Grimsby 0-2 Rotherham

Last updated : 25 July 2006 By Millersmad Staff
The Millers recorded a comfortable victory, turning in a workmanlike performance in front of just 972 in Cleethorpes.

Alan Knill made only six changes as more of the first team squad completed 90 minutes with just one pre-season game to come this Friday against Sheffield United at Millmoor.

The team started brightly, as the returning Lee Williamson pulled the strings from the midfield. He had an early cross which was turned behind as the Millers gained early initiative.

Michael Keane, playing on the left, was combining well with both Williamson and Eugen Bopp, who created several chances for Delroy Facey and himself inside the frist half hour.

Bopp was instrumental as he set up Will Hoskins for a left footed drive which went just wide on the angle, before the trialist created Rotherham's opening goal just before the break. His through ball was collected by Williamson who fired home to give the Millers a deserved lead.

Williamson was replaced by Alexis Nicolas for the second period, with a change in goal seeing Neil Cutler take the gloves from Gary Montgomery. However Cutler nearly conceded the lead in the first few moments as Justin Whittle's shot cracked off the crossbar but the Millers managed to clear their lines.

Fit and scoring!

Pablo Mills, a rock at centre half with Ian Sharps, had a header saved going forward before Rotherham doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining. Facey's deep left wing cross was retrieved by Scott Wiseman who set up man of the match Bopp to power in a header infront of the Millers fans.

As Knill made changes in the latter stages, the Mariners almost netted a consolation but Gary Harkins saw Cutler tip his header away to safety as the team left the field to a standing ovation.

Millers Team: Montgomery (Cutler 45), Worrell, Mills, Sharps, Hurst (Robertson 75), Partridge, Bopp (McMahon 71), Williamson (Nicolas 46), Keane (Wiseman 61), Facey, Hoskins (Taylor 69).

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