Although the football didn't quite match the glorious sunshine at Church Lane on Saturday, this was a very big win for the Millers as they strive to avoid the embarrassment of finishing in the bottom two.

Despite the hot conditions, the game started at a cracking pace with play going from end to end. New Mills took the lead on twenty minutes when Adam Blackburn beat the offside trap to fire past the keeper despite the protests. This goal spurred the home side on and they put the visitors under pressure. During this spell Vale were reduced to ten men and it was no surprise when the second goal came. Once again Blackburn burst through only this time he was felled in the box and Matt Buckley coolly tucked the spot kick home.

Matt Buckley scores from spot

Stacey Wild shoots past keeper

With the luxury of a two-goal cushion at half time, the home support were expecting more of the same, but almost straight from the kick-off Elton Vale pulled a goal back. Once again finger nails were being bitten, but for once Lady Luck shined on the Millers. Elton Vale were awarded a free-kick in their own half but the ball rebounded off the referee and fell to Blackburn who went round the keeper to shoot into an empty net.

Vale pulled another goal back, but New Mills kept pressing with Julian Dowe unlucky when his shot thudded against the crossbar. However, with only seconds left, all three points were in the bag when following a corner Danny Jackson fired home.

Millers Line-Up Candlin, Thomas, Pickering, Ignotus, Jackson, Buckley, Clarke, Black, Dowe, Blackburn, Wild. Subs Land, Lees, Dineen

This win means that the Millers now need one point from their final two games to finish out of the bottom two. This Tuesday they travel to Stockport Georgians and on Saturday they round off the season with a home game against Irlam MS, kick-off 2.30pm. Before that on Thursday the Reserves finsish their season with a home game also against Irlam MS, Kick-Off at Church Lane for this one is 7.30

Packed Elton Vale goal

There have been some poor performances from New Mills this season, but the display against lowly Springhead on Saturday was probably the worst. In a game that neither side could afford to lose, it was the visitors who started brighter.

keeper and the chance was gone. The team from Oldham went close on a number of occasions and they were always prepared to shoot when the opportunity arose. After 25 minutes they were awarded a penalty, but the kick hit the post much to the relief of the home supporters. This was a short-lived reprise though when they took the lead just five minutes later. The men in black and amber scored an equaliser when it seemed that the opposing keeper was fouled - after he claimed a cross, only for the ball to be knocked out of his possession (see large photo below), thus allowing Chris Lees, who was the best Millers player on the day, to score. Just before

Andy Tester dives as Springhead miss penalty

Hopes were high that the Millers could use this advantage and go on to win the game after the break, but sadly this was not the case. They failed to test the stand-in keeper for fully a half hour and it was the men from Springhead who grabbed the winning goal 15 minutes from time to take all three points - and they thoroughly deserved them.

New player Sean Dineen in action

Adam Blackburn tackles Springhead keeper Stuart Lindley - view full screen F11

There are just four games to play and the Millers need four points to avoid a finish in one of the relegation places. This Saturday they entertain the bottom club Elton Vale and the supporters must be thinking that it can only get better.

The Second team went down to their biggest defeat of the season when they were thrashed 2-7 at Irlam MS. The goals were scored by Done and Spencer. Next Thursday they finish off this campaign with the return fixture against Irlam - the game kicks off at 7.30pm.

Adam Blackburn burst into Highfield's penalty area only to be obstructed in his path to goal. The referee awarded a free kick only, to the relief of the home side. New Mills were often on the back foot during the 1st half and entered the dressing room a goal down by half time.

The Millers began to carve out some good chances for themselves. Danny Jackson saw a great chance go over from close range and Stephen Littler hitting the post as New Mills pressed. Chris Lees delivered a curling cross into the box, Jackson made no mistake with an excellent header to equalise. The amber shirts were turning the screws and took the lead through Dowe's low drive, but the home side were to regain parity shortly after.

Undeterred, New Mills pushed forward at every opportunity. The lead was regained through Stacey Wild's "Gascoigne-esk" jinxing run and finish. More goals would be scored and the Millers look in poll position, but not only did Highfield equalise with a fine goal, the home side broke free from the half way line to score an easy winner, with stand in keeper Andy Tester stranded in no mans land.

Chris Lees prepares to cross

Blackburn challenges for Millers' cross

All in the air for Millers' powerful free kick

Danny Thomas attacks

Millers last-ditch attempt to equalise

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