The Millers fall to defeat...
Rotherham United Reserves fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers at Cantley Park.
A mixture of first team professionals and Academy scholars were assembled by assistant manager Paul Raynor, which included Febian Brandy who had just completed a loan spell with Crewe Alexandra.
The Millers produced an impressive first-half showing creating a number of opportunities. On 19 minutes a good run from Anthony Wordsworth ended with a dangerous cross into the area but Mitch Rose’s effort was brilliantly blocked by the Rovers defence. A couple of minutes later Brandy cut in from the left and unleashed a fierce shot which took a deflection before zipping over the bar.
Against the run of play the Millers found themselves behind just before the half hour mark. Jack McKay chased a through ball into the channel before showing great composure to slide the ball beyond Tony Thompson.
The Millers didn’t let the setback affect them and after Jerry Yates had flashed a shot wide after good build-up from Conor Newton, the youngster levelled with the next attack.
Wordsworth provided the build-up play by powering in a shot from the edge of the area which was parried by the ‘keeper with Yates on hand to convert expertly from close range.
Doncaster stepped up their game at the start of the second half and re-took the lead after a flowing move. Liam Mandeville finished coolly into the corner giving Thompson no chance.
The Millers had several more chances to level again. On 67 minutes Ryan Hall’s low shot from 20 yards was held, whilst Thompson saved brilliantly at point blank range from Billy Whitehouse.
Soon after a Hall corner was punched into the path of Newton whose shot was somehow kept out by the Doncaster rearguard. Another Hall corner was the headed onto the post by Max Hallatt as the Millers continued to knock on the door.
Before the full time whistle a Hall free-kick clipped the outside of the post as the Millers couldn’t force a leveller.
Doncaster: Marosi; Lund, Wakefield, McKay, Evina (Brown HT), Whitehouse, Middleton, Head, Ferguson, McKay, Mandeville (Linley 79).
Rotherham: Thompson; Wiles, Hallatt, Peace-McDonald, Warren, Hall, Rose, Newton, Wordsworth, Brandy, Yates.
Subs not used: Denon; Rose, Fenton, Gibson.