Saturday 31st March

Willows 2 - New Mills 1

On a very uneven pitch both teams had a very difficult game controlling the ball and accurate passing was a rarity. Both teams had early chances, with the keepers defending well. Ricky Pite saw a very powerful shot superbly tipped over the bar by the Willows keeper. Chris Lees had to go off at around 20 minutes with a nagging hamstring and was replaced by Mickey Brankin. The half-time the scoreline was 0-0.

From the start of the second-half Willows pushed forward and Eaton pulled off a tremendous full-length dive to deny Willows a certain goal, only to see the rebound go to Willows Stephen Wrigley who smashed the ball in the top corner of the net to make it 1-0 to the Willows. 10 minutes later Stephen Smith made it 2-0 for the Willows. Soon afterwards a double substitution for the Millers saw Land and Done replaced by Dignan and Dawson.

With 20 minutes to go the score was still 2-0 with Millers slowly gaining more of the play. Dean Morgan's point-blank shot was blocked by the keeper, who a moment later miss-kicked on the poor surface to give the ball back to Dean Morgan who promptly put the Millers back in contention by slotting in a low drive.

Dean Morgan turns away after slotting in Millers goal

Both the Morgans nearly grabbed a share of the points for the Millers in the closing stages. Gary Morgan had a long run down the right wing and was prevented from equalising by a brave dive at his feet by the Willows keeper. Seconds later Dean Morgan and the Willows keeper collided with the upright and the ball slid past for a goal kick.

Willows keeper clears the ball from Ignotus and Gary Morgan

New Mills line-up: Eaton, Holdgate, Lees, G Morgan, Ignotus, Land, Littler, Pite, D Morgan, Done, Wild, Brankin, Dignan, Dawson. Pictures and write-up by Geoff Potts.

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New Mills Reserves continued their excellent form on Saturday 30th March with a thumping 9-1 win at home to lowly Willows. After going in at the break 5-0 up through goals from Swanney, Bates, Clarke and 2 from Kieron Lugsden, the second half saw a welcome return to Steve 'Wogga' Worrall who knocked in 4 goals.

New Mills Youth team have also had a good weekend with two games and six points to leave them clear at the top of the table. On Thursday night, 28th March, they defeated Ashton Athletic 3-0 with goals from White, Johnson and Dawson, then on Sunday 31st they travelled to Stand Athletic and won the game 6-1. Robbie Dawson grabbing a hat trick with goals from Hooley, White, and Hall.

On Wednesday night 3rd April New Mills first team take on Springhead at Church Lane, kick off 7.30pm. While on Saturday they travel to Pennington. There is a feast of cup football at New Mills this coming weekend with first the Reserves entertaining Elton Fold in the semi-final of the Open Trophy on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm) and on Sunday the Youth team entertain Marine A in the quarter final of the Open Cup, kick off 2pm.

Saturday 23rd March

Ten-Men Millers Take the Points from Town:
Atherton Town 1 - New Mills 2

Right from the whistle on a very wet spongy pitch New Mills had their chances with Mark Donnelly and Dean Morgan having a number off near misses. Steve Littler beat the keeper with a perfect lob over his head only to see the ball hit the underside of the bar and bounce back out. Minutes later the keeper gave away a free kick after strolling out of the area carrying the ball. The ensuing free kick saw the ball thudded onto the upright and once again into the keepers hands.

The Millers were unfortunate not to take the lead on 30 minutes when a corner saw Simon Ignotus head the ball just wide. The chips were down on 42 minutes when Dean Morgan was sent packing for retaliating after being floored yet again. At half time there was still no score.

Disbelief as Town defender heads the ball clear off the line - Photos Geoff Potts

At the restart Atherton piled on the pressure, but the Millers with eleven defenders a lot of the time still did not give way. Steve Done replaced Mark Donnelly and 1 minute later on 55 minutes Town broke through to open the scoring. This seemed to really instil a sense of urgency into the Millers game and everyone changed up a gear.

On 70 minutes Steven Land set off on a brilliant run down the right wing and a superb cross was finished off with a powerful header from Stacey Wild which left Towns keeper helpless. This lifted the team and the supporters even more and Town seemed to lose the plot.

We've done it boys!

Scott Dignan came on for Rick Pite on 80 minutes and 8 mins later, after numerous lucky saves by Town, Stacey Wild gave the Millers their winning goal to take all three points, but unfortunately Steven Land had to go off after injuring his ankle in the attack and was replaced by Mickey Brankin. A game which really reached fever pitch as time marched on.

Millers: Eaton, Holdgate, Lees, Morgan G, Ignotus, Land, Littler, Pite, Morgan D, Donnelly, Wild 2, Done, Dignan, Brankin.

