Rotherham United Women can look forward to 2024 with optimism after closing the year with a welcome cup victory.

Two goals from Jessie Broadhurst and one from Sidni Simmons saw the Millers through to the second round of the League Plate with a 3-0 win.

Following a goalless first half, Broadhurst was freed to slot the first goal with 20 minutes to go, following a smart backheel by strike partner Milly Colford, and Simmons doubled the lead with a strike from the wing on 82 minutes.

Broadhurst sealed the victory in the dying minutes as Simmons turned provider and crossed low into the box.

The Millers had expected to complete their league fixtures for the year with a crunch top-of-the-table clash with Lincoln United but this was called off days earlier due to a fixture clash.

It means United end 2023 placed third in the league with three wins and just one defeat from their five opening games.

The new year promises a busy schedule with 13 more league fixtures ahead and hopes for a run in the Plate.

Manager Pete Jarvis earmarked promotion as his goal at the start of the season – and will see little reason to adjust his sights.

Meanwhile, the Millers’ Reserves enjoyed a dramatic end to the year last Sunday as Broadhurst popped up with two goals in the last ten minutes to complete a spectacular turnaround for a 2-1 victory at Handsworth.

The result sent the Reserves up to sixth in the table as their debut season took a turn for the better.

The squad celebrated with a festive training session on Tuesday complete with Christmassy outfits.