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Millers Reserves 5 Daisy Hill Reserves 1 28/4/08

If you weren’t at Church Lane tonight to watch Millers Reserves last league game of the season, then you missed a classic! Six goals, one hat-trick, both keepers scored, four sent off in what wasn’t a dirty game, several bookings, only seventeen players on the field at the final whistle and a host of missed chances.
Millers were forced into making several team changes. Danny Carter unfortunately broke his wrist near the end of last Monday’s semi-final, Adam Blackburn had a badly swollen ankle from a challenge at the beginning of last Thursday’s match, Jake Taylor was suffering from a foot injury and work commitments put paid to a couple of other regulars including Steven Land. Best wishes for a speedy recovery obviously go to the injured players.
Millers kicked off against tenth placed Daisy Hill, knowing that a win for either side would see them advance two places up the league with Millers possibly going back to the top of the table. It was Millers who applied the early pressure with Aji Khan firing in Millers first shot on target, after only two minutes, but the Daisy Hill keeper collected easily. Chris Thornley had a good effort half blocked by a defender, but Millers finally opened their account with only seven minutes on the clock. Aji Khan made a great run from his own half and played a slide rule pass through to Matt Zajac who advanced to the edge of the area, and fired his shot under the advancing keeper.
Millers shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee following an Aji Khan run into the Daisy Hill penalty area, when his shot looked to be handled away for a corner. Millers were then adjudged offside twice in quick succession. Daisy Hill had their best chance when they robbed Millers of the ball in midfield and their number 8 advanced up the right wing, but Steve Jackson made good ground to make a covering tackle. At the other end Chris Thornley fired a good effort just wide of the far post.
Seventeen minutes gone and Millers were awarded a free kick on the right touchline, played into the Daisy Hill penalty area by Scott Dignan. Millers made further claims for a penalty as Chris Sibson looked to be wrestled to the ground but the ball broke to Matt Zajac at the far post and his shot squirmed under the Daisy Hill keeper who turned and palmed the ball away, but the referee adjudged the ball had already crossed the goal-line and awarded Millers and Matt their second goal. This brought about some angry responses from the Daisy Hill players and bench who felt the ball hadn’t crossed the line, but the goal stood.
Matt Zajac turned provider two minutes later when he created some space on the edge of the Daisy Hill area and laid a lovely square ball to Chris Sibson whose shot narrowly passed over the crossbar. Daisy Hill then created two chances in quick succession. The first from a free-kick just inside the Millers half, which saw their first chance on target, but Millers keeper Chris Fidler easily collected the header, then from the resulting clearance, Daisy Hill broke up the left played an inside ball which their forward looped high over the Millers bar.
It was Millers turn to feel hard done by as two quick breaks looked to be harshly given offside, but on 33 minutes the constant Millers pressure finally paid off. Some good interplay on the right touchline between Aji Khan and Danny Dignan resulted in a good cross being headed out for a corner. The kick was played short to James Elmore and a good cross to the far post found Matt Zajac who made no mistake in completing his hat-trick and giving Millers a 3-0 lead.
Seven minutes before half-time, brought about the first incident which turned the game on its head. A quick break down the right wing saw the Daisy Hill number 3 crudely take out Matt Zajac, and he was rightly booked for the challenge. Chris Sibson just headed the resulting free-kick wide of the near post. Then play switched to the left wing and Millers won a series of throw-ins. As the referee laid down the letter of the law about where the throws should be taken from, and how they should be taken, the Daisy Hill number 3 who had just been booked, urged the referee to get on with it. But the referee took exception to the words used in encouragement and handed him a second yellow, resulting in a red card and first sending off. Before play could re-start the Daisy Hill number 10 questioned the decision in a colourful fashion and received a straight red for his language. So as half-time came Millers were 3-0 up and Daisy Hill were down to 9 men.
Hat-trick hero Matt Zajac who was struggling after the heavy challenge just before half-time was subbed for the second half by Stewart Kay, who could have opened his account in the 50th minute when Steve Jackson played in a lovely cross from the left, and Stewart’s shot from six yards out with the outside of his right foot crashed back off the crossbar. A minute later and Millers did extend their lead when Danny Dignan played a crossfield pass from right to left into the Daisy Hill penalty area which was met first time by a Steve Jackson volley back across goal to make it 4-0. Three minutes later and Steve was substituted following an earlier knock to his foot, to be replaced by Billy Gallagher.
The two sendings off had changed the dynamics of the game, as with only nine men Daisy Hill were trying to keep possession, putting all nine men back in defence when Millers won the ball back. Chris Thornley fired wide on 56 minutes, Stewart Kay “scored” five minutes later but again the referee gave offside. Then on 67 minutes came the most bizarre of incidents. Daisy Hill looked to make a double substitution, but both subs ran on the field without having their studs checked for which the referee booked both players. Frustration got the better of the Daisy Hill bench and following some choice words being directed at the referee, he deemed it necessary to send off one of the Daisy Hill management team from the bench. As he was in the process of directing him from the bench, a Daisy Hill player who needed to tie up his bootlace, unfortunately did it just behind the referee, who as he turned fell over the player, but once back on his feet sent him off for ???
So the game continued with Daisy Hill down to eight players on the field, and their showers getting quite full. Millers then made their third substitute bringing on sub keeper Luke Smith, and Chris Fidler moved up front to replace Chris Thornley. The game had now turned into attack and defence as Millers pushed forward and Daisy Hill defended as best they could. On 81 minutes Chris Sibson limped off the field to protect a foot injury bringing Millers down to ten men, but three minutes later and they extended their lead when Danny Dignan made another break up the right wing and fired in a cross shot which the Daisy Hill keeper spilled and Millers keeper Chris Fidler gratefully tapped in from 5 yards out to open his account for the season and wonder what to do to celebrate a goal!
Three minutes from time and Daisy Hill broke upfield resulting in Scott Dignan conceding a free-kick on the edge of the Millers box. Not to be outdone the Daisy Hill keeper advanced upfield to take the kick, fired it low through the Millers wall and past the Millers keeper Luke Smith to make it 5-1. This brought about huge celebrations from the Daisy Hill players and a warm round of applause from the Millers crowd. Right on the stroke of full-time James Elmore limped off with an injury bringing the number of players left on the field to seventeen, and the Daisy Hill sub fired a shot just wide.
So Millers easily won their final league match, but credit should go to the Daisy Hill players who despite some unfortunate decisions kept going to the end and made the Millers team work hard for the result.
This result means that Millers Reserves can finish no lower than fourth in the league and depending on Kirkham & Wesham’s results in their last three games, could be third behind two very good teams in Bootle and Glossop. Although they didn’t match last years Runners Up spot, Gareth and Eddie’s new team have provided much entertainment and a top four finish at worst, and also have the small matter of the Reserve Division Cup Final to look forward to against local rivals Glossop North End Reserves. Thank you to all the supporters who have turned up to get behind the Reserve team this season, congratulations also to the First team on gaining promotion to Division One as Division Two Champions, well done to the management and committee and all those behind the scenes who have contributed to the club’s success this season and hopefully the Reserves will receive maximum support for their first appearance in the Reserves Division Cup Final.
Millers Team:Chris Fidler (GK), Joe Ingham, Steven Jackson, David Silcock, Scott Dignan, James Elmore, Danny Dignan, Aji Khan, Chris Thornley, Matt Zajac, Chris Sibson. Subs: Luke Smith (GK) (69 mins. For C. Thornley), Stewart Kay (45 mins. For M. Zajac), Billy Gallagher (54 mins for S. Jackson)

Last game of the season: Reserve Division Cup Final .v. Glossop North End Reserves tbc.

Atherton LR Reserves 1 Millers Reserves 2 24/4/08 TOP

Based on current league form, Millers Reserves trip to Crilly Park to face second bottom Atherton LR Reserves should have been a relatively easy three points. However in reality faced with a referee who had obviously left his cards at home and was content with ambling up and down the pitch blowing his whistle now and again, Atherton were able to get away with a little more than the rulebook allows, and stifle some of the flowing football Millers had shown on Monday night in the Cup semi-final.
Millers were forced to make a few team changes from earlier in the week, and in the first half struggled to put together any serious threat on the Atherton goal, but on the positive side the home team were also struggling at the other end. Millers leading scorer Adam Blackburn was nearly forced off the field as early as the fourth minute following a crude challenge from the Atherton number 6, which surprisingly escaped a card. Fortunately with limited options on the bench, Blackburn managed to return to the field after a couple of minutes on the sidelines.
After much huffing and puffing in midfield, it was 17 minutes before either side made any serious attempt at goal, but the Atherton number 7’s shot screwed 15 yards wide of the near post. From the resulting goal kick Millers won a corner at the other end and Chris Sibson’s header over the bar was the closest Millers had come to opening their account. The home team nearly managed that feat on 24 minutes when they swung a corner in from the left hand side to the far post and the Atherton forward headed against a post, Millers keeper on the night Luke Smith made a sharp parry from the follow up header and the third attempt was blasted over the bar.
It was just past the half hour mark when Millers actually got their first attempt on target. Daniel Kitchen played in a floated free kick from the halfway line, but the Atherton keeper easily collected Blackburn’s header. A minute later and route one brought about a positive result. A long kick by the Millers keeper found Blackburn near the left touchline deep in the Atherton half, he cut inside and fired a fierce shot under the advancing Atherton keeper to give Millers the lead with his 24th goal of the season. Millers thought they had extended their lead five minutes before the break when a cross field pass was met by Jake Taylor with a searing volley destined for the top right hand corner of the net, but the Atherton keeper made a fine two handed save to deny Millers from increasing their lead. Atherton fired a shot over the Millers bar right on half time so Millers maintained their one goal lead into the break.
The second half begun straight from kick off with a positive run up the left by an Atherton forward, whose touch let him down inside the Millers area and gave Luke Smith the opportunity to smother the ball at the forward’s feet. Straight down the other end and Blackburn nearly doubled his goal tally when he met a Danny Carter cross from the left about 8 yards out but could only steer his left foot effort wide of the near post.
Chances fell to both sides as the half progressed in a very stop start manner littered with fouls and offsides, but none could find the target. The best chance fell to Atherton on 71 minutes with a free-kick 30 yards out which was well hit over the wall and the Millers keeper made a smart save at his near post for a corner. This resulted in another corner and finally Millers were awarded a free kick for a foul on David Silcock. The kick was taken quickly to Taylor who advanced down the right wing before being cynically taken out by an Atherton defender, again no card. Danny Carter took the free kick from out on the touchline and found Taylor whose glancing header found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
This goal proved to be his last touch, as he was immediately substituted by Chris Thornley. Six minutes later and Billy Gallagher replaced Adam Blackburn who was struggling from his earlier injury, and when five minutes from time Danny Dignan needed replacing it was left to Millers only remaining sub goalkeeper Chris Fidler to replace him up front. A minute later and Atherton won a corner, which was bundled into the back of the net from close range to make it 2-1 and a nervous last few minutes for the Millers. Even more so when they conceded a free kick a minute later, again from 30 yards out, again well hit over the wall, and again well dealt with by the Millers keeper.
Millers managed to play out most of the remaining minutes in the Atherton half and finally claimed all three points in their last away league game of the season as the final whistle blew. So Millers Reserves final league game of the season will be at home next Monday night 28th April, 7.45pm kick off against Daisy Hill Reserves. This then leaves only the small matter of the Reserves Division Cup Final to be scheduled, and with opponents Glossop North End Reserves having to play 7 games in 15 days to complete their league season and play in the Derbyshire Cup Final, it is unlikely that this can be played until after their final game on May 10th. Keep an eye on the club website for further news.
Millers Team:Luke Smith (GK), Daniel Kitchen, Steven Jackson, David Silcock, Chris Sibson, James Elmore, Jake Taylor, Joe Ingham, Adam Blackburn, Danny Dignan, Danny Carter. Subs: Chris Thornley (75 mins. For J. Taylor), Billy Gallagher (81 mins. For A. Blackburn), Chris Fidler (85 mins. For D. Dignan)

