MATCH REPORT | Late goal takes shine off Millers’ performance in seven-goal thriller

SCREAMERS, goalkeeping errors and tough tackling action – the Millers’ friendly at Ilkeston Town offered rich and varied fare for a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon crowd.

In the end it was the hosts who prevailed 4-3 thanks to a tap-in from the alert Daisy Allen, who swooped in after Rotherham’s debutant keeper Hannah Iguchi’s save from a long-range effort rebounded her way.

It was harsh on Iguchi, who had been given no chance for any of Ilkeston’s preceding goals – each dispatched at high speed into the top corner or roof of the net from distance – and had pulled off some high-class saves, clawing away a curler destined for the top corner for the pick of the bunch.

That Town were limited – with admittedly no little success – to shooting from range shows how firmly they were usually repelled when attempting to play through or around the Millers’ back line.

The two Laurens – Brogan and Winter – were especially effective in marshaling midfield and prompting forays from their own wide players.

With the Millers two down thanks to firecracker strikes from Izzy Wretham and Gina Shaw – the latter of which fizzed into the top corner – manager Pete Jarvis made a triple substitution which shifted the game’s momentum.

Jessie Broadhurst, a thorn in the home defence all afternoon, nipped in to poach her fourth goal in as many games (pictured).

She should have doubled up before half-time and was smartly kept out, but Brogan calmly gobbled up the loose ball to equalise.

The second half was an altogether more cagey affair, with chances harder to come by, but Abbie Staples in particular found joy down the right flank, while Dina Sarayreh switched from full back to midfield and put in a composed shift in the centre.

Rhena Eames lashed in another pile-driver for Ilkeston with 64 on the clock but the Millers continued to press.

And they came up trumps when Essa latched onto Winter’s ball down the inside right channel, sorted her feet out and thumped past the keeper’s right hand.

Both sides saw loud shouts for a penalty falling on deaf ears – the Millers in particular appeared to have a strong case as one of two trialists given a run-out up front tumbled under a robust challenge.

Tempers flared briefly over a couple of rougher tackles, but Allen and her team-mates were overjoyed as she bagged last-gasp winner.

After a close contest which could have gone either way, Jarvis will go away with plenty of positives alongside the posers to ponder.

The Millers are back in action next Sunday, entertaining Hull United at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Millers: Hannah Iguchi, Jess Jones, Lori-Anne Tart, Lucie Tinker, Dina Sarayreh, Lauren Winter, Rachel Hale, Lauren Brogan, Halima Essa, Jessie Broadhurst, Trialist 1. Subs: Abbie Staples, Trialist 2, Amy Nowell.