Millers open friendly fixtures with a win at Parkgate...
Rotherham United began their 2018/19 pre-season fixtures with a 3-1 victory over training ground hosts Parkgate at Roundwood.
Paul Warne handed minutes to the majority of his squad, with two different sides being fielded either side of half time, while goals from Michael Smith and Anthony Forde (2), ensured the Championship outfit returned to action with a win.
The Millers took an early lead in the bright Rotherham sunshine when new recruit Kyle Vassell found his way to the byline before firing an effort at goal, which came back off the keeper before Smith applied the simplest of finishes from close range.
Half time | Parkgate 0 v 1 Millers
The non-league outfit held their resolve until after the break when Forde got his first of the afternoon in spectacular fashion. Having joined youngster Joshua Kayode in firing against the woodwork shortly before, the Irishman stepped inside from the right flank and curled a lovely effort into the far corner to double his side’s advantage.
Mack Collinson halved the deficit on 74 minutes when he stepped up to take a free kick 25 yards from goal. The Parkgate midfielder had a lot of work to do in getting the ball up and over the wall, but did it successfully as he bent an effort into the top corner out of the reach of young goalkeeper Laurence Bilboe.
However, Forde restored the two goal cushion shortly before the end as he pounced at the back post to apply the finish touches to a miscued Kayode effort just two yards from goal.
Full-time | Parkgate 1 v 3 Millers
Millers 1st half | Price, Vyner, Ajayi, Robertson, Purrington, Taylor, Vaulks, Wiles, Newell, Vassell, Smith.
Millers 2nd half | Bilboe, Do Ball, Ihiekwe, Mattock, Hinds, Forde, Palmer, Williams, McGinley, Yates, Kayode.