Alec Denton bagged a first-half brace...
Alec Denton bagged a first-half brace as Rotherham United claimed a 6-0 victory over Parkgate FC today on their return to action.
His goals, came amongst four in the first-half with an own-goal and a strike from Alex Revell being the other two; Daniel Nardiello sealed the game late in the second period after Kayode Odejayi notched five minutes into his debut.
Boss Steve Evans has named a strong first and second half team for today's first pre-season friendly against Parkgate FC.
All Evans' new arrivals were in action with the exception of Michael O'Connor who is missing with a slight strain. Also, missing for the same reason was full-back Dale Tonge, with the Millers boss implementing a no-risk strategy before the pre-season training camp in Portugal.
The squad included youngsters Conor Johnson and Nicky Walker, whilst trialist Scott Donnelly was also included.
The Millers enjoyed much of the possession in the opening exchanges and should have taken the lead when Revell placed his shot wide after being put through on goal. Five minutes later and Denton had an opportunity from a similar position, after racing onto a through ball but couldn't beat the goalkeeper.
First-half captain Johnny Mullins also went close twice in the opening 10 minutes, firstly heading over then volleying over from two Ben Pringle corners. Despite the Millers doing most of the attacking early on, Andy Warrington was called into action with a fine point-blank save.
However, the visitors soon grabbed the advantage with two goals in a minute, of varying qualities. The opener, an own goal following a goal-mouth scramble on the line from Pringle's corner was followed by a fine strike by Denton, who picked up possession 25 yards out, beat two men and fired left-footed into the bottom corner.
From the same corner routine that saw the opening goal arrive came a third on 22 minutes. Pringle's deep in swinging ball was headed back by Revell for Denton to smash home a second from close-range. The young striker went close on two more occasions, before turning provider with a through ball for Revell who bagged a fourth for the Millers.
The final chance of the half fell to Denton, who had the opportunity to bag a hat-trick with a volley from a quick free-kick, but unfortunately grazed the top of the bar.
Half-time
Parkgate 0-4 Millers
The second-half began much the same as the first with the new-look Millers on top. Within five minutes of the second period, two of Steve Evans' summer recruits combined with Lionel Ainsworth making space on the right and crossing deep for Odejayi to head home his first for the club.
Nardiello came close to also grabbing his first for his new club when he was fed by David Noble, but the former Manchester United man just stabbed his effort wide of the post. Two goals were ruled out for the Millers, firstly when Ainsworth converted from Laurence Wilson's centre, and then on 78 minutes when Nardiello deflected Kari Arnason's shot from 18 yards.
Nardiello did eventually get that elusive goal, receiving a pass from Nicky Hunt before cutting inside and firing left-footed into the bottom corner.
The first half team:
1. Andy Warrington
2. Paul Warne
3. Conor Johnson
4. Jason Taylor
5. Mark Bradley
6. Johnny Mullins
7. Gareth Evans
8. Nicky Walker
9. Alex Revell
10. Alec Denton
11. Ben Pringle
Second half:
1. Scott Shearer
2. Nicky Hunt
3. Laurence Wilson
4. Kari Arnason
5. Ian Sharps
6. Scott Donnelly
7. Lionel Ainsworth
8. David Noble
9. Kayode Odejayi
10. Daniel Nardiello
11. Mitchell Rose (Luke Beedham 88)