Rotherham United U18's progressed into the semi-finals of the Youth Alliance Cup as they beat Burton Albion 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, with Jacob Gratton and Jerome Greaves finding the net for the Millers.
Having failed to beat the Brewers in their last two meetings against them during the current campain the young Rotherham side expected a difficult test, but they put in a commanding display to secure the win.
Gratton got the Millers up and running with a perfectly placed penalty after just four minutes, and Ciaran Toner's team controlled proceedings from that point. Despite that, a few chances to double the advantage were passed by and Burton managed to restore parity on the break.
However, that setback didn't deter Rotherham and they rallied to regain the lead just after the half-hour mark. Greaves received the ball just inside the area before unleashing a powerful finish that beat the goalkeeper, and that turned out to be a decisive strike.
Following the restart, Burton Albion rarely troubled Elliott Ellis in the Millers' goal, and the game was well managed by Rotherham. The Millers did have more opportunuties to add to the scoreline, but they had to settle for the two goals.
Preston North End now await the U18's in the semi-final which takes place in early February, and Rotherham will be determined to keep their Youth Alliance Cup run going.
Millers | Ellis; Hanley, Hull, Smith, Salah; Hodgkinson, Spence, Gratton, Peel-Evans; Kenny (McGuckin 81'), Greaves.
Unused Subs | Burnett, Scott, Wenham, Carroll.