Rotherham United edge Alfreton in fourth pre-season test
Rotherham United opened their pre-season account with a narrow 1-0 win at Alfreton Town on a sweltering Tuesday night. Fabio Tavares, the Millers’ new winger, marked his fourth appearance of the summer with his first goal since arriving at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The 25-year-old Portuguese attacker turned provider and scorer as Rotherham moved to 2 wins and 2 draws in their opening four outings. Tavares tormented Alfreton’s left flank before netting in the 23rd minute, capping a dominant first-half display that saw the League One side outclass their National League North hosts.
What happened at Solana Stadium?
Rotherham started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock inside the opening five minutes. Emmanuel Adegboyega threaded a pinpoint pass to Tavares, whose first effort was blocked, while Marvin Kaleta forced a smart save from the Alfreton goalkeeper.
The deadlock lasted just 18 minutes. A slick one-two between Tavares and Jamie Jellis opened up space for Jez Davies, whose shot was palmed away by the Town stopper. But Rotherham’s pressure told in the 23rd minute. Tavares glided through a gap that barely existed, collected a return pass, and poked home low and hard past the helpless ‘keeper.
The visitors dominated the second half too, though referee decisions frustrated Alex Bruce and his staff. The Millers’ superiority meant new goalkeeper Jake Turner saw little action, though he did show tidy distribution when called upon.
Why Tavares is already the Millers’ standout
Tavares arrived only an hour before kick-off after a traffic delay from Wickersley, but he barely broke stride. His feet “twinkled” - as the match report put it - in every pre-season game so far, and Alfreton felt his full force.
Bruce will take heart from the collective performance, but Tavares’ individual quality stood out. Adegboyega looked dominant in midfield, while Jellis and Ossama Ashley added composure in build-up play. The new-look side also gave debut minutes to trialists Davies and Jamie Jellis, while Joe Rafferty returned from a minor groin issue.
The sparse crowd of under 2,000 at Solana Stadium contrasted sharply with the 2,000-plus who watched Rotherham’s Friday night clash with Derby County. Still, the Millers’ intensity and cohesion suggest Bruce’s project is taking shape ahead of the League One curtain-raiser.
What’s next for Rotherham?
Bruce admitted frustration at the officials’ calls but praised his side’s “best football so far” under his watch. The next step is to tighten up in front of goal - Rotherham could have doubled their tally against a National League North side.
With pre-season still in full swing, the Millers face more friendlies before their League One opener on 8 August. Tavares’ early impact gives Bruce options on the left, but the real test comes when the competitive football begins.
