Internet Millers vs Donny R'sonists Preview

Vs: Donny Arsonists
Location: Bill Hawes, Bramley (just off the M18 where we played Grimsby)
Kick Off: 10:30
Kit: Home Kit, Red IMFC shirt, White IMFC Shorts, Red IMFC Socks.

AFTER GAME: If possible could you please come back to the Belvedere. A bit of food will be on for us and Donny lads after the game.

Squad
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1. Mark Shark/Dave
2. Denti
3. Duds
4. Mark
5. Copey
6. Dan
7. Gav
8. Bash
9. Steve R
10. Gaz (45 mins)
11. John2
12. Lee
13. Andy P (45 mins)
14. Symon
15. Chris Grist
16. Jebu
17. Burns

Comments on Opposition

The Internet Millers didn’t face the Donny Arsonists last season so you have to go back to the 2002/03 campaign for our last meeting. In a double header within a month the Internet Millers travelled to Doncaster and got beat 4-2 with a very different looking side than today. Jebu notched both for Internet Millers and was to continue on to score an hatrick in the return game in Rotherham where the Millers ran out 7-1 victors against a much weakened Doncaster side. In that season Doncaster went on to do well at Worldnet 03 reaching the ¼ finals of the cup.

There has been just one earlier match in 01/02 campaign where a much more established Doncaster side beat the Internet Millers 5-3. I wasn’t playing back then so cant comment on the scorers or the game!

In more recent times Doncaster have had mixed form in the IFA league. They have taken some heavy defeats from the likes of Sheffield United but ground out some good wins against the likes of Scunthorpe. There record last year was played 10, won 3, drawn 3 and lost 4, scoring 23 and leaking 29. This is not as good as their 02/03 season so they may have lost a few of their players.

Squad Comments

A strong IM squad has gathered for the game against Doncaster. However, a mid-week crisis saw regular goal keeper Shark pick up a shoulder injury and is rated doubtful for the start of the game. However, Dave has offered to step into the net if needed and after a strong performance at Worldnet in the Birmingham game there’s nothing to fear.

4 central defenders jostle for the 3 centre back spots with Denti, Duds, Mark and Copey all fit and available. Dan also provides an extra level of cover and can easily slot back into a defensive role at some point in the game. Defensively the IM look strong for this game.

The 3 central positions in the middle of the park, anchor, centre midfield and hole will be hotly contested between 5 players, Bash, Steve R, Gaz, Gav and Dan. Gaz will be playing just 45 minutes but his class is welcome and Bash will be looking to ease back into things after a couple of injuries. Dan will provide the engine as usual with the strength and vision of Steve R alongside. Gav will be looking to build on a strong return to the Internet Millers and with the absence of Jammer and Adis provides our natural “hole” player.

For this game 4 players are jostling for wing back positions in Lee, Andy P, Symon and John2. However, Symon as shown in the past can strike deadly in the front line and is an option for pushing up front. Andy P will be there for the last 45 minutes and his experience and skills will be vital, particularly if it’s a tight game in the second half. John2 will be hoping to continue his good run of form and a returning Lee from holiday will be eager to show his capabilities in a midfield WB role.

Up front regular striker Jebu will be available after fighting off a niggly injury picked up in the win against Rotherham Athletic last Saturday. Jebu will be looking to add to his 6 for the season and fire IM back to the top of the league. Regular strike partner Burns is considered a doubt as of Friday morning due to an ear infection picked up earlier this week, we are hopeful this should clear up in time for Saturday morning as im sure Burns is itching to notch more goals to add to his 3 for the season and his firepower is essential to the IM team. Chris Grist returns from holiday and after a couple of long runs up front for Symon in the past couple of games Chris will be given his chance to sparkle for a good length of time in a forward role. However, the option of pushing Symon up front for a short while is still very much available later in the game.

Pre Match Comments

Given the recent record of Doncaster this game could go one of two ways. If the Internet Millers click in gear and the Doncaster lads have one of their bad days it could be a big win for the IM. However, more than likely it will be a very tight game, particularly early in the game where opening a couple goal cushion early doors might be vital. Having only scored 23 in 10 games shows they may struggle to score but tend to defend well and therefore a good bright start is essential for IM.

The IM players all seem to have taken to the 3-5-2 system well and this will be another good chance to see it in action over a 90 minute period. Winning the midfield battle could also be key to providing a platform for the strikers to get the goals. However, as of late the midfielders have been chipping in with quite a few goals and hopefully this trend will continue.

Above all enjoy yourselves and we are inviting Donny back to the Belvedere pub for a bite to eat and a drink after the game so lets make them feel welcome.

A full review of the game will be posted early next week.

Jebu out….