The 2026/27 campaign begins in disappointing fashion
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Rotherham United will be able to focus entirely on their League Two rebuilding mission after exiting the Carabao Cup at the first-round stage at the hands of opposition from two divisions above.
They showed flashes of quality just after the interval as they briefly threatened to force their way back into the game but, overall, were comprehensively beaten by a strong Championship outfit in West Bromwich Albion at AESSEAL New York Stadium in today's 5.30pm kick-off.
The knockout clash was the first match of the 2026/27 campaign and the Millers won't face a side anywhere near as good as the Baggies once the fourth-tier action kicks off next weekend.
The defeat stung yet meant little in the grand scheme of things and the upcoming trip to Cheltenham Town is of far more significance.
A late consolation goal from Fabio Tavares lifted the mood slightly.
Rotherham fell behind after only eight minutes when a scuffed Harry Whitwell attempt fell for Jimmy-Jay Morgan who slipped the ball beyond goalkeeper Ted Cann.
The Millers were under pressure against slick opposition in the early stages and finding it difficult to get out of their own half.
A good number of home fans were in the kop and the visiting supporters filled the away end, but parts of the West Stand and all of the East were closed off to spectators.
The Millers' first effort came on 17 minutes when Jili Buyabu drove a low shot from the left across the goal and wide.
Seven minutes later, Morgan was denied by Cann, who was playing against his former club, and Whitwell was on hand to turn in the rebound to put Rotherham further behind.
It was proving to be a difficult evening for a home side who were failing to show the form of their last few pre-season outings, and the Baggies remained in complete control of proceedings.
With half-time approaching, the Millers finally got forward and new boy Paul Mullin produced a header that went wide while Emmanuel Adegboyega drove an effort off target
A well-known face in the crowd was that of Steve Bruce, at the game to support son and Rotherham head coach Alex.
Bruce Junior had handed debuts to seven of his 10 summer signings and the remaining three took places on the bench.
Marquee signing Mullin started up front and was also wearing the captain's armband.
Soon after the restart, the Millers gave an exciting glimpse of what they're capable of as a clever Kian Spence pass sent Tavares racing away down the right and Mullin made a firm connection on the subsequent low cross only to see his first-time shot blocked by Nat Phillips' sliding block.
Then Jamie Jellis made a weaving burst and found the skipper who brought a sharp save from Max O'Leary.
Within a couple of minutes, however, it was game over as Cann's parry landed at the feet of substitute Felix Horn Myhre who made no mistake before Morgan headed in his second of the contest goal as Albion showed no mercy.
Thankfully, West Brom finally eased off, and the outclassed Millers stayed honest, putting in the effort as the match petered to its conclusion.
They were rewarded by smart turn and equally smart finish from summer signing Fabio Tavares who bagged a debut goal in the 86th minute.
Something to smile about on a tough day.
Weaker opponents and more even playing fields lie ahead.
Rotherham (4-3-3): Ted Cann; Denzel Hall (Joe Rafferty 77), Emmanuel Adegboyega, Sonny Aljofree, Ewan Otoo; Kian Spence, Ossama Ashley (Brandon Cover 56), Jamie Jellis; Fabio Tavares, Paul Mullin (Ar'Jany Martha 62), Jili Buyabu (Aaron Nemane 77). Subs not used: Ben Childs, Lenny Agbaire, Kieran Ngwenya, Marvin Kaleta, Tom Bradshaw.
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Max O'Leary; Nolan Galves, Nat Phillips, George Campbell, Callum Styles (Conor Townsend 72); Ousmane Diakite, Alex Mowatt (Jayson Molumby 72); Harry Whitwell (Felix Horn Myhre H-T), Jimmy-Jay Morgan (Mikey Johnston 65), Isaac Price; Aune Heggebo (Barney Stewart 72). Subs not used: Matt Ingram, Chris Mepham, Krystian Bielik, Alex Williams.
