The Millers defeat Stamford 3-1 at the PK Arena.
With manager Steve Evans watching Saturday’s opponents Hull City in action, Paul Raynor took charge of the Millers as they overcame Evo-Stik outfit AFC Stamford 3-1 at the PK Arena.
In their amber change strip, the Millers got off to the best possible start with Kieran Agard scoring with a fine solo effort inside the opening two minutes. The striker picked up the ball on the right hand side, cut onto his left foot and fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Moments earlier Gary King had looped over the bar following Jack McGovern’s ball over the top. Midway through the first half and Gareth Evans twice came within inches of doubling the visitors’ lead seeing his first off the crossbar and onto the goal line, and his second effort curling just wide.
Half-time
Stamford 0-1 Millers
Much like the first half, Rotherham began the second period well with the scores being doubled less than three minutes in. Agard again providing a nuisance up front was brought down just inside the area allowing Revell to step up and stroke home his penalty.
Two minutes later and Revell had a chance to bag his second, only to see his glancing header just flash wide, and on the hour Andy Warrington had to be alert to make a fantastic point-blank save from Sam Mullarkey.
The Daniels did finally find the net on 64 minutes thanks to a fine counter-attack by Jordan Smith. The winger burst down the right-hand side before squaring for substitute Jake Gibson to score with his first touch.
As the tempo slowed in the second period, Ainsworth fired wide from the angle before Revell finally netted his second. Substitute Alec Denton was denied by the Daniels’ substitute ‘keeper Richard Stacey with his first involvement and the Millers striker was on hand to tap home from close range.
Denton was again denied by the hands of Stacey as he converted Agard’s cross goalwards with the game drawing to a close.
Stamford: Shilliam (Stacey 65), Maddox (Davies 68), Mayo, Batchelor, Jones (Cotton 77), Brooks (Staff 71), J.Smith, McGovern, King (G.Smith 61), Mullarkey (Gibson 61), Hall.
Unused: Hopewell.
Millers: Warrington, Rose, Taylor (Rowe 52), Lucas, Johnson, Ainsworth (Schofield 83), O’Connor, Pringle (Woods HT), Evans (Denton 71), Revell (Walker 81), Agard.
Unused: Bryan.