Saturday 16th March

Millers in Eight Goal Thriller: New Mills 4 - Rochdale SH 4
After all the wet weather, it was raining goals at Church Lane on Saturday as The Millers and Gylghrist Cup finalists Sacred Heart shared eight goals. In a hectic first half New Mills took the lead after ten minutes through Stacey Wild, only to be pegged back shortly afterwards. Dean Morgan fired the Millers ahead and after another equaliser Deano once again edged New Mills back in front.

Stacey Wild slots in Millers opener - Photos by Geoff Potts

The second half continued where the first had finished and some sloppy defending saw Sacred Heart level then go in front. However, The Millers came back and playing some good attacking football they constantly threatened the visitors goal despite some very physical challenges. It was left for Dean Morgan to save the day as he fired in a cracker to complete his hat trick.

Landy recieves treatment for a leg injury ^ PHOTOS by GEOFF POTTS Hearts keeper takes the ball from Millers free kick >

Although the Millers will be dissappointed to have only collected a point, it was a good afternoon's entertainent for another decent crowd. Millers: Eaton, Pite, Lees, Ignotus, Dignan, Land, Littler, Morgan G, Morgan D 3, Donnelly, Wild, Brankin. Match Ball Kindly Sponsored by J. Swindells.

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In the second division, New Mills Reserves' good run continued with a 1-1 draw away at Dukinfield Town, Rick Jones scoring for the Millers.

Next Saturday the first team travel to the Atherton in the Premier League, while Reserves play away to Breightmet United. New Mills Youth Team are away on Sunday at Leigh R.M.I. So no matches this weekend at Church Lane.

Wednesday 13th March

Prestwich Heys 2 - New Mills Youth Team 6

The Millers moved two points clear at the top of the North West Youth Alliance on Wednesday night after beating Prestwich Heys by six goals to two. In a hectic first half the Millers went two up through Rob Dawson before Heys pulled back to level the scores. Rob Dawson completed his hat trick before half time to send the home team in ahead. The second half saw a much better performance from New Mills with Stuart White scoring a hat trick to give the Millers a comfortable three points. The win sees New Mills two points clear of Wilmslow Albion with two games in hand.

Saturday 9th March

Leigh Athletic 2 - New Mills 3

The Millers bounced back from last Saturday's defeat at Irlam, to end second-placed Leigh Athletics unbeaten home record with a magnificent display. Dean Morgan, Mark Donnelly and Stacey Wild all scoring first-half goals for the Millers.

New Mills Reserves continued their fine run with a comfortable 3-1 win over bottom club Old Alts. Jason Clarke netting twice with Rick Adrio also scoring.

Next week the Millers first team take on Rochdale Sacred Heart at Church Lane, kick off 2.30pm. On Wednesday night, weather permitting, the Millers Youth team will entertain Prestwich Heys in a rearranged league game, kick off is 7.30 pm.

Saturday 2nd March

Butters Opens up Miller's Defence: New Mills 0 - IMS 3

After a very even first 25 minutes of play with several-half chances from both sides, Mitchell’s Danny Butters beat Eaton with a looping header to open the scoring. Millers had a number of chances, even though they were under pressure, and a cracking attempt from Stacey Wild rose and just cleared the bar.

Stacey beats the tackle before passing to Doney	Deano is blocked by Mitchell's keeper
Ball runs free as Deano is tackled	Mitchell's keeper denies Stacey

Butters cut outside Baz Eaton to slot in his and Mitchell’s second to really pile on the pressure. Chris Lees came on for Mickey Brankin and several fine saves from Eaton kept the Millers in the running. Lees forced Mitchell’s keeper to force his shot onto the post with a full stretch fingertip save.

Even though the Millers were having most of the play the finishing was just not going their way. Dave Clarke replaced Stephen Done and had a number of chances, but was thwarted by an on-form Mitchell keeper. Midway through the second half Butters once again beat the Millers defence to get his hat trick to make it a 3-0 victory to the Mitchells.

Millers: Eaton, Pite, Brankin, Ignotus, Morgan G, Land, Littler, Dignan, Wild, Done, Morgan D, Lees, Clark

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Reserves: New Mills 4 - Irlam Mitchell Shackleton 2

New Mills Reserves bounced back after going a goal down in the first minute to win a tough encounter against Mitchell Shackleton. Goals from Jason Dunford, Rick Boston, Mark Donnelly and Rick Adrio giving the Millers a fine win against their third-placed opponents.

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New Mills Youth Team kept hot on the heels of leaders Wilmslow Albion with a fine 4-2 win away at Winsford United on Sunday. Chris Phieffer netting a hat trick and Dale Johnson adding the other.