Millers Reserves 6 Colne Reserves 1 21/4/08 Reserve Division Cup Semi Final TOP

Semi Final Match Photo's

Colne Reserves arrived at Church Lane on Monday evening trying to reach the final of a competition they won in 2005, but came up against a resolute New Mills team determined to reach the final of the North West Counties Reserves Division Trophy for the first time in the club’s history. Having already beaten strong opposition in Oldham Town and Kirkham & Wesham, Millers reserves started slowly but finally ground down their opposition to take the upper hand and run out 6-1 winners.
Colne played the first half with a stiff wind behind them and were looking for the ball over the top towards the Millers box at every opportunity. They looked the more composed of the two teams in the opening exchanges and created the best early chances. The Millers keeper had to be alert in the fifth minute to punch away a Colne free kick and then collect a follow up shot at his near post.
On eleven minutes the Colne number 9 who looked a threat all evening, broke down the right and played an inside ball to his strike partner who blasted his shot over the bar from the edge of the Millers area. Millers had their first serious chance a minute later when they won a corner swung in by Jake Taylor, and Danny Dignan headed wide of the near post. It was then Colne’s turn to create a chance from a corner, but the Millers keeper, easily collected an on target header.
Both sides created further chances but the opening goal came in the 23rd minute. Jake Taylor was crudely brought down just inside the opposition half by the Colne number 4, who had been booked nine minutes earlier. Scott Dignan swung in the free kick and the referee made a good spot for a push inside the area, and awarded Millers a penalty. Danny Dignan stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way, and Millers led 1-0.
On 26 minutes there was a stoppage resulting in the Colne number 2 limping off the field for a few minutes nursing a leg injury. Two minutes later and Colne could have been level. The lively number 9 broke down the left wing, cut inside, but as he tried to lay the ball back into the six-yard box, Millers keeper Chris Fidler thrust out a left arm and cut out a dangerous looking ball. A few minutes later the unfortunate Colne number 2 was involved in a clash of heads with Adam Blackburn, and suffered a deep gash on his forehead which took several minutes to patch up and get him operational again.
Millers could have extended their lead on 37 minutes following a free kick that was eventually cleared to David Silcock on the edge of the area, but he only managed to slice his shot wide of the right hand post. Two minutes later and Colne should have been level when their number 8 connected with a mishit shot from a teammate, but only managed to steer the ball wide of the Millers post. Into injury time and Colne piled on the pressure for an equaliser. A corner was cleared for a throw-in, and from that throw, a dangerous header was tipped over the bar by the Millers keeper. Millers failed to clear the resulting corner and despite the linesman flagging for offside, the referee allowed play to continue and Chris Fidler made a superb save at his near post from point blank range to send Millers in at half time leading by the odd goal.
Millers started the second half with a bit more determination, and after another Colne attack, Millers broke down the other end and Steve Jackson hit a wicked looping shot from 30 yards, which flew over the Colne keeper’s head to double the Millers lead. Two minutes later and Colne were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the Millers area, but the kick was blocked and eventually the Colne number 11 blasted high over the bar from the resulting corner. Danny Dignan then hit the post from another break downfield, but two minutes later and Colne were back in the game, when they were awarded a free-kick which was floated into the Millers penalty area, and the Colne number 6 rose at the far post to head back across goal and in off the far post to make it 2-1.
Following another Colne shot that was well wide of the target, Millers broke down the left, Steve Jackson passed to Danny Carter whose intended cross was handled by a Colne defender two yards outside his penalty area. Danny Dignan curled a delightful free kick towards goal and the Colne keeper only succeeded in palming the ball into the roof of his net for 3-1. This goal fired Millers into life and they started to look the better side as they pressed for more goals.
On 66 minutes just after the Colne Manager had been warned by the referee for abusive language, James Elmore was fouled by the Colne number 9 who was rightly booked for the challenge. Scott Dignan floated in the free-kick which was cleared to the right wing to Danny Dignan who made ground down the flank and fired in a cross to the near post which was met by a powerful Adam Blackburn side-foot to make it 4-1.
Colne had to push forward to try and get back in the game, and in so doing were leaving holes at the back for Millers to create further goalscoring opportunities. On 75 minutes Danny Dignan was through on goal to complete his hat-trick but the Colne keeper diverted his shot onto the bar and then was up quickly to collect the rebound.
A minute after Danny had limped off the field with an injury, Adam Blackburn raced the length of the field to despatch his shot past the Colne keeper to make it 5-1. Then into injury time and substitute Aji Khan completed the scoring to blast another breakaway goal to make it final score of 6-1 to the Millers.
The final score probably didn’t represent the effort a good Colne side put into the game, but did reflect the fact that sometimes Millers Reserves can be patient and effective on the break.
So New Mills Reserves will now face a final against local opposition as Glossop Reserves ran out 3-2 winners against Bootle Reserves in the other semi-final. The date of the final is yet to be confirmed but it looks as though the final could be at Church Lane and hopefully gain tremendous support for a local derby.
Millers Team:Chris Fidler (GK), Steven Land, Steven Jackson, Scott Dignan, Chris Sibson, David Silcock, Jake Taylor, James Elmore, Adam Blackburn, Danny Dignan, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Daniel Kitchen (78 mins. For J. Taylor), Aji Khan (83 mins. For D. Dignan), Billy Gallagher, Chris Thornley

Millers Reserves 4 Oldham Town reserves 0 14/4/08 TOP

As expected, Millers Reserves faced a different Oldham Town Reserve team on Monday night than the one they narrowly lost to at the Whitebank Stadium last week in the reverse fixture. Millers had to make a few changes to their normal line-up due to work commitments, meaning some absentees and some players playing out of position, but the team performed well and notched up a convincing and confidence building victory ahead of next weeks Reserve Cup semi-final.
The game started at a frantic pace with both teams seeking an early goal. Oldham had the first attempt in the first minute easily saved, Millers replied a minute later with a corner from Jake Taylor that bounced off the frame of the goal. Back up the other end and Oldham were caught offside, then Scott Dignan made a timely tackle to block another Oldham shot, back down the other end and Stewart Kay played in Danny Carter only to see his right foot shot sliced wide. Two minutes later and Stewart Kay himself fired just over the corner of the goal, after a neat turn in the area, from a Millers throw.
Millers finally got the scoreboard moving in the 9th minute when Adam Blackburn broke down the left and cut inside heading for goal but was brought down on the edge of the area, as the referee waved away Millers claims of a foul, Blackburn picked himself up and poked the ball across the edge of the area to Stewart Kay who hit a first time shot on the turn with his left foot, and watched it head through a crowd of players just inside the far post for 1 – 0.
Oldham kicked off, Millers won the ball back, Jake Taylor headed straight for goal past a number of Oldham players and fired a left foot shot from the edge of the area past a stationery Oldham keeper, to find the corner of the net for 2-0. Two minutes later and Millers won a free kick 45 yards out from which Danny Dignan hit his effort wide of the right post. On 14 minutes an Aji Khan run resulted in a corner out on the right that Danny Carter swung in and the Oldham keeper punched out from under his bar for another corner on the other side. This time Jake Taylor swung the ball in from the left and Chris Sibson was on hand to prod the ball in at the far post. Fifteen minutes gone and Millers were three up.
Back came Oldham with a new wave of attacks. The first was lofted high over the Millers bar, the second was ruled offside, and the third was repelled by a timely David Silcock clearance. Oldham then won a series of free kicks but some good defending from the Millers keeper and his defence, and some poor Oldham shooting kept the Miller’s goal intact. Blackburn was denied by a good save from the Oldham keeper five minutes before the break, and Oldham fired another free kick over the bar just before the whistle.
The second half started as the first had begun, but in the 49th minute after chances for both sides, Stewart Kay made a break up the right wing only to be brought down by a crude challenge from the Oldham number 8 who was given a straight red card by the referee. Although Oldham were down to ten men this didn’t much change the state of the game as the ball moved from end to end with both sides creating chances to add to the goal tally.
On 76 minutes Oldham made another break towards the Millers goal, and a cross from the right saw the Oldham forward with some space inside the Millers area, but his shot was well saved by the Millers keeper Chris Fidler’s foot. The ball was cleared to Jake Taylor who played the ball upfield to Adam Blackburn in space and he fired the ball under the advancing Oldham keeper to make it 4-0. Millers kept pressing for another goal, but claims for a penalty after Jake Taylor had been fouled in the area were waved away, then Danny Carter’s free kick was well saved at the foot of his post by the Oldham keeper. In the final few minutes, substitute keeper Luke Smith made a good stop at his near post but at the final whistle Millers Reserves ran out deserved winners 4-0.
Millers Team:Chris Fidler (GK), Adam Brindle, Chris Sibson, Scott Dignan, David Silcock, Danny Dignan, Jake Taylor, Aji Khan, Adam Blackburn, Stewart Kay, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK) (80 minutes for C. Fidler), Billy Gallagher (58 minutes for S. Kay), Chris Thornley (75 minutes for A. Khan)

