Scunthorpe United come to Rotherham tied 2-2 on aggregate, as they prepare themselves to lock horns with the Millers at AESSEAL New York Stadium in the second leg of this Sky Bet League One Playoff semi-final. We take a look at who the Millers are facing in our opposition analysis....
In the Dugout
Caretaker boss Nick Daws will lead the Iron into this fixture. The former midfielder represented Flixton, Altrincham, Bury, Grimsby Town and Rotherham United. In his spell at Rotherham, he made over 70 apps in a four year spell with the club (2001-05), while spending time at Grimsby on loan in 2003 and 2004.
As a coach, he has been in roles at Rotherham, Barnsley and QPR before taking up the assistant role at Scunthorpe in October 2014. He has been in temporary charge previously in 2016 for the Iron following the dismissal of Mark Robins and is now in caretaker charge again following the departure of Graham Alexander earlier this season.
Reverse Leg
The two teams faced off last Saturday at Glanford Park in an entertaining 2-2 draw. A goal from Jon Taylor set the Millers on their way but an own goal from Michael Ihiekwe levelled the scoring. Joe Newell restored the visitors’ lead but a late strike from Cameron McGeehan restored parity for the second leg.
Ones to Watch
Our ones to watch start with goalkeeper Rory Watson. After coming on in the first leg due to Matt Gilks’ injury, and the former Hull City keeper has been tipped as one for the future. After a fantastic season on loan at then-National League side North Ferriby United, the stopper earned his move to Scunthorpe and won the Player of the Year at Ferriby at the end of that season.
In defence, captain Rory McArdle has been ever present for the Iron this season. The former Northern Ireland international has been one of the reasons for the Iron's strong defence this season and has proved it with Bradford City as well in League One, playing a part in the Bradford XI that made it to the Capital One Cup Final in 2013.
In midfield, on loan Cameron McGeehan is proving he can step up following his move from Luton Town to Barnsley. The former Northern Ireland U21 player scored the goal to bring this tie level on aggregate going into this game and is partnered by Ryan Yates, who has been receiving rave reviews following on from an earlier loan spell with Notts County and this loan spell with the Iron from Nottingham Forest.
Josh Morris is likely to be part of the Iron attack and he has reached double figures again after a prolific season last season. Morris and on loan striker Ivan Toney have scored a combined 22 goals this season and will be looking to pierce through the Rotherham defence to earn a spot at Wembley.