Saturday 24th November
Whaley: A Bridge Too Far Against Millers
New Mills Reserves 2 - Whaley Bridge Athletic 1 (DDC Round 2)

Whaley Bridge Athletic visited Church Lane to face New Mills Reserves in the second round of the Derbyshire Divisional Cup North. Persistent rain, which had been falling all morning, cast a little doubt on whether the tie would go ahead, but some small pockets of standing water were cleared and the referee was happy to get the game under way. This was always going to be a hard-fought game with both sides unbeaten in their last nine games. It was the visitors who started the brighter, winning a free kick in the first minute, which came to nothing. But Whaley’s Ray Dwolitka had the first shot of the match two minutes later, which sailed over the Millers bar. Whaley Bridge kept up the pressure and were rewarded in the fifth minute when the Millers defence failed to clear the ball from their penalty area and Rob Newton hit a fierce shot from close range, which the Millers keeper got his fingers to, but couldn’t deflect wide.

Steve Jackson defends - enlarges

Aji Khan blasts the ball past Paul Walker

This goal shook the Millers team into action and it was their turn to exert some pressure. Danny Carter crossed a wicked free kick into the Whaley area but keeper Jon Brogden managed to collect unchallenged. Then Adam Blackburn should have equalised when an Aji Khan shot took a deflection off the defender and looped to him on the edge of the six-yard box but he managed to side foot the ball wide. Millers maintained this sustained pressure with a run of corners, but on fifteen minutes Millers were level when a free kick ten yards into the opposition half was half cleared by the Whaley defence and Aji Khan hit a curling shot from the edge of the box which beat Brogden with the aid of a slight deflection off one of his defenders.

Adam Blackburn - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

New Mills should have gone ahead five minutes later when Adam Blackburn broke into the box and beat two defenders but Brogden managed to save with his foot at the near post. On 24 minutes Adam Brindle played a glorious through ball with the outside of his right foot which found Blackburn whose first time cross was hit from the edge of the box by Scott Dignan with a low shot saved at full stretch by the Whaley keeper.

A period of midfield interplay finally led to another Whaley chance on 35 minutes when from a New Mills Corner, Whaley’s Ray Dwolitka collected and ran the length of the field only to have a weak shot easily saved by the Millers keeper. Seven minutes later and the Millers keeper Chris Fidler made the save of the match, when he acrobatically made a one handed save to divert a ball destined for the top corner around the post for a corner. He denied the Whaley number 10 with his foot on the stroke of half time and watched a looped header over the bar from the last chance of the half. Whaley Bridge started and finished the half strongly but it was all-square at half time.

Adam Blackburn again floats upfield, with Aji Khan in support

Five minutes into the second half and Adam Blackburn put Millers ahead only to see his well taken goal ruled out by the referee after some furious flag waving by the Whaley substitute running the line, who had been trying to give offside at every opportunity. Some end-to-end play saw half chances at both ends, a Whaley Bridge forward fired wide and David Silcock put a flashing header past the Whaley post. It was the Millers keeper who saved the game again for his side on 68 minutes when he saved at point blank range and managed to repeat the performance six minutes later when Whaley’s man of the match Dwolitka again forced a point blank save after being allowed too much space in the Millers area.

Millers finally took the lead on 83 minutes when some good work up the right saw Stephen Land play a dangerous ball into the Whaley area, and their substitute managed to deflect the ball past his keeper and just inside the far post. Adam Blackburn nearly extended the lead just before full time when he broke into the opposition area, rounded the Whaley keeper, only to see Newton make a goal saving tackle. Whaley Bridge came charging back seeking to take the game into extra time, and the Millers keeper had to be alert and out of his goal quickly to make a tackle on the far touchline, clearing the threat of a Whaley breakaway.

Into injury time and Millers were awarded a penalty for a trip. Adam Brindle stepped up to score only for the referee to order a re-take due to encroachment, and he duly put the second kick past the post and away for a goal kick, which as soon as it was taken the ref. blew for full time.

