Nardiello and Revell seal victory...
Rotherham United kicked off the new reserve season in style, with a Daniel Nardiello hat-trick inspiring them to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Bury.
The Millers fielded a strong side which included a start in central midfield for Kieran Agard alongside Michael O’Connor, whilst Alex Revell was partnered in attack by the lively Nardiello
Rotherham dominated the early exchanges with Nardiello in particular looking in the mood. In a five minute spell the former Barnsley man could have netted three times but he was twice denied by Shakers ‘keeper Christian Dibble (son of Millers goalkeeping coach Andy), whilst another effort cannoned off the post.
On 17 minutes the early pressure paid off when an O’Connor free-kick was floated to the back post where Revell headed past Dibble. A minute later Revell almost grabbed a second when John Travis’ centre was flicked goalwards by the big striker, but Dibble made the save.
Revell almost turned provider 10 minutes later when his long ball forward was seized upon by O’Connor but his lob over the ‘keeper also sailed over the crossbar.
On the half-hour mark the Millers added a second when a crossfield ball from Gareth Evans found Agard, whose ball down the left was crossed to the back post when Nardiello nodded home.
Before the break it could have been more but Evans’ back post header was hooked off the line.
Half time
Rotherham 2 v 0 Bury
The Millers started the second half where they left the first when a cross from the left deceived everyone, allowing Nardiello to ghost in unnoticed to score via a deflection.
The diminutive striker didn’t have to wait long for his hat-trick when on 52 minutes a long ball forward found Lionel Ainsworth, his shot was parried but Nardiello was on hand to toe poke home to make it four.
The Millers continued to press, and the game became increasingly one-sided so it was no surprise when a fifth goal went in; Revell powering home a cross from Nardiello. Just minutes later, and Nardiello was back on the scoresheet after Dibble missed Nicky Walker’s corner, and the striker headed home from close range.
The visitors had several speculative shots but nothing to really worry Andy Warrington, and it was no surprise when Revell put his name forward for the matchball, bursting into the area and finishing calmly into the bottom corner deep into injury time.
Full-time
Rotherham 7 v 0 Bury
Rotherham: Warrington; Rose, Mullins, Lucas, Travis (Rowe 74), Ainsworth (Denton 57), O’Connor, Agard, Evans (Walker 57), Revell, Nardiello.
Subs not used: Thompson.
Bury: Dibble; Melia (Cook HT), Clarke, McCarthy, Rouine, Harrop, Komora, Boswell, Pratt (King 54), McLaughlin, Walker (Cliffe 65).
Subs not used: Thornton, Beastell.