Oldham Town Reserves 3 Millers Reserves 2 8/4/08 TOP

Tonight’s Reserve game at Oldham was very much a game of two halves, two teams and a referee called “Simpson”. Millers Reserves made only a couple of changes from their last game, whilst Oldham Town fielded a much strengthened team from the last time the two sides met, including their First Team joint leading scorer, a certain Mr. Scanlon! However it was Millers who looked the stronger side in the first half, as they were more committed in the tackle, and looked hungrier for the ball, but in the second half some key injuries, a lack of match fitness and some one-eyed refereeing decisions, saw a stronger Oldham side take the spoils.
Following some early sparring with Adam Blackburn heading a looped header just wide after the Oldham keeper failed to clear with any distance a poor backpass, it was the Millers keeper who nearly gifted Oldham the first goal. Charging out of his area to clear a through ball, Barry George ended up in no mans land and it was only some good defensive blocking that prevented the Oldham forward from a clear shot on goal. David Silcock fired over the Oldham bar on thirteen minutes, but it was New Mills who took the lead a minute later from the resulting goal kick. Danny Carter picked up the ball deep in his own half, and ran three quarters of the length of the field before firing in a near post cross from the left wing, which Adam Blackburn eased in between the post and the keeper to make it 1-0.
New Mills were certainly the better team at this stage, and it was the 20th minute before Oldham had their first shot on target, but Barry George collected easily. From the resulting clearance, Adam Blackburn created some space for himself on the edge of the Oldham area, but only managed to slice his shot wide. On the half hour mark, Danny Dignan had to leave the field after failing to shake off a knock to be replaced by James Elmore. Elmore’s first action was to win the ball back in midfield and play a lovely through ball to Matt Zajac. Zajac advanced on goal at pace, put the full back on his backside and unleashed a fierce shot which the Oldham keeper did well to parry away only to see Blackburn follow up and fire his second into an empty net for 2-0.
Oldham continued to struggle in front of goal just missing the corner flag with one effort, and putting one out for a throw a few minutes later. Two minutes before half-time and Millers thought they had extended their lead. James Elmore again won the ball in midfield, and laid the ball out to Danny Carter whose cross was knocked out for a corner. From the corner the keeper lost the ball and Chris Sibson headed goalwards only for the ball to be scrambled away by the Oldham defence, Millers appeals that the ball had crossed the line were unsurprisingly waved away by the referee. Oldham did manage a shot on goal just before the half time whistle which the Millers keeper did well to palm away.
New Mills had to bring on their second substitute at half time after Matt Zajac picked up a hamstring injury. Millers started brightly in the second half winning a corner, which the Oldham keeper punched clear, only for Mike Ward to head just over. The signs that Oldham were coming back into the game were evident a few minutes later when they made a good break down the left wing, playing the ball to a forward free in the Millers six yard box, but Barry George threw out a left hand to make a good stop from the resulting shot. Four minutes later and Oldham halved the deficit when an innocuous looking right wing cross was despatched into the corner of the net from the edge of the area by the Oldham number 10.
The Millers keeper made another good save on 64 minutes as Oldham increased the pressure, but three minutes later and Oldham won a corner which was cleared for a corner from the other side of the pitch. This time the ball was scrambled clear but from a hopeful punt back into the area, the referee adjudged that a Millers hand had touched the ball, which must have been a good spot considering the number of players in the box. Although he went the right way the Millers keeper failed to keep out Scanlon’s penalty, whose second goal of the evening brought the scores level.
On 75 minutes Oldham took the lead following a free kick from the right which was headed back across goal and bundled into the net to make it 3-2. Millers then had to make their third substitution following an injury to David Silcock, and a minute later Adam Blackburn could only hobble round after picking up an injury effectively taking Millers down to ten men.
Millers looked tired in the second half, suffering from not having played for over two weeks and struggled to match their first half performance against a strong Oldham team. They kept going to the end but couldn’t pull themselves level, Oldham’s victory celebrations at the end showed how hard they had had to work for their victory. The two sides meet again at Church Lane next Monday evening, and with Oldham’s First Team playing the following night, I am sure it will be a much changed Oldham side that turn out that night!
Millers Team: Barry George (GK), Stephen Land, Steven Jackson, Chris Sibson, Scott Dignan, David Silcock, Danny Dignan, Mike Ward, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), James Elmore (30 minutes for D. Dignan), Stewart Kay (45 minutes for M. Zajac), Adam Brindle (75 minutes for D. Silcock), Aji Khan

Padiham Reserves 0 Millers Reserves 0 22/3/08 TOP

Millers Reserves kept their sixth clean sheet in their last eight games away at Padiham today, but were unable to find the opposition net for the first time since the opening day of the season. On a day when all four seasons were represented at the Arbories ground, very few chances fell to either side to claim the full three points.
It could have been so different if Danny Carter’s stinging left foot shot hadn’t rebounded to safety off the Padiham crossbar in the opening minute, but after that bright start neither side could create a clear-cut opportunity to trouble the scorer.
Millers kicked off up the Padiham slope, and a slick passing move between Aji Khan and Adam Blackburn created the opportunity for Danny Carter to rattle the woodwork. A minute later and Millers were awarded a free kick on the right touchline after Daniel Kitchen took an elbow in the nose and had to leave the field to stem the flow of blood, but Scott Dignan’s kick was easily cleared by the Padiham defence. Padiham had their first shot in anger in the fourth minute, but their right back fired his shot well wide.
Padiham looked the most threatening in the opening period but Chris Sibson made a few timely challenges to break up the Padiham attacks. Millers keeper Chris Fidler made a long clearance upfield in the tenth minute, which Padiham failed to clear with the ball eventually falling to Adam Blackburn on the edge of the box, but he fired his shot well wide.
The Padiham keeper was definitely the busier in the first half but the Millers forwards just couldn’t produce a telling shot to produce the opening goal. Jake Taylor created a chance for Adam Blackburn on 25 minutes but the keeper managed to hold at the second attempt. Blackburn headed over on the half hour from a Steve Jackson cross, and five minutes later Aji Khan and James Elmore combined to create a chance for Jake Taylor from a narrow angle but the keeper saved with his foot. A minute later and Blackburn fired a long-range effort straight at the keeper after doing well to intercept a cross-field pass from the Padiham left. Right on the stroke of half time Danny Carter fired just over from about the same place he had hit the bar earlier, and a minute later the Padiham keeper did well to palm away a fierce shot from Jake Taylor and the half finished as it had begun, goalless.
Neither side were able to create a clear goalscoring opportunity in the second half, both defences stood firm, and despite a lot of activity in midfield, the killer pass could not be found. When anything was directed goalward, either a mishit shot or a timely tackle or block made life easy for both keepers, and as the weather produced an assorted array of conditions to play in, from bright sunshine to light snow, the game petered out into an inevitable draw. Millers could have pinched the game right at the death. Awarded a free kick on the right touchline, Steve Jackson’s kick was half cleared to substitute Adam Brindle who chipped the ball back into the danger area with the outside of his right foot, but as Adam Blackburn tried to get a shot away he only managed to kick the advancing Padiham keeper who was out bravely to block any danger, and that as they say was that.
Millers Reserves return to Church Lane next Saturday 29th March, with a tough fixture against Oldham Town Reserves, the first time the two teams have met in the League this season. Millers will be looking to get back to the goalscoring habit that saw them beat Oldham away at the beginning of December in an exciting match that Millers edged by the odd goal in seven, to progress through to the next round of the Reserves Division Cup. So Millers Reserves have only four games left to complete their League season, with the Semi-final of the Reserves Division Cup still to be arranged. All support is much appreciated to try and finish the season in style.
Millers Team: Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Steven Jackson, Chris Sibson, Scott Dignan, James Elmore, Daniel Kitchen, Aji Khan, Jake Taylor, Adam Blackburn, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), David Silcock (60 mins. For D. Kitchen), Adam Brindle (65minutes for J. Elmore), Joe Ingham (75 minutes for S. Land), Stewart Kay.

Millers Reserves 3 Kirkham and Wesham Reserves 3 15/3/08 TOP

Millers Reserves v Kirkham Reserves Match photo's (15/3/08)

Millers Reserves were left regretting the chances they missed to kill the game off in the first half, after Kirkham and Wesham Reserves came from behind in the second half to take a two goal lead, only for Millers to salvage a point with two late goals, as the game finished 3 – 3. Kirkham had their goalkeeper to thank to be only trailing by a single goal at half time after he made several excellent one on one saves, then right at the close of the game both keepers made outstanding saves as either side could have snatched victory and taken the three points.
Kirkham applied the early pressure in the opening minutes, but Adam Blackburn made a break down the left wing as Millers entered the Kirkham half for the first time, and his left foot cross floated in with the wind and the Kirkham keeper had to be alert to push the ball over his crossbar. Two minutes later and he was out sharply to block a shot as Blackburn was put through one on one only to fire his shot at the keeper as the goal beckoned.
The game flowed from end to end as both sides looked to make the early breakthrough, but some inconsistent refereeing at times spoilt an entertaining game. On twelve minutes, the Kirkham number 3 crudely took out Blackburn, but as the resulting free kick was cleared, Adam Brindle made a similar challenge just inside his own half and found himself booked!
On twenty minutes Millers came closest to opening the scoring. Some excellent close ball control on the left touchline by Aji Khan was finished with a slide rule pass to Danny Carter whose cross found Blackburn unmarked on the penalty spot only for his shot to be blocked by a Kirkham defender. Two minutes later though and Millers did take the lead when Jake Taylor played a ball in to Aji Khan with the outside of his right foot, and Aji lashed the ball past a stationery Kirkham keeper from the edge of the box to take a 1 – 0 lead.
Four minutes later and Millers could have extended their lead when Blackburn was again put through one on one, but as he rounded the keeper he threw out a left hand and took the ball off Blackburn’s toe making another fine save. With ten minutes to half time another chance fell to Blackburn as a Kirkham clearance rebounded off his own defender, putting him through one and one again but a heavy first touch allowed the keeper time to come out and make another vital block. Two minutes later and it was the Millers keeper’s turn to be out sharply and push the ball away from the Kirkham number 10 as he looked to be through on goal, then just before the break he safely collected a Kirkham free kick that skipped up sharply off the ground just in front of him. Blackburn thought he had scored right on the stroke of half time when he was again put through clear on goal, the Kirkham linesman initially put his flag up for offside but then put it straight down, the referee waved play on, Blackburn duly hit the net with a good right foot shot, but then the referee bizarrely disallowed the goal for offside!
The second half started with Kirkham taking advantage of a strong wind at their backs and played a lot of long balls trying to pin New Mills deep in their own half. When they did manage to take the fight to Kirkham it was their keeper who again stood firm with some good blocks. Then on 73 minutes the game really kicked into life. The referee again made a dubious decision awarding Kirkham a free kick for a supposed push 25 yards out to the left of the area, the Kirkham player then hit a Ronaldoesque left footed free kick that first swerved right then a few yards from the Millers keeper suddenly swerved left, hit his chest and was forced home by an advancing Kirkham player. This goal really put some life back into the Kirkham team, who won the ball back from the kick off, played the ball to their number 9 unmarked on the edge of the area and he fired back across goal to find the corner of the net and take the lead.
Kirkham really had the bit between their teeth now, ten minutes from time and their number 10 fired in a long range effort that Millers keeper Chris Fidler did well to beat out from under his bar, but there was nothing he could do a couple of minutes later when Kirkham broke away, played a good one two on the edge of the box and fired home in the same corner to take a 3 – 1 lead with eight minutes to go.
Millers threw everything forward to try and salvage something from the game and with six minutes to go were awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the right side of the box. Danny Carter hit a sweet looping kick that sailed over everyone including the Kirkham keeper to pull a goal back. Then with two minutes of normal time left Millers won a corner, Carter swung the ball in and Stephen Land rose at the far post to head home the equaliser. Just as the final whistle was set to blow, both keepers made sure the game finished level. First Millers sub Chris Thornley fired in a close range shot that the Kirkham keeper plucked out of the air as it looked to be going in, then Kirkham broke sharply down the right wing played a long cross to the far side of goal which was hit first time by their number 9 from six yards out, but the Millers keeper made a stunning one handed save to push the ball past the post. Even after that both sides fired shots wide, but the game finally finished with honours even.
An entertaining game played by two sides that both wanted to win, but it will be the Millers team who would be a bit more disappointed for not claiming their sixth straight victory. However with Glossop’s game called off and Bootle losing at Colne, Millers reserves did extend their lead at the top of the table by a further point.
Millers Team:Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Steven Jackson, Adam Brindle, Chris Sibson, David Silcock, Jake Taylor, Aji Khan, Adam Blackburn, James Elmore, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Daniel Kitchen (45 mins for J. Taylor), Joe Ingham (60 mins for C. Sibson), Chris Thornley (78 minutes for A. Khan), Stewart Kay.
Millers Reserves next game is away next Saturday 22nd March at Padiham Reserves

