A game of two halves with Prestwich having the better chances early on but New Mills battling effectively in the second period to secure the points at sunny Church Lane. With 10 minutes on the clock, Mickey Brankin's free kick from deep fell under the feet of Adam Blackburn who smartly readjusted his stance to dig the ball over Neil McKenna in goal for Prestwich putting the Millers one up. The visitors looked dangerous while counter attacking, almost equalising just 5 minutes later but regain parity they did when an innocuous ball from the wing bounced

Battle for possession

Blackburn for New Mills offered hope to the substantial home crowd, the young striker latched onto an excellent ball placing him one-on-one with McKenna, Blackburn audaciously chipped the keeper who stood helpless as the ball sailed over him, but also wide of the post, to his relief.

Prestwich had already created some good chances to score and took the lead 5 minutes from the interval. Dave Hall struck a full-blown volley which zipped into the net leaving Unsworth no chance, the partisan support applauding warmly for such a fine strike of the ball. Both sides had further chances to score before the break, McKenna for Prestwich saving smartly from Hackney's goal-bound strike following spellbinding wing-play from Blackburn, but it's fair to say that the home side welcomed the referee's whistle the most, giving them chance to come to terms with the passing skills of Prestwich.

Steve Millington took to the field after the break to offer experience in depth, allowing the youth to reinvent themselves in Millers attacking options and slowly but surely the New Mills midfield seemed to desire the ball and find chinks in the visitors armour. Adam Blackburn had tormented his opponents throughout much of the match, his sprightly run at goal forced the keeper to conceded a penalty kick which Blackburn tucked away convincingly in the 70th minute.

The home side were now pulling all the strings and took the lead courtesy of Craig Adam who struck an unstoppable shot, low and hard through a packed defence. Unsworth was needed in Millers goal to tip a decent effort over, but New Mills soon increased their lead - Blackburn twisted and turned down the wing and played a perfect pass to Chris Prodromis who was free in space, the bottom corner too inviting to pass up on, the Prestwich keeper outfoxed, outgunned again. Ben Hall is having a fine start to his season and controlled the ball with authority to set Andy Hackney free, the ball chipped early, but Hackney knew he should have done better. However, moments later Blackburn chased the ball to the by-line and floated an excellent cross into the box, Hackney made no mistake with his looping header, atoning for his prior misjudgement and to complete the scoring for New Mills.

Andy Hackney

This result puts New Mills reserves on top of the Air Miles Manchester League Division 2 Table.

MILLERS: Unsworth, Jones, Fairhurst, Brankin, Adam, Hall, Swarrey, Warhurst, Prodromis, Hackney, Blackburn 2. SUBS: Millington, Kelly, Goodwin

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New Mills 1st Team won the away fixture at Sandgate Road, beating Prestwich Heys 2-0 with goals from Matt Buckley and Kieran Lugsden.

A very entertaining, enthralling encounter for Millers last mid-week fixture - the game started at a cracking tempo with New Mills reserves showing just what they are capable of, slamming the door shut on the visitors midfield and producing neat incisive passing throughout much of the 90 minutes.

Millers keeper, Jeremy Unsworth was first to be tested, smothering Monton's stinging drive at his near post. The opening exchanges were fairly even until the 19th minute, when Adam Blackburn found the back of the net following a neat flick from Kieran Lugsden. The referee ruled out the goal for an offside decision.

Jason Warhurst was tremendous in midfield and almost scored himself from a well-taken free kick, the visitors keeper on top form diving well to deny. New Mills were playing some fine football, closing Monton down and spreading the ball around with decisive zest. Warhurst floated a fine ball over to Blackburn, who chested the ball down to Danny Thomas, but lack of communication signalled the end of an inspired move that promised so much with the build up.

Towards the end of the first half, Unsworth made a world-class save from Monton's vicious free kick, and despite the game flowing from end to end, scoreless it was to be after the first forty five.

Monton led 3 minutes after the break, a decent cross forced Unsworth to punch clear but the slippery conditions encouraged the ball to slide into the net. Undeterred, the home side pushed on, Wharhurst struck the ball decisively across the greasy surface, good keeping denied his reward for a second time.

Monton's joy was short-lived just 2 minutes after they opened the scoring when Mickey Brankin cleared from deep for New Mills, midfielder Ben Hall was brave to claim the ball and skilful in his delivery to striker Kieran Lugsden who set off goal-wards, Lugsden took a couple of good touches to create enough space allowing himself to fire the ball into the bottom left of the visitors goal, superb in the build up, exquisite in its execution.

