Good early pressure from the home side almost paid off when Stephen Done tried to curl the ball around Mike Barrat in North End's goal, the ball beat Barrat but missed the intended target.

Ben Hall picked up a loose ball and sent a short pass through to Adam Blackburn who burst through to strike, good defensive cover denied his opportunity on that occasion. Ian Mattimore too tried to swing the ball into goal from afar, but his effort also curled wide.

Glossop started to show their intent with a decent cross forcing Andy Tester in Miller's goal to grasp the ball when danger loomed.

North End were well and truly on the back foot as Mattimore crosssed with acuracy to pick out Blackburn inside the box, Miller's top scorer headed firmly but over the crossbar as the screws were being turned.

As half time approached Stephen Done released Blackburn who bore down on goal again, Blackburn shrugged off his marker and drilled the ball with pace across the greasy surface, Barrat got down smartly to deflect the shot, the ball skimmed half a yard wide of Glossop's upright.

Although the home side had the better chances throughout the opening period, Glossop not only equalised with a 47th minute header, but took the lead 3 minutes after the break when Rick Bell was allowed to shoot from outside the box, the New Mills defence not closing down quick enough.

The home side almost scored moments later, Mattimore's drive was well parried by Barrat but Jason Clarke was unable to turn in the rebound. Glossop began to defend more stoutly and get their passing game going to force Miller's back line to up their work rate.

New Mills regained parity in the 65th minute, Stephen Done swung a decent corner kick into the box, the initial header by Howard Swarrey forced a clearance off the line but

ENGLAND

2003
Rugby World Cup Champions

New Mills revellers demonstrate the
Jonny Wilkinson drop-kick goal
(well at least I think that is what they are doing)

Atherton had a glorious chance as half time approached, Craig Redshaw broke free and shot early but Andy Tester in Miller's goal saved smartly to ensured the tie remained deadlocked.

Ten Minutes after the break New Mills produced the best move of the match, Stephen Bates broke down an Atherton attack and sprayed the over ball to Kyle Brown in the right back position, Brown sent the ball into the path of Jason Clarke who sped up the line, a short ball to Blackburn gave the Miller's striker a good chance to shoot but in unselfish fashion, Blackburn picked out Stephen Done who readjusted his stance to fire the ball home left footed. A delightful move that stunned the visitors and brought rapturous applause from the Miller's faithful.

Adam Blackburn doubled the advantage moments later, his 21st goal of the season came as he broke free from midfield to casually side-step past Osbourne and side-foot home with convincing poise.

The visitors almost grabbed a goal back with an effort just shy of the post but for the remainder of the game, the traffic was all one direction.

Jason Clarke showed a good burst of speed to take the ball down the wing, a pinpoint cross was desired and a good delivery found Blackburn at the far post who rose majestically through the red sky to head home with power and precision.

A hat-trick was on the cards just moments

New Mills finishing the game strongly but Town forced a late scare when a shot from distance dipped onto Miller's crossbar and into the grateful arms of Tester in goal, the ball was sent straight back up the field where Clarke fired across the face of goal, the ball brushed the post to the relief of the Lancashire outfit.

Millers: Tester, Brown, Brankin, Bates, Stansfield, Clarke, Hall, Swarrey, Prodromis, Done, Blackburn 2. Sub: Warhurst

For the second week in succession New Mills were denied their just reward to another late, late goal.

Billy Craven had Millers first chance just 5 minutes in, Pete Tristram was all that stood between him and Wilmslow's goal, but although his shot curled around the opposing keeper, the ball rebounded off the post to the visitors relief.

Stacey Wild earned the home side a corner kick with an inspired run, Matt Buckley picked out Craven at the far post who headed back across goal to find Chris Lees who turned smartly to volley, but his effort spun skywards to safety, a firmer connection would surely have given New Mills the lead.

Millers best chance came just past the hour mark, a determined run from Stephen Littler allowed a decent cross into the box. Wilmslow failed to deal, passing the ball to Stacey Wild's feet, Wilde drilled the ball with power and precision but Tristram smothered smartly to deny. Craven had a second chance moments later following good work from Wild on the wing, the ball cut back into Craven's path who side-footed past the keeper, but the ball deflected off a defender and out to safety.

Wilmslow also had good chances in front of goal, Danny Jackson had replaced the injured Stephen Land and made a crucial block as Wilmslow threatened. Wes Gibbons also had come from the subs bench and a deft touch from him put Mattimore through, under immense pressure Mattimore took the ball wide of the advancing keeper, his half-chance was creative as he wrapped his foot around the ball at full stretch, but agonisingly wide of Wilmslow's upright.

Saturday 8th November
Millers Denied by Late, Late Goal:
New Mills Res 1 - Springhead Res 1

A blustery cold snap descended upon the Church Lane ground for this Manchester League fixture following many, many weeks of mild autumnal weather. The visitors proved to be a tough nut to crack. Howard Swarrey had the first chance for

New Mills took the lead just past the half hour mark, Adam Blackburn reacted first when a pass from deep dropped half way between Dave Cullington in goal and Springhead's back line, Blackburn simply outpaced the opposing centre half, took a neat touch past the keeper and drove the ball into the gaping net.

Bailey, Brown and Bates were forced to work hard to keep Springhead's lively forwards at bay, Mickey Brankin (seen right) was also kept busy but did manage to get forward often to supply many a fine cross from his trusty left boot. New Mills were not the only team to defend well as Springhead repelled constantly.

A champagne moment for Miller's Stephen Done as the home side's best move of the match was instigated - with his back to goal and a defender breathing down his neck, Doney flicked the ball past his man using his back heel and set off towards goal. Although the cross intended for Blackburn was a whisker too high, Chris Prodromis retrieved the ball and crossed back into the danger zone. Stephen Done had made up good ground to strike and the keeper seemed beaten, but the shot hit the last man on the line, the ball out to safety, the visitors off the hook.

Chris Prodromis (seen left) caused a lot of trouble with his forays into the box but the support needed from the home side was often lacking. Ian

The 1st Team also conceded a late goal at Dukinfield Town in their 2-2 draw at the Blocksages Ground, Stephen Littler bagging both goals for New Mills.

This coming Saturday the 1st Team entertain Wilmslow Albion with a 2:30 pm kick off, and all are welcome.

New Mills Reserves have been handed a plum home tie against Glossop NE Reserves in the Derbyshire Divisional Cup 3rd Round which will be played on the 29th of November, this fixture will take precedence over the 1st Teams home fixture as previously advertised.