Ashton Town Reserves 0 New Mills Reserves 3 - 8.03.08 TOP

New Mills Reserves 3 Ashton Town Reserves 0 - 23.02.08 TOP

Millers Reserves v Ashton Town Reserves Match Photo's (23/2/08)

Millers supporters watching the Reserves today, saw a definite goal of the season contender, and arguably one of the best goals ever scored at Church Lane! This goal set Millers Reserves on their way to a comfortable 3 – 0 victory against Ashton Town Reserves that saw them climb to the top of the table for the first time in 2008. This was a nice birthday present for yesterday for Millers Reserves Manager Gareth McLelland, who according to inside information was "21" again!
Ashton had the first effort on goal, but a long-range shot flew high and wide. Millers should have gone ahead two minutes later when Danny Dignan played a long ball upfield, which Adam Blackburn controlled and took past the advancing Ashton keeper only to see his goalbound shot cleared off the line by the defender. Jake Taylor did score from the resulting corner but the referee ruled the goal out for an earlier push in the box.
Millers keeper Chris Fidler was then called into action at the other end. First he was out bravely to smother a ball at the feet of the advancing Ashton striker, and then blocked a shot with his foot, as the ball broke loose in the area following another Ashton attack. He then started the next Millers attack with a long free-kick given for an Ashton offside, which Jake Taylor controlled well and put in an excellent cross only for Danny Carter to see his powerful header just clear the crossbar. Two minutes later and Danny saw a shot cleared off the line, then Adam Blackburn created the next Millers chance when he beat three defenders inside the area, only to see his shot cleared by the Ashton keeper.
On 22 minutes Mike Ward was fouled near the right touchline, and Danny Carter hit a superb free kick, which sailed over everyone only to rebound into play off the crossbar and the follow up header flew just over. Both sides created a few half chances in the remainder of the half. Mike Ward pulled a shot wide on the half hour mark from the edge of the Ashton area, and four minutes later Ashton had their best chance when a long range dipping shot from their number 9 landed on the roof of the Millers goal and the half was played out to finish goalless.
Calls in the first half for the Ashton keeper to change his shirt, were finally met at half time when he changed his gold coloured shirt which had meant he had looked remarkably like a New Mills forward for most of the first half, to wear a red shirt and become more visible. This change obviously helped the Millers team as now instead of passing to him, they could identify who to get the ball past!
Then four minutes into the second half, that goal! The Ashton number 5 was rightly booked for crudely bringing down Jake Taylor in the centre circle. Danny Dignan took the resulting free kick long to Danny Carter on the left touchline. Danny chested the ball back to Steve Jackson who hit a first time volleyed cross which was again met first time by Adam Blackburn and his left foot volley scorched past the Ashton keeper to make it 1-0. From leaving the floor in the centre circle the ball never touched the floor until it hit the back of the net, some goal and was one of those “I was there” moments!
This goal fired the Millers team into action. James Elmore and Kevin Swift were cutting out any Ashton attacks in midfield and creating opportunities for the whole team to push forward. On 57 minutes a Danny Dignan free kick was met in the Ashton area by Chris Sibson, whose first shot was blocked and his follow-up was straight at the keeper. Two minutes later and Adam Blackburn hit the side netting, and his next chance a looping header, was well tipped over his bar by the Ashton keeper. Danny Dignan created panic in the Ashton six-yard box from the resulting corner that was cleared to David Silcock whose shot flew over the bar. The Ashton keeper had to be out smartly on 67 minutes to smother a dangerous Millers ball into his area, but two minutes later he was left with no chance following some fine individual play in the corner by Danny Dignan that allowed him the opportunity to play in a near post cross which was met by a firm Adam Blackburn header for 2-0.
Steve Jackson and Danny Carter were combining well down the left wing, and this led to Millers third goal when Steve Jackson played a ball inside to Jake Taylor who laid it into the path of substitute Aji Khan who finished well at the second attempt to make it 3-0. Aji had another chance on 75 minutes to double his goal tally, but the Ashton keeper made another good save to push the ball away from goal.
Millers finished strongly and created more chances in the last fifteen minutes, but couldn’t add to the scoreline. This was a good all-round team performance by Millers Reserves especially as a couple of players were playing out of position, and they fully deserved their 12th win of the season, and third clean sheet in four games.
Millers Team:Chris Fidler (GK), Danny Dignan, Steven Jackson (capt), David Silcock, Chris Sibson, James Elmore, Mike Ward, Kevin Swift, Adam Blackburn, Jake Taylor, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Aji Khan (59 minutes for K. Swift), Stewart Kay (74 minutes for M. Ward), Joe Ingham (78 minutes for J. Elmore), Billy Gallagher

Blackpool Mechanics Reserves 1 : New Mills Reserves 4 TOP

Blackpool Mechanics Reserves, who have already had thirteen points deducted this season, have obviously been struggling for players. The fact that they had to sign a couple more before the match, only had eleven players plus one sub, a First Team player returning from injury, and had a fourteen year old playing up front all led to a rather bizarre match. This coupled with a Manager who appeared reluctant to have a ball on the pitch, and who took over the linesman’s duties in the second half obviously to keep the score down by flagging for offside at every opportunity, led to a frustrating game for the Millers team.
The game kicked off on a bright sunny day on a pitch that had obviously been rolled during the week, meaning it was flat and hard which led to the ball bouncing and bobbling making it difficult to bring under control. Millers had the first attack of the game leading to a Blackpool defender clearing the ball out of the ground. As the referee indicated for another ball to be brought on, the Blackpool Manager replied that he had only brought one ball with him and all the others were still in the dressing room. The Millers team kindly loaned the game a ball, whilst the Blackpool Manager slowly trudged across the pitch to fetch reinforcements. Two minutes after the re-start Danny Carter was taken out by the Blackpool Captain halfway up his thigh, resulting in a free kick but no action on the offending player by the referee. Danny Dignan floated the kick into the area only to see the Blackpool Captain nearly score an own goal just managing to head the ball over his bar for a corner.
Two more attempts on goal from Danny Dignan and Steve Jackson were wide of the target, but Millers took the lead on thirteen minutes when Kevin Swift found Rhys Nevins on the edge of the six-yard box and his miskicked shot deceived the Blackpool goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Blackpool nearly drew level straight from the kick off as they played the ball up the right wing, and put in a cross that found an unmarked Blackpool forward who blasted his shot over the bar. Three minutes later and Millers had extended their lead. Some good ball control right on the dead-ball line by Rhys Nevins saw him beat the defender and pull a ball back for his strike partner Matt Zajac to deflect the ball past the keeper and in for 2-0.
Blackpool had their best chance on 25 minutes when a through ball saw their striker clear on goal. His first shot was well blocked by Millers keeper Luke Smith who was up quickly but Steve Jackson just got in front of him to throw himself at the ball and block the rebound. Rhys had a couple of opportunities to increase his goal tally just after the half hour. His first an attempted lob over the advancing keeper was just tipped clear with his left glove, the second saw a sliced shot fly well wide. A minute later and the Blackpool keeper made another good save with his foot after James Elmore had put Danny Dignan through on goal. Millers had another opportunity as the Blackpool keeper charged out of his area to clear a through ball but failed to head clear, and as Rhys took a touch he didn’t quite get the ball under control and his shot beat the two covering defenders, but passed just wide of the post. On 38 minutes Matt Zajac set up Daniel Kitchen to play a dangerous ball in which was cleared by the Blackpool number two for a corner. Danny Carter took it short to Steve Jackson who passed it back and Danny’s curling cross was met with a firm back header by Scott Dignan to make it 3-0. Danny Dignan chanced his arm with a 50 yard free kick just before the break, but the Blackpool keeper had it covered.
Millers should have had a penalty three minutes into the second half, when the Blackpool defender nearly caught a right wing cross, but as he had done all afternoon apart from blowing up for offside, the referee waved play on. Four minutes later Matt Zajac lobbed the advancing keeper, but the Blackpool captain managed to clear his goal bound shot. Amazingly the referee did give a decision in Millers favour just before the hour, when Blackpool did find the net but had the goal ruled out for offside. Millers extended their lead three minutes later when Scott Dignan met a Blackpool goal kick with a firm header, the ball found its way to his brother and he curled a strong right footed shot over the keeper from the edge of the area to make it 4-0.
There followed a frustrating half hour as the Millers forwards were constantly given offside. Blackpool had brought their First Team sub on and he gave their team a bit of added quality. He had seen a shot fly over the bar and had another saved, before he latched onto a right wing cross with a first time shot from the edge of the area, to give the Millers keeper no chance as the ball flew past him and in. Danny Dignan crashed a shot off the bar right on ninety minutes, but as the referee blew the final whistle, the game finished 4-1 and another three points were successfully claimed. However a disappointing end to the match as the players returned to the dressing room!

