Millers 1-1 Darlington (Millers win 4-2 on pens)

Last updated : 17 December 2008 By Deano
Stand in goalkeeper Steve Cann was the hero as he saved two penalties and produced three superb stops in normal time to deny the visitors, who may well have been out of sight by half time.

Darlo started the brighter in a scrappy first period and took the lead after 34 minues when Liam Hatch teed up Steve Foster following Billy Clarke's free kick and Foster beat Cann into the bottom corner.

Cann then saved twice from Clarke and Jason Kennedy just before the break as the visitors dominated before Rotherham got a foothold after the interval after being restricted to long range efforts from Reuben Reid, Peter Holmes and Ryan Taylor in the first 45.

Reid wasted a guilt edged chance before Simon Brown saved from Alex Rhodes and Jamie Green.

The equaliser came 15 minutes from time as Dale Tonge's centre eluded everybody and Nick Fenton swept home at the far post.

Cann then saved superbly late on to tip Clarke's dipping effort for a corner as he backpeddled, as the visitors rallied and had a goal disallowed for an offisde flag but the Millers should have won it as Mark Hudson headed wide of a gaping goal with seconds to spare.

Cann then took to the stage with two fine penalty saves diving to his left and following that up with a superb block with his body, as the Millers racked up all four attempts.

Micky Cummins sealed the win by converting the fourth spot kick to set up a two leg tie with the Iron.

Rotherham: Cann, Green, Sharps, Fenton, Tonge, Cummins, Harrison, Holmes (Joseph 46), Taylor, Rhodes (Hudson 57), Reid (Burchill 72). Subs Not Used: Nicholas, Garcia.

Darlington: Brown, Austin, Foster, White, Ryan, Carole, Kennedy, Foran, Flynn, Hatch, Clarke. Subs Not Used: Oakes, Purdie, Valentine, Burgmeier, Main. Booked: Hatch, Foran.

Att: 2,706

Ref: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire)

Picture: TeamTALK.com