.gif) Saturday 31st March
New Mills 1 - Eccleshall 1
Two points dropped against a very ordinary side. Paul Garvey powered a header home nine minutes in with Carlos Meakin the provider. However, the ball was outside the ground for a good portion of the rest of the game with neither team coming to terms with the blustery conditions.
The visitors equalised midway through the second half and although New Mills pushed hard for a winner in the latter stages, time conspired against them.
Mike Davies is knocked off the ball - mouseover
Danny Jackson is beaten to the corner ball
Adam Mather rides the challenge
Adam Mather defends Eccleshall cross
Tuesday 27th March
Millers Through to Cup Final: Winsford United 3 - New Mills 3
New Mills are through to the final of the Division two trophy( 6-4 on aggregate), both Winsford and the Millers scored three goals a piece in a thrilling semi final at the Barton Stadium.
Winsford came out of the blocks at a frantic pace and scored an early goal but shortly after, the all important away goal came Millers way when Mickey Ryan shot from distance only for the ball to hit the underside of the crossbar, Dean Butterworth looked sharp all night and pounced briskly to fire home.
Goal scorer Dean Butterworth chases the ball
The New Mills supporters had travelled in some numbers and were quite rightly emphatic to have equalised, but nerves were tested when the home side took the lead again, reducing Millers aggregate margin. However, moments later Carlos Meakin drove the ball goal-ward with a low drive, Winsford's keeper looked to have dealt with the attempt comfortably, but the ball bounced up off the turf, over the keeper and in.
Double goal scorer Carlos Meakin under pressure
2-2 at half time put New Mills in the driving seat with Winsford needing to score twice just to force extra time.
They did score one but Miller's keeper appeared to have been bundled into the net when in control of the ball.
New Mills continued to press as cracks began to appear in Winsford's back line, but nerves were eased when a wonder strike from Meakin flew into the net a few minutes from time.
Winsford played their part in a magnificent cup tie and although the home side had the better of play for the first 30 minutes, New Mills were worthy winners.
Millers defence were outstanding and the midfield in commanding form.
Dean Butterworth was my Man of the Match although none of the players concerned could be faulted in any way.
The jubilant Millers squad on cloud nine
Mike Ward heads clear
Adam Blackburn tries to find a way through Winsford's solid defence
Joe Boyle gets bundled into the net
Saturday 24th March
Millers Easy Win: New Mills 4 - Ashton Athletic 0
New Mills got back to winning ways after the midweek loss at Runcorn with an emphatic display against newcomers Ashton Athletic. This was their first double of the season and the perfect way to prepare for the vital second leg of the league cup at Winsford on Tuesday evening.
Striker Dean Butterworth who has scored in his last four games for the club was rested and Joe Boyle returned in goal. Added to this leading scorer Stuart McGill was on the bench in an effort to keep a strong line up for that game.
It took 16 minutes for them to take the lead. Skipper Mike Ryan fired in a free kick and it seemed to take a deflection off the visiting centre back and ended up in the net. The lead was doubled when McGill – who ironically had to come off the bench rather early on slotted in his 13th goal of the season after 24 minutes.
Mike Winer chases Lee Morris - Carlos Meakin penalty - Mike Ryan pushes forward
The visiting goalkeeper Andy Hewitt had to receive extensive treatment after being injured when the goal was scored and when the match restarted some ten minutes later, Paul Garvey slotted in the third within a few seconds. Ironically, it was actually two goals in a minute!
Hewitt did not come out for the second period and New Mills appeared to be content to spare him any work. Then with 20 minutes remaining they were awarded a penalty when the hard working Garvey was bundled over by the stand in keeper. Up stepped Mr Reliable Carlos Meakin to score his 12th goal of the campaign.
Suddenly the Millers began to create a host of chances but the score remained the same. They were even able to have the luxury of bringing off Ryan as a precaution with 10 minutes left to play finishing the match with 10 men. Such was the ease of this impressive win.
And so to the big game at Winsford and New Mills have a 3-1 lead to take to the league leaders but it will be a difficult game. However, if New Mills do progress it will be their first ever appearance in a final at this level – other than the Derbyshire Senior Cup appearance way back in 1976/77.
The win takes New Mills into the top five and they still have games in hand. They will be at home again on Saturday evening when they entertain Eccleshall. Then on Monday night Castleton Gabriels will also visit Church Lane.
NEW MILLS: Boyle, Bromley, Lees, Dempsey, Davis, Jackson, Ward, Ryan, Meakin, Garvey, Mather. subs; George, McGill, Morris.
Monday 19th March
New Mills Res 2 - FC United of Manchester Res 2
New Mills had the better chances throughout the 1st half but the game was goal-less at the break.
The visitors came flying out of the blocks second half and scored twice leaving NM a mountain to climb, but Adam Blackburn scored from 25 yards out and a 90th minute Kelvin Lugsden free kick sailed over FC's keeper glancing off Jimmy Persechino into the back of the net, Lugsden will surely claim the goal for his Man of the Match performance. While the draw would suit the visitors the most, the Millers had battled hard to share the spoils.
