Duncum in the frame

The 20-year-old midfielder followed his appearance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday with a goal for the Millers' reserves yesterday to salvage a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.

Duncum will hope his opportunist strike puts his name in the frame as Robins turns his attentions to Saturday's League Two clash with Darlington at Millmoor.

Sheffield United enjoyed the greater share of possession during yesterday's Pontins League Cup encounter at Millmoor but paid the price for failing to turn their superiority into goals when Duncum was presented with the simplest of finishes after Jamie Green's powerful effort thundered against the woodwork.

Blades goalkeeper Jamie Annerson looked assured throughout, collecting a series of high balls into his penalty area and making a good save to deny Tom Cahill, but was powerless to prevent the Rotherham youngster sliding home from close range.

Sheffield United, boasting experienced duo Mamadou Seck and Ahmed Fathi, dominated the opening exchanges but were made to wait until just before the interval to take the lead when Nicky Law converted a pass from Dean Oliver.

Oliver earlier spurned a glorious scoring opportunity.

Rotherham had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down before Duncum pounced when the otherwise composed Ian Ross appeared to handle inside the box.

Rotherham United reserves: Cann, Hirst, Hurst (Pendleton 46), King, Kerr, Haggerty (Lodge 80), Yates, Green, Cahill (Greene 75), Thomas, Duncum. Unused subs: Darkin, Liversidge.

Sheffield United reserves: Annerson, Binnion, Naughton, Ashmore, Cresswell (Abdi 46), Seck, Fathi (Gordon 75), Ross, Oliver (eagers 75), Law, Donnelly.Unused subs: Lowton, Hernandez.