Internet Millers vs Millwall Preview

Last updated : 23 September 2004 By Denti

Internet Millers vs Millwall


Vs
: Millwall Supporters Club

Date: 25th September 2004
Location: Herringthorpe playing fields
Kick Off:
10:30 to 11:00
Kit: Home Kit, Red IMFC shirt, White IMFC Shorts, Red IMFC Socks.

AFTER GAME: Back to Belvedere pub for some food and a few beers with the Millwall lads.

Manager
=======

Skip

SQUAD
=====

1. Jebu
2. Gaz
3. Shark
4. Burnsy
5. Denti
6. Dan
7. Steve R
8. Paul El
9. Mark
10. Gav
11. John2
12. Duds
13. Adis
14. Jammer
15. Chris Grist
16. Lee
17. Symon
18. Bash
19. Copey


Comments on Opposition


The Internet Millers have never faced the Millwall Supporters club in the league or in a tournament. However, we are fully aware of their capabilities having seen them win the UK Supporters league two years ago with a played 20 won 20 record and they also finished semi finalists in the
UK cup. Last season saw Millwall slip to 5th in the overall standings with a record of played 17, won 12, drawn 4 and lost just the 1. This means that over the past two seasons Millwall supporters have lost just 1 game in the league. Last season saw the Millwall lads narrowly miss out on winning the UK Supporters Cup by getting beat by Ayr in the final, losing on penalties.


IMFC can take heart in the fact the only league game Millwall lost over the past two season was at another team well north of
London, Notts Forest. However, this will mean they have learnt their lesson in travelling North and I'm sure will be all guns blazing as they venture up to Yorkshire.


Millwall have a number of games planned for the upcoming weeks but kicked off their season last week in a comprehensive 6-1 win against Brentford which shows they mean business once again in the up coming season. They therefore go into the game with the same 100% record in the league as IMFC.


Without a doubt Millwall will be the toughest test of the season thus far for IMFC and definitely the highest quality opposition to travel to
Rotherham to play us since we started several season ago. We go into the game giving them complete respect but confident that a full strength Internet Millers side can score the goals and defend well enough to get a victory.


Squad Comments


The Internet Millers go into this game with almost a full squad. The one noticeable absentee will be Andy Parker who has coaching responsibilities this Saturday and therefore will be unable to make the game. Jebu and Gaz have slight injury worries after picking up knocks last sunday but both are expected to be fit come this Saturday.


In the net Mark the Shark returns from injury and is raring to go. With Skip taking on the role of manager Mark will be looking to get a clean sheet which will be a great achievement against a side like Millwall.


The defence has an abundance of options. Denti is back off holiday and is available for selection after some intense training this week to battle off the 100+ pints supped in a couple of weeks! Duds, Mark, Paul El, Copey make up the remaining defenders giving IMFC 5 solid, strong defenders to choose a back 3 from. With it being a hard game I envisage tired legs will see some changes from the starting back 3 throughout the game if Skip sees fit.


The midfield also has a large array of choice for the starting lineup. With just Andy Parker unavailable all experienced players missing last week in Jammer, Gaz, Gav, Dan, Steve R and Adis are all available for selection. Young lads John2, Lee and the ever improving and fitter newcomer Bash provide that extra level of cover in the midfield. With 8 people battling it out for 5 places the starting 11 will know people are waiting in the wings for a chance if Skip believes changes are needed or injuries/tiredness take their toll.


Up front IMFC are full strength. Leading scorers Jebu and Burns are both itching to do the business against what will surely be a strong defence and hopefully both have one of those days where everything clicks and the goals come. With chances much more at a premium in this game compared to some in the past it could be very important that the goals are scored when the chances arrive. Young lads Chris and Symon will be on hand hoping to become an hero in times of injury or tiredness.


Pre Match Comments


Days of 11-1 victories over Hudders should be well out of our minds by now. This game has the potential to be more like the Sheff U game in which the millers grinded out a 2:1 win. The entire team will need to show that sort of grit, determination and composure throughout 90 minutes if they are to extend our 100% record this year in the league. Millwall have not lost just 1 league game in 2 seasons by being a weak team, they will have learnt their lesson from travelling North to Forest last year for their only defeat and I fully expect a very strong side. Even if they do have a few players missing this will still be a tough game and a good indicator as to whereabouts IMFC will be finishing in the league this year.


However, I'm fully confident that given the squad turnout this week our big players will rise to the occasion and do the business on what is sure to be a fine playing surface and great facilities down at Herringthorpe stadium. Big thanks to Dan for helping me organise this week and chasing up the supervisor to ensure the lines got put down in time!


Also it is very important we remember the nature of the match. YES we all want to win this one and such is the way of football I wouldn’t expect anyone to be thinking of anything less. However, I'm sure I don’t need to tell you all that the game should be played in the right spirit. No excessive arguing with referees, no abusing opposition players, no squabbling between ourselves and definitely no fighting! Our behaviour in all current football games has been great and with us working hard behind the scenes to make Rotherham a good place for opposition fans to travel to I thank you all for this. Lets keep not only the 100% record but also the good behaviour and spirit that we have forged over the past year.


It’s the big one! Lets do the business and if any supporters want to come down and watch us then venture to Herringthorpe playing fields some time between
10:30am and 11:00am to catch the kick off and your support is much appreciated.


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


Jebu out….