Rotherham United Women eye FA Cup run following record-breaking homecoming

Rotherham United Women begin their Women's FA Cup journey this Sunday - a week after a record-setting homecoming.

The Millers travel to Lower Hopton in West Yorkshire; a short hop on what they aim to make a long run in the prestigious cup competition.

It comes off the back of a 2-2 draw against Spennymoor Town at the Rotherham Hospice Community Stadium in front of a crowd of 511 - a record attendance for a RUWFC game at the venue.

A well-taken debut goal from Danielle Whitham and a penalty for striker Laura Bartup - also her first for the club - gave the hosts a two-goal lead.

But Spennymoor fought back after half-time, forcing a goal back at a corner and then tying things up when striker Autumn Colledge headed home from a free kick.

The result leaves RUWFC second in the table and unbeaten after two games.

The Millers started brightly and immediately looked to put Spennymoor under pressure.

An early corner was swung into the box in the opening minute, but the visitors managed to bundle the ball away before Rotherham could get a clean shot away.

On three minutes, Hannah McWilliams came within inches of opening the scoring as her volleyed effort rattled the crossbar.

The ball appeared to come agonisingly close to crossing the line, giving Spennymoor an early warning.

As the half went on, the visitors gradually settled into the game and began to build some confidence.

Rotherham continued to press, with Lauren Winter going close in the 19th minute, but her effort drifted wide.

Much of the first half was played in the middle of the park, with both teams battling for control and neither side able to create a consistent stream of chances.

Rotherham finally found the breakthrough on 36 minutes.

Danielle Whitham found the back of the net after expertly controlling Jasmine Saxton's centre to give the Millers a deserved 1-0 lead and send the home crowd into celebration.

Rotherham then doubled their advantage just before half-time.

In the 41st minute, Laura Bartup won a penalty, giving the Millers a golden opportunity to go into the break with a two-goal cushion.

The striker stepped up and made no mistake, producing a top-drawer finish from 12 yards.

The second half began with the Millers continuing to look in control, dominating the aerial battles and looking comfortable for large spells.

Chances were harder to come by, however, with the game once again becoming a battle in the middle of the park.

Then, just after the hour mark, Spennymoor found a way back into the game.

A corner caused chaos inside the Rotherham box, with a scramble eventually ending with the visitors finding the net.

The goal gave Spennymoor renewed belief, but the Millers had a chance to restore their two-goal advantage in the 70th minute when they were awarded another penalty as Saxton was brought down.

The pacy forward stepped up to the spot, but this time the Millers couldn’t convert, with Saxton firing over the bar.

With just 14 minutes remaining, Spennymoor found the equaliser.

A far-post header from Autumn Colledge flew into the back of the net to bring the visitors level.

Both sides pushed for a decisive goal in the closing stages, but neither could find the breakthrough.

Taking the positives from another bright attacking display, Rotherham United Women now focus on Sunday's cup tie at Woodend Road in Mirfield.

Kick-off is at 2pm and admission is free.

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