Adam Blackburn troubled Monton throughout and almost headed in from the good incisive corner-kicking that Warhurst was providing, but a contentious off side decision allowed Monton to regain the lead in the 55th minute of play to the dismay of all around. New Mills regained parity just 8 minutes later, Kieran Lugsden scored his second of the night, in the same corner as his 1st goal, but from the penalty kick that was awarded.

Mark Goodwin came on as substitute, his strike looked goal-bound, but an incoming defender cleared the ball out for yet another corner kick. Precision kicking allowed Andy Hackney to head the ball from deep, the crossbar denied but fell kindly to Hackney who returned the ball goalwards, the keeper blocked on the line but for the third time of asking, Hackney forced the ball over to become Monton's nemesis and to put Millers in charge with 10 minutes left.

Millers second string battled for the remainder of the game and to secure the points, deservedly so, another excellent team effort against very strong opposition.

MILLERS: Unsworth, Hope, Bates, Brankin, Lugsden KL, Land, Warhurst, Hall, Thomas, Lugsden KR 2, Blackburn SUBS: Goodwin, Hackney, Prodromis.

Saturday 23rd August (Photos: Geoff Potts) Late "Bomber" Brace Sinks Latics: New Mills Reserves 3 - Leigh Athletic Res 1 Alan Hansen once famously said "You can't win anything with kids", Reserve Team manager Scott Moore scoffed at such a quote to include sixteen year old Adam "Bomber" Blackburn amongst the starting line up.

Ben Hall stuck to his task as ball winner and set off in pursuit of goal, his shot struck firm with swerve but skimmed the crossbar en route to safety. Latics had a good chance themselves, beating the offside trap, the ball chipped over Unsworth in goal for New Mills, but wide of the mark also. Millers were rampant in attack, Adam Blackburn showed immense promise in particular. Blackburn received a good cross from Lugsden who himself had excelled down the wing throughout, the sixteen year old debutante chested the ball down on to his left foot and volleyed the ball towards the near post, Latics grateful to goal keeper Phil Pilkington on that occasion. Blackburn was a joy amongst Millers attacking options, his deft flick allowed Chris Prodromis a good chance to shoot but Pilkington kept his team in front as half time approached. Not to be outdone by the pace and inventiveness of Miller's youthful strikeforce, Mickey Brankin stepped up to take a direct free kick, forcing Pilkington to punch clear, Rick Pite on hand to volley at goal, but Pilkington completed a fine double save to deny the aspirations of the New Mills seasoned players. The home side created many chances to equalise as Leigh began to show cracks in defence. A nervous Neil Partington set the ball rolling for New Mills, unfortunate to head the ball into his own net on 75 minutes and with manager Scott Moore taking to the field himself following Goodwin's injury, The Millers began to seize the initiative. Within 5 minutes, Ben Hall sent Blackburn free on his quest for the winner, the ball struck true and crisp as it beat Pilkington to the inside of the post. And before the tie was complete Adam Blackburn gave the scoreline a more realistic look following Millers constant bombardment - Hall's ferocious drive was too hot for Latics keeper, the youngster finished off his outstanding debut by firing home the rebound to complete the tie. A terrific performance by all concerned, with the visitors grateful to their keeper throughout much of the game. Millers: Unsworth, Lugsden KL, Brankin, Pite, Goodwin, Adam, Warhurst, Hall, Prodromis, Lugsden KR, Blackburn - Subs: Jones, Hope, Moore.	Ben Hall in pursuit
	Kieran Lugsden crosses
	Pilkington punches clear as Scott Moore lurks
	Adam Blackburn bears down on goal

The 1st team lost the away fixture by two goals to one at Leigh - Millers scorer Tom Tsykoshi.

Thursday 21st August - New Mills Res 1 - Breightmet Res 1

The first half hour saw the game flow from end to end with both sides creating good chances in front of goal, Sam Smith in nets for Breightmet in top form when needed. The visitors took the lead when a defensive header fell invitingly to the feet of Dave Haslam who struck the ball through a packed 18 yard box, the ball rising up into the roof of Millers net, Ben Candlin in Millers goal unsighted.

Millers responded in emphatic fashion, Craig Massey battled in midfield, won the ball and set Julian Dowe off down the left flank. Dowe was under pressure but held his nerve driving the ball past Smith with the outside of his trusty right boot to regain parity. Millers continued to press until half time, Matt Buckley tested Smith's reflexes with an astute dead-ball kick. Dean Morgan provided Stephen Littler the ball, his shot rose too high at full stretch. As 45 minutes approached Chris Lees chipped the keeper who stood helpless as the ball drifted over him, but over the crossbar also.