So an entertaining local derby cup-tie, played in difficult conditions and in a decent spirit, saw two good teams create chances and play some good football. Millers probably had their keeper Chris Fidler to thank for keeping them in the game, and giving them the opportunity to progress into the quarter finals, and extend their unbeaten run to ten games.

Keeper Chris Fidler superb throughout the match

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Richard Gresty, Adam Brindle, Aji Khan, Scott Dignan, Jake Taylor, Adam Blackburn, David Silcock, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Chris Prodromis (45 minutes for D. Carter), Daniel Kitchen, Stewart Kay, Joe Ingham.

Millers Reserves are in cup action again next Saturday when they are away at Oldham Town in the First Round of the Reserves Division Cup – 3.00pm Kick Off

The Senior Team won 4-0 away At Castleton Gabriels with Garry Kharas scoring twice, and Carlos Meakin and Anthony Bingham one a piece.

The next game at Church Lane will be this Saturday, the 1st of December when New Mills entertain Norton in the 2nd round of the Division Two Trophy, kick off is at 3:00pm and all are welcome.

Saturday 24th November
Millers Make Merry in Rain: Castleton Gabriels 0 - New Mills 4

New Mills maintained their place at the top of the Vodkat North West Counties Second Division with a 4-0 win at Castleton Gabriels on Saturday.

Despite appalling weather, both sides moved the ball around very well and indeed the home side made two chances in the opening period but these were dealt with by Stuart Williams.

Gradually, the Millers began to get on top with their superior skill and strength and it was to be Garry Kharas who gave them the lead on 32 minutes. It was the same player who effectively killed off the game on the stroke of half time when he headed in a corner to double his side’s advantage.

Almost immediately after the break Carlos Meakin scored his 14th goal of the campaign after excellent work by Lee Bromley. The fourth goal came from Anthony Bingham who robbed the home centre half on the edge of his own area and slotted the ball home confidently.

New Mills continued to press forward and had many chances to have increased their goal difference but in the end manager Tony Hancock was happy to see his team record their third straight 4-0 win.

The Millers are enjoying their best ever spell since joining this league in 2004, and they have already scored no less than 59 goals in the league and cup this season.

And, perhaps more significantly they now have a deadly duo operating up front in the shape of Kharas and Bingham. These two have plundered 10 goals between them in the past week, and with leading scorer Carlos Meakin also in scoring form the fans will be hoping that the trend continues.

This Saturday New Mills entertain highflying Norton United in the Second Division Trophy at Church Lane. The Millers are the proud holder of this trophy and they will not be looking to give this up lightly.

NEW MILLS; Williams, Bromley, Lomax, Ryan, Jackson, Knight, Meakin, Shaw, Kharas, Bingham, Mather subs; Ward, Nevins, Lees.

Monday 19th November
Millers Progress in County Cup: New Mills 4 - Bolsover Town 0

Garry Kharas set the tempo just 2 minutes in, heading the ball in from the grasp of Bolsover's keeper, Adam Mather supplying the cross form the left wing. The home side had a large amount of possession throughout the game, playing some nice one-touch football. But it wasn't until 30 minutes in when the advantage was doubled with Anthony Bingham rifling the ball into the top left from the edge of the box. Bingham then scored almost straight from the restart rounding the keeper to slot home his second goal in as many minutes. The tie was put to rest on the stroke of half time when a Joe Shaw corner kick was headed off the line only for Garry Kharas to turn in the rebound.

Garry Kharas wins the ball

Adam Mather swings the ball in - Mouseover

New Mills continued to threaten throughout the second half with Mickey Ryan going close from a well worked free kick. Bolsover's best chance came around 65 minutes when a header flashed across the face of goal - one for Lee Bromley to clear. All in all, it was a comfortable victory, but the visitors put up a good fight and played the game in good spirit. A sterner test may await New Mills in the third round draw when the likes of Buxton, Matlock and Alfreton enter the fray.

