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.gif) Saturday 31st July
Meakin is the Maine Man: New Mills 4 - Maine Road 0
If as everyone expects, Garry Kharas is to finish the leading scorer for New Mills in the coming season, then no-one has told Carlos Meakin about it, for it was the Millers leading scorer last season with 22 goals who shone brightest when first division outfit Maine Road were completely blown away at Church Lane last Tuesday.
The first twenty minutes were fairly even until Kharas opened the scoring with a fine opportunist goal. Shortly before the interval Meakin strode through and hit an unstoppable low drive into the net.
Although the second period started a little quietly, the home side had soon doubled their advantage. Danny Carter was involved in a breathtaking move down the left hand side and he was on hand to finish the move with some aplomb. It was Meakin who completed the rout with a goal from the penalty spot after the referee had awarded the kick.
There was still time for Kharas to blaze over after a move which would have been a contender for the goal of the season, had it been converted .
At the final whistle there was a great ovation as the supporters then left the ground looking well pleased with themselves, and well they might after a magnificent performance.
On Friday a much changed Millers team beat near neighbours Mellor 2-1 with Phil Ainscough scoring them both, and on Saturday the Seconds Team completed their pre season with a defeat at home to Manchester Premier League side Stockport Georgians 4-2.
The reserves have drawn their other two matches 2-2 against the first teams of Dukinfield Town and Runcorn Town.
Saturday 27th July
Millers Build-up Continues: New Mills 2 - Curzon Ashton 3
Tony Hancock was reasonably pleased with New Mills second pre-season game at Church Lane on Saturday against new Unibond outfit Curzon Ashton.
The Millers were without four players including top striker Garry Kharas for the match against last seasons FA Vase semi finalists, and yet still managed to push their opponents all the way.
It was perhaps inevitable that Mike Norton would score for the Tameside club and this he did mid way through the first half when he powered home a header from a few yards out after an excellent pinpoint cross from Kieron Delaney. Norton scored over 50 league and cup goals last season and on his form showing he is going to add plenty more this time as well.
New Mills levelled through Carlos Meakin, their leading scorer last season. Carlos controlled the ball well and fired in low into the corner via the post.
It was Norton who restored the lead for Curzon, and when teenager Jamie Byrne made it three shortly afterwards one could be forgiven for thinking that the game was over.
However, a great build up of play between Meakin and Stuart McGill, who did remarkably well to get to the goal line and send in a cross for Phil Ainscough to reduce the arrears. The Millers then tried in vain to get the leveller, but their best chance went high over the bar from Ainscough.
At the final whistle the score line was about right with a good entertaining game of football sending the crowd home happy. The Millers fans were impressed with new signing Joe Shaw, who has rejected a chance to play in the Conference North at AFC Telford in preference to stay with the club with whom he has been in training all summer. A real boost for the coming season for the club.
The Millers next game is on Tuesday evening (July 31st) when Maine Road visit Church Lane, and there is a game on Saturday when Stockport Georgians will make the short journey up the A6.
The Second team remain unbeaten after goals from Aji Khan and Reece Nevins gave them a 2-2 draw at Runcorn Town. It was a hard and at times physical encounter but the young Millers did well and were unlucky not to have won the match.
A reminder to supporters that season tickets are now available at the ground. The new admission prices have been fixed for the new season at £4 for adults and £2 concessions. Buying a season ticket will give supporters a good discount.
Stuart Williams saves the header
Adam Mather swerves to avoid the challenge
Carlos Meakin blasts in Millers 1st goal - mouseover
Joe Shaw keeps upright after heavy challenge |
Mark Lees unbeatable in the air |
Tuesday 17th July
Millers Scare Stanley: New Mills 2 - Accrington Stanley 2
New Mills got their pre-season build-up off to a flier with an enthralling game against Football League outfit Accrington Stanley at Church Lane on Tuesday night.
The match finished all square, but the home side could and perhaps should have sealed a memorable victory. It took the Millers just 20 minutes for the new boy Garry Kharas to open his account in the black and amber colours when he reacted quickly to a knock back from a corner to prod the ball home.
The home side continued to press and yet they allowed the visitors to level shortly before the interval. Last season Stuart McGill scored 16 goals and it was he who put his team ahead when he bundled the ball in from close range after fine work by Kharas and Mather.
By now New Mills created some great chances but they failed to kill off the game. The Lancashire side levelled with a rasping drive from fully 30 yards, which sent loud applause ringing around the ground. Stanley could have had a penalty in the dying minutes, but the match finished even. Both teams were warmly applauded off the field at the end.
Manager Tony Hancock was very satisfied with the display of his players. The officials of the famous club were so impressed with the reception they received and the quality of the opposition that they agreed after the game to purchase an advertising board on the Church Lane ground. A truly remarkable gesture!
This weekend the Millers will entertain the semi finalists of last seasons FA Vase when Curzon Ashton will visit Church Lane. The match promises to be another mouth-watering appetiser before the action starts on August 11th.
Next Tuesday evening Maine Road will also play at Church Lane. The kick off is 7.45. The match scheduled for last Saturday at East Manchester fell victim of the weather. This is the second game the Millers have lost to the heavy rain with the match at fellow Manchester League side Irlam MS also being postponed.
The second team used a squad of more than 20 players in their 2-2 draw at Dukinfield Town on Thursday night.
A reminder to supporters that season tickets are now available from the ground.
Danny Carter's shot is blocked by Stanley's keeper
Goalscorer Garry Kharas |
Mickey Ryan & Danny Jackson on high cross |
Callum Dempsey clears the cross
Runcorn Town 2 : Miller's Reserves 2
Millers started brightly, and when Mak Allen was brought down just inside the area in the 2nd minute, Aji Khan stepped up for the resulting penalty to send the keeper the wrong way, and slot home in the opposite corner. Just before half-time a mazy run from the Runcorn number 7 took him into the area, and brought a sharp save from Miller's keeper Chris Fidler at the near post to keep Millers lead at the break. Runcorn won a free kick on the hour. The kick was played deep into the penalty area and found a Runcorn player unmarked on the far post who shot back across goal to find the far corner of the net, but on 75 minutes Reece Nevins broke free on the right hand side of the Runcorn area and calmly slid the ball under the advancing keeper to make it 2 - 1 to the Millers. On 80 minutes the Runcorn number 7 who had looked lively all afternoon, broke free on the left wing beat three New Mills defenders to race into the box and despatch a well executed goal into the far corner. final score 2-2 .(full report on the forum with thanks to Glove Man).
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