Home
MATCH REPORTS 2000-2001
Going Up! Promotion: New Mills 4 - Hollinwood 0 - Mon 21st May
Millers So Close: Wilmslow Albion, Hollinwood, Whalley Range - 14, 16, 19th May
Millers Edge Closer: Milton, Belden, Old Alts, Whalley Range - 8, 9, 10, 12th May
Murray Shield Final: New Mills 1 - Wilmslow Albion 2 - Sat 5th May
Winning Run Continues: Ashton Athletic 0 - New Mills 3 - Sat 28th April
100 Up For Millers: New Mills 4 - Manchester Royal 0 - Sat 21st April
Millers Win Again: New Mills 3 - Hindsford 0 - Sat 14th April
Milton: Milton 1 - New Mills 3 - Tue 3rd April
New Mills Reach Final in Ten-Goal Thriller: Leigh 4 - New Mills 6 - Sat 31st March
Rampant Millers on Cloud Nine: New Mills Reserves 9 - Hollinwood Res 0
Millers Topple League Leaders: New Mills 4 - Whitworth Valley 0 - Sat 24th March
Derbyshire Divisional Cup Final: New Mills 3 - Ashover 1 - Fri 17th March
Millers Hit Old Alts For Six: New Mills 6 - Old Alts 1 - Sat 10th March
Millers Mixed Fortunes: New Mills 1 - Breightmet United 2 - Sat 3rd March
Boston Brace Keeps Up Title Race: New Mills Reserves 3 - Elton Fold 1 - Sat 24th Feb
Hindsford: Millers 4 - Hindsford 4 - Sat 24th Feb
Open Trophy: New Mills Reserves 3 - Mitchell Shackleton 3 (NM 3-1 pen.) - Sat 17th Feb
Derbyshire Cup Semi-final: Staveley Miners Welfare 0  New Mills 3 - Sat 3rd Feb
Cartoons -
Monday 21st May
Going Up! : New Mills 4 - Hollinwood 0

New Mills kicked off on Monday night knowing that only a win would be enough to take them into the Premier Division.

The Millers were very nervous in the first twenty minutes but eventually got their noses in front when after a scramble in the Hollinwood box, Danny Slater put the ball into the net. The second goal was not long in coming when Hollinwood keeper Schofields control let him down and Rick Jones nipped in to score his seventh goal in the last five games.

At last the team could relax and further goals in the second half from Dave Clarke and the pick of the bunch from Rick Pite gave the scoreline a more realistic look.

With the Millers now playing controlled football, Hollinwood were never going to stop the promotion party and the players were applauded off by a crowd of around 150.


Mon 14th, Wed 16th, Sat 19th May
Millers So Close

After another hectic week New Mills are now just one game away from achieving promotion to the Finnair Manchester League Premier Division.

The week started disasterously for The Millers when despite taking a second minute lead through Rick Jones, a very strong Wilmslow Albion side defeated New Mills 7-1 at Church Lane on Monday night.

Wednesday night saw The Millers back in action when Hollinwood were the visitors. This time there was no mistake and the men in amber hammered in 9 goals without reply, with hattricks for Rick Jones and Stephen Done, plus goals for Chris Lees, Paddy Littler and Stacey Wild.

Whalley Range came to Church Lane on Saturday and with a very tense atmosphere Steven Land fired The Millers into a half time lead with an absolute cracker. The second half saw Alan Peatfield's men begin to dominate. Two goals in quick succession from Rick Jones scoring in his fourth consecutive game and an own goal gave The Millers the three points they desperately needed.

Monday night's final game of the season is at home to Hollinwood again and a victory will put New Mills back in the Premier Division. New Mills Reserves can still claim the runners-up spot as well after picking up another couple of wins last week. If Springhead fail to win at Old Alts on Monday night the Scott Moores lads will take second place.

