WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3 ROTHERHAM UNITED 1
At a Heavily Waterlogged Aggborough ground, the home of Kidderminster Harriers, a youthful Rotherham United Reserves team took on West Bromwich Albion in the second round of games in the Pontins league group cup.
The rain sodden turf made passing the ball very difficult at times, but Rotherham nearly took the lead half way through the first period when a 20 yard Free-kick from Stephen Brogan flew just over the bar.
However a minute from the break, Rob Elvins glanced a near post header into the six yard area and Michael Nardiello opened the scoring from close range for Albion.
After the break Albion Keeper Luke Steele kept putting Rotherham under pressure with his long kicks, and they reaped the rewards in the 53rd minute when Stuart Nicholson nipped in and struck home to double the hosts lead.
Mark Oxley, Rotherham’s under-16 keeper then saved from Elvins to keep the scoreline down to two in the 62nd minute, followed by another effort just over the bar from a Rob Davies cross.
In the 71st minute, Rotherham cut the deficit when Mark Newsham shot home from 8 yards after intercepting a long throughball.
Unfortunately just 8 minutes later, a poor clearence from Mark Oxley was pounced on by Rob Davies who hit home a spectacular 40 yarder to end any Millers hopes of a comeback.
Albion sub Dean Nicholson also caused Rotherham a few problems, and he set up Elvins who forced Oxley to make an excellent save 4 minutes from time.
Nicholson almost found the net near the final whistle with a long range effort, which found Oxley tipping it over the bar after back peddling to reach it.
The match ended with a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Albion, who now have a maximum 6 points from their 2 group matches.
Rotherham just 1 point from 2 games, which came in a 0-0 draw with neighbours Sheffield Wednesday.
Rotherham team.
1. Oxley
2. Harrison
3. Pendleton (Bader 78)
4. Burridge (Thomas 65)
5. King
6. Pritchard
7. Greene (Lodge 51)
8. Brogan
9. Newsham
10.Yates
11.Green
Unused subs
Glover
Hemsley
Rotherham’s last game in the group cup is away at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday November 28th.
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