Saturday 27th October
Millers Go Goal Crazy: New Mills 8 - Castleton Gabriels 1

Carlos Meakin up with James Woods - mouseover

Vodkat Second Division Trophy 1st Round New Mills went goal crazy in their first game in defence of the Division Two Trophy, which they lifted back in April, with an awesome display of attacking football at Church Lane on Saturday. To say this was a feast of entertainment for the Millers fans is a serious understatement as they totally demolished the Castleton Gabriels and were well worth the winning margin. It was also special because two players completed memorable hat tricks. With striker Garry Kharas serving a one match ban and skipper Mike Ryan rested because of a groin strain the New Mills boss decided to give a first outing to young reserve striker Matt Zajac who teamed up with fellow youngster Rhys Nevins in a partnership which fast developed into a teenage rampage.

#10 Matt Zajac opens his scoring

The Millers took 14 minutes to score their first goal and it was the result of a well-taken short corner and Zajac neatly flicked the ball home. On 18 minutes leading scorer Carlos Meakin rose majestically to send a towering header into the net. It was a truly magnificent goal and brought the crowd to their feet.

Skipper Carlos Meakin attacks

Only two more minutes had elapsed and Zajac was upended in the penalty area and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick. This was duly despatched by Meakin.

Carlos Meakins penalty beats Mark Canning - mouseover

On 22 minutes and that man Zajac was put in the clear and he drew the goalkeeper before confidently driving home for the fourth goal. Five minutes later and only a dubious decision robbed the teenager of a fine hat trick when he was adjudged to be offside.

It was King Carlos Meakin who got his hat trick first however, when he fired in a free kick, which took a slight deflection on 34 minutes. This was his 12th goal of the current campaign and he will be hoping that he will pass the 22 he scored during last season. Then, deep into added on time in a pulsating first 45 minutes it was Nevins turn as he was on hand to prod the ball home from close range. Not surprisingly, the home side were warmly applauded off the field for a well-deserved cup of tea with the score being 6-0. With the game already won it was no surprise that the home team began to ease off a little but they extended the lead when Danny Hooper curled in a great free kick on 55 minutes. The visitors then got a consolation on 58 minutes when Christian Evans was gifted the ball by a home defender and he made no mistake. The scoring was wrapped up in the 90th minute when Nevins was fouled and another penalty was awarded. Up stepped Matt Zajac to complete a hat trick on his debut – quite an achievement.

Rhys Nevins under pressure from Steve McCan

Danny Jackson swerves to avoid the challenge

Steve Jackson fast on the wing

Mark Lees strong as ever at the back

And so New Mills will now play at home in the next round against Norton United and on this showing they seem reluctant to hand back the trophy currently on display in the club house.

They are due to play at Darwen on Tuesday and a win will lift them back onto the top of the table. On this form the fans will be looking forward to this Saturday when Cheadle Town will visit Church Lane.

NEW MILLS: Williams, Lees, Lomax, D Jackson, Dempsey, Hooper, Meakin, Shaw, Nevins, Zajac, Mather. subs; Ainscough, Fidler, S Jackson.

The Reserves moved closer to Glossop North End at the top of the Reserves Division table with a great 1-0 win at Colne. They will travel to Chadderton on Saturday on the back of six straight wins.

Saturday 20th October
Millers in Stalemate: New Mills 0 - Ashton Athletic 0

A stubborn Ashton Athletic held New Mills at home on Saturday in a game which in the end neither side looked capable of scoring.

The game was a strange one in the fact that the visitors clearly set out their stall to bag a point. The scenario therefore was whether the home side could break the deadlock.

All of the New Mills best chances came in the first forty-five minutes, with perhaps the best of them falling to leading scorer Carlos Meakin.

In one attack the ball was pinging around like a pinball machine. The ball was first blocked by the goalkeeper and then by a defender on his goal line and finally it rebounded off the angle of the post and crossbar.

The second half was a frustrating one for the players and fans of the Millers as they attempted to pile on some pressure but the visiting defence was in fine form and the chances were fairly limited.

In the end it was two points dropped by New Mills and Ashton were clearly delighted to have a share of the spoils. However, the team are still in joint top position and with a game in hand AND they remain the only club not to have lost so far in both divisions of the Vodkat North West Counties League.

The club were also boosted by a big crowd of 186, which was also the highest in both divisions at the weekend.

NEW MILLS: Williams, Lees, Lomax, Ryan, Dempsey, Hooper, Meakin, Shaw, Kharas, Ainscough, Mather Subs; Jackson, Nevins, Ward.

