Rotherham 3-0 Burton Albion
- Published
Rotherham started life in their new ground with a comfortable win against Burton Albion on the opening day.
The Millers, playing their first competitive match at the New York Stadium, were 2-0 up at the break thanks to Daniel Nardiello's penalty and Kayode Odejayi's header.
Lee Bell was sent off for the visitors after two yellows in quick succession.
Ben Pringle's deflected cross looped over visiting keeper Ross Atkins to seal the victory.
Rotherham had spent the past four years playing at Don Valley after leaving Millmoor at the end of the 2007-08 season and the fans who packed out the new ground were quickly rewarded.
The Millers took a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes. Nardiello scored the first from the spot after Zander Diamond fouled him in the box, before strike partner Odejayi doubled the lead with a header from Kari Arnason's long throw.
Burton, who were denied an equaliser when Adi Yussuf's strike was ruled out for offside, were forced to play the majority of the second period with 10 men after Bell saw red for two bookings in four minutes.
Having initially been booked for unsporting behaviour, the former Crewe man was ordered off after a late tackle on Millers midfielder David Noble.
The hosts were on top throughout and extended their lead when Pringle's cross took a heavy deflection, leaving Atkins helpless in the Burton goal.
Steve Evans' side had other chances, but it mattered little and they end the day where they aim to finish the season; occupying one of the top three places in League Two.
Views from the dressing rooms:
Rotherham United had dominant second half - Steve Evans
Rotherham United manager Steve Evans tells BBC Radio Sheffield:
"It was fantastic, I thought we started the game really well.
"When you go 2-0 up early, then your supporters expect it to be a 7-0 goal-fest."
"Burton are a good side and had a spell of 20 minutes before half time, we got in at half time and had to wake one or two (players) up."
"Second half, I know they went down to 10 men, but we were totally dominant."
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