Wes Gibbons side-footed home 5 minutes in following excellent work from a sharp looking Stacey Wilde, from the left flank. New Mills looked comfortable on the ball and while the visitors tried their luck from afar throughout the first half, it was the team in amber that looked the most threatening. A good all round performance from Stacey Wilde (shown right) was reward during the second half when his drilled shot found the back of the net to put New Mills two up. Ben Candlin was in top form when needed but a third goal came courtesy of Chris Lees following constant Millers pressure. Carl Rushton scored a consolation for the visitors in the 89th minute but these pre-season fixtures will have given Tony Rigby a better chance to discover the many options available for the forthcoming season.

Wes Gibbons shoots

Chadderton keeper saves

Matt Buckley was a revelation and stamped his authority on the left back position, using outstanding vision to instigate attacks from deep. Julian Dowe showed some good touches and spread the ball around with immaculate zest. However, the most impressive contribution was by the team as a whole who craved and caressed the ball at every opportunity.

If this was a taste of what lies ahead, then New Mills supporters could be in for a real treat once the new season starts on August 16th. Although only a friendly, the game was played at a frantic pace with both sides wanting to win. Cheadle took the lead through a penalty, but within sixty seconds the Millers were level again from the spot, Scott Black converting. New Mills took control of the game, and playing some terrific football they took the lead when the keeper could only parry and Rick Jones tucked home the rebound. With the Millers well on top, they increased their lead when Matt Buckley fired home a tremendous free-kick.

Julian Dowe

Rick Jones beats Towns defence

Kaleem Ahmed fights for possession

The second half started as the first had finished, with the Millers peppering the visitors goal and eventually Steven Littler netted the fourth. Cheadle rallied and after a spell of pressure they reduced the arrears, but the Church Lane crowd went home happy after witnessing an excellent Millers performance.

New Mills Reserves won a nine goal affair at Park Road, when they beat Cheadle Town Reserves 5-4, Wes Gibbons grabbing a hatrick.

Tuesday 22nd July (Photos: Geoff Potts)
New Mills 1 - Glossop North End 2

New Mills continued their pre-season build up with a 2-1 home defeat against North West Counties Glossop North End (our scorer was Chris Lees).

Deano denied
Rick Jones blocked	Deano fights for possession
North End keeper punches clear

Oldham left all their off-field problems behind them to produce a "5-star" show at Church Lane on Saturday. With Millers' new manager Tony Rigby in charge for the first time, there were a sprinkling of new faces in the New Mills line up.

Things started well for the home side when Stephen Done fed Kaleem Ahmed to score smartly on his debut, to put the Millers one up. However, the lead only lasted two minutes when a defensive lapse allowed Oldham to level. Another defensive mistake cost New Mills and the visitors led 2-1 at the break.

Kaleem Ahmed slots in Millers 1st goal

Safely taken by Oldhams keeper

New Mills got themselves back in the game when another new boy Chris Pickering scored, but Oldham then played their best spell of the game and went three goals clear. Rick Jones netted a third late on for New Mills.

Many thanks once again to the Latics for turning out for the fifth succescive season, and hopefully they can get their problems sorted out soon.

Spectacular save from Millers' keeper Ben Candlin

Paddy's shot is intercepted