Rovers’ U18s overcome local rivals and league leaders Rotherham United with goals either side of the half from Jack Raper and Owen Scattergood.
It was the beginning of October when the U18s last played a competitive game – a 3-1 win over Oldham Athletic in the EFL Youth Cup. They returned to action looking refreshed, revitalised and they picked up exactly where they left off two week's ago.
A couple of chances fell Rovers’ way in the early period of the game. Determined defending from Rotherham prevented Rovers from storming ahead. A Millers defender even headed an effort off the line to keep Rovers at bay.
On the occasions Rovers’ defence were called into action they were strong and composed. Luke Chadwick commanded his line well and the goalkeeper put his body on the line when required.
Another big chance for Rovers came as Rotherham were hit on the counter attack and Jack Goodman won a free kick from his break. As the ball was played into the box from the set piece, Goodman almost spun the ball into the net after a scramble in the box.
Rovers would break deadlock through a great team goal. Will Hollings drilled down the right-hand-side wing before playing in Tavonga Kuleya whose shot was blocked. From there it fell to Jack Raper who wasted no time hitting the target.
Minutes later the half was brought to a close with Rovers on top.
Rotherham came out with a point to prove and dominated possession during the second-half but Rovers professionally absorbed and put in a lot graft to keep the hosts at bay.
Scattergood returned from injury as he came off the bench as a second half substitute at the same time as Will Green.
The pair would link-up for Rovers’ second goal. A ball from Green was finished superbly by Scattergood who resumed his clinical finishing in front of goal for the U18s.
Rovers kept their clean sheet intact, despite plenty of questions coming from the Millers and left the South Yorkshire derby with three points.