Millers: George, Bromley, Dempsey (Lees 46), Ryan, Lomax, Mather, Meakin, Shaw, Nevins, Kharas (Ward 65), Bingham (Ainscough 75)

Adam Mather goes through 3 Town players

Millers pile on the pressure from the corner ball

Saturday 17th November
Millers Open Gap: New Mills 4 - Eccleshall 0

New Mills have opened a four-point gap at the top of the Vodkat Division Two table thanks to a 4-0 win over Eccleshall at Church Lane on Saturday. Although this may not have been a vintage performance from the league leaders they nevertheless showed an awesome clinical approach when inside the opponent's penalty area.

The first half an hour was not the most entertaining by a long way. In fact it took a couple of fine saves from home custodian Stuart Williams to keep the sides on level terms.

However, with just five minutes of the first half remaining the Millers took the lead with a brilliantly orchestrated goal. The ball was played into the Eccleshall penalty area and an exquisite flick by Knight resulted in Anthony Bingham hitting a textbook volley into the bottom corner of the net. This was just the goal that the fans had been waiting for.

Anthony Bingham beats the challenge

In the second half it was nearly all New Mills as they strove to kill off the game. At times some of the play was a little frustrating, but nevertheless they persevered and could have doubled their lead when on 65 minutes leading scorer Carlos Meakin found himself in space with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he pulled his first time shot wide of the target. However, the lead was doubled on 73 minutes when Garry Kharas fired in the second goal. Inside a minute and Bingo Bingham added a third when he showed breathtaking pace and lobbed the ball into the net over advancing keeper Barry Weston. The Millers began to relax and the ball was stroked around with some aplomb. It was no surprise when substitute Rhys Nevins calmly brought the ball down and stroked it home. At the end of the day it was not vintage New Mills, but it is still a result which leaves their opponents with the knowledge that Tony Hancock’s men are four points clear at the top of the table. This New Mills team are also unbeaten in league football so far this season – no mean achievement. They have also notched up an incredible 51 league and cup goals, and in the process are quickly gaining a deserved reputation for open adventurous attacking football.

Micky Lomax heads clear

This weekend the Millers travel to Castleton, who they beat 8-1 last month at home in the cup. A win will further strengthen their promotion bid.

NEW MILLS: Williams, Bromley, Lomax, Ryan, Jackson D, Shaw, Meakin, Knight, Kharas, Bingham, Mather subs; Nevins, Ward,

Carlos Meakin rounds the opposition - Mouseover

Garry Kharas and Adam Mather up for the cross

Solid save from Barry Weston to deny Anthony Bingham - select pictures to see enlargement above

Saturday 10th November
Millers Out of League Cup: New Mills 2 - Chadderton 3

With the league cup competition low on Millers priorities, New Mills shuffled the team around with Carlos Meakin rested and Matt Zajac partnering Anthony Bingham up front.

Crowded Chadderton goalmouth with Anthony Bingham and Lee Bromley

The visitors had a couple of chances early on but Lee Bromley fired across goal and Zajac also hit the post for New Mills. Chances were few a far between for the remainder of the first half with New Mills offside too often,. Zajac flashed another effort across goal, but the game was goal-less at the break. The visitors took the lead from a free kick but a deflected shot from Adam Mather found the back of the net for New Mills. Chadderton took the lead again, but Joe Shaw regained parity for New Mills almost immediatly.

Dan Jackson had a good chance to put the Millers in front, latching onto a free kick, his header only needing a glance, but the visitors progressed to the next round when a game of pinball saw the ball into the back of Millers net a third time.

New Mills will get back to league action this coming Saturday when they entertain Eccleshall, then on Monday evening, the 19th of November, the Derbyshire Senior Cup tie against Bolsover Town will take place with a 7:45pm kick off.

