Rotherham United under-18s kicked-off their 2020/21 campaign with a victory at St George’s Park, as first-half strikes from Ethan Kenny and Charlie Smith gave the Millers three points over Burton Albion.
Ciaran Toner oversaw a combative performance which saw his side jump up to 2nd place in the Youth Alliance standings.
The Millers, who found themselves 2nd before the early curtailment of the previous campaign, were looking to build on that success.
Kenny struck for the young guns on 27 minutes and defender Smith added a second 11 minutes later. The Millers hung on in the second period to secure a dream start to the new season.
After the game, Academy Manager Richard Hairyes said: “We’ve had a very positive start to the season, but the result is not the most important thing, it’s about developing players.
“After so long without a competitive fixture, it was great for the boys to get back out there. It’s been a strange old time in terms of training but we’re pleased with the progress we’re making.
“Our job is to get as many players into the first-team picture as we can and if we can do that, we’ll have had a fantastic season.”
ACADEMY: Ellis; Greenhouse, Makwedza, Smith, Exton; Scott, Watson, Warne (McGuckin 70’), Durose; Greaves, Kenny.
UNUSED: Ford, Carroll, Champion, Jenkinson.