Play-Off Semi Final First Leg preview - Shots v Millers

Football League Play-Offs (League Two 1st Leg) Aldershot Town v Rotherham United 15 May 2010 at 6pm

Rotherham travel to Hampshire tomorrow looking to bring back a lead into the second leg of the League Two play-off semi final at DVS next Wednesday night, on the back of some poor end of season form.

Just a point separated all four play off clubs as fifth takes on sixth at the EBB Stadium, as the Millers look to cut the Shots down to size.

Rotherham's 3-0 defeat at the hosts hands just recently is still in the mindset and was part of only a two game winning run in the last eight played, but boss Ronnie Moore is determined his side show what they are all about on the day tomorrow. Reflecting on that league encounter, Moore stresses his side get the ball down and play the right way.

Talking to the Star, he said: "It was never a 3-0 game that day and we conceded two late goals. We had plenty of the ball but two players collided to gift them the opening goal and our defending wasn't at its best at the end. But at least it is a lovely playing surface and there'll be no problems on that score, both teams will be able to play."

Moore's sides lack of goals is a concern and who partners star striker Adam Le Fondre will be the biggest decision of the Scousers day, with Marcus Marshall playing that role in recent weeks. Ryan Taylor might be involved if he's drafted in following his return from a successful spell at League One Exeter City, where he helped them beat relegation on the final day. The back five pretty much pick themselves whilst across midfield it's a scrap between Danny Harrison and Pablo Mills to partner the fit again Josh Walker.

At Aldershot Tn. (3) At Rotherham U. (3) Results Total % Results Total % Aldershot Tn. 1 33.33 Rotherham U. 0 0.00 Rotherham U. 1 33.33 Aldershot Tn. 2 66.67 Draws 1 33.33 Draws 1 33.33 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Aldershot Tn. 4 1.33 Rotherham U. 1 0.33 Rotherham U. 2 0.67 Aldershot Tn. 5 1.67 On Neutral Ground (0) Overall (6 matches) Results Total % Results Total % Aldershot Tn. 0 0.00 Aldershot Tn. 3 50.00 Rotherham U. 0 0.00 Rotherham U. 1 16.67 Draws 0 0.00 Draws 2 33.33 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Aldershot Tn. 0 0.00 Aldershot Tn. 9 1.50 Rotherham U. 0 0.00 Rotherham U. 3 0.50

Records Highest Aggregate 3 Aldershot Tn. 3 - 0 Rotherham U. 2009/2010 Highest Aldershot Tn. score: 3 Aldershot Tn. 3 - 0 Rotherham U. 2009/2010 Highest Rotherham U. score: 1 Aldershot Tn. 0 - 1 Rotherham U. 2008/2009

Season Date Home Score Away Competition 2009/2010 Mon 05 Apr Aldershot Tn. 3 - 0 Rotherham U. League Two Sat 31 Oct Rotherham U. 0 - 0 Aldershot Tn. League Two 2008/2009 Sat 04 Apr Aldershot Tn. 0 - 1 Rotherham U. League Two Tue 17 Mar Rotherham U. 1 - 2 Aldershot Tn. League Two Tue 18 Nov Rotherham U. 0 - 3 Aldershot Tn. F.A. Cup Sat 08 Nov Aldershot Tn. 1 - 1 Rotherham U. F.A. Cup

Aldershot gaffer Kevin Dillon knows his team pose their own threats and the Millers will be trying to avoid being 'Morganed' - Dean and Marvin have both been on prolific form in the final weeks of the season. However he's wary of the dangers the Millers could cause his side, speaking to Shots online.

"We know about Rotherham because we only played them last month. We won that match but I do know that they had a few chances that day too. Some players look forward to playing certain clubs and it is how they perform on the day that will be the key," he explains.

"If you look at the Championship play-offs this week the teams that ended the season the strongest have progressed in Cardiff City and Blackpool. Probably out of our division Morecambe and Dagenham and Redbridge are the form teams but we have done OK too. In fact we have done really well.

"Whatever happens on Saturday though it will just be half-time. This is where we want to be though. I am now in a position where we have a healthy squad to pick from. We know that the pre-match sales have been excellent and we have to make sure that we don't let the occasion pass us by."

In their biggest week by far since reforming in 1992, Dillon is playing down his sides chances insisting they are the underdogs. "We have done well to get to this stage and it is a credit to everybody at the club. We have some great staff here too. It is a small staffing but they have been terrific."

Dillon has almost a full squad to choose from as only Omar Riza is ruled out with injury, Damian Spencer is struggling to be fit though after last weeks loss at Morecambe.

The Millers have sold just short of 600 tickets thus far for the 6pm kick off, Aldershot have stressed that the game is NOT all ticket for their supporters but strongly advise they purchase beforehand.


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