Victory of significance for Millers

HALLMARK SECURITY PREMIER LEAGUE NEW MILLS .................. 2 WINSFORD UTD .......... 1 SUE HYDE

MARCH 11th 2017 may not go down in history as a date the Millers collected a trophy or even recorded a huge victory over local rivals Winsford – but it may prove a date of some significance to the club moving forward.

Manager Calum Sykes saw his side record their first league victory under his stewardship.

Sykes took the Church Lane hot seat just before Christmas, taking over from the departing Paul Williams, and while there have been several encouraging performances and signings, three league points have proved elusive.

But the search for a league win finally ended in front of a Church Lane crowd of 101, after a Nathan Neequaye double secured the points in a 2-1 victory over a Winsford United side that started the day twelve places and 28 points above the Millers in the Hallmark Security Premier League table.

Following a number of recent postponements of fixtures at home and away, it was a relief for the fans to finally see the side back in action at Church Lane, after several weeks where politics had taken over regarding the town council’s rejection of the club’s plans to develop a site within New Mills, along with New Mills Juniors Football Club.

Manager Sykes made two changes to his team from last Saturday’s defeat at Maine Road, bringing in Kiarno Samms at left back for the injured Michael Jones, while Jake Pollard came into the starting line up with Dennis Sherriff dropped to the bench.

Both Sykes and club chairman Ray Coverly highlighted the need for league points in their programme notes, with both acknowledging the improved performances seen in recent weeks and their pleas were to prove fruitful as the Millers registered their first league win since September.

All three of the goals arrived in a frenetic opening half, condensed in an 11-minute period around the half hour mark. Neequaye put the home side ahead on 27 minutes after a great run by Samms from left back and a clever pass sent him clear, the experienced striker made no mistake in slotting home.

The visitors were level within seven minutes, Jordan Johnson netting from an incisive Dale Jennings through ball.

But the Millers were not to be denied as Neequaye coolly sent Matthew Green the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 38th minute to secure the points.

There were chances at both ends in the second half, but no further goals as the Millers clung on to clinch three points that may yet prove crucial this season – but also further down the line as Sykes’ squad grow in confidence.

With two home games in succession, Irlam on Saturday 18th March (ko 3pm) and Nelson Wednesday 22nd March (ko 7.45pm) the Millers will fancy their chances of picking up more league points in their bid to pull off what would be a miraculous escape from relegation to the Hallmark Security League Division One.

There is optimism within the camp, it is still mathematically possible to achieve safety – while not impossible it is a massive ask for the management team and players. ●●NEW Mills AFC are thrilled to announce that they have linked up with local brewery Torrside - from Friday 24th March beer lovers will be able to purchase the real ale at New Mills AFC clubhouse and in July will be running a beer festival weekend.