Millers Team:
Luke Smith (GK), Daniel Kitchen, Steven Jackson (Capt.), Chris Sibson, Scott Dignan, James Elmore, Danny Dignan, Kevin Swift, Danny Carter, Matt Zajac, Rhys Nevins. Subs: Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land (54 minutes for D. Carter), Adam Blackburn (54 minutes for R. Nevins), Joe Ingham (66 minutes for C. Sibson), Billy Gallagher.

Millers Reserves next game is at home this Monday evening 18th February against Flixton Reserves 7.45pm kick off, followed by another home game next Saturday against Ashton Town Reserves.

Millers Res 3 Atherton LR Res 0 - 09.02.08 TOP

New Mills Reserves carried on where they left off last week in the Cup, with another fine team performance that got them back to winning ways in the League with an easy 3 – 0 win. Atherton LR came to Church Lane worked hard and never gave up, but could have played until tomorrow morning without scoring, Millers controlled the ball and the game, made some great passing moves around the pitch, and the only missing thing was the end product, a few more goals to add to the score-line.
Scott Dignan and Chris Sibson mopped everything up at the back, allowing both fullbacks to join the attack at regular intervals. Every time Atherton did get the ball James Elmore and Kevin Swift won it back in central midfield feeding some great balls out to both wingers who looked sharp and put some great crosses into the danger areas for the front two.
After an exchange of long balls in the opening minutes, Steve Jackson started the period of Millers pressure with a good cross, bundled away at the far post. Adam Blackburn then had a shot blocked and a Danny Dignan free kick for a foul on Rhys Nevins on the edge of the area was deflected over for a corner. A minute later and a little further back, Danny hit a stinging 40-yard free kick wide of the far post. Millers scored on 10 minutes when a Danny Dignan cross was bundled home at the far post by Adam Blackburn, but the referee ruled the goal out for handball.
Millers should have gone ahead on 18 minutes when Rhys Nevins met a good run and cross from the right wing by Adam Blackburn, on the 6-yard line, but he blazed his shot over the bar. Millers nearly paid for this miss a minute later when the Atherton number 7 cut out a Scott Dignan crossfield pass just inside his own half and cantered up the right wing, cut into the Millers area and saw his low cross across goal scuffed wide at the far post.
Warning heeded, Millers camped back in the Atherton half and following a few untaken chances finally took the lead. Stephen Land made a strong run down the right and won a corner. Danny Carter played a long ball beyond the far post, which was tapped back to Rhys Nevins who bundled the ball over the line from close range. Millers continued to create chances for the remainder of the half, with Kevin Swift’s deflected shot just over the bar, probably the closest to extending the lead.
Atherton briefly threatened the Millers goal in the opening minutes of the second half with a dangerous through ball, but Millers keeper Chris Fidler was sharply off his line to clear the danger on the edge of his area. Danger over, Millers moved back into the Atherton half. A great passing move between Danny Dignan, James Elmore and Adam Blackburn resulted in a Millers corner on 52 minutes, which saw Danny Dignan bounce a header off the top of the crossbar from the resulting kick. Two minutes later Scott Dignan played a long clearance to his brother on the right wing, one touch to bring the ball under control and he set off towards the Atherton goal only to be upended right on the edge of the area about 10 yards from the dead ball line. Danny Carter put the ball down and curled a delightful free kick over the wall and the keeper, into the far side of the net for 2 – 0.
Millers then should have had a penalty when the referee waved away claims for a blatant handball in the area, which clearly cut out Danny Dignan’s cross. Atherton were awarded a free kick on 64 minutes but the ball was cleared, and following a four man passing move upfield, Adam Blackburn saw a spectacular overhead kick fly just wide of the far post. Atherton managed their first shot on target after 71 minutes with a free kick around the wall from 25 yards out, easily collected by the Millers keeper. Four minutes later and the Atherton number 8 was lucky to not pick up at least a yellow card when he clearly kicked Kevin Swift after the ball had gone, and then appeared to aim a shot at him as he lay on the ground.
Millers continued to create chances and were passing the ball around the field as though it was a practice match, but they sealed the game two minutes from time following an Atherton free kick. The Atherton captain who never stopped running all game, intercepted a pass in his own half and set off straight at the Millers goal only to be brought down about 35 yards out. The free kick was hit straight into the Millers wall. Jake Taylor broke and played the ball upfield to Rhys Nevins who was brought down at the other end in about the same position 25 yards out. Danny Dignan stepped up and curled the free kick around the wall and past the despairing dive of the Atherton keeper. Game Over!
A good performance in front of a good crowd, a second clean sheet in two weeks and three well-taken goals, brought Millers Reserves their tenth League win of the season. Next week Millers play two games in three days, away at Blackpool Mechanics next Saturday 16th Feb. and at Home on Monday night 18th Feb. against Flixton Reserves.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Scott Dignan, Chris Sibson, James Elmore, Danny Dignan, Kevin Swift, Adam Blackburn, Rhys Nevins, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Jake Taylor (60 minutes for D. Carter), Daniel Kitchen (60 minutes for S. Land), Aji Khan (70 minutes for C. Sibson), Joe Ingham.

Millers Res 2 Kirkham And Wesham Res 0 (Reserves Division Cup) TOP

Millers Reserves v Kirkham Reserves Match Photo's (2/2/08)

Those supporters who braved the cold today, witnessed an entertaining and exciting cup tie, as Millers Reserves hosted Kirkham & Wesham Reserves in their first visit to Church Lane, in the second round of the Reserves Division Cup. Kirkham arrived boasting the second best defensive record in the Reserves League, and having beaten Millers at home in the league earlier in the season, but they returned home defeated as Millers put on one of their best all-round team performances of the season, to keep a clean sheet and win 2 – 0.
From the first whistle both teams went looking for the win, and played some fast, fluid attacking football, with the action moving from end to end at a frantic pace. Kirkham kicked off and played an early probing ball which the Millers keeper was out to clear. Millers won a free kick, which was cleared back upfield, and Chris Sibson made a timely tackle to clear the danger.
Danny Dignan had a couple of early chances, the first going well wide, the second well cleared by a Kirkham defender. At the other end a ball over the Millers defence was well cleared by the Millers keeper on the edge of his area, then Adam Brindle made a timely tackle to break up another Kirkham attack. On 14 minutes Adam Blackburn cut in from the left and made a surging run towards the Kirkham area, only to be upended on the edge of the box, and the Kirkham number 3 saw the first yellow card of the game. Danny Dignan took the kick which was hit hard and low, and with the aid of a deflection off a Kirkham player in the wall, sent the keeper the wrong way and finished in the back of the net to make it 1 – 0.
Danny Dignan was proving to be the Millers danger man as he had another fierce shot three minutes later, which flew just wide. Back came Kirkham and they enjoyed a ten minute period of pressure, which saw the Millers keeper cut out a couple of dangerous crosses and Stephen Land making a timely tackle to clear a dangerous Kirkham move. At this point Danny Dignan who had looked the Millers most dangerous player picked up an injury, and had to leave the field to be replaced by Aji Khan. Just after a good link up between Rhys Nevins, Adam Blackburn and Steve Jackson whose cross shot had found the roof of the net, Danny Carter made a great break down the left only to be upended by the Kirkham number 3 on the left edge of the area, and following his earlier booking, he was lucky to not see any more cards. Aji Khan’s free kick was cleared for a Kirkham throw in, which was won back by New Mills, and a pass to Matt Zajac was flicked over the defender leaving him one on one with the Kirkham keeper, who threw out a foot to make a great save. Kirkham immediately responded by sweeping back upfield only to find the side netting.
The end to end action continued, with Millers having a couple of possible penalty shouts turned down by the ref, Rhys saw a near post flick pass the wrong side of the post and Stephen Land had a long range shot easily collected by the Kirkham keeper. At the other end Kirkham fired a shot well wide and the Millers keeper was out well to claim a dangerous free kick into the area. Kirkham then won another free kick, which was cleared long downfield and Matt Zajac was quick to latch onto a poor backpass from the Kirkham number 2, only to see his flicked shot beat the keeper and the post. Right on the 45 minutes, Kirkham won a corner which was punched away by the Millers keeper Chris Fidler, but his clearance was hit back first time by a Kirkham forward, and back-pedalling towards goal he made a great save from under his bar to tip the ball over for another Kirkham corner. Finally after 5 minutes of stoppage time the whistle blew for half time with Millers leading by the only goal.

The second half started as the first had ended with the ball moving from one end to the other but with Millers starting to gain the upper hand. Danny Carter, Matt Zajac and Adam Blackburn all saw chances saved or hit wide. On twenty minutes tempers flared as a reasonably innocuous challenge ended in a full scale brawl just in front of the Millers dugout. Several Kirkham players threw punches including the Kirkham left back, but the referee finally handed out only one booking to the Kirkham number 7, and the game re-started somewhat surprisingly with a full compliment of players! Three minutes later Danny Carter had a long shot saved at the second attempt by the Kirkham keeper, then Kirkham headed well over from a left wing cross.
The game was wrapped up on 71 minutes by a goal worthy of winning any game, when Matt Zajac flicked on a long goal kick to Adam Blackburn outside the left edge of the Kirkham area, and his superb shot across goal found the far corner for 2 – 0. Play again continued with chances at both ends with possibly the best chance falling to Danny Carter when the Kirkham keeper mishit a clearance straight to Danny, but his shot was again well saved by the keeper’s foot.