Tuesday sees the final of the Open Trophy at Church Lane between East Manchester and Leigh Athletic kick-off 7.15pm.On Thursday night the youth team play their last game of the season at home to Prestwich Heys kick-off 7.30 and finally on Sunday it's the final of the North West Youth Alliance Cup between Formby and Oldham Town to bring the curtain down on a memorable season of football at New Mills A.F.C.


Tue 8th, Wed 9th, Thur 10th, Sat 12th May
Millers Edge Closer

Last Tuesday New Mills kicked off their marathon stint of eight games in twelve days knowing that six wins would be enough to see them reach the Premier Division.

Milton were the first opposition at Church Lane, where The Millers won comfortably by four goals to nil. Chris Lees two, Dave Clarke and a own goal were the scorers.

The following night saw New Mills travel to Belden in the first of three successive away games. Steve Littler gave the Millers the lead before Belden equalised to take a share of the points.

Thursday and it was Old Alts turn to entertain The Millers. This time there was no slip ups as New Mills won 3-0 with Paddy, Dave Clarke and substitute Rick Adrio all finding the net.

On Saturday The Millers travelled to Whalley Range for their last away game of the season. In sweltering conditions the men in amber turned in a superb display to record a thumping 6-0 victory. Wild 2, Littler, Land, Lees and Rick Jones all hitting the target.

This coming week The Millers once again have four games, but this time they are all at home, Wilmslow Albion visit Church Lane on Monday night kick-off 7 p.m. Then Hollinwood come on Wednesday and Thursday both 7 p.m. kick-offs. Finally next Saturday Whalley Range round off what hopefully will be a tremendous season when they visit Church Lane, Kick-off 2.30 p.m.
Hopefully as many people as possible will get along and support The Millers in their quest for Premier Division football.

New Mills Reserves put themselves back in with a chance of the runners-up spot when they won three and drew one of their four games this week. A fine 2-0 win at Mitchell Shackleton was followed by a 1-0 home win over East Manchester. Dukinfield Town stole a point by equalising with virtually the last kick of the game on Thursday night, but the lads bounced back to hammer Stand Athletic 6-0 on Saturday. This Tuesday the Reserves play their last home game against Breightmet kick-off 7 p.m.

On Sunday New Mills Youth team travelled to championship favourites Oldham Town and despite going 2-0 down the lads battled back to draw 3-3. Johnson, Hackney and new boy Pheifer scored the New Mills goals.


Sat 5th May
Missed Chances Cost Millers
Murray Shield Final : New Mills 1 - Wilmslow Albion 2

After a convincing win away at Wilmslow eleven days earlier, New Mills lived up to their favourites billing by attacking Albion straight from the kick-off.

Stephen Done back in the side after a hamstring injury was first to test Albions defence with a rasping shot which just cleared the bar. As the game settled down there were chances at both ends, Rick Jones going close for The Millers and Steven Land heading off the line at the other end. Wilmslow opened the scoring against the run of play when a corner was headed in by Martin. New Mills continued to press forward and it was no surprise when Rick Jones fired home the equaliser.

The second period followed a similar pattern to the first with The Millers on top and creating numerous chances which went begging. Gary Morgan went close thumping the crossbar with a towering header. It was almost inevitable that The Millers were going to pay for all the missed chances and after a fine run by Ryan, Palverino fired in a great shot giving Barry Eaton no chance.

New Mills fought back with Stacey Wild, Rick Jones and Stephen Done all going agonisingly close, but The Millers could not find their way back.

Starting Tuesday The Millers have EIGHT games in TWELVE days. Milton are the first visitors followed by trips to Belden (Wednesday) and Old Alts (Thursday), before going to Whalley Range on Saturday.

New Mills Reserves have home games on Wednesday, Thursday (kick-off 6.30) and Saturday (kick-off 2.30).

New Mills Youth continued their fine run with a 9-0 thrashing of Stand Athletic at Church Lane on Sunday. Hall 4, Hackney 3, Johnson and Jackson all on target.


Sat 28th April
Winning Run Continues : Ashton Athletic 0 - New Mills 3

New Mills extended their winning run to ten consecutive wins after a hard-fought match at Brocstedes Park.

