Forde strikes twice in Millers victory

The hosts put up a strong fight in red hot temperatures at Roundwood, with Paul Warne’s men eventually coming through 3-1 thanks to a brace from Anthony Forde and a Michael Smith strike.

New signings Zak Vyner, Clark Robertson and Kyle Vassell played the first 45 and although this wasn’t the game to judge them, all three looked big, strong and athletic operators.

Smith turned in the opening goal after just five minutes from close range and the lead should have been increased before the break.

As planned, Warne made a raft of changes at half time and Parkgate’s woodwork was shaken by Josh Kayode and Forde in the second period before Forde doubled the advantage on 68 minutes, cutting inside to despatch a sweet curling left-footer into the far corner.

Zak Vyner gets a pass away. Pictures: DAVE POUCHER

Despite spending most of the match on the defensive, the home side struck back with with a lovely goal on 74 minute when Mack Collinson flighted a free-kick over the wall and beyond goalkeeper Laurence Bilboe from 25 yards out.

Some of the crowd had already made a dash to go and watch England’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden when the game was made safe three minutes from time, the alert Forde mopping up from close range.

Rotherham fly off to Austria for their pre-season tour tomorrow and return at the end of next week.

Millers first half: Price, Vyner, Ajayi, Robertson, Purrington, Taylor, Vaulks, Wiles, Newell, Vassell, Smith.

Millers second half: Bilboe, Do Ball, Ihiekwe, Mattock, Hinds, Forde, Palmer, Williams, McGinley, Yates, Kayode.