One last chance came for Kirkham to get back into the game on 89 minutes when a crossfield ball was hit first time, but the Millers keeper collected the ball down at his near post. As in the first half five extra minutes were played, but an entertaining and hard fought game finally finished with Millers the well-deserved victors. So Millers become the first team to progress to the semi-finals and will eagerly wait to see who the opposition will be, but hope for a home draw.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Adam Brindle, Chris Sibson, James Elmore, Danny Dignan, Danny Carter, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Rhys Nevins. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Aji Khan (30 minutes for D. Dignan), David Silcock (53 minutes for A. Brindle), Daniel Kitchen (77 minutes for R. Nevins), Joe Ingham

Millers Reserves next game is at home to Atherton LR next Saturday 9th February 3.00pm kick off

Ashton Athletic Res 2 Millers Res 1 TOP

Millers Reserves lost their twelve match unbeaten League run which had stretched back to mid-September, when they conceded two goals in as many minutes right at the start of the second half, both to close range headers. Millers put out what looked like a strong team on the team sheet against Ashton Athletic Reserves who were struggling near the foot of the league, but it was the lower placed team who seemed least affected by the two week lay off due to the adverse weather.
Following a minute’s silence in remembrance of the untimely death of the young Flixton player last week, Millers kicked off with a strong wind behind them, which was blustering across the pitch from corner to corner. Millers camped out in the Ashton half for the first ten minutes, winning three corners and a free kick, all of which came to nothing as the players adjusted to the strong wind. Ashton then managed to get out of their half and played a couple of hopeful balls over the Millers defence, but keeper Chris Fidler, who played most of the match as a sweeper, was out to clear any danger from the edge of his area.
Back upfield went New Mills. Danny Dignan was finding some space out on the right wing, but it was proving difficult to provide any meaningful crosses in a swirling wind. Millers won a couple more free kicks but couldn’t put any pressure on the Ashton goal. On eighteen minutes Ashton finally managed to mount an attack down the left wing, but this amounted to nothing as the referee blew up for offside.
On twenty-five minutes, Millers mounted another attack down the right and the ball was played across field to the left side of the Ashton area. Their keeper advanced from goal but then realised Matt Zajac was going to be first to the ball, and he hurriedly backpedalled towards his goal. Matt controlled the ball and played a cross low into the Ashton danger area, which the retreating keeper spilled straight to the feet of Adam Blackburn who made no mistake from the edge of the six yard box. 1 – 0 Millers!
For the remainder of the half neither side managed a serious threat on goal. Ashton were awarded two free kicks, the first of which was well claimed by the Millers keeper, the second was easily cleared. Adam Blackburn created a chance for himself but the end shot was weak, and following a foul on Matt Zajac, Danny Carter’s free kick from 30 yards, beat the wall but was straight at the Ashton keeper. Ashton finally managed a shot on target in first half injury time, which was straight at the Millers keeper.
Millers created two early chances in the second half. First Danny Dignan found some space on the right and put in a good cross, which Mike Ward hit first time from the edge of the area, but the Ashton keeper made a good save low at his right hand post. Danny then created a bit of space for himself, but his shot was straight at the keeper. Then five minutes into the second half and the game turned on its head. Ashton now playing with the wind at their backs, won a throw-in half way inside the Millers half. The throw in was taken upfield to a player who controlled the ball, turned and his first time cross was met on the edge of the six yard box with a firm header back across goal, 1 – 1. Kick off, Ashton won the ball back, played it up the right, a long cross hanging in the wind fell to an unmarked Ashton player standing on the far post who easily netted to make it 2 – 1.
This prompted the Millers team into action, but chances came and went, and even though they dominated play for the next twenty minutes, and Ashton mounted a desperate rearguard action, the equaliser just wouldn’t come. Ashton could have extended their lead with a couple of breakaway chances, but these ended up high over the Millers goal. Steve Jackson came closest to pulling the scores level on seventy six minutes when his thirty yard free kick cannoned off the Ashton crossbar, but the final few minutes were played out in the Millers corner as Ashton held the ball up and ran the clock down.

So a scrappy game, played in a strong wind, finished in only Millers fourth defeat of the season, but I am sure Gareth will be looking for a response from the team next week when they take on Kirkham & Wesham at Church Lane in Round 2 of the Reserve Division Cup.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Adam Brindle, Chris Sibson, Joe Ingham, Danny Dignan, Mike Ward, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Danny Carter. Subs: Joe Mallalieu (GK), Jake Taylor (75minutes for D. Dignan), James Elmore (75 minutes for D. Carter), Elliot Marshall (88 minutes for M. Zajac), Daniel Kitchen

Millers second string in seventh heaven - Millers Res 7 Nelson Res 3 TOP

Millers Reserves started the New Year in style with a goal fest to maintain their current status as the highest goalscorers in the Reserves Division. A Nelson team who looked a much improved team from the side Millers played at the beginning of September, played a full part in an entertaining game that finally finished 7 – 3 in Millers favour, the second time they have scored seven at home this season.
New Mills man of the match, Danny Carter made the first threatening attack of the game with a strong run down the left in only the second minute, finally resulting in an early corner. It was Millers though that fell to the counter attack, as the ball was played upfield from the resulting goal kick, Nelson’s number 7 who was probably their man of the match played a through ball to their number 10 who looked offside, but carried on his unchallenged run at the Millers goal, and as the Millers keeper came off his line and went to ground, lifted it over him and into an empty net for 1 – 0.
A fifteen-minute period followed, which saw chances at both ends. Danny Carter continued to cause havoc down the left flank, firing in some great crosses that couldn’t be converted. Adam Blackburn had a run at goal but took one touch too many and lost the chance to shoot, Daniel Kitchen fired wide after a great chest down by Matt Zajac from Steve Jackson’s cross. At the other end the Nelson goalscorer missed the opportunity to double his tally, firing wide after being found unmarked on the left side of the Miller’s area.
On eighteen minutes Millers were awarded a free kick for a push way out on their right hand touchline. Danny Carter whipped a superb curling left footed cross into the Nelson six yard box which the Nelson keeper did well to make a reaction save to as the ball arrived at him with pace over a mass of heads, but he could only divert the ball upwards and Matt Zajac was on hand to head the ball into the top corner to level the scores. Joe Ingham was starting to take control of midfield and was finding his forwards with some telling balls, but it was Stephen Land who had to be alert on 23 minutes as he sprinted over from his right back position to block a shot on the left side of the Millers area from Nelson’s lively number 10.
Five minutes later and Millers took the lead. Joe Ingham found Danny Carter on the left flank, and he galloped forward to the dead ball line and fired in another telling low cross that flew past the Nelson keeper finding Adam Blackburn charging into the six yard box, and he duly passed the ball into an empty net to make it 2 –1. Ten minutes from half-time and the Nelson number 10 again found himself through on goal, but Millers keeper Luke Smith made a good block at his near post. More chances fell to both sides to increase the goal tally, but it remained 2 – 1 to the Millers as the half time whistle blew.
Nelson started the second half the brighter, creating a couple of chances, the second of which Chris Sibson did well to stay with and challenge their lively number 10 as he again looked to be through on goal, but he only managed to take a knock which saw him have to be substituted. It looked as though it was going to be an uphill struggle for Millers in the second half, as the referee who had obviously enjoyed his mince pies at Christmas, clearly hadn’t told the New Mills bench that he had promoted the Nelson linesman to assistant referee. All this lad needed was a whistle to confirm his status as every Millers attack was called offside, throw-ins were all blue and he even started flagging for fouls which his assistant on the field seemed only too happy to award.
Millers finally managed to beat the officials, when Adam Blackburn made a strong run up the right wing from Adam Brindle’s pass leaving the linesman for dead, and played a superb crossfield ball to Danny Carter free on the left who took a couple of touches, and fired a stinging shot that the Nelson keeper did well to force over the bar, drawing applause from the assembled masses in the crowd for both shot and save. From the resulting corner the ball fell to Chris Sibson in the Nelson area and he danced past a couple of challenges to fire back across goal and back into the far corner for 3 – 1.
Hardly had the Millers celebrations died down, when Nelson had a shot cleared off the line by Daniel Kitchen, but the ball was played back to the right and a good cross was played back across goal to the far post and was easily headed in by a Nelson forward to make it 3 – 2. As in the first half chances came and went at both ends. On 69 minutes Adam Blackburn won another New Mills corner, from which Danny Carter played another great ball over the Nelson keeper straight onto Mike Ward’s head and he powered the ball into the net to make it 4 – 2 to the Millers.
Nelson pulled another goal back with fifteen minutes to go in the strangest fashion, when their left back finding himself near the Millers corner flag fired the ball back goalwards, and as the Millers keeper came to the near post it flew over his head and cannoned into goal off the far post, 4 – 3.
From then on it was all New Mills, four minutes after the Nelson goal, Millers won another free kick out on the right hand touchline and the impeccable Danny Carter played in another telling ball into the near post which saw Adam Blackburn’s glancing header make it 5 – 3. Blackburn completed his hat-trick four minutes later when another crossfield ball from Matt Zajac found him unmarked and he fired home from the edge of the area for 6 – 3. A minute later it was Matt Zajac who found himself one on one with the keeper and he too finished well from the edge of the area to complete the scoring at 7 –3.
So Millers took their league goal tally past the 50 mark for the season and remain second in the League, but will face another tough away game next week against Oldham Town, who they knocked out of the Reserves Division Cup in another seven-goal thriller at the beginning of December. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Aji Khan and Chris Fidler, who were both injured in the Glossop cup game before Christmas, and who both have hospital appointments next Thursday to see if they might be available again by the end of the month, and also to Jake Taylor who needs to rest after chipping a bone in his leg last week against Bootle and David Silcock also injured in last weeks game.

Millers Team:
Luke Smith (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Adam Brindle, Chris Sibson, Mike Ward, Daniel Kitchen, Joe Ingham, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Danny Carter. Substitutes: James Elmore (74 minutes for M. Ward), Chris Prodromis (84 minutes for D. Carter), Elliot Marshall (85 minutes for D. Kitchen), Billy Gallagher, Chris Thornley.

Millers Res 1 Bootle Res 1 (by Gloveman) TOP

Millers Reserves extended their unbeaten league run to eleven games, with a 1-1 home draw against fourth placed Bootle Reserves. It was always going to be a difficult game against the team with the best defence in the league, and who with games in hand are going to be challenging for top spot come the end of the season.
It was Millers who had the upper hand in the first half, but despite having to make enforced changes in the second half following injuries to Stephen Land, David Silcock and Danny Carter, they managed to take the lead when the referee adjudged Adam Blackburn to have been pulled back in the penalty area and awarded a penalty. Adam Brindle stepped up and despatched the ball low into the corner to make it 1-0.
Bootle then played their way back into the match and looked the better side in the second half, and finally levelled the scores following an attack down the left wing, firing in an equaliser at the near post. They could have pinched the game near the end when the ball hit the crossbar, but at the final whistle, honours were even.
Millers Reserves maintained second spot in the league with this result and move into the New Year with another home game next Saturday against Nelson Reserves, who they comprehensively beat away at the beginning of September.
Players and Management of the Reserve team would like to wish everyone connected to the club a very Happy New Year, and thank all those who have turned up to watch them for their support. Good Luck to the club and all the players of both teams for continued success in 2008, and lets hope the end of the season brings the achievement they deserve.

