nPower League Two
Rotherham United (4th) v Accrington Stanley (19th)
Tuesday 28th December 2010 – 3pm
Rotherham United could lift themselves into second place and one of the automatic promotion places with a win over visitors Accrington Stanley on Tuesday afternoon, weather permitting of course when they play host at their Don Valley Stadium.
The Millers who have lost just once at home so far (a 3-4 loss to Wycombe Wanderers), have strung together a four match unbeaten run since that defeat including wins over Oxford United 2-1 and Aldershot Town 1-0. Their home record stands at 5-5-1 22/17, with only Chesterfield (30 goals) scoring more goals at home.
They’ve failed to find the net just once (0-0 v Bradford City), while keeping three clean sheets. Ever present striker Adam Le Fondre (16 goals, 2 assists) has provided the lions share of the goals, with defender Ryan Cresswell (4 goals) also chipping in. Creativity has been supplied by midfielders Kevin Ellison (2 goals, 3 assists) and predominantly Nicky Law (1 goal, 8 assists) as they have maintained their form from last season.
Visitors Accrington Stanley find themselves just two points ahead of Barnet who are second from bottom to Hereford United. The reason for their current league standing is simple – they’re yet to win away from home, and join Barnet as the only teams yet to get three points on the road.
Stanley’s away record stands at a frustrating 0-7-4 7/17, as they just can’t seem to convert their draws into wins. A recent 0-2 loss at Barnet has caused some alarm as their safety cushion is now reduced to just two points above the relegation places.
They have also failed to score on six occasions, and only Bradford City (5 goals) have netted on fewer occasions in away matches. Despite possessing players that are capable of scoring, indeed the likes of Terry Gornell (6 goals, 4 assists), Sean McConville (6 goals, 4 assists) and defender Phil Edwards (5 goals) have returned a decent yield, only Gornell of the attacking department has scored away from home (2 goals); thus underlining their plight.
The Verdict: If Rotherham United are to go one step further this season and gain automatic promotion, they need to put these sort of fixtures to bed at home, and I’m backing them that they do against Stanley.
Pick: Rotherham United @ 1.73 with bet365
