Adam Blackburn found the back of Oldham's net just five minutes into the game, the ball cleverly lofted over Town's advancing keeper. The visitors looked sprightly on the attack but New Mills soon had a chance to extend their lead when Craig Hall broke through the offside trap only for Blackburn to take the ball on, the linesman's flag was raised and a good chance diminished.

Simon Ignotus made a fine block in front of goal as Town looked favourite to score but Millers slender lead was held at half time.

Oldham came out for the second half even more determined and continued to test Millers resolve. Steven Lyons made an outstanding save bringing applause from all quarters as Oldham continued to threaten. Stacey Wild took the ball on from the centre circle with Craig Hall on the left and Blackburn on his right with just three minutes to go, the ball was sprayed left but play broke down and Millers chance had gone.

With just 40 seconds of time remaining, Oldham equalised from a long ball down the centre, Oldham were the strongest side to have visited Church Lane so far and a draw was the least they deserved on balance of play.

New Mills AFC will entertain Nelson FC this coming Saturday 04/09/04 - Kick Off is at 3:00pm, and all are welcome.

Stephen Done opened the scoring midway through the first half but it was the second half which saw New Mills get to grips with Flixton's stern defence. Chris Prodromis scored a brace within 20 minutes once play had resumed - Gavin Hunter played the ball back to Alex Radford who delivered an excellent cross to Prodromis who side footed home in full flight. Stepen Done blasts the ball goalward at full stretch

Done opened scoring for Millers

Above - Prodromis scores in full flight                   Right - Dan Thomas breaks free to score

On 65 minutes Prodromis linked up well with Stephen Done to score Miller's third. Before the tie was complete Mickey Brankin rode an untidy challenge putting Dan Thomas in the clear, Thomas advanced at pace to pick his spot with a composed finish.

Flixton had a couple of good chances during the final forty-five but Miller's defence held firm and the delightful footwork of Bradley Jones, had proved problematic for the visitors, throughout much of the game.

Chris Prodromis challenged for every ball

Gavin Hunter always at Flixton's heels

The 1st team had a nightmare at the reverse fixture with the Miller's reduced to ten men for much of the game. Flixton's senior team eventually ran out 7-1 winners with Adam Blackburn converting a free kick for Miller's consolation.

New Mills AFC have their chance to address the balance with the visit of Oldham Town on Tuesday night (7:45pm) and on Saturday when they entertain Nelson FC - kick off for this fixture will be at 3pm and all are welcome.

Saturday 21th August New Mills AFC 3 - Ashton Town 1 New Mills were often on the back foot during the opening spell of this North West Counties League encounter. Ashton Town looked dangerous with their numerous counter attacks and took the lead 13 minutes in. Chris Pickering challenged bravely for New Mills in midfield, forcing Tony Rigby to introduce Chris Phieffer as his replacement due to injury. The Millers virtually dominated proceedings from this point on, Phieffer proving the strength in depth on Miller's bench.

Chris Pickering in action

Jason Clarke unleashed a shot across goal which Adam Blackburn turned in (photo left), but an offside flag was raised and goal-less New Mills remained. Undeterred, New Mills pushed on with Craig Hall (photo right) regaining parity 28 minutes in, the ball skimming hard and low clipping Town's left post on it's way home. New Mills were playing a fine tune and took the lead shortly after, Adam Blackburn took a quick throw which fell into the path of Stacey Wild who created some space for a shot which also beat the outstretch fingertips of Town's keeper, the left hand post ringing out for a second time, as the ball found the back of the visitors net.

Goal from Stacey Wild

Ray Hobday, Jason Clarke and Chris Phieffer worked hard throughout, Clarke extending Millers lead with a half chance that sent Town's keeper the wrong way. (Photo right - Clarke drives in Millers' third goal). Ashton carved out a few chances for themselves, but Miller's defence held firm with Stephen Lyons looking indomitable throughout the remainder of the match in Miller's goal. Stephen Land just pipped Craig Hall to the Man-of-the-Match award, but all the players concerned could hold their heads high with such a fine Team performance.

Stephen Lyons - indomitable in Millers' goal

Attendence was 152, the highest in Division 2 on the day.

Miller's Reserves Beat Padiham FC by five goals to two. They entertain the Reserve team of Flixton this coming Saturday - kick off is at 3:00pm and all are welcome.

Tuesday 17th August
New Mills AFC 1 - Eccleshall 1

New Mills played with zest during the 1st half, the ball zipped around with precision and meaning. Stacey Wild and Ray Hobday linking up well, while the entire New Mills defence coped admirably with the visitors endeavours. Despite having the lions-share of the ball, it was Eccleshall who had the best chance of the half, Ben Candlin made an astonishing block from an excellent shot on target.

