Watford vs Internet Millers Review

Vs: Watford IFC
Location: The Bushey Met Police Club
Kick Off: 11:30
Kit: Home Kit, Red IMFC shirts, White IMFC Shorts, Red IMFC Socks.
Result: Internet Millers lost 2:1
Goals: Jebu

Squad
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1. Denti
2. Veal
3. Jebu
4. Burnsy
5. Duds
6. Dan
7. Shark
8. Chris Grist
9. Mark
10. John
11. Dave
12. Andy P
13. Lee

Starting Formation and Tactics

The IM started in a 352 with Denti sweeping in behind Dave and Mark. JV started on the right with Duds on the left. The midfield contained Dan, John and Andy P. Jebu and Burns were upfront.

First Half

The Millers dominated the first half as they looked to get a good start. Several breaks from the front two down the channels were nearly converted. The first real opportunity fell to Burns. A ball was played down the channel and the front man skipped past the defender. He took another touch but the keeper saved well from a tight angle. Minutes later a similar move developed this time Burns squared but Jebu was slow to anticipate and the defender sliced clear for a corner, the IM were turning the screw. The goal had to come and it did shortly before half time, first a goal kick was flicked on to Jeb who flicked through toward Burns, he beat the defender for pace but unbelievably when through on goal the big man was flagged for offside! This despite being behind Jeb when played in and giving the defender a two yards start. The lads were rightly upset but only had to wait thirty seconds for the lead. The free kick was cleared to Burns who this time played the ball for Jebu, he leaned on his defender and expertly lifted past the keeper. A superb finish and a deserved lead for the Millers.

However with only ten minutes left till half time the Millers could not hold onto the lead. A corner was conceded after good work down the right, the ball was floated in and the Watford player was stood in acres, his first shot was blocked but he converted the rebound to make it 1-1.

Half Time score Watford 1 Vs 1 IM

Second Half

The Millers were encouraged with their first half performance but felt they should have more to show for it. They went out for the second half confident of a result.

This plan took a setback with Watford taking the lead very early on. A new striker was introduced and he played a one two to find himself through on goal, Mark came out but showed him the near post and the ball nestled in the back of the net, 2-1. Several Millers defenders were certain the forward was offside and were unhappy that the same eagle eyed linesman from the first half did not spot the offence.

The team now had to show some real character and battle back against a Watford side growing in confidence as the half continued. The midfield was struggling to find the forwards who found themselves isolated. Lee and Chris were brought on to add some fresh legs but the game appeared to be slipping away.

With only ten minutes left a good ball down the channel found Burns. He slipped the ball onto his left side leaving the defender flat footed and then quickly transferred the ball onto his right side, the defender lunged in but the forward had the advantage of his momentum and touched the ball first and when tumbling under the challenge. He later admitted he had drawn the defender in to win the penalty but it was nailed on.

The regular penalty taker Gaz was absent so Denti stepped up full of confidence. Unfortunately for the defender he scuffed his penalty and it was well saved, from the rebound the ball was cleared.

With minutes remaining the kitchen sink was thrown at Watford but all they could manage was a number of long range shots put high over the bar. Duds was the main culprit blasting over from 18 yards. The team got the feeling it was not going to be their day.

Full Time score Watford 2 Vs 1 IM

A big thanks to Watford, they gave us great hospitality with some food in the bar and a number of fine ales to try, only one player was brave enough to sample the 6.2% ABV brew made especially for the police! Watford will hopefully be travelling up for the return fixture and we will do our best to show them the same welcome to sunny Rotherham.