Goals: Tavares 87 (Rotherham); Morgan 8, 61, Whitwell 24, Myhre 55 (West Brom)
Referee: Tom Reeves (West Midlands)
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Rotherham United will be able to focus entirely on their League Two rebuilding mission after exiting the Carabao Cup at the first-round stage at the hands of opposition from two divisions above.
They showed flashes of quality just after the interval as they briefly threatened to force their way back into the game but, overall, were comprehensively beaten by a strong Championship outfit in West Bromwich Albion at AESSEAL New York Stadium in today's 5.30pm kick-off.
The knockout clash was the first match of the 2026/27 campaign and the Millers won't face a side anywhere near as good as the Baggies once the fourth-tier action kicks off next weekend.
The defeat stung yet meant little in the grand scheme of things and the upcoming trip to Cheltenham Town is of far more significance.
A late consolation goal from Fabio Tavares lifted the mood slightly.
Rotherham fell behind after only eight minutes when a scuffed Harry Whitwell attempt fell for Jimmy-Jay Morgan who slipped the ball beyond goalkeeper Ted Cann.
The Millers were under pressure against slick opposition in the early stages and finding it difficult to get out of their own half.
A good number of home fans were in the kop and the visiting supporters filled the away end, but parts of the West Stand and all of the East were closed off to spectators.
The Millers' first effort came on 17 minutes when Jili Buyabu drove a low shot from the left across the goal and wide.
Seven minutes later, Morgan was denied by Cann, who was playing against his former club, and Whitwell was on hand to turn in the rebound to put Rotherham further behind.
It was proving to be a difficult evening for a home side who were failing to show the form of their last few pre-season outings, and the Baggies remained in complete control of proceedings.
With half-time approaching, the Millers finally got forward and new boy Paul Mullin produced a header that went wide while Emmanuel Adegboyega drove an effort off target
A well-known face in the crowd was that of Steve Bruce, at the game to support son and Rotherham head coach Alex.
Bruce Junior had handed debuts to seven of his 10 summer signings and the remaining three took places on the bench.
Marquee signing Mullin started up front and was also wearing the captain's armband.
Soon after the restart, the Millers gave an exciting glimpse of what they're capable of as a clever Kian Spence pass sent Tavares racing away down the right and Mullin made a firm connection on the subsequent low cross only to see his first-time shot blocked by Nat Phillips' sliding block.
Then Jamie Jellis made a weaving burst and found the skipper who brought a sharp save from Max O'Leary.
Within a couple of minutes, however, it was game over as Cann's parry landed at the feet of substitute Felix Horn Myhre who made no mistake before Morgan headed in his second of the contest goal as Albion showed no mercy.
Thankfully, West Brom finally eased off, and the outclassed Millers stayed honest, putting in the effort as the match petered to its conclusion.
They were rewarded by smart turn and equally smart finish from summer signing Fabio Tavares who bagged a debut goal in the 86th minute.
Something to smile about on a tough day.
Weaker opponents and more even playing fields lie ahead.
Rotherham (4-3-3): Ted Cann; Denzel Hall (Joe Rafferty 77), Emmanuel Adegboyega, Sonny Aljofree, Ewan Otoo; Kian Spence, Ossama Ashley (Brandon Cover 56), Jamie Jellis; Fabio Tavares, Paul Mullin (Ar'Jany Martha 62), Jili Buyabu (Aaron Nemane 77). Subs not used: Ben Childs, Lenny Agbaire, Kieran Ngwenya, Marvin Kaleta, Tom Bradshaw.
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Max O'Leary; Nolan Galves, Nat Phillips, George Campbell, Callum Styles (Conor Townsend 72); Ousmane Diakite, Alex Mowatt (Jayson Molumby 72); Harry Whitwell (Felix Horn Myhre H-T), Jimmy-Jay Morgan (Mikey Johnston 65), Isaac Price; Aune Heggebo (Barney Stewart 72). Subs not used: Matt Ingram, Chris Mepham, Krystian Bielik, Alex Williams.
Goals: Tavares 87 (Rotherham); Morgan 8, 61, Whitwell 24, Myhre 55 (West Brom)
Referee: Tom Reeves (West Midlands)
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