This Saturday the Millers are at home in the Second Division Trophy – a competition they won last season. Castleton Gabriels are the visitors to Church Lane. On Tuesday night they will travel over to Darwen.

Garry Kharas tackled by keeper Andy Paxton - click to enlarge

Joe Shaw - Andy Paxton - Micky Lomax - Mickey Ryan - Adam Mather

Saturday 20th October
Cheadle Town Reserves 0 - New Mills Res 3

Millers Reserves travelled to Cheadle to visit a team who were seeking their first win of the season. With the return of an old Manager and some old players, the home side were always going to raise their game in the search of those elusive three points. However, faced with a bumpy pitch, some long-ball tactics and some over zealous tackling on ex team-mates, New Mills recorded their fifth straight win to maintain second spot in the Reserves league.

Two early first half goals set Millers on the route to victory. The first came from a Matt Zojac header, and the second from a fine Jake Taylor volley. New Mills then controlled play, not allowing Cheadle many opportunities on goal. James Elmore turned in another man-of-the-match performance for the second week running to control play in midfield.

Chris Sibson came on as a second half sub, and made a mazy run into the Cheadle box only to be upended, and allow Adam Brindle to increase the Millers lead from the penalty spot. Some strong all round performances from the New Mills team saw the game out and condemned Cheadle to their fifth defeat of the season, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the division.

This game was the first of a Reserve team away day marathon. The league have kindly handed the Millers Reserve team six away fixtures in a row, the next of which is this coming Saturday when the side face a trip to play Colne, a team they beat at home only four weeks ago, winning 6-3. Millers Reserves won’t return to Church Lane until December (unless the Derbyshire Cup can provide a home game) when they will also have travelled to Chadderton, Flixton, and Glossop in the league and Oldham in the Reserves division cup. If they can get back to New Mills unbeaten, then it will set up an exciting second half of the season, challenging for League and Cup honours.

Saturday 13th October
New Mills Res 7 - Blackpool Mechanics Res 1

Playing conditions were perfect on Saturday when Blackpool Mechanics Reserves made the trip South to Church Lane for an early kick off. A nice firm pitch with a bit of zip on the surface gave both sides the opportunity to play some attractive football, and New Mills Reserves did just that, scoring seven and winning their fourth game in a row to consolidate their position in the top three.

Mechanics Ryan Granger robs Phil Ainscough

The Blackpool team arrived not long before kick off, obviously held up in the Disley roadworks, and were pegged back in their half in the opening minutes as Millers applied the early pressure. It was Blackpool though who got the first shot on target in the fifth minute which was easily collected by the Millers keeper, and two minutes later the Mechanics keeper made a smart save from a Phil Ainscough shot, but he could only parry the ball to Danny Kitchen whose first time effort flew wide of the near post.

Millers had another chance to open the scoring as they maintained their early pressure, when a long clearance upfield from Chris Fidler in the Millers goal was headed on to Matt Zojac who was one-on-one with the Blackpool keeper, but his shot was saved by the keeper’s legs. A minute later and Mechanics could have gone ahead when a ball in from the right was headed wide when it looked easier to score. New Mills finally took the lead in the fifteenth minute, when Phil Ainscough did well to hold the ball up on the edge of the Blackpool box, played the ball out wide to Adam Blackburn and his cross in from the left was firmly planted in the back of the net from David Silcock’s head. 1-0 Millers.

Ryan Granger puts Mat Zojac under pressure - mouseover

Four minutes later and Millers extended their lead when they won a free kick about 25 yards out, Danny Carter swung the ball in which bounced off a defenders chest, and Matt Zojac was first to react and slid the ball under the keeper to make it 2-0. New Mills maintained the pressure, and on 23 minutes Stephen Land played a ball up the right wing to Phil Ainscough who won a corner off the Blackpool defenders legs. Danny Kitchen played the ball long, and Richard Gresty headed back across goal to the far post, and Matt Zojac just failed to find the net.

Phil Ainscough makes it three for the Millers

Danny Carter slots the ball past Karl Sutton

A couple more chances fell to both sides but on 32 minutes James Elmore who was having a fine game in midfield, won the ball back from the Blackpool player and played a good forward pass to David Silcock, who split the defence with an excellent first time pass and Phil Ainscough ran on to side foot the ball past the Blackpool keeper and just inside the post to make it 3-0. Seven minutes later and it was 4-0. Danny Carter made up some ground on the left, played a ball inside to James Elmore and continued his run to complete the one-two, took the ball past the full-back and fired a shot past the keeper from a wide angle to increase the lead.

James Elmore had a cracking game in midfield - click to enlarge

Blackpool were seeing very little of the ball, and they finished the half with two long range efforts which were never going to trouble the Millers keeper from 30 yards out.

