Tom Pope marked his return to fitness with two goals as Rotherham United Reserves scored a notable 4-2 win over neighbours Sheffield United.

Pope missed the back end of the last campaign and the Millers entire pre-season with a broken metatarsal, but marked his return with a sharp performance capped with two goals.

The Millers took the lead after good interplay between Ollie Banks, Stephen Brogan and Pope, which worked an opening for Jeremiah Ani whose deflected shot deceived 'keeper Long and nestled into the back of the net.

Troy Pennycooke-Morgan levelled for the Blades but four minutes later Rotherham seized the initiative and re-took the lead. After a good interception by Nick Fenton the ball found its way to Banks who rifled in a curling right footed shot beyond Long. Just before the break the Millers made it 3-1 when Pope scored from close range on his return to action.

In the second half Jamie Annerson saved the Millers when Fenton brought down Adams in the area but Kingsley James' spot kick was saved by the young 'keeper. The Blades got back into the game soon after when Carlos Pomares headed in a second for the home side.

Rotherham wrapped up the points when an excellent through ball by Brogan found Pope who coolly slotted home his second of the game.

Sheff Utd: Long, O'Kane, Roe, James, Maguire, Pomares, Chapell (Darlow 90), Hinchcliffe, Pennycooke-Morgan (Ahmadi 73), Adams (Lammy 65), Gregory.

Subs not used: Duberry.

Rotherham: Annerson; Royles, Fenton, Ashoworth, Green, Marshall (Hiley ht), Matcham, Banks, Brogan, Pope, Ani.

Subs not used: Hancock, Snee.