Rotherham United reserves got their Central League East campaign off to a winning start, with a 2-1 home success over Bradford City.

First half goals from Mickey Cummins and Mark Burchill powered the Millers into a 2-0 lead, but after conceding a goal to Rory Boulding they had to withhold a late Bantams surge to claim the win.

Bradford had the games first chance after nine minutes when Luke Sharry had a low strike which was comfortably saved by Millers 'keeper Steven Cann. After a slow start to the game the Millers stamped their authority on 15 minutes when Jamie Yates flashed an effort just wide from 20 yards.

Rotherham's pressure was rewarded five minutes later when a Burchill knockdown was latched onto by Cummins who then rifled the ball into the net from just inside the area.

On 26 minutes the Millers added a second when Burchill latched onto a loose ball and then showed supreme ability and awareness to lob Jon McLaughlin in the Bantams goal from 20 yards.

Bradford pulled one back on 35 minutes when Boulding beat the offside trap to round Cann and slot the ball in for a well taken goal. The Millers came close to adding a third on 42 minutes when Todd's mazy run past two defenders and the 'keeper, was ended when he ran the ball out of play.

Half time

Rotherham United 2 v 1 Bradford City

The second half was slow to come to life but eventually it was City who looked the more likely to score. Mark Bower tested Cann with a header on 63 minutes, which was tipped over the bar. Moments later and Cann was called into action again when Boulding's low drive was brilliantly flicked wide when it looked odds on to find the bottom corner.

Boulding looked likely to threaten again on 72 minutes but he miscued his shot when in a great position to score. Substitute Ollie Hotchkiss had the Millers best chance of the half but after a good move his header was angled wide. Cann again had to be alert 12 minutes from time to smother another Boulding effort but the Millers held on to gain maximum points.

Rotherham: Cann; Tonge, Hemsley, Haggerty, Orr, Todd, Cummins (Hotchkiss ht), Holmes, Yates (Gallagher ht), Broughton (Cahill 83), Burchill.

Subs not used: Darley, Haber, Richardson.

Bradford: McLaughlin; Moncur, Ainge, Bower, O'Brien, Osborne, Sharry, Horne (Bleau 82), Taylforth, Boulding, Topp.

Subs not used: Bellamy, Elliott, Dean, Carson.

Referee: Mr. R.J. Madley