Within two minutes of the re-start New Mills were forced to make their first substitution when Danny Kitchen took a full bloodied cross on the side of the face from close range, and had to leave the field to be replaced by Jake Taylor. A minute later and Adam Blackburn found space out on the left to cut inside and fire a firm shot past the keeper, but it rebounded off the far post and away to safety. New Mills maintained the pressure down the left and Danny Carter played in an excellent cross, the keeper came to collect but the ball flew over his hands and gave the Blackpool number 6 no chance as it cannoned off his head and into an unguarded net to make it 5-0.

Play then switched to the right and on 54 minutes Jake Taylor swung in a cross, which was just collected by the Blackpool keeper, but a minute later another cross into the box evaded everyone to let Matt Zojac blast the ball past the keeper from close range to make it 6-0. New Mills maintained the pressure for the next ten minutes but then seemed to take their foot off the gasand allow Blackpool

This seemed to wake up the Millers team, and three minutes later they had restored their six goal advantage. Adam Brindle played a long clearance to Stewart Kay (seen right), whose shot was easily cleared, the ball found its way out to Danny Carter who fired a shot off the crossbar, and eventually Mark Allen brought the ball under control and played the ball back to Stewart Kay who thumped the ball past the keeper to make it 7-1. Adam Blackburn nearly made it eight on 82 minutes when he hit a first time effort from thirty yards with the outside of his right foot just over the bar. Blackpool tempers began to fray in the last few minutes, but the game was played out to finish 7-1 to the Millers and maintain their excellent start to the season with another three points.

Millers Team: Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Danny Carter, Richard Gresty, Adam Brindle, James Elmore, Daniel Kitchen, David Silcock, Phil Ainscough, Matt Zojac, Adam Blackburn. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Jake Taylor (48 minutes for D. Kitchen), Mark Allen (52 minutes for P. Ainscough), Stewart Kay (65 minutes for M. Zojac), Joe Ingham.

Saturday 13th October
Millers March On : Holker Old Boys 0 - New Mills 4

Vodkat League Cup - Round 1

New Mills had to make the longest trip possible in the opening round of the Vodkat League Cup, and they made short work of progressing into the next round where they will entertain Chadderton at Church Lane in a few weeks time, thanks to a four-goal second half salvo.

It was an impressive performance from the league leaders and the Cumbrian side will feel relieved that the score was not even more of a reflection on the days play.

The Millers were straight at the opposition from the kick off and they created several excellent opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. Young Rhys Nevins had at least three good chances and Kharas and Shaw also went close.

The travelling supporters were baffled, as they sipped their half time drinks, as to how the game was still goalless. Ironically, the visitor’s best chance came three minutes into the second period when Barry George easily dealt with a shot, which flew straight at him.

Then on 51 minutes the opening goal came when Joe Shaw latched onto the ball after home keeper Sam Stephens could only half save a shot and the Millers were one up.

Lee Bromley playing down the right hand side burst into the penalty area on 67 minutes only to be upended by the goalkeeper and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick. Garry Kharas easily dispatched this.

As the game went on the Barrow in Furness based side began to tire and New Mills then scored twice after 80 and 84 minutes when first skipper Mike Ryan finished off an excellent move. The final goal headed home by Adam Mather was another well set up and executed goal.

Manager Tony Hancock was naturally elated with the performance as both Dean Butterworth and leading scorer Carlos Meakin were absent due to work commitments and Danny Jackson was ruled out because of a foot injury.

NEW MILLS; George, Lees, Lomax, Ryan, Dempsey, Hooper, Bromley, Shaw, Kharas, Nevins, S Jackson subs; Mather, Ward, Swift.

This Saturday New Mills will be aiming to keep themselves on top of the table when Ashton Athletic visit Church Lane. The opponents have had a great start to the season and an exciting game is in prospect.

Saturday 6th October
Millers go to Top of League: Eccleshall 1- New Mills 2

New Mills went surging to the top of the Vodkat Second Division table on Saturday when they came from behind to collect all three points when they visited Staffordshire to play at Eccleshall.

Although not a vintage performance by their standards, never the less Tony Hancock must have taken great satisfaction in the manner that his team refused to go down to what would have been their first league defeat of the campaign.

The home start came straight out of the blocks and took the lead in the first minute through Matt Mills. This spurred the Millers into action and it was not long before they took control of the game.

Inevitably, it was leading scorer Carlos Meakin who put them on level terms after 9 minutes. The second and ultimately match winner was from the boot of Garry Kharas who put the visitors in front on the half hour mark.

Both sides created chances with New Mills having the lion’s share, but the scoring remained the same and for the first time ever the club now sit proudly in pole position.