Julian Dowe scores Millers first goal

The entertainment carried on during the second half, Breightmet started well enough, but the home side began to turn the screws, Stacey Wild's shot hit the inside of the post but travelled across the wrong side of the line to safety. New Mills seemed to be on top for the bulk of the second half, exciting down the wings, inventive and eager to grasp the ball. One of many quality crosses found Wild free in space, who headed down, but half a yard wide, while Breightmet in turn outnumbered Millers defence in one of many counter attacks, but their play broke down on that occasion.

With 16 minutes remaining New Mills took a well deserved lead, Julian Dowe dropped a delightful ball to the feet of Stacey Wild, who left his marker trailing in his wake, Wild had options to pass but instead cut outside of goal, picked his spot and hammered the ball home.

Craig Massey was a phenomenon in midfield but aggravated an injury forcing him to leave the field. Millers seemed to have been well on top since Breightmet first scored in the 30th minute but just as this match reporter was compiling his thoughts on how the visitors had made it a hard fought victory for New Mills, Paul Aldred popped the ball into the top corner to equalise, my thoughts turned to disbelief in the 91st minute when Aldred's second header secured the win for last seasons Div 1 champions which proves the old addage correct, that football is a funny old game!

Millers : Candlin, Land, Ignotus, Pickering, Buckley, Lees (Lugsden KR), Littler, Massey (Smith), Dowe, Wild, Morgan SUB: Holdgate.

The Air Miles Manchester Premier League finally got underway on Saturday, New Mills played host to last-seasons runners-up Atherton Town and the spoils were shared for what was the first competitive game in charge for Tony Rigby at the Church Lane ground.

Defensive errors blighted last-seasons campaign, New Mills seemed to have addressed this

Wild& Pickering rise for ball

issue during the pre-season friendlies, but such an error gifted Atherton the lead ten minutes in, Danny Christie opened his account with a nimble effort, to the dismay of the home crowd. Julian Dowe offered some hope, deftly chipping the ball up with his right boot and volleying with his left, his effort struck firm but wide of the mark. Jason Quigley was pushed from the field of play, as the Millers appealed to the referee for redress, Atherton played on and almost scored with a neat header. New Mills had a penalty appeal turned down flat following Stacey Wild's instinctive snapshot inside the box, but as half time approached, it's fair to say that Town were the stronger in the air, Millers woodwork had denied Atherton and a second goal-bound header was spectacularly saved from Ben Candlin on the line.

Powerful Atherton header by Tony Walker

Candlin safely covers Atherton high corner

Atherton must have been kicking themselves from the spurned chances in the first half when New Mills were awarded a penalty on 51 minutes, Stacey Wild jinxed his way down the right and was chopped down while in full flight. Matt Buckley picked his spot well to equalise for the home side. Candlin's monster goal kicks forced Atherton to clear from deep, Jason Quigley struck the ball well from 30 yards but Gary Osbourne in Town's goal dealt with his effort with considerable ease. Dean Morgan worked hard throughout and almost got his reward, romping down the left wing, Morgan unleashed a powerful drive forcing Osbourne to dive smartly at the near post.

Atherton's strikeforce looked dangerous throughout the second half testing Miller's defenders, Ignotus and Pickering to their limits, but following a decent spell of football from New Mills, the pendulum swung in favour of the team in Amber. Dave Smith headed the ball on to Miller's Julian Dowe (shown right), who picked the ball up outside the box, side stepped smartly to clear his view of Atherton's goal and thumped the ball past Osbourne's reach in the seventieth minute of play. Moments later, Ben Candlin was scythed down as he plucked the ball from danger, the Miller's keeper lay prone for a few minutes and this pause in play seemed to break up Millers tempo, but Atherton soon regained their momentum resulting in a goal for Liam Hall on 77 minutes.

Packed Millers goal for Atherton corner

Millers: Candlin, Land, Ignotus, Pickering, Smith (Holdgate), Wild, Quigley, Lees, Buckley, Dowe J, Morgan D. Subs: Massey, Lugsden KR

Millers second string took the lead 3 minutes in from a penalty award, Kieran Lugsden duly dispatched the ball into the bottom right of the goal. The visitors were restricted to one half chance in the first half, the Brankin, Lugsden, pite partnership looking indomitable. New Mills sprayed the ball around well forcing Hollingworth to make a goal-line clearance, but despite the home side's dominance of the ball, the killer-touch remained elusive at half time.

Hollingworth regained parity midway through the second period following their best spell, Jordan Kelleen scoring from the penalty spot. New Mills had virtually fielded two seperate teams but regained the lead with an excellent move, Stephen Done chipped a delightfull ball through to Kelvin Lugsden who took the ball down the left and crossed into the box. Hollingworth failed to clear allowing Doney to shoot, the ball was blocked but fell invitingly to Dean Morgan who side-footed the ball home with compelling conviction. Morgan then had what seemed to be a good goal disallowed, the referee sighting a foul on the visiting keeper.