The second half was a damp affair, the heavens opened up forcing the substantial crowd (181) to seek shelter. The visitors goal was to open up as well, Adam Blackburn played the ball forward from midfield with Stacey Wild stood in an advantageous position. Eccleshall and Wild were rooted to the spot as Blackburn advanced towards the towering keeper. The Millers took the lead on the hour mark as Blackburn calmly rounded the keeper to drill the ball home.

The visitors equalised before the tie was over although Chris Phieffer almost stole the points as his cross skimmed in front of the crossbar. 181 attended the match, second only to the Nelson Padiham derby match (202).

Honours were even for the Church Lane opener between New Mills Reserves and Skelmersdale United. The home side dominated the 1st half with a display of neat incisive football. Although the Millers had a goal disallowed for offside early on, the home side took the lead through Kyle Harrison on 25 minutes - Stephen Done the provider. The attacking flair on show paid further dividends just 4 minutes later when Stephen Done's dextrous lob beat the outstretched fingertips of the visitors keeper - New Mills were on fire and Skelmersdale in disarray. New Mills had repelled United's intent with a confident verve, Alex Radford showed composure when it mattered the most, and the experience of Mickey Brankin strengthened Miller's defence throughout the 1st half.

Scorer Kyle Harrison

The second half, however, swung in Skelmersdale's favour, who not only reduced the deficit, but went on to regain parity midway through the half. By this time, an injury to Ryan Radford had forced the accomplished left-back from the field of play, the visitors quick to capitalise on Millers misfortune. Chris Prodromis was introduced and was pushed forward into a striker's role with Kyle Harrison taking the right wing position. Prodromis put New Mills back into the lead to rapturous applause but Skelmesdale were not to be denied scoring 10 minutes from time. A fair result on balance of play, New Mills should have been out of sight by half time, but Ben Candlin (seen left) in Millers goal was forced to make some fine saves during the second half as Skelmersdale got their act together.

Ben Candlin made some outstanding saves in the second half

1st Team won 2-0 away at Daisy Hill, Stacey Wild on song not once, but twice.

The 1st team will entertain Eccleshall on Tuesday night (7:45pm) then face Ashton Town on Saturday 31/08/04, Kick off for this fixtures will be at 3:00pm, and all are welcome.

Millers Scorers - Dave Chaytow, Craig Hall 2, Ray Hobdey, Stacey Wild

Ray Hobdey goes highest

Ray Hobdey powers in another Millers' goal

Town's keeper beaten by powerful drive from Craig Hall

Stephen Land

Richard Copson

Stacey Wild

Millers defence clear corner - point to move image on

Saturday 7th August
New Mills Res 2- Hollins End 2

Sheffield's Hollins End were the visitors to Church Lane on Saturday and proved to be formidable opponents indeed.

Adam Blackburn and Kelvin Lugsden made a welcome return to the home side, Blackburn the obvious target in his striker's role. But while the Millers tried to pick out the forwards with numerous crosses, the Hollins End defence were to clear every long ball that was presented. The visitors also took their chances well to lead by two goals to nil for the bulk of the game.

New Mills abandoned the long ball route that was prevalent both sides of half time and began to cut through Hollins stern defence during the last 15 minutes of the match. A neat pass from Kyle Harrison put Bradley Jones through on goal, the first shot was blocked but Jones side footed home the rebound, to reduce the deficit.

New Mills took a share of the spoils within minutes when Harrison drove the ball home, the Church Lane faithful justly rewarded for the team's endevour. Christian Bark had made some fine saves for New Mills and Alex Radford looked as comfortable in his right back position as brother Ryan had looked in the position of left back.

The Season begins in earnest when New Mills Reserves entertain Skelmersdale United this coming Saturday, entry for this game is completely free with a 3pm Kick Off, and all are welcome.

New Mills came off the back of some hard games against Woodley Sports and an Oldham Athletic XI. But in wet and windy conditions were lacking the killer touch to break through Georgians.

Georgians made it 2 before the break when Matty Wyatt delivered a cross into Scott Walsh who cushioned the ball on his chest and volleyed home to ensure Georgians had a comfortable lead.

At half time Georgians introduced Stuart Bell, Phil Connolly and Andy Powell for Chris Thomas, James Bowden and Steve Brigham. This did not limit Georgians good play and the ball was continued to be passed around. Stuart Wilson made it 3-0 close to the end of the game when he lobbed the keeper with a well-weighted shot.

(Off Georgians website)