Saturday 26th April  (Photos: Geoff Potts)

New Mills Reserves 2 - Wilmslow Albion 4
New Mills Reserves lost their last match of the season against league champions Wilmslow Albion Reserves. Steve Millington and Keiran Lugsden pulled a couple of goals back for the Millers and Dave Wilde in the home goal looked to have pulled off a tremendous save in the second half, but it transpired that the New Mills keeper had in fact pushed the ball up through a gap in the roof of the net to deny the visitors effort.

Incoming Albion Freekick

Albion Keeper Foils Millers Attack	Millers Keeper Dave Wilde Covers Albion Attack

Steve Done Takes on Three Opponents

Saturday 19th April  (Photos: Geoff Potts)

Peatfield's Amber Adventure: Springhead 4- New Mills 2

A typical end of season mid-table clash with one big difference - it was Alan Peatfield's last game in charge, so with nothing to lose, the Millers mixed the team positions around. Stephen Littler gave up midfield duties to keep goal, the defence composed of Gibbons, Wilde, Gary Morgan and Ben Candlin while Holdgate moved up into midfield alongside Massey, Henderson and Lees and the two centre-halves, Ignotus and Land, became strikers for the afternoon's entertainment.

Final Team Line-up with Alan Peatfield as Manager

And what an entertaining encounter it turned out to be, with New Mills growing in confidence as the game progressed. Two early goals from Springhead put the tie beyond doubt, John McCallister and Alistair Simmons on target for the home side. But Millers' charlatan striker Simon Ignotus reduced the deficit, his bullet of a header was too precise and powerful for Lindley to cope with and the exuberant celebrations that followed lifted the travelling support to dream of victory. Gary Burton cut short Millers' rapture, converting Springhead's third with 35 minutes on the clock, Littler's influence would be best served in his rightful position and changes would have to be made at half time although Millers player-of-the-year candidate denied Springhead for a fourth goal with a good save. Ben Candlin played a delightful weighted pass through to Ignotus who was revelling in his attacking duties, but Springhead's centre-half taught him a lesson on that occasion. New Mills were awarded a free kick 40 yards out, which forced Lindley to smother on his line from Candlin's rasping daisy-cutter. However, Lindley stood no chance minutes before the break, Stephen Land capped off a fine season, twisting and turning inside the box to bury the ball as Millers confidence grew.

Millers Keeper Paddy Littler in Action Stirling Defensive Header from Stacey Wilde

Musical chairs again as the second half started - Littler relinquished the gloves to striker Dean Morgan who came on as substitute and Millers Manager Alan Peatfield lurked menacingly on the bench for the first time this century.

Morgan's first chance to shine came on 50 mins when the home-side were awarded a penalty, Morgan dived the right way but over the ball as it trickled home. Wes Gibbons put in a Ruud Gullit style performance until an Oldham striker took the ball off him, in fairness to Millers top scorer he did well to retrieve the ball.

An injury to Candlin forced him to play in his usual position for the rest of the game and New Mills started to zip the ball around with mesmeric zest. Littler's incisive ball through to Ignotus was sublime, the shot that ensued was weak by comparison. Moments later Ignotus relived Paul Gasgoine's infamous flick over Scotland's Colin Hendry, but Littler got under his feet as he was poised to finish the move off.

Peatfield Ponders Substitution

Trailing 4-2 New Mills continued to play outstanding football, Gibbons sprayed the ball on to Massey who deftly flicked the ball on to Dean Morgan, an excellent cross forced Lindley to punch clear, Chris Lees unfortunate not to finish off such a wonderful display of teamwork at it's best. With 20 minutes to go the Millers introduced their last throw of the dice, Ignotus had spurned enough chances for the afternoon so was replaced by the boss. Alan Peatfield hadn't worn the black and amber for a decade, but surprisingly the strip fitted well. His first duty was a direct free kick which was struck with vigour, but failed to find a way through Oldham's substantial wall. Ben Candlin pulled-off a tremendous save, but it was Peatfield who began to steal the show, his positional sense was superb, lurking by the goal as Gary Morgan headed towards the target. Peatfield continued to find space around him but Stephen Land's passing was not what his manager required.

Gary Morgan Wins Header as Peatfield Prepares to Pounce

Peatfield Takes Ball in his Stride

Wes Gibbons delivered the perfect long ball to Peatfield who attempted to lob Lindley at full stretch, it's fair to say that the wind played a big part to deny his fairy tale ending, but a moment of pure joy proved that one of Millers best young strikers had still got "it", Peatfield received a cross from deep that would trouble a lesser man, but the graceful way he took it in his stride was worth the journey alone. Final score Springhead 4, New Mills 2.