New Mills went into the game without their three leading goalscorers, but on a heavy pitch they went at the home side straight from the start. However, for all the possession The Millers had, they rarely troubled the Ashton keeper. But shortly before half-time the move-of-the-game resulted in the first goal - a long clearance down-field was headed down by Stacey Wild to Steven Land who smartly rounded a defender before putting Stacey through, and he coolly slipped it past the keeper.

The first twenty minutes of the second-half was a complete contrast to the first with Ashton penning the Millers in their own half, but some resolute defending kept Ashton out and gradually The Millers got back into the game. Paddy Littler hit the bar before Dave Clarke headed the Millers two-nil in front following a corner.

Straight from the restart Stacey Wild took the ball and ran through a static defence to fire home his second and New Mills' third. A tremendous performance from New Mills who showed a real battling spirit to keep the home side out and secure a win that keeps them in touch with the leaders.

========================

This Tuesday The Millers travel to Hollinwood for another important league game before next Saturdays Murray Shield Cup Final against Wilmslow Albion at Stockport Georgians ground. Coaches will be running to this game and the fare is £2 for members with £1 for OAPs and Children. It is hoped that as many as possible will travel to support the team, so if you are interested please call in at the club or ring 747435.

New Mills Reserves game at home to Dukinfield was a victim of the heavy rain as was the North West Youth Alliance Final between Formby and Oldham. The next game at Church Lane will be next Sunday, when the Youth side entertain Stand, kick-off 2pm.


Sat 21st April
100 Up For Millers :  New Mills 4 - Manchester Royal 0

New Mills showed two changes from the side which had beaten promotion rivals Whitworth Valley so convincingly last Tuesday. Barry Eaton returned in goal and Dave Clarke came in for Stephen Done, who had a hamstring injury.

The first fifteen minutes were fairly even but The Millers gradually started to get on top. Stacey Wild had a header disallowed and then stung the keeper's fingers with a rasping drive. New Mills took the lead after 26 minutes, when Rick Pites long throw was flicked on by Chris Lees and Dave Clarke with his back to goal swiveled smartly and hammered home. Two minutes later and with New Mills players cueing up in the box, Littler passed to Rick Jones to net his 17th goal of the season. With the Royals all over the place, Steven Land was bundled over in the box and Chris Lees converted the kick for 3-0.

The second-half continued much the same as the first, Jones had a header cleared off the line and Paddy Littler brought a good save from the keeper. It was no surprise when the fourth goal eventually came, Chris Lees scoring his second penalty of the game after Stacey Wild was tripped in the box, to claim The Millers 100th league and cup goal of the season.
Another good win for The Millers, which keeps them well in touch with the leaders.

ENLARGE to: NMvManchRoyal-210401(40k).jpg ENLARGE to: StephenLittler-NMvManchRoyal-210401(40k).jpg
New Mills 4 - Manchester Royal 0 (21st April 2001) - Right: Stephen Littler (NM) cuts inside his marker

This Tuesday New Mills travel to Wilmslow Albion for a rehearsal of the Murray Shield Final, and then on Saturday they are on their travels again this time to Ashton Athletic.
Coaches will run to the final of the Murray Shield price £2 Members, £1 OAPs & Children.

========================

New Mills Reserves got back to winning ways with a 5-3 victory at Hollinwood, RickAdrio 2, Andy Morrell 2 and Dean Morgan the scorers. Thursday night sees them at home to Breightmet United - Kick Off 6.30 followed by another home game on Saturday against Dukinfield Town - Kick Off 2.30.

The Youth team made it a hat trick of victories this weekend when they went to Stand Athletic and won 6-2. Andy Hackney 2, Dale Johnson, Ryan Stafford, Craig Hall and Chris Coram the New Mills scorers.

This coming Sunday New Mills A.F.C. will host the North West Youth Alliance Division One Cup Final between Oldham Town and Formby. The game is free to members and £2 for Adults and £1 for O.A.Ps and Children. It should be a really good afternoon with a lot of good young players to see. Kick Off is 2.00 pm.