More Photos and Video
Saturday 17th March
Millers Win in Style: New Mills AFC 4 - Holker Old Boys 1
New Mills recorded their fifth straight victory and their biggest home win of the season so far when they eased past Holker Old Boys at Church Lane on Saturday.
Millers boss Tony Hancock decided against risking young starlet Adam Mather who has recovered from injury and put Lees and leading scorer Stuart McGill on the bench as he had one eye on Tuesday’s big game at Runcorn, and this paid off handsomely. Having a large squad will be a major factor in how the club finish this season with another 13 league games still to play.
The Barrow side were up against it from the kick off and had it not been for young goalkeeper Sam Stephens the score line could have been many more. He gave one of the best displays seen at the ground for many years.
Amazingly, it took the Millers 27 minutes to open their account, as a host of great opportunities went begging – partly through Stephens and also it must be said to some inadequate finishing from the home players
.It was Paul Garvey who notched the first from close range and it seemed as though the floodgates would open, but amazingly Holker levelled with what was their first serious attack after 38 minutes through Callum Livingstone. |
Mike Ward heads ball upfield from goal kick |
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This seemed to spur New Mills into a more determined mood and Skipper Mike Ryan put them in front just before the break when he drilled the ball into the corner of the net.
The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Garvey burst through and calmly slotted in his second goal and the Millers third.
It was Dean Butterworth who scored the fourth and it was the third successive game in which he has put his name on the score sheet. It is beginning to look as though there is a potentially great partnership developing between these two strikers.
Further chances came and went but overall this was a very competent and confident display from the Millers who in their last 15 games have won 11, drawn 3 and lost just the once.
Millers: George, Bromley, Davis, Riley, Dempsey, Jackson, Meakin, Ryan, Butterworth, Garvey, Ward. Subs; Lees, Blackburn, McGill.
New Mills have a very intense programme of important games coming up. On Saturday they are again at home to Ashton Athletic who they beat 2-0 earlier this year. Then, on Tuesday 27th March they travel for the second leg of the league cup semi final to Winsford United. The Millers hold a 3-1 advantage and they will be determined to get through to what would be their first ever final at this level. A coach is running from the club and details can be obtained from the club house. |
Holkers keeper saves from Paul Garvey
Carlos Meakin challenged - mouse over
The second team had a great result when they drew 0-0 at second placed Padiham on Saturday. They were due to play FC United at home on Monday and are very much in contention in their league.
Monday 12th March
Millers Move Up: New Mills AFC 2 - Norton United 1
New Mills moved four places up the league table after beating bottom side Norton, few could argue with the result although the visitors gave a spirited performance for the whole ninety.
Stuart McGill almost scored straight from the kick off and Carlos Meakin was on a personal crusade for the remainder of the first half.
Dean Lathem in Norton's goal was proving a stubborn opponent, denying Meakin a host of chances and although it was 0-0 at the break, the Millers came out all guns blazing second half. Dean Butterworth scored Miller's opener on 46 minutes Then McGill harried the defender and keeper shortly after. His persistence paid off to nick the ball past both adversaries and although Lathem brought the New Mills striker down, there was enough on McGill's effort to see the ball home.
Dean Butterworth scores from the deck
New signing Paul Riley looked composed at centre half with Mike Ward giving his usual indomitable performance in midfield.
If McGill was Miller's man of the match, the same could be said of Norton's goal keeper Dean Lathem, first denying Mickey Ryan's powerful header with an outstanding save then pulling off another similar effort from Mike Hooley.
Dave Davies fired home a consolation for the visitors ensuring a tense final ten minutes but good use of substitutions allowed New Mills to see out the game. Norton may be bottom on paper, but up there with the best regarding perseverance and endeavour.
The next games at Church Lane are - Saturday the 17th of March, New Mills A.F.C. v Holker Old Boys, then on Monday night, the 19th of March another bumper gate is expected for the visit of FC United of Manchester Res, New Mills Res could peg the visitors back to within 1 point of the league title should they win.
Paul Garvey intercepted
Saturday 10th March
Millers Grab Crucial Advantage: New Mills AFC 3 - Winsford United 1
Division Two League Cup Semi-Final - 1st Leg
New Mills produced arguably their best display of the season so far when they grabbed a crucial two-goal advantage to take with them to the Barton Stadium for the second leg, which will be played on 27th March.
Brave save from Joe Boyle
After defeating the second placed club Runcorn at home on Monday it was the turn of the league leaders to visit Church Lane and another big crowd was there to welcome them.
The Millers were out of the blocks straight from the kick off and they took just six minutes to open their account when Carlos Meakin, who else, scored with a fine drive.