Peatfield Foiled by Wind

Millers: Littler 7, Gibbons 7, Candlin 7, Wilde 7, Morgan G 7, Henderson 7, Massey 7, Lees 7, Holdgate 7, Land 7, Ignotus 7 Subs: Morgan D 7, Peatfield 10. See Spena's Comic-Strip take on 'Al's Swan Song' More Spena Photo-Fun in the Gallery

The Reserve team fell to Wythenshaw Amateurs Res 1-3, Keiran Lugsden Millers solitary scorer.

The Reserves are in action for the last time this Saturday against Wilmslow Albion Res at 2.30pm while on Wednesday evening 30/04/03 Church Lane hosts the 2003 Open Trophy Final between Wilmslow Albion Res and Dukinfield Town, kick off is at 7:15 pm and all are welcome.

Sunday 13th April  (Report: Harka)
New Mills 2 - South Sefton 1 - Match abandoned after 70 minutes

New Mills played last year's league winners, who are currently 3rd in the Premiership, at Church Lane on Sunday. The away team came with a lot of confidence but they didn't take into account that the Millers will not let teams ride roughshod over them.

Danny Jackson Pushes Miller's Attack

After 25 minutes Danny Jackson scored a tremendous free kick into the top corner form 20 yards to put New Mills one up. Sefton's attacks were sporadic and they went down to 10 men after one of their players was sent off, but this only spurred them on and they scored after some slack marking to equalise 1-1. After some great play by Stansfield and Prodromis on the right, the ball came to Craig Adam who beat the keeper with a fine lob to make it 2-1 at half time.

After the break Sefton pressed New Mills but couldn't get past New Mills' defence, Scott Mills making a tremendous save. New Mills began to take control, but things fell apart after a terrible two-footed challenge, which had another Sefton player sent off and resulted in a mass brawl and consequently the referee had to abandon the game.

Mayhem ensues as another Sefton player is given a red card

Men of the Match - Mark Goodwin and Danny Stansfield.

Saturday 12th April  (Photos: Geoff Potts)

Monton Spoil Peatfield's Party:
New Mills 2 - Monton Amateurs 4

Alan Peatfield has been the Millers most successful manager at Church Lane for over 40 years having guided his team's to promotion on two occasions and also winning county cups three separate times during six memorable years at Church Lane.

The visitors, however, were deep in their own relegation battle and were insatiable and determined in their pursuit of three valuable points. New Mills started well enough when a Chris Lees' free kick found Gary Morgan running in from deep, who did well to strike but couldn't keep his volley on target.

Danny Thomas was pushed to the ground inside the box, play continued and Monton broke to win a corner kick which was swung in forcing Candlin to tip over. Another quickly-taken free kick found Wes Gibbons on the six yard line, Millers top scorer attempted a skilful scissor kick but Wayne Logan in goal denied. Moments later and Gibbons pressured Monton's keeper who fumbled the ball to the ground but quick reactions atoned for his misdemeanour to shut Millers out.

Monton Corner Swings - Forcing Candlin to Tip Over Bar	Bouncy Surface Troubles Candlin

The home side had played some good intricate football through most of the first half and created some excellent scoring opportunities, but Monton counter attacked down the right flank, delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post where Graham Bragg was on hand to score with 5 minutes of the half remaining. The second half started badly and was soon to get worse. Bragg scored his second and the Millers pushed further up the field in pursuit of a goal themselves. This allowed Monton ample opportunities to score, Candlin was lobbed twice but the ball hit the rock hard surface and bounced over on both occasions. Dennis Hardman compounded Millers misery to make it three, but Keiran Lugsden (shown above right) offered some joy to the home crowd - running along the 18 yard line, Lugsden saw Monton's keeper off his line and dinked a delightful ball over Logan's outstretched fingertips with 10 minutes left. Craig Massey saw his forceful effort swerve wide but Monton scored again, Dave Holdsworth finding the gaping net too inviting to pass up on. In the dying minutes New Mills were awarded a penalty kick, Alan Henderson (shown right) picked his spot well to reduce the deficit. However, for the bulk of this game Monton were the team that were desperate for all the points and this result moves them out of the bottom two.

Millers: Candlin, Brankin, Ignotus, Lees, Land, Littler, Wilde, Morgan G, Thomas, Gibbons, Done Subs: Lugsden KR, Massey, Henderson

This Saturday 19/04/03 New Mills Res v Wythenshaw Amateurs Res, kick off is 2:30 pm and all are welcome. The 1st Team are at Springhead for their last game of this seasons campaign.

Sunday 6th April  (Report: Harka)
Euxton Villa 1 - New Mills Youth Team 2

A fantastic result for the Millers in the quarter final of the Premiership Divisional Cup. This was a complete turnaround from when we last played Euxton in the league, when we were comprehensively beaten. The lads learned their lesson and put in a performance which got them into the semi-finals. The attitude and the way they approached the game was excellent and they thoroughly deserved to win.

