Rotherham V Stevenage at The New York Stadium : Match Preview

02 November 2012 15:01
Rotherham V Stevenage - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Devitt set for Millers debut

Rotherham could hand a debut to Jamie Devitt when they host Stevenage in the first ever FA Cup tie at New York Stadium.

The 22-year-old joined on an emergency 28-loan deal from Hull on Thursday to cover the absence of Lionel Ainsworth, who faces two months out with a dislocated shoulder after an incident in the warm-up to last week's 1-0 win over Plymouth.

Defender Dale Tonge will also miss out as he suffered an ankle injury in the same game and he will spend three months in the treatment room, meaning Mark Bradley should start at right-back.

Striker Daniel Nardiello, who has been in impressive form in the last couple of weeks, has a hamstring niggle and he will face a late test, though boss Steve Evans expects him to be fit.

Evans has received some good news this week after Peterborough's Lee Frecklington and Blackburn's Josh Morris were both given permission to play by their parent clubs.

The Millers will hope their new home will provide a change of luck in the world-famous competition having won just two FA Cup games in 10 years.

Stevenage boss Gary Smith will play his strongest possible side.

Smith wants his side to bounce back from last weekend's 4-0 defeat by Swindon by progressing to the second round of the competition.

And his side's chances are boosted with the return of fit-again Lee Hills and Andy Iro, who could both make their debuts.

Patrick Agyemang made his return from a thigh injury as a second-half substitute at the weekend and could be handed a start.

Smith told the club's website: "Given the draw that has been made we have got to put our strongest team out, Rotherham won't be taken lightly. There are one or two sides in our league that were more fortunate when the draw came and maybe they'll have a chance to rotate the group.

"Our sole aim will be to be in the draw come Sunday."

Source: PA