Rotherham United 2 Barnet 2: Le Fondre to rescue as Millers celebrate Cup final heroes of past
Clovis Kamdjo’s header and a penalty from Izale McLeod had twice put Barnet ahead but strikes from Troy Brown and Adam Le Fondre earned a point for Andy Scott’s side.
The match was watched by eight of the Millers players who reached the first Football League Cup final 50 years ago and who were guests of the club.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt was August 22, 1961, when Millmoor staged the first leg against Aston Villa, the final having been held over from the previous season.
The first threats, after a quiet start came from Barnet and McLeod had a close-range shot blocked. Then Bradley cleared on the edge of the six-yard area after a long run by winger Marshall.
In response Evans fired a 20-yarder wide before Le Fondre was just unable to reach a ball over the top from Brown.
There was more danger to the home goal when McLeod got away from Tonge and Brown had to make an important block.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRotherham had a let off when McLeod set up a great opening for Marshall, who volleyed over.
Barnet took a deserved lead on 36 minutes. Marshall took a rcorner and big defender Kamdjo headed in.
Scott made two changes at the break replacing Tonge and Grabban with Marshall and Holroyd.
They soon equalised from a corner, Millers defender Brown volleying home.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBarnet regained the lead on 62 minutes when McLeod was brought down by Raynes and rose to hit home the spot-kick.
Brown cleared off the line from McLeod but after Bradley had struck the bar, Le Fondre raced on to Harrison’s pass to fire the 81st-minute equaliser.
Rotherham United: Logan, Tonge (Marshall 46), Brown, Raynes, Newey, Evans (Pringle 78), Harrison, Bradley, Schofield, Le Fondre, Grabban (Holroyd 46). Unused substitutes:Warrington, Cresswell.
Barnet: Brill, Senda, Kamdjo, Uddin, Parkes, Deering (Holmes 73), Byrne, Hughes (Fraser 90), Marshall, Price (Geohaghon 87), McLeod. Unused substitutes: O’Brien, Taylor. B
Referee: D Coote (Nottinghamshire).
Man of the match: Troy Brown.