Lincoln vs Internet Millers Review

Vs: Lincoln City

Location: Yarbrough Leisure Centre

Kick Off: 11:00am

Kit: Away Kit, Black IMFC shirt, White IMFC Shorts, Black IMFC Socks.

Score: 6-0
Scorers: Jebu, Chris Grist (2), Symon, JV, Stuart Burns

Squad

Jebu
Denti
Burns
Dan
Shark
Symon
Lee
Chris
Duds
Adis
JV
Gilby

Stuart

Bash

Mark M

Formation and Tactics

The Millers reverted to a 4-4-2 formation in this is relatively unknown fixture against Lincoln who were playing their first game in the IFA this season. Shark took his usual place in goal. Mark Morris, Denti and Duds made up the defensive trio. After impressing against Hull Adis got the nod in the centre with Dan. Stuart and JV gave the team some natural width and Jebu led the line with partner in crime Chris Grist looking to continue his recent good form. Bash, Lee and Symon were the subs. The only player missing from the squad list is Steve Burns, who can be found in the Lincoln goal, more of that later.

Summary

The Internet Millers were comfortable winners in the end after a shaky first half.

First Half

The visitors dominated the first half but had trouble scoring past the Lincoln ‘scab’ keeper. Jeb and Chris both had 1 v 1’s but the keeper first saved low to his right and then moments later with his legs. Several IM corners were very close to being converted but the keeper either finger tipped the ball to safety or uncharacteristically caught under his bar despite Dan’s crude attempts. There were few moments of real danger but several high balls caused Dud’s in particular a few problems.

The breakthrough came in midway in the half and was due in the main to appalling defending. There was danger on the Rotherham left and the ball in was tame. The initial clearance was charged down but a wild slice by the centre half put the ball bouncing in front of Jeb. With the keeper committed Jeb headered the ball over the keeper and into the Lincoln net.

This could have led to a flurry of goals but the Lincoln back line held strong and with the only real threat being long balls on a wet pitch the majority of passes skidded through to the keeper.

Now listen carefully, the stand in keeper is going to get abused fully in a minute so I want to savour the moment.

A break down the left resulted in the ball being squared to Jeb at pace. The forward was completely unmarked and smashed the ball into the corner of the Lincoln net, 2-0. BUT wait whats this? It’s ‘The Cat’ throwing himself across the goal at full stretch, the ball is diverted for a corner amid howls from the sidelines of, ‘what a save.’ From this moment Jebu’s bottom lip expands and it will continue to stay protruding until late into the second half. The resulting corner comes to nothing and the half draws to a close – cue moaning at the possibility of points lost and a possible second half repeat performance of heroics, it was however not meant to be.

Second Half

So, onto the second half. Symon comes on for Chris and a few changes are made frequently to the midfield and defence through the half to make sure players have a good run out.

The Lincoln keeper looks similar to the one in the first half but that is where the similarity ends. A mouse has replaced ‘The Cat’ and it all goes wrong.

If you haven’t already noticed I was that man, in my defence all I wanted was to get through the game without making any clangers. I am about to make 3 beauties.

JV escapes down the right and floats a high cross under the bar, the ball swerves slightly but is catchable. This escapes the keeper who tries to turn the ball over the bar but only succeeds in punching the ball into the net. (Note: Jeb’s bottom lip starts to return toward the mouth it belongs.) Undeterred Lincoln continues to defend but their heart isn’t in it any more. At 0-0 there is a chance, at 1-0 there is a slight chance, but it’s 2-0 and they now face the inevitable. Several Millers attacks are repelled and the keeper makes a save from a 1 v 1. Shortly afterwards Jeb goes through only to slice wide from 12 yards. Time for another clanger.

JV once again goes down the left and combines with Jeb and Symon. Jeb turns to fire the ball across the area, he telegraphs the pass and the keeper reads it and dives across. If there were such a thing as goalkeeping school the first thing they would teach you is to catch with your body behind the ball or you could spill the ball. Stuart gladfully accepts his older brothers gift and wins bragging rights by lifting the ball into the net.

Again the Millers stream forward and toy with the Lincoln back line. Attack after attack is repelled until Symon goes through on goal. ‘Go on then shoot’ taunts the keeper, Symon tops the ball harmlessly toward goal. Now if your going to let a shot like this in at least let it go through your legs. What you don’t want to do is stick your arms in the air in some sort of sarcastic, ‘I know it’s going wide’ type gesture, especially when it nestles in the bottom corner. Jebs lip has returned to normal now he knows he has his points.

That was enough humiliation for the keeper and Denti took over for the last 20 minutes.

Time for Chris to shine, first Stuart attacks down the left and delivers a perfect centre. Chris rises and plants the header wide of the new keeper to make it five. Moments later Stuart again crosses for the old keeper / new left-winger to attempt a bicycle kick. The ball goes 1 yard back and 4 yards right and lands at Chris’ feet and he shows how it is done by blasting the ball into the top corner despite a touch from the keeper.

Thoughts On Game

A typical IFA game really. Light hearted with everyone getting a game. It is difficult to single players out for special praise. Dan won everything in the air first half and Chris scored a couple of good goals. The lads all descended on Lincoln city centre and drank a few ales and had some food. The spirit is always there on these occasions so it was agreed in future to try and get an away game when RUFC are not watchable so we can have a drink in our host venue. All in all a good day.