Double Delight - North West Youth Alliance Div1 Cup

New Mills Youth team completed a league and cup double on Saturday when they travelled to Hilton Park and defeated hosts Leigh RMI 3-1 in the Division One Cup Final. With the league title already won by a massive 18 points, the Millers showed their class early on by taking the game to their hosts. After a couple of near misses, Chris Phieffer looked to have given New Mills the lead, but his effort was ruled not to have crossed the line. However, moments later Joe Morrelle fired the Millers in front to give them a slender half time lead.

The second-half started with a bang, first Leigh went close to levelling, but moments later Ben Hall gave the Millers a 2-0 lead when he fired home. New Mills started to show why they had won the league so convincingly and it was no surprise when Dale Johnson knocked in number three.

Leigh pulled a goal back, but it was too little too late and the cup was on its way back to Church Lane. A superb win that has brought an excellent season to a close.

Man of the Match was Miller's Joe Morrelle, but a special mention must go to Alec and Geoff for putting together a magnificent squad of players.

OPEN TROPHY FINAL - More Silverware For Millers
New Mills Reserves 1 - Irlam Mitchell Shackleton 0 

New Mills Reserves won the Open Trophy at a sunny Avro on Saturday when they defeated Irlam Mitchell Shackleton by a goal to nil. The Millers came out of the blocks at a cracking pace and took the game straight to Mitchells. With Rick Jones leading the attack and the pace of Kieron Lugsden and wingers Danny Thomas and Jason Clarke, New Mills could have had the game sewn-up by half time, but somehow their efforts were denied and the first half was goal-less.

After the break Mitchells began to press themselves, but it was the Millers who took the lead when substitute Mark Donnelly slotted home. The Miller's defence was then under pressure, but for all Irlam's efforts they never created a real opening thanks to some sterling defensive work which was led by captain Stephen Bates (man-of-the-match) and some good handling by keeper Andy Tester.

This was Manager Scott Moore's first trophy since joining the club and credit must go to him and his assistant Steve Millington who fielded a team with an average age of just under 19. Also New Mills did not concede a goal in any of their games in this competition.

See Open Trophy 2002 Celebration Gallery

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Sunday 12th May

The following day more silverware arrived at Church Lane when the North West Youth Alliance championship was presented to the Youth side. The lads completed a tremendous league campaign by defeating Stand Athletic 2-1, with goals from Joe Morrelle and Dale Johnson.

A loose ball across Stands goal early in 2nd half

This win meant that out of a possible sixty points the lads had taken a remakable 53, only losing one match in 20 league games.

Youth Team with NWYA Cup and medals - photo by Geoff Potts - Click to enlarge

Injured Miller's skipper receives the League Champions Cup from league official Team Manager Alex Tague gets a celebration soaking from the lads

Mighty Millers - Heart-breakers:
New Mills 2 - Rochdale Sacred Heart 1

New Mills needed at least a point from their last league fixture to claim a top five place as desired by manager Alan Peatfield. The amber army went one better, defeating a very physical Rochdale side, dispite the absence of numerous first team players.

1st half attack by Millers with a brilliant Pennine view behind

Steve Done and Stuart White chased the ball relentlessly throughout the first half, with Heart's keeper out briskly to deny. Stacey Wild skipped past Heart's left-back at will to supply many quality throughballs, but Rochdale's keeper swept up at the back to keep the scoreline even at the interval. The home side stepped their game up and were rewarded on 64 minutes, Anthony Paul's connecting inside the box with a deft volley.

Hearts keeper Leroy just gets to Stuart Whites shot

Leroy outjumps Stuart White to clear

New Mills responded to the manager's pleas with Stuart White showing great ability and composure to place the ball past Heart's keeper, Leroy. Leroy later conceded a penalty by executing a perfect front snap kick on Chris Lees inside the box - Gary Morgan converted with a powerful drive to secure all the points.

A dejected Leroy turns to his net to retrieve the ball as a happy Gaz Morgan turns away after his penalty

Danny Slater's no nonsense approach in the right-back position contributed greatly to the team's victory, as did White's sublime trickery. With many more gifted Youth Team players knocking on the door of first-team football, promotion in next seasons campaign could be more than a strong possibility. (Photos by Geoff Potts - Click on small pictures to enlarge).

Runaway champions New Mills Youth Team had another convincing win on Sunday when they defeated Ashton Athletic 3-0, Stuart White 2, Rob Dawson 1 scoring.