Opportunity knocks for Millers in FA Cup

ROTHERHAM United will be cast into the unfamiliar role of favourites when they host Oxford United or Macclesfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

By David Beddows

Published 5th Dec 2016, 19:52 BST

Updated 11th Jan 2017, 09:31 BST

Despite their struggles in the Championship, the Millers will be expected to come through the tie at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on the weekend of January 7.

League One Oxford and National League Macclesfield played out a goalless draw in Cheshire on Friday, with the replay at the Kassam Stadium next Tuesday.

Oxford have ex-Millers Ryan Taylor, Joe Skarz and Chris Maguire in their ranks and should Macclesfield get through it will rekindle bad memories from 1987 when, also as a non-league outfit, the Silkmen upset Rotherham 4-0 in the second round at Moss Rose.

The Millers will be aiming to reach the fourth round for the first time in 14 years.