Rotherham United 4-0 Basford United

The Millers enjoyed a Roundwood party in the sunshine, helping themselves to a hatful of goals in a professional display against Basford United.

The first half was marked by two controversial decisions – one favouring the hosts and the other going against them – and Rotherham had to dig deep to take the lead, before breaking their Nottingham-based opponents’ resolve in the last half-hour.

Pete Jarvis’ side created a clutch of chances in the opening period and Jessie Broadhurst thought she had scored when she met a Halima Essa cross with force.

The ball appeared to crash into the stanchion and out again but the goal was ruled out as having not crossed the line.

Broadhurst was soon denied again, Basford defender Devonn Cousins athletically blocking her powerful shot.

But it didn’t take long for the hosts to go officially in front – with another helping of controversy.

Basford keeper Phoebe Roe handled what was adjudged a deliberate back pass – much to the dismay of all in yellow.

The referee was unmoved and the Millers capitalised, Sidni Simmons squaring for Delia Hurdiss to lash home. It was no more than Rotherham’s dominance merited.

The second half proved a scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm.

But the introduction of Milly Colford in midfield gave the Millers fresh impetus and their pressure told when Lauren Winter headed home a Hurdiss corner.

Just three minutes later it was 3-0, Colford racing through the middle to poke past the despairing Roe.

In the closing moments, Broadhurst was brought down in the box and stepped up to take the penalty but was denied by the excellent Basford keeper.

There was still time for sub Jess Jones to make it four, firing into the bottom corner after being played in by the lively Caitlin O’Callaghan.

It’s three wins in a row for the Millers, who welcomed the young players of Bramley Sunnyside Junior Football Club under-8s as mascots.

The youngsters went away wowed by their new heroes, who climbed to third place in the table ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Anstey Nomads.

Meanwhile, the Millers’ Reserves bounced back to winning ways, the prolific Nnola Oyeka scoring in each half of a 2-1 home win over Middlewood Rovers.

Millers v Basford: Georgia Ward, Lori-Anne Tart, Amy Nowell, Abbie Staples, Lauren Winter, Sidni Simmons, Rachel Hale, Jessie Broadhurst, Delia Hurdiss, Halima Essa. Subs: Jess Jones, Caitlin O’Callaghan, Milly Colford.

Millers v Middlewood: Katrina Parsons, Emily Bell, Faith Hall, Freya Sutherland, Lucie Thompson, Georgia Harris, Maaria Khan, Maddy Wilson, Emily Evans, Nnola Oyeka, Rayanne Haywood. Subs: Chloe Langford, Kacie Wilson, Tegan Milner, Madison Jones.