Millers In Semi Final Clash

Last updated : 16 May 2006 By Millersmad Staff
The lads earnt a place in the last four after a thrilling 6-4 victory over old rivals Hibernian at Herringthorpe at the same time achieving their best ever finish in the competition following two previous 1/4 Final knockouts and will take on newbies Preston in Bury.

The Millers have had a record breaking season and as they close in on the league title they will be anxious to keep the dream of a treble alive by securing a place in the final. They don't go in to the game on the back of a victory though as Hull inflicted a first defeat on IMFC, exactly 365 days since their last one, in what was a disappointing league loss last Saturday.

The champions elect haven't had an easy run in this season's competition as despite having a bye in the first round they faced a third consecutive trip to Edinburgh to face Hearts and then were dealt the trickiest opponents in the 1/4 Finals when they were paired against Hibs, a game that was riddled with bitter rivalry following Hibs defeat over the lads at the same stage last year.

Preston, meanwhile have had a relatively easier route to the semi's with a walkover win against York and victories over Grimsby and Stockport. History is in favour of the Millers as in the only ever previous meeting Rotherham came out 6-0 winners- though Preston have improved markedly in what has been a successful first season for them in IFA.

Rotherham's first leg of the treble was completed way back in July 2005 when they upset the odds by sensationally winning the 64 team Worldnet tournament beating QPR in the final and following a summer that involved very little team changes, they have set the IFA League alight this season losing only one game in 19 all but securing the second leg of the treble.

They go in to the game at almost full strength, missing only influential defender Yeardy and central midfielder Benno.



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