Rotherham United Reserves recorded an opening day victory after a 1-0 success over Mansfield Town in the Central League.

The Millers opened their reserve account for the season at Roundwood, after a David Ball penalty secured victory against a strong Stags side.

Watched by manager Paul Warne, the Millers gave deadline day signing Manny Onaraise a start, whilst Ball was joined in the side by the likes of Jonson Clarke-Harris, Alex Bray and Jerry Yates as the Millers made a winning start.

The early stages saw both sides presented with half-chances. The Millers were almost in when a Clarke-Harris challenge freed the ball up for Bray, but Bobby Olejnik smothered the ball with his legs to stop the advancing winger.

At the other end, Johnny Hunt’s long-range piledriver was turned away by Laurence Bilboe.

With 10 minutes to go until the break, the visitors went close when Omari Sterling-James’ dipping free-kick flew just past Bilboe’s upright.

The Millers responded with an effort of their own when Mason Warren’s cross found its way to Ben Wiles, but his fierce drive was blocked.

On the stroke of half-time the Millers had the best chance of the game when Bray’s surging run into the area ended with a chipped effort over the bar from a tight angle.

After Paul Digby’s header missed for the visitors, the Millers took the lead on 51 minutes. Clarke-Harris’ flick on landed perfectly for Ball who was felled by Olejnik, and the referee pointed to the spot. Ball picked himself off the canvas to convert from 12 yards, with the ‘keeper going the other way.

Just before the hour mark Clarke-Harris crashed a shot into the wall, whilst Wiles had an effort from distance saved.

New signing Onariase made his presence felt with a brilliant block at full-stretch to deny Hunt, whilst at the other end Alex MacDonald drove a low effort wide of the near post.

In the closing stages it looked as though Jordan Graham was going to snatch a point for the Stags, but Bilboe saved one-v-one to win it for the Millers.

Rotherham: Bilboe; Atherton, Southern-Cooper, Onariase (Murr 81), Hinds; Wiles, Warren, Yates, Bray; Ball (James 72), Clarke-Harris.

Mansfield: Olejnik, White, Diamond, Hunt, Butcher, Digby, Thomas, Potter (Wilder 62), MacDonald, Spencer, Sterling-James.