Saturday 21st February       Photos: Geoff Potts
Open Trophy Quarter Final: New Mills Res 5 : Swinton Town 1

New Mills Reserves progressed to the semi-final stages of the Open Trophy at the expense of Swinton Town.

A lack-lustre first half saw the visitors lead by a single goal courtesy of Town's Jamie Hiles. However, after the break Adam Blackburn soon regained parity for the Millers. Then Chris Prodromis tore down the wing to supply Jason Clarke with an easy conversion giving the home side the lead. Adam Blackburn put New Mills 3-1 up then blasted the ball out of the ground from point blank range. Moments later 'Bomber' was to complete his hat-trick with a strong determined run and thunderous left foot shot to match. The hat-trick hero also set up Kyle Brown late-on, who completed the scoring.

Hat-trick of Bomber Blackburn action photos - click to enlarge

Blackburn turns to deliver his hat-trick goal

Gibbons Double Delight: Wilmslow Albion 0 - New Mills 3

New Mills continued their recent good form with a comprehensive victory at over Wilmslow Albion at Oakwood Farm on Saturday. After a scrappy first half hour, the game burst into life when Kelvin Lugsden received the ball on the edge of the box and turned smartly to drive the ball into the top corner of the net. The Millers began to dominate and missed a number of chances to increase the lead.

After the break it was last-season's top scorer Wes Gibbons who made it two-nil when he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. It was Gibbons who completed the scoring when he turned in a Steven Land cross from the right.

Millers: Candlin, Land, Lees, Bates, Ignotus, Jackson, Littler, Pickering, Lugsden Kel, Gibbons 2, Craven,. Sub. Buckley

This was a good all round display from the Millers claiming their fifth away win of the season, and should give them a lift for this weekend's fixture at home to league-leaders Prestwich Heys. Kick-Off at Church Lane this coming Saturday is 2.30.

When Chris Lees fired the Millers in front from the spot, late in the game, it looked as if all three points were staying at Church Lane.

However, within a minute ten-man Georgians who had just seen keeper Phillips sent off for bringing down substitute Billy Craven were level, leaving New Mills still looking for that elusive first home league-win. The visitors had started the better side and could have been three up inside ten minutes. After taking an early lead, Steven Land saved a certain goal blocking on the line and then keeper Ben Candlin saved well tipping over a fierce drive. After Georgians early dominance the Millers started to get into the game and they levelled when Chris Lees cross found its way into the net. This spurred on the home side and man of the match Kieron Lugsden put the Millers in front when he coolly lobbed the advancing keeper. Just before half-time Wes Gibbons was unlucky not to make it three when his header beat the keeper onto to come back off the foot of the post.

Kelvin Lugsden goes for high ball, covered by Chris Lees

Man of the Match Kieron Lugsden closely marked by Chris Thomas and taking on two defenders

Once again the half time break came too early for the Millers and after a sluggish start they soon found themselves three-two down. At last New Mills found their feet again and the move of the match saw Kieron Lugsden head home a great cross from Danny Thomas before the penalty drama.

Millers Candlin, Land, Lugsden Kel, Jackson, Ignotus, Thomas, Bailey, Littler, Lees 2, Gibbons, Lugsden Kie 2, Subs. Craven, Pickering, Buckley. Georgians scorers: Powell, Seaton L, Bowcen 2

Chris Thomas heads clear from Millers corner

New Mills Reserves title hopes took a dent as they went down 2-0 at Prestwich Heys. Although the Millers missed several good chances, it was keeper Andy Tester who kept them in with a shout with several fine saves.

This coming Saturday the Reserves entertain Third Division Swinton Town in the Open Trophy 3rd Round. Kick-Off 2.30 pm.

New Mills booked a date with Royton Town in the last four of the Gilgryst Cup with an exciting penalty shoot-out win over bogey side Dukinfield Town. In a fairly uneventful first half Dukinfield took the lead when slack Millers marking allowed a free kick to be played to a completely unmarked Tumini who fired past debutant keeper Gareth Jones. The Millers tried to respond with Stacey Wild making several good runs, but they rarely troubled Town's keeper.

The second half was much the same as the first with not many chances at either end. However, with the game deep into injury time and people starting to make their way to the exits, Chris Lees cross was met by Simon Ignotus who headed on for David Bailey to power his header into the net.

Town only had time to kick-off before the referee blew his whistle. The extra time was cagey with the best chance falling to the visitors when a cross clipped the top of the Millers bar. Stacey Wild left the field with a bad cut which later needed seven stitches and the game finished all square and we were down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

The quality of the penalties was excellent as the first five from each side went into the net. Kieron Lugsden, Chris Lees, Adam Blackburn, Danny Thomas and Danny Jackson scoring for the Millers. Gareth Jones, who had looked impressive on his debut, then became the hero when he pulled off a tremendous save to give New Mills the advantage. With the pressure now on Stephen Bates strode forward and fired the Millers into the semi-final. The players and supporters celebrated wildly, and then applauded both sides off the field on what had turned out to be a very exciting night's soccer.