Sat 14th April
Millers Win Again : New Mills 3 - Hindsford 0

New Mills kept up the pressure on the leading group, with an emphatic 3 - 0 win over promotion hopefuls Hindsford at Church Lane on Saturday.

With Neil Holdgate and Simon Ignotus unavailable, The Millers made two changes bringing in Steven Land and David Bailey, and both gave excellent performances in a great team effort. The only surprise in a first-half dominated by the home side was that it was only 1-0 at the break, Paddy Littler firing home after the keeper parried.

ENLARGE to: NMvHindsford-140401(50k).jpg
Stephen Done (10) puts a low cross
into the Hindsford box


However, the second half proved no better for Hindsford as The Millers total dominance continued. Rick Pite volleyed home the second and Mickey Brankin with his third in three games gave the scoreline a more realistic look.

Another great performance from Alan Peatfields lads which should set them up nicely for Tuesday's tricky visit to high-flying Whitworth Valley, and then a trip to Belden on Thursday night before entertaining Manchester Royal at home on Saturday 21st April - Kick-Off 2.30.

New Mills Reserves picked up another away point in their chase for the Second Division title with a 2-2 draw at Pennington, both goals from Dean Morgan.

This Thursday the Reserves entertain Stockport Georgians at Church Lane - Kick Off 6.30
The Youth Team had no game this weekend but they return to action at home to Stand Athletic on Sunday - Kick-Off 2.00 p.m.


Tue 3rd April
Milton 1 - New Mills 3

The Millers continued their fine form with an excellent 3-1 away at Milton. Despite missing an early penalty through Stephen Done, New Mills put in a fine first-half performance to go in 3-0 up at the interval through Rick Jones 2 and another cracker from Mickey Brankin.

Horn netted a consolation for the home side in the second period, but the three points help to keep The Millers in contention with the leaders.

Thursday night sees New Mills on their travels again this time to Old Alts in a game we must win to keep our promotion push going. The Reserves are also away at Dukinfield Town as they try to hold on to top spot.


Sat 31st March
New Mills Reach Final in Ten-Goal Thriller
- Nigel Lloyd
Leigh 4 - New Mills 6 (aet 90 mins Leigh 4 New Mills 4 )


On a pudding of a pitch New Mills got of to an ideal start in the semi final of the Murray Shield with two early goals.The first a shot from Stephen Littler and the second a fine diving header by Littler from a free kick.

Poor defending from corners allowed Leigh to pull the score back to 2-2 and on the stroke of half time a goal direct from another corner sent the home team in with a three goals to two advantage.

Almost straight from the restart Leigh extended their lead. This seemed to spur The Millers into action and they took charge of the game winning every tackle and chasing every loose ball. This pressure paid off when a fine long-range curving shot from Gary Morgan found the top corner of the net.

The Millers, now with their tails up, ripped into Leigh and good work by Stacey Wild enabled Stephen Done to knock the ball in from close range to level he scores at 4-4 to force extra time. Almost straight from the kick off New Mills regained the lead with a scrambled goal by Done. Now well in control it came as no surprise when the Millers increased their lead with an unstoppable shot from the ever dependable Micky Branklin half way through the second period of extra time to send The Millers into their second cup final this season.


New Mills players celebrate after the final whistle at Leigh on Saturday

This Saturday New Mills face a rehearsal of the Final when they entertain Wilmslow Albion kick-off 2.30.
New Mills Reserves who regained top spot thanks to a 9-0 thrashing of Hollinwood travel to Mitchell Shackleton.

========================

Rampant Millers on Cloud Nine
New Mills Reserves 9 - Hollinwood Res 0

Hollinwood delayed the kick-off by thirty minutes but must have returned to Oldham wishing they had not turned up at all with Scott Moore's men rampant in every department.

There were no goals in the first twenty-five minutes, despite the home-team's dominance. However eventually Dean Morgan punished the visitors with a move started by Danny Slater's audacious back heel. Moments later Worrall's goal-bound effort was parried by the keeper with Slater on hand to double the advantage.