Glossop NE Reserves 3 New Mills Reserves 1- Derbyshire Cup (by Gloveman) TOP

The Derbyshire FA Divisional Cup (North) Round 3 tie went ahead at Glossop on Tuesday night, despite being played on a pitch that negated the efforts of either team to play good football, but was better suited to Glossop’s “play it over the top” tactics. The ball bobbled, players slipped and slid across the playing surface, but the Millers nemesis that is Glossop this season, killed the game off just as New Mills had fought their way back into the match.
When the football was not commanding the attention, the comedy team on the Glossop bench kept everyone entertained. Despite both sides making strong challenges out on the field, the Glossop manager felt that it was New Mills who were being more physical, and vented his anger in a torrent of verbal abuse towards the Millers players. He then turned his attention towards the New Mills bench, asking to take them outside, obviously not realising they already were! In the second half he even managed to vent his anger on his own supporters, having a running shouting match with a Glossop supporter in the stand. But the most hysterical times in the evening were when Glossop scored, as the manager and his team sprinted onto the pitch with goal celebrations reminiscent of an 8 year old scoring his first goal at Primary school! I do believe there is an empty stage at the Embassy Club to better suit these talents!
Millers made five changes to the team that had surrendered their lead late in the game at Church Lane on Saturday, but they then had to make two enforced changes by half time as two players were forced off with injuries that required hospital check-ups. After 10 minutes the Millers goalkeeper, Chris Fidler was sharply off his line to clear a dangerous through ball from the edge of his area, but the Glossop forward continued his challenge after the ball had gone, and only managed to connect with the Miller’s keepers knee. He limped off to be replaced in goal, by sub keeper Luke Smith. (Thanks must go to the Glossop Physio for the treatment he gave. Some ligament damage is likely to mean a 1 – 4 week absence.) Just before half time, Aji Khan challenged for the ball and tumbled over a Glossop players back to fall shoulder first onto the hard pitch. He managed to make it to the break but was replaced in the second half by sub Joe Ingham. (Early diagnosis is that Aji may have fractured his shoulder, meaning an even longer absence). Best wishes go to both players.
The game started at a frantic pace with both sides trying to adjust to the uneven playing surface, and the ball moved from one end to the other with early attempts at goal being blocked. Glossop flashed a right wing cross right across the Millers six yard box on 15 minutes which nobody could latch onto, and blazed a free header from a corner over the bar seven minutes later. A good move up the right wing by New Mills on 24 minutes, followed a ball from Adam Brindle to Adam Blackburn, whose cross found Aji Khan on the edge of the Glossop area but he couldn’t control the shot which flew high over the bar.
It was Glossop who edged in front on 34 minutes when Danny Jones made ground down the right flank and played in a hopeful cross, which fell to the unmarked Glossop number 10 and he made no mistake from 20 yards to make it 1–0. Glossop should have gone further ahead nine minutes into the second half when their number 9 managed to side-foot wide with half an empty goal in front of him. New Mills nearly pulled level two minutes later when a Millers free kick found its way out to the right wing, and a dangerous cross bounced in the Glossop six yard box, only for Adam Blackburn to see his close range header travel just the wrong side of the crossbar.
It was Glossop who managed to extend their lead just after that miss. Awarded a free kick about 25 yards out, they bent a low free kick round the Millers wall, and keeper Luke Smith was down sharply to parry the shot, but Glossop were first to react to the loose ball to make it 2-0. This goal prompted some all out Millers attack and they were rewarded on 68 minutes when a great through ball found Adam Blackburn advancing on goal with only a defender and the Glossop keeper ahead of him, the defender slipped under challenge and Bomber took the ball round the keeper and side footed into an empty net for 2-1.
At this point it looked like Millers could haul themselves back into the match, but Glossop responded by scoring from a free kick which was ruled out by the referee for offside, and then killed the game off when a right wing cross found the Millers keeper caught in no mans land, and fell to a Glossop forward who despatched the ball into an empty net. With just over fifteen minutes to go and with the pitch becoming even more difficult to play on, a two-goal deficit was a bridge too far, and it was the Millers keeper who kept the score the same when he made a good stop from another Glossop breakaway eight minutes from time.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Daniel Kitchen, Chris Sibson, Stephen Land, Adam Brindle, James Elmore, Jake Taylor, Aji Khan, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK) (10 minutes for C. Fidler), Joe Ingham (45 minutes for A. Khan), Elliot Marshall (78 minutes for D. Kitchen), Stewart Kay, Chris Prodromis.

Millers Reserves 3 Cheadle Town Reserves 3 TOP

If you hadn’t been at Church Lane today and heard that there had been 6 goals, goal-line clearances, good saves and the ball hitting the post at least 4 times you would have thought you had missed a cracking game. Wrong! The game between a strangely out of sorts New Mills Reserves and Cheadle Town Reserves who only managed to get 11 players on the field fifteen minutes after the scheduled 3.00pm kick off time was a torrid affair.
Second bottom Cheadle Town who haven’t managed a win all season, prevented Millers from taking all three points and going top of the table, by employing a tactic of route one football, lumping the ball towards the Millers area at every opportunity and creating panic, unfortunately it seemed to work, and New Mills couldn’t create the kind of fluid play that they have displayed for most of the season.
Millers could have fallen behind as early as the fifth minute when the referee decided to ignore the offside rule, and allow the Cheadle Number 10 a run at goal, but he hit a poor shot well wide. Two minutes later and Millers created their first chance when Chris Prodromis made a strong run down the right and pulled the ball back into the path of James Elmore who also hit his shot wide. Cheadle’s number 11 Ben Fallows blazed a shot over the bar from 10 yards out when it looked easier to score, and at the other end Adam Blackburn hooked a shot over his shoulder from the edge of the box, which was just high and wide.
Twenty minutes gone and Cheadle won a free kick just inside the Millers half. A long high ball was played into the penalty area, and under challenge, the Millers Keeper was unable to take full control of the ball, and the Cheadle number 9 headed the ball goalwards, despite a lunging clearance and claims of a foul on the goalkeeper, the referee deemed the ball had crossed the line for Cheadle Town to take the lead.
Four minutes later and Cheadle rode their luck when Billy Gallagher broke down the Millers left flank, cut inside and curled a cross into the six yard box which the Cheadle keeper dropped over his head, only for him to manage to turn round and collect the ball before it crossed the line. The ball was cleared upfield and Millers keeper Luke Smith made a smart save. From the resulting Cheadle corner the ball broke downfield to Matt Zajac who was returning from injury, and through one on one he curled a delightful shot round the Cheadle keeper, but hit the outside of the post. The Cheadle keeper got lucky again when he spilled a tame header onto his post and the ball bounced straight back into his arms, but he could do nothing on 36 minutes when James Elmore found some space in the Cheadle box, took a couple of touches round a defender and fired across goal and in at the far post for 1 – 1.
The last ten minutes of the first half saw Millers finally spring into life and play with some composure and quality. From a Billy Gallagher cross Adam Blackburn glanced a header across goal and away off the post, Chris Prodromis saw a looped header claimed under his bar by the Cheadle keeper, who then made a fine stop low at his near post to deny Matt Zajac just before the half-time whistle.
It was Cheadle’s turn to hit the post at the beginning of the second half when the ball rebounded into the Miller’s keeper’s arms. Five minutes into the half and Millers finally took the lead when a long clearance by Adam Brindle was collected by Adam Blackburn who took the ball past a defender and the Cheadle keeper to pass the ball into an empty net for 2 –1. No sooner had Cheadle kicked off and they were level, an attempted Millers clearance was sliced to the edge of their own penalty area only to find an unmarked Cheadle forward who easily fired home to make it 2 - 2. A quality ball from Millers substitute Joe Ingham on 63 minutes found Adam Blackburn just inside the Cheadle area, and as it looked as though he had lost control of the ball, but between him and an advancing Cheadle defender and goalkeeper, the ball managed to find its way into the back of the net for Millers to lead again 3 – 2.
A minute later and Cheadle could have been level again. Another long free kick into the Millers 6 yard box was met unchallenged by a Cheadle forward, but keeper Luke Smith made an excellent block at his near post to keep the ball out. The half carried on in mediocrity as neither side took control of the game, but Cheadle earned their point right on the 90th minute when a long clearance was collected on the Cheadle right wing, and a hopeful cross was fired into the Millers area, only to see the ball slice off Stephen Land’s foot and in past the Millers keeper at the near post for 3 – 3. Stewart Kay could have wrapped up the points in injury time, but through on goal he could only fire his shot straight at the Cheadle keeper.
So a poor game finished in stalemate, with Cheadle definitely the happier with their players celebrating an unexpected point as though they had won the league. Millers Reserves return to action this Tuesday night with a Derbyshire Cup Quarter Final away at local rivals Glossop, and return to Church Lane next Saturday for a league game against mid-table Atherton LR. Lets hope for a more positive team performance in both of these matches.

Millers Team:
Luke Smith (GK), Stephen Land (Cpt), Chris Sibson, Adam Brindle, Andy Street, Danny Hooper, James Elmore, Billy Gallagher, Adam Blackburn, Matt Zajac, Chris Prodromis. Subs: Chris Fidler (GK), Elliot Marshall (27 minutes for D. Hooper), Joe Ingham 53 minutes for A. Street), Stewart Kay (70 minutes for M. Zajac), Danny Carter.

