Despite the disappointment in a 1-0 home defeat to Staveley Miners Welfare on Monday, Parkgate welcomed 22 new players and supporters to their growing family.

The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side has linked up with Social Eyes, Rotherham, and the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust to form a new team for adults with moderate learning disabilities and autism.

And, the new recruits ran the rule over the facilities at Roundwood before watching the first half of the game between the Steelmen and the Trojans, a vital match in the home side's battle to stay in the top flight.

Welcomed by Parkgate chairman Albert Dudill, the guests took advantage of a few photo opportunities before walking onto the pitch with both teams, then taking part in the pre-match handshakes.

They then gave the team in red loud backing from behind the goal - it was not quite enough, on this occasion at least, to get Billy Fox's team over the line but it won't be long before they are back at Green Lane.

Social Eyes Manager and Millers supporter Claire Hobson thought that, result aside, the evening was a great success: "We all thoroughly enjoyed our evening - shame about the score line - and I know the service users will be so excited about their experience."

The team has applied for grant support from the FA's Grow the Game funding and will use the facilities at Green Lane for training where they will be coached by Rotherham United's Jack Pitchford.

Parkgate have also thanked the players, management and committee from Staveley Miners Welfare for their help in making the visit such a success.