On twenty eight minutes Worrall received the ball well inside his own half, Hollinwood's defence parted leaving him with a clear run at goal and he side-footed home with considerable ease.
Another minute gone, another goal with Mark Hooley getting on the scoresheet, which his performance richly deserved. Nine minutes since he first scored and Dean Morgan added another from the penalty spot, making the score 5-0 as the interval approached.

Despite the visitors introducing three substitutes from their first team, the onslaught continued through much of the second half. Slater was denied a blatant penalty from the kick-off, however Worrall rounded a couple of players and the ball was in the back of the net for 6-0. He then left the field after a late tackle which went unpunishd.

Andy Morrell scored the seventh following Morgan's powerful run down the wing. Morgan completed his hat-trick thumping the ball into the roof of the net assisted by Adrio's trickery, and finally Danny Slater broke the offside trap to scoop the ball over the keeper, putting Millers second string on cloud nine.

Easy to pick a man of the match from the impressive goalscorers, however Steve Millington outshone his co -defenders on more than one occasion. With a solid performance that puts the Millers back on top of Division Two.


Sat 24th March
Millers Topple League Leaders
New Mills 4 - Whitworth Valley 0

From the kick off New Mills assaulted Whitworth's goal with savage intent - stunning the visitors with two clear chances from Stacey Wild and Stephen Done. The home team were unlucky when Rick Pite's curling free kick went agonisingly close, however a few minutes later Wild was upended in the box giving Stephen Done a penalty kick which was guided home with compelling conviction.

New Mills dominated the first half with their midfield pulling all the strings stroking the ball around effortlessly. When Whitworth did get forward they found it difficult to bypass the Millers superb defensive unit who were still on a high after last weeks excellent display at Silverlands.

Michael Brown and Stacey Wild had pace in abundance, troubling Valley to great effect, Brown in particular being unfortunate when his crisp volley grazed the upright following a pin-point cross from Wild. The young strikers persistence paid off as half time beckoned Brown took the ball towards the touchline, Valley's keeper looked to have closed down the angle but Brown squeezed the ball in at the near post.

Three minutes after the break and the scoreline was 3-0 when Wild provided Brown an opportunity to relish and he finished with a breathtaking drive of undeniable quality. Shortly after the Whitworth keeper was sent off when he took Brown down when he was clear on goal. The penalty completed Brown's hat trick, casually taken by a young man in fine form.

Whitworth reorganised with Player Manager Malcolm McDowell going between the sticks and he did well to deny the Millers rampant strike force for the remainder of the game. Long term servant to the Millers cause - Dave Clarke was introduced along with Rick Jones and Steven Land. Clarke took a lot of punishment in the heart of midfield brushing aside some harsh challenges. A serious clash of heads between Clarke and a Whitworth defender had concerned players gathering round, both players however arose after moments of silence to warm applause from the home fans.

Whitworth had a couple of chances late on, but Barry Eaton in the New Mills goal looked comfortable on the ball when danger loomed. An excellent result in front of another good crowd despite the attraction of England being live on the television.

ENLARGE to:NewMills4-WitworthValley0-240301(40k).jpg

Hat trick hero Michael Brown in action
in Saturdays win over Whitworth Valley

- 24/03/2001

========================

New Mills Reserves kept up their title chase with a 3-1 at Elton Fold, Jason Clarke, Dean Morgan and Rick Boston on target for the Millers. The Youth team travelled to St Anne's Rovers in Kirby on Sunday and with a weakened team went down 3-0.

This weekend the First team travel to Leigh Athletic in the Murray Shield Semi-Final. A coach is going to the game leaving at Midday, Fare is Members £2 (£1 for children & O.A.Ps) and £4 for non members. There are only limited places so please book as soon as possible.

For those not travelling the Second Team are at home to bottom of the table Hollinwood Kick Off is 2.30.


