington to beat he dragged his effort just wide when he should really have hit the net.

Butcher had a shot deflected away for a corner as Notts continued to go in search of a goal in a far more open half.

Pilkington made two excellent stops with fifteen minutes to go to keep Notts in the game, firstly he was at full stretch to tip Hudson's looping header away for a corner and a minute later he was equal to Harrison's long-range drive.

The goalkeeper was called into action to make two further stops within a minute ten minutes from time, denying Chris O'Grady on two occasions as the Millers put the pressure on the final stages to put clear daylight between themselves and Notts.

Sub Hector Sam had Notts' only real opportunity five minutes from time, but at an angle he fired over Warrington's bar - and with that went Notts' chances of earning themselves a point.

Notts huffed and puffed throughout, but were unable to find a way through the Rotherham backline.

Notts now have no option other than to pick themselves up quickly after this defeat, and prepare for the visit to another of the high flyers on New Year's Day when they take on Hereford United.

Full Time: Notts County 0-1 Rotherham United

Notts County: Pilkington, Canoville, Tann (C), Pearce, Hunt, Parkinson, Silk, Butcher, Weston (McCann 46), Parkinson, Dudfield (Sam 68), Weir-Daley (Lee 46).
Subs Not Used: Sandercombe, MacKenzie.
Booked: Dudfield, Canoville.
Sent Off: None.
Goals: None.

Rotherham United: Warrington, Harrison, Sharps, Coughlan (C), Holmes (Taylor 84), Hudson, Brogan, Joseph, O'Grady, Mills, Ross.
Subs Not Used: Oxley, Tonge, Todd, Newsham.
Booked: None.
Sent Off: None.
Goals: Joseph (34).

Match Referee: Mr F Graham

Attendance: 5,290 (1,518 Rotherham United Fans)

nottscountyfc.co.uk Man of the Match: Kevin Pilkington