MATCH REPORT: Millers beaten by table-topping Lincoln United

Rotherham United 0-3 Lincoln United

DIsappointed but not disheartened, the Millers saw their unbeaten home record ended by all-conquering league leaders Lincoln United.

A goal behind at the break following a scramble from a corner, Rotherham United Women had done enough to suggest they could take something from the game, but it was the Whites who sealed the three points in the final third of the match.

Things looked bleak for the home side from the outset as Lincoln’s star striker Elllie Gilliatt, who took a hatful of pot shots at Georgia Ward’s goal throughout the afternoon, rattled the crossbar after just four minutes.

But while the table-toppers continued to dominate, dogged defending – typified by the odd crunching tackle – kept the Millers in the contest.

Lincoln took the league on the half hour, a corner to the near post being headed in. It at first appeared to be an own goal but was later credited to the Whites’ Chloe Hodgson.

Gilliatt, hunting an incredibld 38th goal in ten games, and midfielders Frankie Wilson and Lauren Churcher worked together to fashion more chances, with Amy Nowell having to be alert to clear off the line and Alice Hayes disappointed to head a Gilliatt cross wide.

For the most part, though, Lincoln were restricted to long-range efforts comfortably dealt with by Ward.

The Millers could have been level before the interval as Halima Essa burst down the right and squared for Jessie Broadhurst, who uncharacteristically failed to find the required finish.

A tight start to the second half saw the home side gaining a foothold in midfield, where Rachel Hale and Lauren Brogan put in a battling shift.

But it was Lincoln who scored next, Ward saving brilliantly from Hayes but unable to prevent Demi Barai following up to smash home the rebound. Claims for offside from home fans and officials alike fell on deaf ears.

As Lincoln continued to press, Gilliatt and teammate Rebecca Ward both striking the woodwork from distance and the former being smartly denied by Ward, Millers boss Pete Jarvis rang the changes.

And it was sub Mia McDonald who came closest to reducing the arrears.

Winger Demi Weekes won the ball with a perfectly-timed sliding tackle deep in Lincoln territory and the ball broke to Broadhurst, who played McDonald in down the right, the latter’s right-footed strike agonisingly bouncing back off the upright.

There was still time for McDonald to head straight at Rosie Davidson in the Lincoln goal before Gilliatt, otherwise determinedly marked by Abbie Staples, dribbled through to thump home in injury time.

Lincoln made it seven wins out of seven and may feel they have come through their toughest test this season, while the Millers can look ahead to Sunday’s game against Mansfield Town with renewed confidence following one of their strongest team performances this term.

Meanwhile, it was also a disappointing afternoon for the Reserves as they went down 2-0 to Middlewood Rovers in their league game after conceding two first-half goals

Millers v Lincoln: Georgia Ward, Sidni Simmons, Lori-Anne Tart, Amy Nowell, Abbie Staples, Lauren Brogan, Rachel Hale, Demi Weekes, Jessie Broadhurst, Milly Colford, Halima Essa. Subs: Georgia Harris, Mia McDonald.

Millers v Middlewood: Katrina Parsons, Lucie Thompson,Freya Sutherland, Emily Bell, Faith Hall, Emily Ward, Emily Walker, Madison Jones, Rayanne Haywood, Emily Evans, Nnola Oyeka.