Fri 17th March
Mighty Millers Turn Ashover
New Mills 3 - Ashover 1 in extra time - Attendance 480 at Buxton AFC.

New Mills faced stern opposition in Ashover who were previously unbeaten in their respective league, having won all 18 matches, and scoring 96 goals in the process. The Millers, however, proved to be their equal after playing every round away from home in this seasons competition.

Ashover started the brighter seeing two attempts flash across the goal, with Michael Brown responding for the Millers with an audacious lob at goal well tipped over by the keeper. As the icy wind enveloped Silverlands the temperature on the pitch warmed up with three bookings in the first twenty minutes.

Sublime wingplay from Stephen Done was appreciated by the traveling hordes of fans whose vocal support lifted the atmosphere to new levels. Ashover looked likely to score in the first half, but the New Mills back line held strong to leave the scoresheet blank at the interval.

A highly competitive second half saw both sides delving deeper into enemy territory, and on the hour Stacey Wild broke the deadlock for the Millers, breaking through Wild placed the ball past the keeper, following the ball over the line. Now sensing victory New Mills became a stronger unit coping admirably with Ashover's onslaught.

Stephen Done, again tireless throughout, was replaced by Rick Jones who caused Ashover's defence a lot of trouble, going close with two efforts. One minute into injury time however, confusion in the Millers defence led to Ashover's equaliser and thirty minutes extra time.

At last New Mills began to take control. First Simon Ignotus headed powerfully towards goal only for the cross bar to deny, then Paddy Littler went agonisingly close with a long range chip. After 100 minutes of play though, Rick Jones picked up the ball from the half-way line, swept past a defender with consummate ease, before unleashing a precise shot which flew into the net.

New Mills faithful supporters must have missed a heartbeat following the dismissal of Simon Ignotus, however Thornton in the Ashover goal joined him when he clattered Michael Brown as he was bearing down on goal. Brown stood up to take the kick himself and put the game beyond doubt. New Mills were now rampant, Stacey Wild hitting a post following a superb sweeping move. Starring defeat in the face, Ashover lost the plot a little and were reduced to nine men with the ball being kicked at Millers fans.

Jubilant scenes followed as the Millers lifted the cup in the main stand in front of around 400 New Mills supporters who had made up the majority of the 480 attendance.

My Man of the Match - Gary Morgan, who was a tower of strength throughout.

========================

New Mills Reserves went out of the Open Trophy losing 6-5 on penalties away at East Manchester. Stephen Land and Dean Morgan were the Millers scorers.

On Sunday New Mills Youth Team entertained top of the table Northfield, who were unbeaten in 57 consecutive games. The lads put in their best performance of the season and ran out 4-1 winners, Dale Johnson 2, Craig Hall and Matt Sherwood from the spot, were the Millers scorers.

========================

Next Saturday, New Mills 1st team face another tough test when top of the table Whitworth Valley come to Church Lane, Kick Off 2.30.
The second team travel to Elton Fold, while on Sunday the Youth team travel to Merseyside to take on St. Annes Rovers.


Sat 10th March
Millers Hit Old Alts For Six
New Mills 6 - Old Alts 1

Following last-week's defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Breightmet United, Millers Boss Alan Peatfield reminded his team that with the Derbyshire Cup Final now approaching any lack of effort would be totally unacceptable. The men in amber responded emphatically with a gritty performance at the expense of an Old Alts side currently languishing near the foot of the division.

Michael Brown opened the scoring on eight minutes the ball skimming along the greasy surface and finding its way into the bottom corner. Moments later Holdgate's long range free kick found Stephen Littler who stroked the ball home from a comfortable position.

As the rain lashed down New Mills began to stamp their authority on the game with Stacey Wild holding his head in his hands after missing an absolute sitter from two yards out. As half time approached however, Brown was impeded on route to goal and Stephen Done's sweetly struck penalty made the scoreline 3-0.

After the break Wilde had a goal disallowed and Ignotus tried his luck from afar, but the endeavor of the visitors was rewarded on 65 minutes Henry Finn thumping the ball home through a packed defence leaving Eaton clutching thin air.

