Match Report: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United

An experienced Stocksbridge outfit prevailed over a youthful Millers’ side on Wednesday night, as Paul Raynor’s Rotherham slipped to a comprehensive defeat in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

Goals from Chris Bettney, Nathan Joynes and Steven Hoyles saw the Park Steels take the spoils after an entertaining encounter at Bracken Moor.

The visitors dominated the early stages of the game, with Kayode Odejayi and Mitchell Rose both seeing shots fly past the target after some good build-up play.

The hosts, however, took the lead in the 16^th minute when Chris Bettney pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box, much to the despair of the Millers’ backline.

The Park Steels almost doubled their advantage immediately, when Andy Ring’s intricate through ball saw Chris White bear down on goal. A clever stop from Tony Thompson, however, kept the host’s lead to just one.

A second goal did come for the home side though when Nathan Joynes rose above the Miller’s defence to head a teasing free-kick into the bottom right corner of Tony Thompson’s goal.

Rotherham then came close to pulling a goal back before half-time, as Lionel Ainsworth forced his way through the Park Steels’ defence. However, his low shot was parried away by the Stocksbridge number one, Ben Scott.

A number of chances soon followed for the Millers, however, the host’s back line stayed strong to see a two goal lead into the break.

Half-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 2-0 Rotherham United

Stocksbridge continued their assault on the Rotherham defence after half-time, with substitute Joe Igenoza and Nathan Joynes both seeing efforts thwarted by some sturdy defending.

The Millers then had a chance for themselves just minutes later, however, Rowe saw his effort saved after meeting a swirling cross from Nicky Walker.

Rowe then saw another chance pass him by just minutes later as the assistant referee adjudged the Millers’ man to be offside after heading a Lionel Ainsworth cross goalwards.

Rotherham then came close again in the 70^th minute, when Kayode Odejayi’s low cross was met by James Cadman. His sliding shot, however, was miraculously kept out by Ben Scott after some good build up play from the Millers.

It would be Stocksbridge though who would have the final say, and with just three minutes remaining Hoyles rounded a helpless Tony Thompson before comfortably slotting home to ensure the win for the hosts.

The Millers would have one last chance to score though before the end of the game. However, Lionel Ainsworth’s thunderous strike was somehow kept out by Ben Scott to ensure a clean sheet for the Park Steels.

Full-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United

Rotherham: Thompson, Gibson, Johnson, Rose, Rowe, Lucas, Cadman, Watson, Odejayi, Ainsworth, Walker

Substitutes: Bryan, Williamson, Wiggley, Bevins

Stocksbridge: Scott, Royles, Turner, Swirad, Bowden-Lovell, Callery, Bettney, Telling, Ring, Joynes, White

Substitutes: Hoyles, Travis, Davies, Senior, Knowles, Hoyles, Black, South, Igenoza

Attendance: N/A