In a thrilling encounter at AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham triumphed over Manchester City U21 4-2 in the EFL Trophy on October 28, 2025. This hard-fought victory not only showcased Rotherham's resilience and attacking flair but also marked a significant turning point in their campaign, moving them to second place in their group.
The match had an electrifying start as Manchester City U21 struck first, taking the lead in just the third minute. However, as the game unfolded, Rotherham began to assert their authority. Despite conceding early, the home side's confidence grew, and they showcased their ability to respond under pressure.
City's second goal in the 36th minute seemed to put them in a comfortable position, but it would be their last moment of joy in this match. Rotherham, undeterred by the deficit, began their comeback just after halftime. Shaun McWilliams converted a penalty in the 55th minute, igniting the home crowd and reducing the deficit to one. Just two minutes later, Josh Ayres leveled the score, sending a wave of momentum through Rotherham.
The floodgates then opened, with Joe Powell putting Rotherham ahead in the 66th minute, followed swiftly by Sean Raggett, who extended the lead to 4-2 just three minutes later. Rotherham's four goals in a stunning 14-minute period displayed their attacking prowess and the depth of their squad, capitalizing on City's defensive lapses.
The match concluded with Rotherham firmly in control, bolstering their confidence ahead of upcoming League One fixtures. Their current form-now four consecutive wins-signals a team brimming with belief as they strive for promotion. Rotherham now sits second in the group with six points, solidifying their position for advancement within the competition.
Conversely, this match served as another lesson for the young talents of Manchester City U21, who now find themselves in a precarious spot with only three points from their three matches. While they showcased their skill in moments, the inability to sustain their early lead has left them searching for answers as they prepare for future challenges.
Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I had anticipated a competitive clash and a potential showcase for City's talented youth. While I hoped for a tighter contest, Rotherham's resilience and attacking flair proved to be the differentiators on the day. Both teams have much to play for moving forward, with Rotherham looking to build on their momentum and City aiming to rediscover their winning form in pursuit of redemption in the remaining matches of the EFL Trophy.