Winsford, who have lost only one league game so far, looked naturally rattled at this and the home side sensing more goals pushed forward. The lead was doubled on 37 minutes when hesitancy in the away defence allowed full back Lee Bromley to side foot home – his first goal for the club.
Amazingly, the Millers were not finished in this scintillating 45 minutes of football, and right on the stroke of half time Dean Butterworth slid home confidently to make the score 3-0.
Dean Butterworth under pressure
Winsford are not the best side in this league for nothing, and they came out in the second period determined to make a fist of it. They pulled a goal back on the hour when Danny Topping hit a fine shot which flew into the net.
If the home support were then expecting a come back it was not going to happen. New Mills surged forward again looking for another goal.
First Dean Butterworth beat the keeper to a great cross from Blackburn and saw his header come back off the crossbar.
Later efforts from Meakin and McGill were cleared off the goal line. And so at the final whistle there was rapturous applause all around the ground.
However, nobody is taking anything for granted as the return will be a very difficult game indeed. But, particularly if the Millers can grab a goal then they would set themselves up for a first ever-final appearance at this level of football.
On Monday evening they play Norton before another home match this Saturday when Holker Old Boys will visit Church Lane.
New Mills are certainly in fine form at the moment with eight wins and only one loss in their last twelve matches. If they can maintain this form then they are still in with a shout of a top four finish at the least. |
Determination on the face of Stuart McGill - mouse over
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Who nicked the ball?!
Adam Mather receives cross
Mike Ward on a roll
Reserves Countinue Run
New Mills reserves kept up their unbeaten run – they have not lost since November 8th with a good 4-1 win at Blackpool Mechanics in the divisional cup. The scorers for the Millers were Mike Grindey 2, Jimmy Persechino and Chris Prodromis. They have an attractive game on Monday evening when the mighty FC United send their second string to Church Lane. United are league leaders and the match promises to be an absolute cracker.
Monday 5th March
New Mills AFC 2 - Runcorn Linnets 1
New Mills notched up a fine home win against one of their promotion rivals; Runcorn Linnets, both sides looked nervous throughout the 1st half but the Millers pounced first, Stuart McGill heading the ball home following good work from Carlos Meakin.
Stuart McGill heads in Millers 1st goal
Although the visitors should have scored themselves, New Mills had the advantage leading into the second half and continued to press Linnets' defence. However, Runcorn did equalise around the hour mark through David Thompson, but this only spurred the Millers on with Mike Myers and Paul Garvey chasing down every loose ball, Myers himself looked to have scored only for the Runcorn keeper to "allegedly" block on the line.
The Millers scored the winner from a well taken free kick, Lee Bromley delivered a decent ball into the box and New Mills attacked in great numbers, Paul Garvey gleefully fired the ball home to rapturous applause from the Millers faithful.
Paul Garvey pops in Millers winning goal
Runcorn always looked dangerous despite playing much of the game with ten men, but Barrie George in Millers goal made some fine blocks as the game drew to it's conclusion with Callum Dempsey just shading the Man Of the Match award from Mark Lees and Mike Ryan.
The attendance of 223 was the highest league attendance achieved at Church Lane since New Mills returned to the North West Counties, and the Millers will be hoping for something similar this coming Saturday when they play Winsford.
Saturday 3rd March
Millers Back in the Groove: Ashton Athletic 0 - New Mills AFC 2
New Mills bounced back in fine style after an under par performance on Tuesday which saw them lose for the first time in three months at Chadderton, with an emphatic win at Brocstedes Park.
The score did not truly reflect the way in which New Mills dominated Athletic and they took the lead after just 8 minutes when Adam Mather won the ball about 30 yards from goal and fed it to New boy Paul Garvey. He set off at tremendous pace and calmly slotted the ball home to open his account for the club.
Mather himself might have added a second just minutes later when he pulled his shot wide of the upright. There were other chances as well as the home defence were constantly under pressure. When the half time whistle blew the Millers faithful were perhaps a little disappointed that there was only the one goal to show for such dominance.
The second period brought a more determined display from the Lancashire-based club. However, New Mills always looked dangerous on the break. It came as no real surprise when the second goal came 15 minutes from the end. After a fine build up down the right hand side Stuart McGill took his tally of goals into double figures when he converted a simple chance.
This was just the performance Tony Hancock and Paul Kirkham wanted as the Millers face a big week of football. Firstly, on Monday they entertained second placed Runcorn Linnets and this Saturday they will host the semi final of the league cup when Winsford United come to town. United have only lost one game in the league and a huge gate is anticipated.
Reserves Run Riot
New Mills Reserves produced an avalanche of goals when they visited Nelson on Saturday. The Millers ran out winners by a 9-1 score line and it could have been many more. Stacey Wild helped himself to a hat trick as did Jimmy Persechino. Mike Grindey scored twice and Dan Thomas also converted a penalty. This side are unbeaten since the first week in November and have a real chance for honours if they can maintain this run of form. On Saturday they travel to Blackpool Mechanics in the league cup. |
