Rotherham United secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over York City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. The Millers won 5-4 from the spot after a 1-1 draw, with Jili Buyabu scoring the decisive tenth penalty to send his side through.
Buyabu had earlier levelled the scores in the 57th minute, cancelling out Zech Medley's first-half opener for the hosts. The match went straight to penalties after the 90 minutes, where Rotherham's composure proved decisive. Ben Farrar, Jayce Fitzgerald, Joe Rafferty, Denzel Hall and Buyabu all scored for the visitors, with goalkeeper Toby Cann making one key save.
Alex Bruce's side fell behind just before half-time when Medley found the net. Rotherham responded after the break, with Marvin Kaleta threading a pass to Buyabu on the left side of the box, and the winger finished calmly into the bottom corner. The goal was Rotherham's first clear chance of the match and changed the momentum.
The visitors pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Fitzgerald firing into the side netting in the 82nd minute. The game ended 1-1, sending the tie directly to a shootout to decide which team would take the extra point in the group stage.
The victory came at a physical cost, with two Rotherham players forced off with injuries in the first half, adding to the existing concerns listed on the club's injuries page. Bruce had made only two changes to his starting squad from the weekend's league fixture, opting for a strong side. The injuries will be a concern as the team prepares for a key League Two home game against Crewe this Saturday. Rotherham currently sit 14th in the standings with nine points from seven games, and a win is needed to ignite their promotion push after a run of just one win in their last five league outings.
Top scorer Paul Mullin, who has three goals this season according to the club's stats page, was introduced from the bench in the second half and scored his penalty in the shootout. The result provides a morale boost ahead of the Crewe clash, a match that offers a chance to climb into the top half of League Two. Rotherham's next fixture, is at home on Saturday, 26 September.
Background and full detail: yorkshirepost.co.uk
Rotherham United host Crewe Alexandra at New York Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. The Millers, 14th in League Two with nine points from seven games, have drawn their last two matches. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw at York City on Tuesday, with Jili Buyabu scoring the equaliser. Manager Alex Bruce said, "We need to build on the spirit shown at York." Crewe, who are ninth, drew 0-0 with Port Vale in their last league outing.
