Rotherham United earned a vital victory in their battle against Championship relegation as they beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 at the John Smith's Stadium this afternoon.

Steve Evans's side threatened in the opening minutes of the game as Ben Pringle picked out the run of Connor Sammon in the box. The striker carved out space to shoot at goal, but his effort was straight into the arms of Alex Smithies.

The home side hit back with a good opportunity of their own as Jacob Butterfield raided down the flank and his cross into the area found James Vaughan, who guided a header inches past the post.

Matt Derbyshire threatened for Rotherham as he managed to latch onto a throw into the box from Kari Arnason, but Joel Lynch did just enough to ensure that the striker's effort was deflected wide of the post.

Just before the break, Smithies had to be alert to make a good save to deny Arnason as the midfielder powered a header towards goal from close range.

However, Arnason did fire his side in front minutes later as he tapped in a rebound after Smithies had parried his first attempt from Jack Hunt's cross.

Vaughan had the chance to level the scores early in the second half as he collected a loose ball on the edge of the area, but he could only fire his effort straight at Adam Collin.

Rotherham doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Arnason caused the home side problems once more, powering forward to tee up Sammon to blast the ball past Smithies.

Huddersfield should have got back into the match when Sean Scannell rounded Collin, but he could only scuff his shot from a tight angle, while Radoslaw Majewski could only fire his effort straight at the keeper minutes later.

The visitors risked a nervy finish 16 minutes from full time when skipper Lee Frecklington was sent off for his second bookable offence, but they put in a resolute display to hold out for the three points.