Millers: Williams, Lees, Dempsey, Jackson D, Lomax, Bromley, Knight, Ryan, Jackson S, Zajac, Bingham. Subs: Shaw (Dempsey 45), Mather (Jackson S 54), Kharas (Bromley 80)

Micky Lomax clearance

Anthony Bingham header goes over

Lee Bromley heads the ball on

Saturday 10th November
Millers Out of League Cup: New Mills 2 - Chadderton 3

With the league cup competition low on Millers priorities, New Mills shuffled the team around with Carlos Meakin rested and Matt Zajac partnering Anthony Bingham up front.

The visitors had a couple of chances early on but Lee Bromley fired across goal and Zajac also hit the post for New Mills. Chances were few a far between for the remainder of the first half with New Mills offside to often, Zajac flashed another effort across goal, but the game was goal-less at the break.

The visitors took the lead from a free kick but a deflected shot from Adam Mather found the back of the net for New Mills. Chadderton took the lead again, but Joe Shaw regained parity for New Mills almost immediatly.

Dan Jackson had a good chance to put the Millers in front, latching onto a free kick, his header only needing a glance, but the visitors progressed to the next round when a game of pinball saw the ball into the back of Millers net a third time.

New Mills will get back to league action this coming Saturday when they entertain Eccleshall, then on Monday evening, the 19th of November, the Derbyshire Senior Cup tie against Bolsover Town will take place with a 7:45pm kick off.

Millers: Williams, Lees, Dempsey, Jackson D, Lomax, Bromley, Knight, Ryan, Jackson S, Zajac, Bingham. Subs: Shaw (Dempsey 45), Mather (Jackson S 54), Kharas (Bromley 80)

Saturday 3rd November
Millers Back on Top: New Mills 1 - Cheadle Town 0

New Mills leap-frogged over Kirkham and Wesham to go back to the top of the Vodkat Second Division with a narrow victory against local rivals Cheadle Town at Church Lane on Saturday.

It was a game, which saw the home side, dominate the first period and yet they had to hang on a little in the second half of a game which was full of commitment and endeavour.

New signing Anthony Bingham - select pictures to see enlargement above

The game started a little slowly, but gradually thanks to the prompting of Shaw and Hooper the Millers began to create chances. Meakin had a rasping drive well saved by goalkeeper Peter Mellor.

Carlos Meakin gets hard tackled - select pictures to see enlargement above

New Mills were also causing real panic in the visitors defence with some well-taken corners by both Adam Mather and Joe Shaw. And it was from one of these that the only goal of the game was scored. Who else but leading scorer Carlos Meakin sending in a textbook header which crashed into the net to the delight of the big crowd.

Garry Kharas watches Carlos Meakin's shot go into the net

Shortly after, Mellor made the save of the match when he turned over a long-range effort by Shaw. The game seemed to turn, however, on the half-hour mark when a tackle, which went unpunished on Hooper, resulted in the same player having to leave the field of play. Hooper had been the main playmaker and after his departure the chances became fewer.

The second half was a mixture of some misplaced passing from New Mills and aggression from Cheadle. This seemed to spur on the Cheshire side and Aaron Riley had a great one on one with Williams but placed his shot wide of goal.

At the other end, Mike Ryan went close with a header from a corner. In the closing stages Cheadle were awarded a free kick and this was driven in like a missile, and thankfully for the home defenders the final chance was gone.

Mike Ryan meets with corner from Adam Mather

At the end the fans applauded off both teams as it had been a typical local derby with not a great deal of pretty football and yet still full of passion from two sides, neither of which clearly wanted to lose. The Millers also preserved their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

And now New Mills are in pole position where they will stay for a couple of weeks at the least, as they are involved in cup action next weekend.

Before the game it was announced that Tony Hancock had been named as the Divisions Manager of the Month for October – a richly deserved award.

NEW MILLS; Williams, Lees, Lomax, D Jackson, Dempsey, Hooper, Meakin, Shaw, Kharas, Bingham, Mather  subs; Ryan, Bromley, Zajac.  Attendance 202

On Saturday Chadderton visit New Mills in the Vodkat League Cup.

 The second team kept up their challenge at the top of their league with a 1-1 draw at Chadderton with Kay scoring.

Joe Shaws run is challenged