Rotherham United Women bow out out to Belles in County Cup

The Millers defended doggedly and showed admirable work rate to keep the Belles at bay for half an hour before the visitors pulled away to win 4-0 in the tie at Roundwood.

The unlucky Rachel Hale flicked a free kick beyond the clutches of home keeper Georgia Ward to hand the visitors to lead.

And an uphill challenge became even steeper moments before the break when Rovers attacker Phoebe Sneddon seized on a loose ball 18 yards out and curled into the top corner.

Sophie Brown – a real handful for the home defence – added a third midway through the second half and substitute Izza Hasselman tapped in the fourth.

Hale – who finished with a shiner following a clash of heads – and Lauren Winter each put in an industrious shift in midfield, while Dina Sarayreh was player of the match plaudits for showing her versatility in defence.

Chances for Rotherham were few and far between but there were flickers of hope.

Sub Jessie Broadhurst was flagged offside when played through cleverly by Winter while Milly Colford was denied by a flying save late on.

But ultimately it was the Belles – backed by away fans who had brought their own bells to ring – who progressed to the second round.

The Millers now turn their attention to the League Cup, with a trip to Arnold Eagles on Sunday.