Internet Millers v Mansfield Town Preview

The Millers will be unsure what to expect having never faced Mansfield before but will be confident of keeping up their 100% record thus far this year. The Mansfield lads have just played one game so far this year, losing 4-1 at home to Forest. However, early indications are that the Stags will have a youthful side that will be sure to bring pace and high levels of energy to the game.

After a comprehensive 6-0 win against long time rivals Scunthorpe, the Millers will be looking forward to their first game back after a few weeks rest. A strong squad will be available for manager Andy Parker to choose from with many options open. Notable absentees include Captain Martin Dent, strikers Chris Grist and Jamie Elliot.

Squad
--------
1. S Burns
2. JV
3. Andy P
4. Scott
5. Lee
6. Jebu
7. Paul ell
8. Gaz
9. Aggie
10. Duds
11. Adis
12. Shark
13. Dan
14. Gilby
15. Yeard

Most notable in the squad list is the return of Iraq war blacksmith Andrew Gilberthorpe. After spending time fighting for our country Gilby is looking forward to getting back playing football for the Internet Millers. He brings even more strength to a solid backline and is a welcome addition given the loss of our captain Denti in this fixture.

Certainly the back line will look to keep a clean sheet to increase its impressive record of just 4 goals conceded thus far, second best in the league behind QPR who have conceded just twice in 4 games.

In midfield there is a wealth of options with Gaz, Dan, Lee, JV, Adis, Andy P and Scott all vying for a place. Dud’s has also showed versatility in a more forward role this season and is an option open to the manager. With Mansfield expected to be a young team, strong tackling and hard work in the middle of the park could be the key to IMFC gaining victory in this game.

With forwards Jammer and Chris out of action this week the manager will be looking to leading scorer Steve Burns to fire the goals. Jebu who played up front for the past few seasons is also a possibility if the front line needs some fresh faces at any point throughout the game. However, as in past matches, IMFC have supported the front line from midfield in dangerous fashion and goals can come from any position on the park.

In the league, IMFC currently lie in 10th place but this is because we have played much less games than the current leaders. Motherwell have played 8 games and Preston have played 9 games compared to our 4. However, with a long run of games coming up over the coming couple of months we will be looking to push into the top 5.

There are just 3 remaining teams with a 100% record inside the top 20, which includes IMFC, Sheffield United and last season’s league winners Millwall. Other impressive starts have come from QPR, Hearts and Bury who have all started unbeaten having drawn 1 game and won the rest.

Last seasons title challengers Ayr, Fulham and Hull have all started relatively badly with a few loses already denting their challenge for a top 5 finish.

We hope the Mansfield players enjoy their game at Hooton Lodge and their trip to Millmoor on Saturday afternoon. We will be having a few beers and some food in the Woodman pub with them after the game and wish them all the best. With some tough IFA games coming up including a double header against unbeaten local rivals Sheffield United, then IMFC will be hoping for a confidence boosting performance in this game.

Jebu