Vassell hits hat-trick on a good night for Millers

While a team overseen by manager Paul Warne won 3-0 at Sheffield FC in the night's other friendly, the summer arrival from Blackpool staked his claim with a standout performance in a 4-1 win.

Vassell twice went close to scoring before doing so on 11 minutes. Ben Purrington’s shot brought a good save from Jordan Greaves and the striker was on hand to tap in the loose ball at the back post.

The scorer should have doubled the advantage moments later, sprinting clear of the home defence and rounding the keeper only to hit the side netting.

Stocksbridge took advantage of that let-off to equalise on 22 minutes when Scott Ruthven turned in a header across goal from Luke Mangham.

The Millers continued to enjoy the upper hand and regained the lead 11 minutes later. The goalkeeper did well to deny Newell but Vassell was on hand to blast into the roof of the net.

Newell made way for Akeem Hinds at half time and the substitute made it 3-1 midway through the second half, the Academy product rising high to head in Anthony Forde’s corner.

Another of the club’s young talent, 15-year-old Haroon Saleh, was introduced as a sub in the latter stages.

Vassell missed a chance to complete a hat-trick when he had a penalty saved but made sure moments later when he slotted in from a nice pass from Jerry Yates to complete the scoring.

Millers: Price; Ihiekwe, Onariase, Robertson, Purrington; Forde, Vaulks, Wiles, Newell; Vassell, Yates.

A WINNING double was completed by the Rotherham team on duty at Sheffield FC.

Michael Smith had a penalty saved in the first half but made amends early in the second half when he tapped Rotherham into the lead.

Smith also added the second goal before David Ball completed the win.

The Millers team included three trialists, including experienced former Chesterfield defender Sam Hird.

Team at Sheffield FC: Bilboe; Trialist, Ajayi, Wood, Mattock; Williams, Palmer, Taylor, McGinley; Smith, Ball.