Millers fall to defeat at Scunthorpe

Rotherham United’s youngsters were defeated in tricky conditions in their most recent Youth Alliance outing which saw Scunthorpe United prevail as 1-0 victors at Brigg Town.

The Millers and the Iron played out the fixture in the thick of a blizzard as the snow returned to the UK recently, with Ciaran Toner’s side narrowly edged out in a closely-contested affair.

The Northern Irishman admitted that the weather was a factor in putting the Millers out of their stride at the weekend, but conceded that his side failed to adapt to the conditions.

“We played Scunthorpe away at Brigg Town's ground and unfortunately lost 1-0,” Toner told www.themillers.co.uk.

“Conditions weren't great and it was a bit of a blizzard for the lads which made it difficult for them to get a flow of the game in terms of the way that we like to play.

“Ultimately it was a challenge for us to have to adapt our style based on the weather, which we didn't do too well to be honest.”

The club’s youngsters have not found goals hard to come by this season but failed to register on the scoresheet at Scunthorpe, leaving Toner ruing their missed opportunities.

“We didn't have enough threat in the final third but the values we want at this football club are players that want to be committed and work hard ultimately, with that little bit of quality and I think we were lacking a little bit in a few of those areas at the weekend,” he continued.

“Having said that, they've been great all season and in terms of the team performance it was a bit of a blip. We've already reflected on it, it's in the past and we move on to the next game.”

Millers | McMahon, Beeden (Osborne 70), Atherton, Southern-Cooper, Hinds, James (Lewthwaite 45), Murr, Carlton, Maguire, Hutchinson (Martin 45), Kayode (Gratton 75).

Unused | Johnson.