The Millers have already disposed of Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday in this season's Carling Cup - and they made light work of the struggling Saints on this occasion.

Despite lying 47 places above the Millers in the Football League Southampton were outplayed at the Don Valley Stadium and could have gone down to an even heavier defeat than the one dealt to them by goals from Nick Fenton, Danny Harrison and Drewe Broughton. Stern John scored a consolation for the visitors.

A 4-3-3 formation signalled Mark Robins' intent for his side to attack their higher league opponents and it was the hosts who had the first chance of the match after 10 minutes.

Southampton were caught napping as Alex Rhodes drilled in a low corner from the left and the unmarked Ian Sharps connected with a sweetly timed volley which went just wide of the post.

Although it was no surprise when the Millers took the lead it was contentious to who actually claimed the goal which arrived after 23 minutes.

After a looping Rhodes corner caught Saints goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski out, Millers striker Broughton smashed the ball into the the net following Nick Fenton's initial header. However, at half-time the fourth official confirmed Fenton's header had crossed the line before Broughton made sure so.

Rotherham made their dominance count 10 minutes after the break when Harrison showed a real touch of class to send a sublime curling 30-yard shot past the helpless Bialkowski.

Substitute John breathed life back into the tie five minutes later with a well-struck shot of his own which sailed into the top corner from well outside the penalty area.

But it was from another incisive counter attack from which Rotherham added a third goal. Reuben Reid embarked on an impressive run past several Saints defenders after 68 minutes before sliding the ball across to Broughton, who tapped into an empty net.