Rotherham United’s Academy produced a stunning display to dismantle York City 5-0 at the Graham Solley Sports Centre.
The Millers ended their winless run in some style with striker Jerry Yates bagging a hat-trick with further goals from Dan Smalley and Kuda Muskwe.
“We made a few changes for the match and tinkered with our shape a little so it took 20-25 minutes to find our feet. We started to play some good football and as the game went on we got our rewards,” said Academy Manager Garreth Barker.
“Dan Smalley, a first year scholar, got himself a goal by being in the right place at the right time attacking the back post which was pleasing. That was his first goal of the season and it set us on our way.
“Kuda Muskwe, another first year, got himself a good goal at the back post after a great piece of individual skill by Andy Norfolk.
“In between those goals we had a hat-trick by Jerry Yates. Jerry is good player and a great lad, he’s had a lean spell recently but he scored the other week and that seems to have relaxed him which resulted in three goals against York. One of his goals was laid on by a brilliant run and cross from Alex Wiles, so it was a good team effort.”
Barker is hoping to capitalise on the result and performance with the Millers further boosted by the return of several scholars from injury.
“It was a good performance, we aren’t going to get too carried away but the lads should be pleased with their efforts,” he added.
“Hopefully we can kick on now and this result can spark a good run of form. We have players coming back now from injury so we are looking to pick up some momentum.”