Rick Jones came on as sub and joined Stephen Done as leading scorer for the season finding the net three times in the last 25 minutes. First, as the Old Alts keeper committed himself, Jones showed tremendous composure, lifting the ball over him. His second came from one of the few
corners of the game, Littler headed towards goal and Jones cheekily nicked the ball from the keepers grasp on the line.

ENLARGE to:NewMills6-OldAlts1-100301(30k).jpgQuality wingplay from Stephen Land, found Mickey Brankin in front of goal and the keeper did well to block his powerful shot. However Jones received the ball on the left readjusted his stance and placed the ball home, inflicting more pain on the visitors absent defence.

========================

New Mills Reserves stay top of the Second Division despite going down 3-0 away at fifth placed Old Alts. The Youth game was postponed.

========================

This coming weekend is a real big one for the Millers, Friday night should see a large support heading up to Buxton for the Derbyshire Divisional Cup Final. Kick Off is 7.30 and coaches will leave the ground at 6.15. Some places are still available, contact the club.

Saturday and New Mills Reserves are in cup action with a tough tie in the Open Trophy, away at East Manchester. Finally on Sunday the Youth side are at home to league-leaders Northfield - Kick Off 2 p.m. The Youth side are at home again the following Tuesday 20th March to Oldham Town in the Youth Alliance Cup, Kick Off for this one is 7.30 pm.


Sat 3rd March
Millers Mixed Fortunes
New Mills 1 - Breightmet United 2

New Mills had the upperhand throughout most of the first half, however Breightmet went home victorious despite a determined effort from the men in amber.

The game flowed from end to end with the home side having numerous chances to take the lead. Rick Pite tested the opposing keeper curling the ball towards the inside of the post but the keepers agility kept that one out. After 35 minutes Simon Ignotus showed the strikeforce how it should be done driving the ball with ferocious intent toward goal. Uniteds keeper tried to pull the ball back from over the line but the referee awarded the goal despite Breightmets appeals that it had not crossed the line.

New Mills looked comfortable with this high tempo encounter until a penalty was awarded against them on the stroke of half time. Gary Morgan was adjudged to have handled inside the box and the United player gave keeper Ben Candlin no chance.

Breightmet found their feet in the second half and had several chances to take the lead, Neil Holdgate making up good ground to block strongly to keep the scores level. At the other end smart wing play from Stacey Wild provided the move of the match with a pin-point cross that
Rick Jones headed inches past the post.

A draw looked a fair result at this stage however Breightmet snatched all three points when Candlin's touchline clearance was charged down and the ball bounced into the net.


New Mills Reserves stay top of Division Two thanks to an excellent 1-0 win away at Breightmet. Ricke Adrio netting the winner in an superb all round team performance.


New Mills Youth continued their climb up the table with a 4-3 win away at Winsford United. Andy Hackney playing his first game back after being out nearly all season through injury netted a hattrick, with new signing Dale Johnson scoring on his debut.


Next week New Mills first team entertain bottom of the table Old Alts kick off 2.30 while the Reserves make the opposite journey. Sunday sees the Youth team at home to Prestwich Heys, Kick Off 2.p.m.


Sat 24th Feb
Boston Brace Keeps Up Title Race
New Mills Reserves 3 - Elton Fold 1

On a cold crisp day, Division Two leaders New Mills Reserves faced bottom club Elton Fold at Church Lane. A goal difference of nearly sixty between the two sides was quickly put aside by the visitors whose first half performance contained New Mills to good effect. Rick Adrio put the ball in the net on the stroke of half time but an offside decision kept the scoreline goalless.

A stern team talk from Manager Scott Moore paid off ten minutes after the break when Rick Boston took the ball on his thigh and volleyed home. But Elton's persistence paid off equalising within sixty seconds to regain pavity.