Nil-nil at half time and everything to play for, but once the Millers started to play football there was only one team in it. Chris Coram on the left hand side of mid-field was the main instigator and in fact scored the first goal, after some great play by Podromis on the right. The second goal was a great finish by Keiran Lugsden from a perfect through ball by Danny Jackson who played well throughut the game. Euxton scored with seconds remaining, but New Mills got their deserved semi-final through sheer hard work and determination.

Men of the match Chris Coram and Dave Kelly

Saturday 5th April  (Photos: Geoff Potts)

Springhead Uncoiled by Stacey's Wild Fling:
New Mills 2 - Springhead 0

Oldham's Springhead had already knocked New Mills out of the Gilgryst Cup, so three points in the league was a welcome relief to the Church Lane outfit - who incidentally will return to St John's Street on the 19th for what will be the last game in charge of the senior squad for Miller's manager Alan Peatfield.

A much improved performance from the Millers with a mesmeric display of neat incisive passing backed up with determined but fair tackling when needed. Great vision between Wes Gibbons and Stephen Littler allowed Dean Morgan to shoot while in motion, the ball struck with ferocious intent, but off target.

Wes Gibbons Heads at Goal

Moments later, an excellent free kick found Gibbons, who got the better of his opponent to head goal-wards, which sailed above Stuart Lindley's crossbar. New Mills pushed forward at every opportunity, Chris Lees juggled the ball skilfully into the box and released a decent cross which was guided to safety. Mickey Brankin Springhead created some good chances themselves, but Brankin and Holdgate excelled in defence and Gary Morgan put in a formidable performance to repel the visitors efforts. The tackling was often physical but never malicious and at half time both teams entered the dressing rooms with the score 0-0. Stuart Lindley in the visitors goal was unable to react to Dean Morgan's rasping shot which not only shook the post but was also clearly off side, as the bells rang out from St Georges Church opposite, the home side were awarded a free kick following Springhead's pass-back. Morgan tapped the ball sideways to Wes Gibbons who scored his 16th of the season with an Exocet strike through the visitors packed defence. New Mills were let off the hook when Lee McCallister shot across Candlin's goal as the Millers keeper advanced, a close call by any train of thought. Lindley made a fine block as Gibbons fired low, Dean Morgan was in support, a square ball may have reaped better rewards. While at the other end cracks began to appear as Candlin was forced to block with his legs from a misunderstanding, the visitors unable to capitalise as time wore on. Another back-pass decision forced New Mills to defend from Springhead's free kick, the amber shirts proving too indomitable for Springhead to penetrate. Gibbons played a precise ball through, which was picked up by Gary Morgan, who made up good ground to shoot, Lindley stood firm to offer some hope. The Millers continued to test Lindley's goal. Stephen Done delivered an incisive free kick onto Littler's head as he powered in, another close call.The points were secured from a piece of brilliant individual endeavour. Stacey Wild chased a long ball down and nicked it from a defenders grasp, the winger's first touch was past Lindley, too strong to give him a scoring chance, but Wilde collected the ball, turned back outside to run along the six-yard line and put the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Chris Lees Cross Dean Morgan Swerves Round Marker Stacey Wild and Nephew

Visitor's Packed Goalmouth Couldn't Stop Gibbon's Exocet

MILLERS: Candlin, Brankin, Holdgate, Ignotus, Morgan G, Land , Littler, Lees, Wilde, Morgan D, Gibbons. SUB: Done

Thursday 3rd April  

Town Spellbound By Twinnies Double:
New Mills Res 2 - Atherton Town Res 1

Keiran Lugsden could have had a hat-trick during the first half. First he lobbed the keeper but the ball dropped over, then after leaving his marker for dead, then he unleashed a powerful drive that sailed wide. Eventually Stephen Done squared the perfect ball to the Millers number 9 who made no mistake with a composed and decisive strike shortly before half time.

Danny Thomas, Andy Hackney and the lively James McCarthy also had good chances in the first 45 minutes of spellbinding football, but the score remained tight through much of the game.

Atherton came out more determined for the second half, forcing Millers back-line to up the tempo. Midfielder Dean Welsh was denied when Charles handled outside his box, the keeper lucky to complete the match.

Town did have some good chances themselves, but a Lugsden speciality from 25 yards put the tie beyond any doubt. Kelvin's lightening strike deceived Charles who managed to get a palm to the ball, but the home-side's number-3 scored to give New Mills breathing space.

Town did get a goal on 86 minutes, but it was too little, and much too late to make much of a difference.

Millers: Wilde, Hope, Lugsden KL, Bailey, Boston, Welsh, Hackney, Thomas, Done, Lugsden KR, McCarthy. Subs: Dixon, Hill, Lomax.