Oldham Town Reserves 3 Millers Reserves 4 TOP

Seven goals, a freezing wind, a pitch soaked by overnight rain, a sending off, what else would you expect for a December 1st Cup game. Well two good teams and a referee who didn’t know one end of the rulebook from the other contributed to an entertaining open game seeing New Mills Reserves beat Oldham Town Reserves by the odd goal. Millers were in for a difficult game they were told on arrival, as Oldham were playing an ex England U18 International goalkeeper, just released from Oldham Athletic. Well he kept a clean sheet for three minutes so Oldham must have been pleased with the start! After Stewart Kay had looped a shot over the bar in the first minute, Aji Khan fared better two minutes later when his shot from the edge of the box looped over the keeper and in for 1-0.
After Oldham had fired wide and a neat one two down the right between Jake Taylor and Aji had found the side netting, the scores were level on ten minutes. Oldham played a ball into a huge gap wide on the right, a cross to the edge of the box wasn’t cleared and an Oldham forward toe poked the ball across goal and in at the far corner. Then came the first warning signs that the referee wasn’t going to have the best of games. He penalised Millers several times for offside because an Oldham supporter was shouting at him to do so, yet when a ball played over the Millers defence found two Oldham forwards at least five yards offside it was left to the Millers keeper to win the race for the ball and clear the danger.
Oldham upped the pressure with two easily gained free kicks, but from a long clearance, Adam Blackburn latched onto a through ball and hit a good shot back across goal from a wide angle to restore the Millers lead at 2-1. Some end-to-end stuff followed culminating in what would have been the goal of the game when David Silcock met a Stephen Land cross and rifled his shot against the crossbar and away to safety. Back came Oldham and from a long throw into the box, Millers keeper Chris Fidler made two good blocks to maintain the lead. Then came another piece of refereeing gold. Another through ball to Adam Blackburn saw the Oldham defence shouting for offside, they stopped waiting for the whistle, the referee waved play on, Bomber carried on round the goalkeeper and it was 3-1 to New Mills. Cue mayhem, as Oldham players, management and supporters voiced their disappointment to the referee who calmly walked back to the middle ready for the kick off.
Back came Oldham again and after a stoppage following a clash of heads after the Millers keeper cleared both man and ball, the ball fell to an Oldham forward who fired a shot from 20 yards round a Millers defender and in at the far post for 3-2. Three minutes later and Oldham thought they had levelled when a free kick was launched into the Millers six-yard box and bundled in by an Oldham forward who was adjudged by the referee to have controlled the ball with his hand, and so a breathless first half finished, advantage Millers.
Millers started the second half at a frantic pace and the Oldham keeper was called into early action to make a double block from Jake Taylor, and then a parried save from Aji Khan. Adam Brindle made a superb tackle at the other end to stop the Oldham forward being through clear on goal, but then Millers started to take control of the game. A New Mills free kick for a foul on Stewart Kay, was well hit over the Oldham wall by Steve Jackson, but the keeper failed to hold the shot and Aji Khan followed in to make it 4-2. Despite Millers seeming to have control of the game and creating the better chances, play carried on moving from end to end, Chris Sibson and Steve Jackson made some strong runs up the left and Jake Taylor and Stephen Land kept probing up the right flank, but the Millers keeper had to be alert to make a close range save on 79 minutes following an Oldham break. There was nothing he could do though a minute later when another Oldham free kick wasn’t cleared to safety and an Oldham forward fired the ball past a crowd of players and in to make it 4-3.
Another refereeing headscratcher followed a few minutes later when Adam Blackburn surged into the box and was clearly hauled down by an Oldham defender for a stonewall penalty, only for the referee to wave play on again. Play carried on from end to end as Oldham searched for the equaliser and Millers looked to put the game out of sight, but this all became too much for the Oldham manager in the last couple of minutes, when following a stoppage he marched onto the far side of the pitch using some colourful language to implore the referee to get on with the game. Finally the referee had heard enough and walked over for a word and a yellow card, but the warning obviously wasn’t enough as the verbal onslaught continued as the referee walked back to re-start the game. This time the referee came back and showed a straight red for foul and abusive language, and as the manager walked off his final act was to throw water in the referee’s direction.
An exciting end to an exciting match when the referee finally blew for full time a few minutes later, and Millers had edged a hard fought victory in a game played in difficult conditions by two good teams. So Millers progress to Round 2 of the Reserves Division Cup and will hope for a home tie after being drawn away at Glossop in the quarter finals of the Derbyshire Cup.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Adam Brindle, Scott Dignan, David Silcock, Jake Taylor, Aji Khan, Adam Blackburn, Stewart Kay, Chris Sibson. Substitutes: Luke Smith (GK), James Elmore (72 minutes for S. Kay), Chris Prodromis (82 minutes for C. Sibson), Elliot Marshall (86 minutes for A. Blackburn), Billy Gallagher.

Millers Reserves 2 Whaley Bridge Athletic 1 (DDC Round 2) TOP

Whaley Bridge Athletic visited Church Lane today to face New Mills Reserves in the second round of the Derbyshire Divisional Cup North. Persistent rain which had been falling all morning cast a little doubt on whether the tie would go ahead, but some small pockets of standing water were cleared and the referee was happy to get the game under way.
This was always going to be a hard fought game with both sides unbeaten in their last nine games. It was the visitors who started the brighter winning a free kick in the first minute, which came to nothing, but Whaley’s Ray Dwolitka had the first shot of the match two minutes later, which sailed over the Millers bar. Whaley Bridge kept up the pressure and were rewarded in the fifth minute when the Millers defence failed to clear the ball from their penalty area and Rob Newton hit a fierce shot from close range which the Millers keeper got his fingers to but couldn’t deflect wide.
This goal shook the Millers team into action and it was their turn to exert some pressure. Danny Carter crossed a wicked free kick into the Whaley area but keeper Jon Brogden managed to collect unchallenged. Then Adam Blackburn should have equalised when an Aji Khan shot took a deflection off the defender and looped to him on the edge of the six-yard box but he managed to side foot the ball wide. Millers maintained this sustained pressure with a run of corners, but on fifteen minutes Millers were level when a free kick ten yards into the opposition half was half cleared by the Whaley defence and Aji Khan hit a curling shot from the edge of the box which beat Brogden with the aid of a slight deflection off one of his defenders.
New Mills should have gone ahead five minutes later when Adam Blackburn broke into the box and beat two defenders but Brogden managed to save with his foot at the near post. On 24 minutes Adam Brindle played a glorious through ball with the outside of his right foot which found Blackburn whose first time cross was hit from the edge of the box by Scott Dignan with a low shot saved at full stretch by the Whaley keeper.
A period of midfield interplay finally led to another Whaley chance on 35 minutes when from a New Mills Corner, Whaley’s Ray Dwolitka collected and ran the length of the field only to have a weak shot easily saved by the Millers keeper. Seven minutes later and the Millers keeper Chris Fidler made the save of the match, when he acrobatically made a one handed save to divert a ball destined for the top corner around the post for a corner. He denied the Whaley number 10 with his foot on the stroke of half time and watched a looped header over the bar from the last chance of the half. Whaley Bridge started and finished the half strongly but it was all-square at half time.
Five minutes into the second half and Adam Blackburn put Millers ahead only to see his well taken goal ruled out by the referee after some furious flag waving by the Whaley substitute running the line, who had been trying to give offside at every opportunity. Some end-to-end play saw half chances at both ends, a Whaley Bridge forward fired wide and David Silcock put a flashing header past the Whaley post. It was the Millers keeper who saved the game again for his side on 68 minutes when he saved at point blank range and managed to repeat the performance six minutes later when Whaley’s man of the match Dwolitka again forced a point blank save after being allowed too much space in the Millers area.
Millers finally took the lead on 83 minutes when some good work up the right saw Stephen Land play a dangerous ball into the Whaley area, and their substitute managed to deflect the ball past his keeper and just inside the far post. Adam Blackburn nearly extended the lead just before full time when he broke into the opposition area, rounded the Whaley keeper, only to see Newton make a goal saving tackle. Whaley Bridge came charging back seeking to take the game into extra time, and the Millers keeper had to be alert and out of his goal quickly to make a tackle on the far touchline, clearing the threat of a Whaley breakaway.
Into injury time and Millers were awarded a penalty for a trip. Adam Brindle stepped up to score only for the referee to order a re-take due to encroachment, and he duly put the second kick past the post and away for a goal kick, which as soon as it was taken the ref. blew for full time.
So an entertaining local derby cup-tie, played in difficult conditions and in a decent spirit, saw two good teams create chances and play some good football. Millers probably had their keeper Chris Fidler to thank for keeping them in the game, and giving them the opportunity to progress into the quarter finals, and extend their unbeaten run to ten games.

Millers Team:
Chris Fidler (GK), Stephen Land, Stephen Jackson, Richard Gresty, Adam Brindle, Aji Khan, Scott Dignan, Jake Taylor, Adam Blackburn, David Silcock, Danny Carter. Subs: Luke Smith (GK), Chris Prodromis (45 minutes for D. Carter), Daniel Kitchen, Stewart Kay, Joe Ingham.

Flixton Reserves 2 Millers Reserves 2 TOP

Millers Reserves played their second away game of the week and fourth in a row, on Wednesday night at Flixton FC, and as on Saturday at Chadderton the last 15 minutes decided the game, however on Saturday it was definitely a point won whereas tonight it was two points lost. The positives to be taken from the game were that New Mills Reserves extended their unbeaten run to eight games, and tonight’s draw lifted Millers to the top of the Reserve Division, albeit on goal difference from Glossop North End who Millers play in their next league match a week on Saturday.
Flixton was always going to be a difficult place to come midweek on a wet and windy evening, and it appeared it was going to be even more difficult when despite a firm and even playing surface, somebody seemed to have forgotten to mark out the pitch with any white lines! The ref decided that he had good eyesight and could see the faintest of markings and the match got underway.
The game started at a frantic pace. Flixton kicked off, Millers won the ball back and Jake Taylor set off at pace down the right wing, only to be crudely taken out by the Flixton number 6, and this was after only 10 seconds. Stephen Land took the free kick straight onto Adam Blackburn’s head and just wide. Flixton goal kick, which Adam Brindle met and knocked straight back towards the Flixton goal, Matt Zajac neatly flicked a header to Adam Blackburn who slid the ball under the keeper to make it 1-0 and one minute gone. The same two players combined two minutes later only to see the shot easily collected by the Flixton keeper.
Flixton had their first chance on nine minutes, when some neat play up the right wing finished with a one-two that took the ball deep into the Millers area and keeper Barry George had to be alert to steer a close range shot away with his foot for a corner. For the next fifteen minutes the ball was steered around the midfield area with neither side creating any clear cut opportunities, but on 24 minutes the ball was played out wide on the Millers left to David Silcock who played a great cross field ball to an unmarked Jake Taylor at the far post who despatched his shot with ease to double the Millers goal tally.
Millers continued to press for a third and dominated the remainder of the half, creating another five clear-cut chances, which they were unable to convert, and the half finished with Millers leading 2-0.
New Mills started the second half as they had finished the first. Some neat passing through the team from one side of the field to the other resulted in a corner. The ball in was cleared for a second corner, which Adam Blackburn headed back across goal to an unmarked Adam Brindle, who failed to keep his shot down and fired well over the bar. Two minutes later and Matt Zajac who had looked lively all game, fired in a snap shot which the Flixton keeper fumbled and just managed to steer past the post for yet another Millers corner.
It wasn’t until the 59th minute that Flixton managed to get another shot on target, which was easily collected by the Millers keeper. Millers continued to push forward and James Elmore played the second of two lovely floated probing passes into the path of Steve Jackson up the left wing and his superb cross was well met by David Silcock with a firm header which flew agonisingly past the far post.
Then with 20 minutes to go Millers seemed to take their foot off the pedal, sat back a bit and started to allow Flixton a bit more space and possession. Mild panic set in when Stephen Land who had been superb all evening steered a back pass past the oncoming Barry George but managed to get back to clear, before the Flixton forward could capitalise on the mistake. A minute later and nobody was alert to a quickly taken Flixton corner, which was headed on by an unmarked Flixton forward just past the far post.
Right on the stroke of 75 minutes, Millers fell to the classic sucker punch. A strong Jake Taylor run up the right wing led to him cutting into the box and chipping the ball over the advancing keeper only to see it pass the far post and just evade Matt Za