Considering Woodley had recently put five past Unibond League club Hyde United, New Mills can hold their heads up high only conceding three, this feat made all the more spectacular as the game was played in sweltering heat and with many names being absent from the home side's team sheet.

A lapse of concentration allowed Mike Norton (shown left) to bear down on goal 5 minutes in, Millers keeper Ben Candlin took up a good position to block but Norton drilled the ball beneath him to open the scoring for Woodley. The visitors held the ball throughout much of the first half and created some good chances. Candlin for New Mills made a crucial double block to keep the scoreline tight. After 35 minutes of play Kaleem Ahmed latched on to a clever throughball, his first touch a little strong forcing him to clash with the Woodley keeper, the Millers man came out victorious and placed the ball past the last defender on the line to regain parity.

An excellent cross found Norton free in space, his powerful header flew into the net earning Woodley the lead for a second time.

Ten minutes into the second half saw the North West Counties side increase their lead, the ball squeezed past Candlin as the heat began to take it's toll. Stephen Land made a good defensive header as a fourth goal seemed imminent and ex Millers Youth, Callum Dempsey, continued to impress for his new team.

With 70 minutes gone, Scott Black

New Mills conceded a penalty, Mike Norton stepped up to claim his hat trick, however Candlin spread himself to good effect, blocking with his legs to deny Woodley's potent striker. Candlin dives As the game wore on, New Mills maintained good tempo, Scott Black in particular showed some lovely touches, but it was Ben Candlin who stole the limelight after Woodley were awarded a second penalty kick. Norton was off the field but allowed back on to clinch his hat trick, surely. It wasn't to be as Candlin dived smartly to deter Norton a second time, bringing rapturous applause from the Church Lane faithful. Not to be outdone, Woodley conceded a penalty kick soon after, which although it was struck well by Scott Black, the height of the shot was too inviting for Higginbotham who also saved smartly. Stacey Wild broke free minutes from time, his shot was at a blistering pace but Higginbotham was in fine form, denying Wild and also denying a further chance from Millers' Julian Dowe late on.

Simon Ignotus takes control of ball

	Saturday 2nd August	(Photos: Geoff Pott)
	New Look Second String Gain Revenge for Buxton: New Mills Res 2 - Buxton Res 3

Having lost last years pre-season friendly at Silverlands by 5 goals to 1, Buxton's second string gained revenge at Church Lane with a new look team.

The first effort fell to Jason Clarke, in space on the right, who unleashed a stinging drive. Richard Cohen in goal for Buxton was in no mood to give up the lead. The home side looked to be just edging the opening exchanges but Ray Hobday sailed the ball in from the touchline which looped into the back of the net giving the visitors the lead. Millers Kieran Lugsden shot from close range but stern defending deterred his effort and Buxton held a slender 1-0 lead at half time. New Mills regained parity 4 minutes into the second half when Craig Dowe picked up the ball and used his strength to brush aside his marker, his shot struck cleanly giving Cohen no chance. Ben Hall who was one of numerous substitutions for New Mills ran across the inside of the 18 yard line only to be chopped down, the referee was unsighted and a direct free kick awarded outside the box, Jason Warhurst blasted the ball goalwards but Buxton's wall held firm. Ex Miller Craig Hall was rumoured to be Buxton's main threat, but it was Terry Bradbury who caught the eye on this occasion, while Millers Mark Hooley gave his usual indomitable performance. Hooley looked to have done enough when he shepherded the ball out for a corner kick, but Buxton's Jason Tatton thumped the ball into the roof of the net, swinging the match into Buxton's favour for a second time. The sun shone bright, and the game warmed up when Andy Hackney's dexterous turn allowed him to shoot from distance, the ball beat Cohen but just dipped over the crossbar. Good work from Jason Clarke down the right wing allowed him to get to the byline and pick out Howard Swarrey who drilled the ball home, equalising a second time for the Millers Reserves. Buxton regained the lead courtesy of Craig Senior 5 minutes from time, but Stephen Done forced Cohen to claw the ball away following his looping header and moments later Doney's rasping drive cannoned off a defender to complete the tie.

Goalscorer Craig Dowe Boston beaten to the ball Winger Jason Clarke sets up the second goal

On balance of play there could be no argument about the result despite the loss of a penalty kick. New Mills fielded substitutes at will, while a fit looking Buxton Team maintained good momentum throughout.