AFC Emley vs Rotherham

The closest either side came to a winner arrived in the 58th minute. Osahon Ibie-Agho turned brilliantly on the edge of the box and hammered an effort off the inside of the post. Had that gone in, the Millers would have had a platform to push on against their non-league hosts. Instead, the let-off kept Emley level, and the game settled into a competitive but low-key friendly rhythm.

James Clarke saw a deflected effort fly just over the bar in the 77th minute, and a minute later Ramsell's flicked header found Wilson, whose effort was smothered by the on-rushing Emley goalkeeper.

Lewis Clarke (Rotherham) — The Academy youngster scored the equaliser with a composed finish, earning praise from manager Alex Bruce. The Rotherham Advertiser reported that Bruce specifically applauded Clarke's performance.

Spencer (Emley) — His goal was the match's defining moment: a free kick from his own half that caught the Rotherham defence off guard. No first name was listed on the teamsheet.

Osahon Ibie-Agho (Rotherham) — The young forward was lively, hitting the post in the 58th minute and causing problems for the Emley defence throughout the second half.

Rotherham used a heavily rotated squad featuring two unnamed trialists (Trialist A and Trialist B) in the first half, plus further trialists introduced after the break. The Millers' starting XI included several youth products, reflecting Bruce's stated intention to blend experience with Academy talent. The attendance of 586 — confirmed by Emley AFC via Instagram — was a strong turnout for a pre-season friendly at a Step 3 ground.

Rotherham had opened their pre-season with a 1-0 win at Parkgate on 10 July, a game settled by a trialist's goal. Against Emley, they created the clearer chances but were unable to convert second-half pressure into a winner.

Pre-season friendlies carry limited competitive weight, but the pattern is clear: Bruce is giving extensive minutes to trialists and Academy players as he builds his squad for the 2026-27 League Two campaign. Rotherham's next friendly is at Matlock Town on Saturday 18 July (3pm KO), followed by a trip to Alfreton Town on 21 July and a home fixture against Sheffield United on 25 July. The League Two season begins on 15 August at Cheltenham Town.

A useful workout for a Rotherham side still in the early stages of squad construction. The Academy pathway is already visible — Lewis Clarke's goal was a genuine highlight — and the trialist system is being used extensively. Emley, preparing for their Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign, earned a creditable draw against a League Two opponent.

Attendance: 586 | Venue: Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, Emley