Rotherham 1 Sheffield Utd 2: Late strike by Evans ends derby hopes for Millers

The Sheffield United striker scored six minutes into added time to spare his side the lottery of a penalty shoot-out against neighbours Rotherham United.

Officially, a Steel City derby is only contested by United and Wednesday but having spent the last three years ‘lodging’ at the Don Valley, the Millers could now be entitled to claim residency.

They moved because of a dispute over rent at Millmoor and are due to return to Rotherham next summer when a new 15,000 capacity stadium alongside the River Don is scheduled for completion.

There was definitely no sign of gratitude from the ‘home’ supporters who, amusingly, taunted the Blades with songs of ‘wanting to go home’ and Sheffield being a ‘****hole!!’

Over 4,000 Blades supporters had made the short journey out of town to the Don Valley, more than doubling the size of the gate to 6,737.

It was the Millers’ first meeting with the Blades for six years and, for manager Andy Scott, an opportunity to upset a former club.

Scott holds no grudges towards the Blades – and was even interviewed for the manager’s job at Bramall Lane last December after the departure of Gary Speed.

After an excellent start to the season, the Millers have dropped to eighth in the League Two table with a sequence of just one win in six games.

However, the Blades had also hit their first bad patch of the season – losing three of their previous four games.

Scott made four changes to the side beaten 2-0 at Port Vale three days earlier.

Goalkeeper Andy Warrington and Ben Pringle, who have yet to start in the league this season, replaced Conrad Logan and Gareth Evans, while Mark Bradley and Dale Tonge stepped in for Johnny Mullins and Troy Brown at the back.

Blades manager Danny Wilson also made four changes – resting goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, and midfielders Stephen Quinn, Michael Doyle and Lee Williamson.

Captain Nick Montgomery returned in midfield after a six-game injury absence and there were also starting roles for teenage goalkeeper George Long, winger Ryan Flynn, and striker Richard Cresswell.

The Millers enjoyed early pressure and forced a string of corners but failed to take the lead.

Blades striker Chris Porter then scored with relative ease to dampen home spirits.

Running onto a ball down the left, Porter held off a defender before beating Warrington with a low angled drive.

The Millers recovered from the setback and gradually began to gain a foothold in the game.

Striker Lewis Grabban forced goalkeeper George Long into a fine save and a foul by Neill Collins on Tonge was only just outside the area when the Millers wanted a penalty.

The Blades often looked ill at ease at the back and found it a struggle to create further opportunities before the break.

However, Porter wasted a rare chance to double the lead after a good ball by Cresswell. The striker, under pressure from Michael Raynes, spooned his effort high over the bar.

If the Millers had been able to equalise before the break, it could have transformed the whole game. Long beat away a 20-yard drive by Jason Taylor as the Blades kept them at bay.

Evans rattled the crossbar at the start of the second half as the Blades looked for the cushion of a two-goal lead. But the Millers refused to lie down and were clearly keen to secure the bragging rights. It needed a great block from Montgomery to foil Ben Pringle when the Millers winger was picked out in space on the edge of the box.

With just over half an hour to go, Millers defender Mark Bradley was stretchered off after fouling Evans. He was replaced by Johnny Mullins who had only returned to the side after a lengthy lay-off last weekend.

The Millers finally got the goal their efforts warranted with 21 minutes remaining. Grabban linked up with Taylor and although an initial effort hit the woodwork, Alex Revell was on hand to convert the loose ball.

Blades substitute Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had a curling shot tipped wide by Warrington before Danny Schofield shot over at the opposite end. The Millers finished the game looking far the better side. The Blades had lost shape, were carrying knocks, and hanging on for penalties. However, Evans stole victory with the winner six minutes into added time – his low drive from the edge of the box going in off the foot of the post. He nearly scored again, but Warrington saved at his feet.

The Millers headed back to Rotherham, the Blades stayed in Sheffield. Now they only have to wait another 11 days before the real Steel City derby against the Owls.

Rotherham United: Warrington; Tonge, Raynes, Bradley (Mullins 64), Newey; Taylor, Harrison, Pringle; Schofield, Grabban; Revell (Holroyd 90). Unused substitutes: Logan, Foster, Warne.

Sheffield United: Long; Lowton, Maguire, Collins, Jean-Francois; Flynn (McAllister 90), Montgomery, McDonald, Cresswell; Evans, Porter (Mendez-Laing 55, Philliskirk, 90). Unused substitutes: Simonsen, Parrino.

Referee: G Sutton (Leicestershire).