THERE is a repeat of the first pre-season game last July when Millwall visit Hayes Lane to take on Bromley on Saturday afternoon.
Twelve months ago, Tony Craig, Jordan Archer, Joe Martin and Mahlon Romeo all made their first appearances for Neil Harris’ side after their summer moves, with Craig’s own goal rescuing a 2-2 draw for National League Bromley in the 89th minute.
John Marquis, who levelled after Moses Emmanuel had scored the opener, and Ed Upson are no longer with the Lions having been moved on this summer. Ben Thompson (above) gave Millwall the lead before Craig’s late blunder.
Millwall boss Harris will give summer recruits Shaun Hutchinson, David Worrall and Gregg Wylde their first public outings this weekend against Neil Smith’s side. Irish youngster Paul Rooney may also feature.
Millwall returned from their training camp in Portugal on Wednesday, and are back at their training ground on Calmont Road on Friday to finalise their preparations for this clash.
Bromley, who finished 14th last season, have been busy in the transfer market this summer ahead of their attempts to reach the Football League for the first time in their history. They have signed Joe Howe, George Porter and David Martin, the latter of whom was part of the Millwall squad that won promotion from League One in 2010.
Shaun Cummings and Christian Mbulu are currently Millwall’s only long-term absentees through injury. Cummings could be fit to make a first-team return in August, but it will be October or November before Mbulu, who was a regular in the U21 side last season, is fit to resume competitive action.
Joe Martin hasn’t recovered from the calf injury that forced him off in the first half of the League One play-off final defeat to Barnsley in May. Shane Ferguson is still on his summer break after his involvement in Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign.
With another friendly against Dartford on Tuesday night, and Harris determined to give as many players pre-season action as possible, Lions fans are also likely to get the chance to assess the next batch of youngsters coming through after the successes of Thompson, Romeo, and, to a lesser extent, Sid Nelson last season.
Left-back Noah Chesmain made his competitive first-team debut as a substitute against Bury last November before spending time at Welling, and he could also feature this weekend.
Kyron Farrell, a strong defensive midfield player who also played against Bromley last summer, will be hoping to make the kind of impact to convince Harris there is no need to add to his current options Thompson, Jimmy Abdou and Shaun Williams.
The Czech Republic underage international Kris Twardek made a dazzling cameo at Hayes Lane in that draw and after signing a one-year-deal in May this could be a make-or-break season for the attacking midfielder.
That also applies to target man Alfie Pavey, who spent time on loan in the National League with Aldershot last season.
Harris could also take the opportunity to give U21 goalkeepers Harry Girling and Ryan Sandford game time during the pre-season programme.
Last season
Bromley – 14th (National League)
Millwall – 4th (Beaten League One play-off finalists)
This season’s title odds
Bromley: 33/1 to win the National League
Millwall: 10/1 to win League One
Players in
Bromley: Joe Howe (Ebbsfleet United), George Porter (Welling United), David Martin (Whitehawk)
Millwall: David Worrall (Southend), Gregg Wylde (Plymouth), Shaun Hutchinson (Fulham), Paul Rooney (Bohemians)
Players out
Millwall: Ed Upson, Carlos Edwards, John Marquis, Lee Martin, Jack Powell, Keaton Wood, Chris Parr (all released), Mark Beevers (Bolton – out of contract), Paris Cowan (Wycombe Wanderers – loan)
Form guide
Bromley: WDLLL
Millwall: WWWDL
Possible Millwall team
4-4-2: Archer; Romeo, Webster, Craig, Chesmain; Worrall, Thompson, Williams, Wylde; Morison, Philpot.
Image source ©Millwall FC