Archive for March, 2007

The Millers kept a firm grip on top spot in the Midland Combination League with a comfortable 4-0 win over local rivals Chesterfield.

The home side dominated the game from start to finish but credit has to go to the visitors who never gave up and worked exceptionally hard for their manager especially the keeper who pulled off several excellent saves to keep the score respectable.

The first 20 minutes saw Rotherham press their visitors back and threatened to run riot and but for the keeper and poor finishing, they would have done so.

Brilliants saves from Davies twice, Longstone, Wood and Lynskey seemed to set the tone for the game until Davies coolly slotted home a brace before half time to send Rotherham in at half time 2-0 up.

The second half saw no let up from Rotherham and it became a duel between the homesters attack and the keeper who saved again from Wood, Davies and substitute Corns.

Lynskey scramble home Rotherhams third midway though the half and Davies claimed her hatrick and The Millers fourth 15 minutes from the end to complete a comfortable "double" over their neighbours.

 Managers comments:

 "I was happy with the way we played for long spells in the game, and on a bouncy pitch, it became hard to expect a really high level all the way through.

The visitors goalkeeper was "inspired" and praise for her individual effort must be given, as she single handedly kept the score down to 4 when honestly we could have had 10 plus.

The next 4 games will decide the outcome of our aspirations for the title and promotion, and if we apply ourselves, like I know we can, then the season could be an historic one for the club, but rest assured, we are taking nothing for granted, and I would expect nothing less."

Rotherham United traveled to Long Eaton Villa in the semi-finals of the Midland Combination League Cup and came home empty handed, losing 3-1.

The experience of the home side showed throughout the game against  a very young Millers side.Rotherham started the better and pressed Villa back with Davies and Lynskey causing problems early in the first 10 minutes.

Villa then began to control the game and opened the scoring after a cross from the right was scrambled home by the home sides forward.

 Lynskey hit back quickly for Rotherham with a 25 yard shot that left the keeper stranded.

Long Eaton then scored two goals within a period of 10 minutes just before half time to deflate the young visitors.

 The second half saw Long Eaton press forward but the Millers back four defended stoutly to keep several attacks at bay. Davies hit the post with a rasping shot, but Villa deservedly held out to reach the final.

 Manager comments:

 "I could see early on in the game that we were going to struggle and the inexperience of my team showed against a Villa team who were playing for a cup final place that they felt was there for the taking.

I have no complaints about losing as we were out fought for long periods of the game and Villas' will to win was greater than ours.

We are back to league duty this Sunday against Chesterfield  and I expect a great improvement from my team in our quest for promotion"

 Squad: Nash, B.Booth, MacLean, Durrands, Sloan, Smith, Corns, Lynskey, Goodman, Longstone, Davis

Subs Used: Tester (Longstone 46mins)