Rotherham boss Mark Robins fielded two different line ups, giving his new look side their first public run out after a training match defeat to the hands of Halifax. They started brightly as the game ebbed and flowed in the first 20 minutes. Marc Newsham gave the Millers the early lead with a simple finish before Alty hit back with a delightful free kick from the edge of the area on 13 minutes, ex Lincoln midfielder Jake Sedgemore beating Andy Warrington to his left hand side with a high curling effort.
Rotherham, playing in last seasons blue and black away strip, regained the advantage when Derek Holmes headed powerfully into the bottom corner following a right wing cross by Dale Tonge only for the home side to hit back with another beauty.
The ball bobbled around on the edge of the Millers 18 yard box and when Coughlan failed to clear, Chris Baugley stroked home with a right foot effort.
The travelling Millers fans, around 250 or so, looked a little shocked at this stage as Altrincham were providing a stiff test.
Newsham had other ideas though and scored Rotherham's goal of the game just before the half hour, picking up a through ball and rounding the 'keeper before sliding the ball home past two defenders tracking back to the goal line in slippery conditions.
But, as the Cheshire rain continued to fall, Alty levelled matters again on 33 minutes as Senior netted from close range following a corner as the Millers failed to clear the danger.
Into the second half, and the frantic pace of the game continued as Altrincham raced out of the blocks and into a two goal cushion. Little was to net twice, firstly after Dale Tonge gave away a penalty- which did look a bit harsh on first viewing, he slotted home sending Warrington the wrong way and just a minute later he sprung Rotherham's offside trap and cooly chipped over the advancing Warrington to make it five.
Mark Robins made 10 changes on the hour, including one of his trialist goalkeepers Steve Cann, as the likes of Steve Brogan, Liam King, Chris O'Grady and Ryan Taylor entered the field.
O'Grady bagged himself a consolation late on with a tidy finish and Taylor hit a post with a low drive, but the home side held out the narrow victory, leaving Mark Robins with some work to do on the fairly disappointing defensive showing.
On Monday evening The Millers travel to Bracken Moor to take on Stocksbridge PS, 7.30pm kick off. MillersMAD will be there to bring you a full report and match pictures. Admission is £6 and £4 concessions.
Starting line up this afternoon: Warrington, Tonge, Sharps, Coughlan, Hurst, Todd, Harrison, Hudson, P Holmes, D Holmes, Newsham.
Attendance: 557