The match warmed up nicely with Jason Clarke sprinting from the half way line before cooly slotting the ball home under the advancing keeper to give the Millers the lead back. Rick Odale's monster goalkick gave Andy Morrelle a fifty-fifty chance but Eltons keeper bravely headed the ball away from the studs of Morrelle's boot.

With ten minutes remaining Boston scored his second off Clarke's corner, thumping the ball home with compelling conviction. Clarke and Boston continued to torment the visitors goal however, the post denied Boston a hattrick and kept the score at 3-1.

Millers 4 - Hindsford 4
New Mills First team were involved in a real end-to-end game at third placed Hindsford where they drew 4-4. Leading at one stage 2-0 Hindsford fought back to lead four two with ten minutes remaining, but the Millers fought back to earn a very good draw. Stacey Wild 2, Stephen Done and Michael Brown were the Millers scorers.


The Derbyshire Cup Final will be held at Buxtons Silverlands ground on Friday, 16th March with a 7.30 kick-off. Coaches will leave Church Lane at 6.15 price £2 for members and £5 for non members.

Finally this coming Saturday New Mills First team are at home to fourth placed Breightmet with a 2.30 kick-off.


Sat 17th Feb
Millers Break Mitchell's Shackles
Open Trophy - New Mills Reserves 3 - Mitchell Shackleton 3.
New Mills won 3-1 on penalties.

New Mills went into the lead when Steve Worrall's exquisite cross into the box was headed away only to rebound off a defender and loop over the keeper's head to put the Millers one up. With the game going from end to end the visitors equalised, but David Bailey restored the Millers lead when his left foot shot took a deflection to put New Mills 2-1 up.

For the first hour the home side had ample opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, however Shackleton came back strongly scoring twice to put the visitors in front for the first time. With only minutes remaining though Steve Worrall became the New Mills saviour bursting through the
defence and with the visitors' keeper racing off his line the gifted winger knocked the ball in across the face of the goal.

Millers veteran defender Rob Crossland again had a faultless game making sure the scores remained level during the extra time along with Lee Higson, whose determination didn't go unnoticed among the home support. After 120 minutes of exciting football it was all down to penalties. Dean Morgan and Steve Hall scored for The Millers with New Mills keeper Rick
Odale
pulling off two super saves. Finally it was left to Andy Morrelle to keep his nerve and send The Millers into the Quarter Finals.


Sat 10th Feb

No football again this weekend for New Mills as both teams fell victim to the weather. The first team game at Hollinwood was called off early while the reserves Open Trophy tie with Mitchell Shackleton was called off late due to a heavy downpour. Hopefully this game will be next Saturday with a 2.30 kick off while the first team travel to Avro.
No game either for the Youth team postponed at home to Stand Athletic.


Sat 3rd Feb
SUPER MILLERS IN FINAL - Staveley Miners Welfare 0  New Mills 3
Derbyshire Divisional Cup Semi-final

New Mills went through to the final of the Derbyshire Cup backed by a large travelling support who outnumbered the home crowd by five to one.
Both defences started nervously but it was Staveley who cracked first when Rick Jones broke through the offside trap to square the ball into the path of Stacey Wild who put the Millers one up after 23 minutes. New Mills began to pin the Chesterfield side in their own half and after 34 minutes the pressure paid off when Simon Ignotus's rapier like strike flew through a packed defence and almost burst the net.
Barry Eaton pulled off a good save just before half time to keep New Mills two up at the break. The second half was a stalemate with Staveley restricted to long range efforts while New Mills carved out several good chances before Rick Jones put the icing on the cake when he rounded the keeper to put the game beyond any doubt.
Another good all-round team performance from New Mills who will now face Ashover in the final, but on this form the Millers should fear nobody.

New Mills Reserves conceded a late goal when they went down 1-0 at home to Wythenshawe Amateurs. This Saturday the Reserves are again at home this time to Mitchell Shackleton in the Open Trophy, kick off 2.30 while the First team travel to Hollinwood. Sunday sees the Youth team at home to Stand Athletic kick off 2 p.m.



New Mills 3 - Ashton Athletic 0