The Millers record back-to-back victories...
Rotherham United Reserves recorded another victory after a 2-0 success over Burton Albion in the Final Third Development League.
It was another strong line-up for the Millers with nine first-team players starting which included Jordan Bowery, Matt Derbyshire and Jonson Clarke-Harris. There was also a start for full-back Mat Sadler who was back with the Millers following the culmination of his loan spell with Crawley Town.
Following the 8-0 demolition of Mansfield Town last week the reserves were looking to make it back-to-back victories against a Burton side who also fielded a number of professionals in their ranks.
It was a strong start by the Millers with Ryan Hall the first to take aim with a shot from the edge of the penalty area on six minutes which was blocked by the Burton defence.
Two minutes later and a brilliant diagonal ball from Conor Newton was expertly controlled by Derbyshire but before he could shoot he was blocked out at the last minute.
Burton’s best opportunity of the opening exchanges fell to Jacob Blythe who attacked from the left before being held up by Bradley Peace-McDonald. The Burton front-man was forced to cut inside before shooting straight at Tony Thompson with a right-footed strike.
After a positive opening the Millers were rewarded with the opening goal on 21 minutes. An inswinging cross from the right by Anthony Wordsworth was headed home from close range by Derbyshire who bagged his third goal in four reserve team outings.
On 26 minutes Blythe went close again for the visitors but his effort produced a smart save low to his left from Thompson.
The Millers could have doubled their advantage on 38 minutes when Bowery flicked on Thompson’s long punt forward, but Derbyshire’s lob over his shoulder fell wide of the post.
Half time
Rotherham United Reserves 1 v 0 Burton Albion Reserves
After a slow opening to the second half the Millers again went close to doubling their advantage. Again it was a diagonal pass which caused problems, this time from the boot of Sadler, which was nodded into the path of Newton but he shot wide left-footed on the stretch.
On 65 minutes the Millers created another good opportunity when Bowery struck a shot across goal which was parried by Charlie Hornby into path of Derbyshire, but his effort was blocked by Chris Richards with Wordsworth’s follow-up saved again this time by the legs of Hornby.
With just under 10 minutes remaining the Millers finally made the game safe. Wordsworth lost possession close to the area but the ball ran kindly for sub Rose who outmuscled Richards before calmly slotting the ball past Hornby.
Full time
Rotherham United Reserves 2 v 0 Burton Albion Reserves
Rotherham: Thompson; Newton, Peace-McDonald, Wood, Sadler, Hall, Wordsworth, Milsom, Bowery (Rose 66), Clarke-Harris, Derbyshire (Yates 66).
Subs not used: Denton, Walker, Wiles.
Burton: Hornby; Doyle, Taft, Shelton, Richards, Bell, Slade, Weir, Harness, Blythe, Knowles (Austin 28).
Subs not used: Austin, Cogging, Getter, Yates, Fox.