Saturday 6th October
New Mills Res 3 - Padiham Res 1

going to be a tough game for the Millers and so it turned out to be, but they deservedly won the game and in so doing climbed above Padiham in the table. Three goals in the first ten minutes set the pattern of the action to come, and it was Padiham who had the first chance when a cross from the right wing glanced off Stephen Land’s head and fell to the unmarked Padiham winger who fired a shot across goal, only to see the ball hit the far post and rebound away to safety. A minute later and New Mills accepted their first chance when Adam Brindle played a ball over the top of the advancing Padiham defence, to leave Adam Blackburn who had beaten the offside trap unmarked, and he calmly side-footed the ball past the Padiham keeper to make it 1-0.

Adam Brindle defends from Padiham skipper

Adam Blackburn smashes in the cross - mouseover

Four minutes later and it was 2-0. Stephen Land advanced up the right wing and played an excellent ball up the line to Stuart McGill who beat the defender to the by-line, and put in an excellent cross into the area which Phil Ainscough showing great awareness, put his toe under and dinked the ball first time over the Padiham keeper from 15 yards out.

Phil Ainscough scores Millers 2nd goal

Two minutes later and Padiham were back in the game. A poorly hit Padiham free kick fell to an unmarked player who was allowed to advance 10 yards towards the Millers goal, and he back heeled the ball past the Millers defence to his team-mate whose sliced shot deceived the Millers keeper and crept in at the near post to make it 2-1.

There followed half an hour of frantic action as the ball was played from end to end and both sides had chances to add further to their respective totals. On 39 minutes New Mills broke quickly from defence, and a ball played up the right hand side looked to give Stuart McGill a chance to run at the Padiham goal, however just inside their half the Padiham number 4 came sliding in and took out Stuart with a scything challenge. He may have got some of the ball, but the studmarks up Stuart’s leg showed how high his foot had been, and during the eight-minute stoppage before Stuart left the field the Padiham player was correctly sent off.

Stuart McGill outruns the opposition

Going down to 10 men didn’t stop Padiham from pressing forward, and they nearly levelled the game in the third minute of injury time, when a free kick fell to a Padiham forward inside the penalty area who managed to get away a shot on target, but the Millers keeper Chris Fidler dived sharply to his left to smother the shot. So half-time arrived with Millers leading 2-1 and Padiham down to 10 men.

Superb save from Chris Fidler - mouseover

The second half started as the first had ended, at a frantic pace. New Mills had a chance in the first minute when the Padiham keeper was smartly off his line to collect the ball at Phil Ainscough’s feet, and then three minutes later the Padiham number 10 fired a shot from outside the box through a crowd of players, which the Millers keeper saw late and just managed to turn the ball past the post.

Two minutes later and Millers extended their lead when the Padiham offside trap was beaten again, and an unmarked Phil Ainscough rounded the keeper to make it 3-1. Padiham were clearly upset by this decision as their linesman stood rooted to the spot with his flag in the air, the fullback threw the ball out of the ground in frustration, and the goalkeeper was booked for his verbal protests. This goal had clearly affected the Padiham team and New Mills dominated play for the next 10 minutes and could have finished with Phil Ainscough completing his hat-trick, when some good one-touch football down the left, ended in a great cross into the Padiham box from Danny Carter and Phil blasted over the bar from six yards out.

Padiham then played their way back into the game, and had a couple of chances that came to nothing, but New Mills had a great chance to extend their lead on 71 minutes when David Silcock played a ball out to the left and Adam Blackburn crossed in to sub Matt Zojac whose first time shot rebounded off the keepers legs as he scrambled across goal.

The game then carried on with end-to-end football. New Mills found themselves down to 10 men with 10 minutes left having played all their substitutes, and Stephen Land having to hobble off the pitch after picking up an injury. Chances came for both sides over the closing minutes with both keepers making smart saves to keep the score at 3-1, and that is how the game finished with New Mills recording their third straight win scoring fourteen goals in those victories. As the reserves climb into the top three in their league, congratulations to the first team who end the day at the top of the table with the only unbeaten league record in the North West Counties League.

Chris Brennan gathers the incoming ball

Skilful ball control from Danny Carter

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Chris Sibson, Richard Gresty, Adam Brindle, David Silcock, Stuart McGill, Mike Ward, Adam Blackburn, Phil Ainscough, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Jake Taylor (40 minutes for S. McGill), James Elmore (57 minutes for M. Ward), Matt Zojac (67 minutes for P. Ainscough), Mark Allen.

Millers Reserves next game is at home next Saturday 13th October against Blackpool Mechanics Reserves.