RONNIE Moore admitted his team are not showing their tradtional fighting spirit and their lack of quality is why they at the bottom of the Championship table, writes Derek Davis.

RONNIE Moore admitted his team are not showing their tradtional fighting spirit and their lack of quality is why they at the bottom of the Championship table, writes Derek Davis.

Midfielder Darren Garner clashed with Millers fans when he was substituted, but Moore was even more unhappy at the lack of spirit on the pitch.

He said: “The team usually have fighting qualities but we didn't have that in the second half and I'm disappointed at that. One or two players have over-reacted to criticism from the supporters, but the supporters pay their money and are entitled to it.

“We've got to get on with it. We need to stick together and need the supporters behind us, but it is difficult when you're not playing particularly well and not looking like you're going to score at home.”

Until Shefki Kuqi volleyed Ipswich ahead two minutes before half-time Rotherham were more than handling a subdued Town side.

Moore said: “I thought first half there was nothing in the game and we were unlucky to come in at half-time one down.

“They scored a wonder goal from nothing, starting from a 70-yard free kick but it was a great finish and like a knife into the heart.

“The second goal was a gift with the two most experienced in the club not dealing with it. One should have sent it into the stand or the keeper comes and takes it, one or the other.

“Once we gave them two-nil they were always going to keep the ball, but the game was won and lost a couple of minutes either side of the break.”

For all their early possession, Rotherham barely troubled Kelvin Davis.

Moore moaned: “The most disappointing thing for me is the attacking third. Once we get there we don't look like we're going to score. We did look vulnerable and struggled with their pace.

“The movement is not good enough and the quality is not good enough and that is why we are bottom of the league. We don't look like we're going to score goals, but I don't just blame the front two. Sometimes we're getting in good positions and wasting it.”

Like Joe Royle, Moore is trying to bring in loan players but finding Premiership clubs are reluctant to let anyone out just yet.

Moore said: “The chairman has allowed me to bring someone in, but it is finding them. The Premier League managers aren't letting players go just yet, and we haven't got the money to just go and buy someone from the First Division who is good enough.”

The Merry Millers take on Preston today, with the Lilywhites parting company with manager Craig Brown after their 1-0 loss at Brighton on Saturday.