Millers move to top of the second string table...
Rotherham United Reserves moved top of the Central League after a 4-1 victory over Port Vale at a rain-soaked Roundwood.
On a miserable afternoon weather-wise at the club’s training base, a mixed side of youth and experience recorded a positive second string result as they put four past the previously table-topping Vale with Matt Hamshaw and Ciaran Toner overseeing proceedings.
Jacob Gratton set the ball rolling for the Millers before Brendon Daniels restored parity on 35 minutes. Five minutes before the interval Anthony Forde’s corner was turned into the Vale net by a retreating defender before a second half brace from captain Ben Wiles put the hosts well out of sight.
Rotherham made the early running with Joshua Kayode denied early doors by Vale stopper Sam Hornby. The visitors quickly responded with an effort of their own but Joe Berks’ volley was saved by Laurence Bilboe.
Youngster Ben Wiles was again keen to make an impression, and his surging run put the Millers on the front foot, but after finding Proctor, the striker’s effort was blocked by the Vale defence.
Vale still carried a threat and a darting break by Christian Montano resulted in a fierce drive which flashed across the Millers’ area.
On 32 minutes the Millers hit the front. A well-constructed move involving Kayode and Proctor ended with a neat finish from Gratton as the Millers opened their account.
The home side weren’t in front for long when three minutes later Brendon Daniels levelled with a free-kick from 25 yards.
The goal rush continued and just five minutes later the Millers were back in front. Forde’s corner caused confusion inside the penalty area with the ball eventually diverting into the net off a Vale defender.
It was almost 3-1 moments later when Forde’s pinpoint cross was headed just wide by Proctor.
After the break Scott Quigley came close to an equaliser but he put his effort wide when well placed to score.
Just before the hour mark, Montano’s effort was palmed away by Bilboe, whilst at the other end Forde continued to cause problems when his cross was again met by Proctor whose effort was tipped away by Hornby.
Rotherham’s patience was finally rewarded when on 71 minutes the Millers extended their lead. A move involving Forde, Palmer, Akeem Hinds and Gratton ended with Wiles finishing calmly at the back post.
The game was sewn up 15 minutes from time when again good play by Forde and Palmer allowed Wiles in for his second after he crashed home an effort from just inside the area.
Proctor was denied again as the Millers went in search of a fifth goal as Hornby closed down the striker when through one-on-one.
Rotherham | Bilboe; Beeden, Hull, Southern-Cooper, Hinds; Forde (Hodgkinson 88), Palmer (Etia 85), Wiles, Gratton (Hutchinson 74); Proctor, Kayode (Carlton 62).
Sub not used | Peel-Evans.