Paul Heckingbottom’s side end pre-season with defeat against the Millers.
A hat-trick for Jamie Proctor and a last minute effort from Keiffer Moore gave the home side a comfortable win, with all four goals coming in the second half.
After just 10 minutes, Barnsley should have taken the lead. A strong, mazy run from Ike Ugbo saw him felled in the box, resulting in a penalty. Adam Hammill stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Richard O’Donnell in the Millers’ net.
Chances were then at a premium during the rest of the half despite lots of attacking football. Adam Davies had to be alert on occasions, the most notable stop coming from David Ball’s goal bound effort.
O’Donnell again was called into action at times, with his best save with the exception of the penalty coming from Tom Bradshaw late in the first half.
HALF TIME: Rotherham 0-0 Barnsley
The second half began in a lively manner again and Barnsley could have took the lead instantly from kick-off, but again it was O’Donnell who denied the ball crossing the line.
It was the home side who went in front though, also being rewarded with a penalty. Second half substitute Ryan Williams raced into the area and the former Barnsley man was brought down by Davies. Proctor saw his initial effort saved well by the Reds number one, but finished off the rebound upon its return from the post.
Proctor doubled his tally just moments later as he raced onto the impressive Williams’ through ball and finished well, with a half-volley into the far corner. The Rotherham number nine completed his nine-minute hat-trick with the best of the bunch. He collected the ball outside the area and curled home, in off the crossbar for 3-0.
The Reds continued to look for a way back into the match and came close on occasions, with Stefan Payne breaking into the box and testing O’Donnell again, who again, had the answers.
The League One outfit weren’t finished with their attacking intentions and in the final moments, Moore tapped into an empty net at the far post to complete the victory and end a tough afternoon for Barnsley.
FULL TIME: Rotherham 4-0 Barnsley
