Gigg Lane South Stand

Teams emerge for action

Tribute of applause for Russ Delaney

Scorer Ryan Radford in action

United free kick

The main man for the Amber Army

More Photos: kipax : fcumgallery1 : fcumgallery2

New Mills will play FC United of Manchester in the second round of the Division Two Trophy following a gutsy performance at Church Lane on Tuesday Night. Chadderton were rumoured to have signed several new players in recent weeks, with the home side missing midfield dynamo Gavin Hunter, but with Ryan Radford making a welcome return to the team.

The Millers had a great chance to score early on when Adam Blackburn's persistence almost paid off. Blackburn won the ball outside the box and lifted it over the advancing keeper, but the ball dropped agonisingly wide of the post to the relief of Chadderton's defence.

Chadderton created quite a few chances throughout the 1st half, but Stevie Lyons was indomitable in Miller's goal. The Home side took the lead around ten minutes before the break when Mike Ward broke free from his midfield position to unleash an unstoppable shot beyond the hapless keeper.

New Mills took an age to return from the changing rooms at half time whch seemed to do the trick as they grew stronger and more threatening as the game progressed. Craig Hall caused lots of problems for the visitors down the wings and really should have scored when one-on-one. Mike Ward put in a man of the match performance and was unlucky to see his header cannon off the crossbar.

Ward and Blackburn had bossed the midfield throughout the second half, that was until Blackburn was forced to leave the field, following one rash challenge too many. Danny Dignan came on, taking up a more advanced role and this paid dividends 15 minutes from time when his rasping drive defeated his opponent, the visitors deflated with New Mills reassuring their dominance.

There was a sting in the tail, however, when one of the Millers placed his hands on an opponent shortly after, the resulting penalty was duly dispatched, but few amongst the crowd could argue with the result. The Team as a whole had worked tirelessly throughout, with the prize, a second round draw against FC United of Manchester on December the 3rd (to be played at the Moss Rose Stadium, Macclesfield (T.B.C.).