Miller's second string were without many key players for this Derbyshire Divisional Cup tie, but still managed to knock out the holders - Shirebrook Town reserves.

New Mills started brightly and created quite a few chances, Dan Thomas saw his 20-yard drive well tipped over, while Ben Candlin and the visitors keeper made numerous blocks in between the sticks. Both sides made goal-line clearances during the 1st half, with New Mills grateful to Kyle Mullen as Shirebrook pressed.

Ben Candlin safely collects while under pressure

Honours were even at half time and although Scorer Kyle Harrison the visitors increased the tempo after the break, New Mills looked to have scored the winner in the 79th minute. Stephen Done caused Shirebrook problems all afternoon and his delightful chip rebounded off the post with Kyle Harrison heading home. With just 80 seconds to go a slightly harsh penalty was awarded to Shirebrook and extra time ensued. Mat Bell was excellent throughout the game and delivered many a fine cross on his forays forward. Bob Crossland took to the field as Miller's only available substitute with Bell warmly applauded for his efforts on his exit. Shirebrook posed a threat during extra time, but Kyle Harrison tucked his second away. The tie was complete after 115 minutes of play with a fine individual effort by Stephen Done.

Bell - many fine crosses Done - outpaced defence

An excellent scalp for Millers second string who now progress to the third round.

Town's keeper punches clear from Miller's attack

The performance of the day in North West Counties Division two fell to Miller's Senior Team who beat League Leaders Padiham 4-2. Craig Senior scored a Hat Trick on his full 1st-team debut and midfield dynamo Gavin Hunter proved his worth at senior level with his goal.

A former New Mills favourite was at the Derbyshire Divisional Cup game against Shirebrook on Saturday. Alf Jenkins was player manager way back in season 1955/56 when the Millers won the Manchester League Championship for the first time in 30 years. Alf, who was then working at Ferodo has lived in Australia for the past 30 years. He is pictured here being welcomed back to Church Lane by club chairman Ray Coverley.

Extremely unlucky not to have gained anything from this game were New Mills. After a shaky opening ten minutes, Chris Pfieffer hit the post from the edge of the box then Craig Hall forced a good save from Leek's keeper.

However, half an hour into the game the home side took the lead in highly dubious circumstances. A shot at goal from outside the box deflected off a New Mills player and fell kindly to Dave Harper who seemed to be clearly offside. No appeals were made as Harper tucked the ball away, that goal was to seal the game although New Mills had a host of chances later on.

As play resumed after the break the Millers strung together some fine passing moves, Chris Pfieffer's deft flick hit the post for a second time on 47 minutes and Craig Hall saw a good chance beat the keeper but the far post also. Leek also had some good chances to double their tally with Steve Lyons in top form in Miller's goal.

In the 89th minute and following constant pressure from the visitors, a decent cross found Craig Hall on the six yard box, the ball was headed down but the contact was too slight and Leek were left to celebrate after several minutes of added on time.

The unbeaten start to the season at Church Lane for New Mills was shattered on Saturday by fellow new boys Cammell Laird. The men from the Wirral are having an outstanding season, and are still involved in the FA Cup and Vase.

^ Kelvin Lugsden attacks   -   Millers defend goal v

The first half was a fairly even affair with the Millers looking dangerous when they broke away from defending. However, it was the leading scorer for Cammell Laird, Ronnie Morgan, who scored the only goal of the half on 10 minutes. The big crowd of 171 were hoping to see the bouncebackability of the men in black and amber, but these hopes were soon dispelled with Morgan getting his second and 20th so far this season four minutes into the second period. He was immediately taken off to be replaced by his brother John, who promptly added a third on 58 minutes. The scoring was completed on 74 minutes through Anthony Sheehan. Although the second half in particular showed the difference in class between the two sides, the Millers never the less gained some positives especially from their man of the match Craig Hall. The classy display from Lairds kept their unbeaten start to the current campaign, and they also recorded their 50th league and cup goal so far - a quite remarkable feat.

Ignotus chases as Pickering closes to intercept

This Saturday will see both teams playing away from Church Lane. The First team will travel over to Keithley to play Silsden - they are also at Leek CSOB on Tuesday. The Reserve team who had no game last weekend travel to bottom of the table Bacup Borough to try to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Alex Radford pushed forward from his right-back position to unleash a stinging shot inside two minutes, Dove's keeper caught unawares, but blocked with two attempts. The blustery conditions were in the home side's favour when a well-taken corner kick was headed in with just four minutes gone.

Gavin Hunter and Stephen Done were linking
up well in midfield as New Mills began to test Dove's resolve.

Stephen Done delivered an incisive cross into the box from the right wing and Craig Senior slid in smartly to fire the ball in off the post.

Dove Holes almost regained the lead as half time approached, but a world-class save from Ben Candlin (right) ensured parity at the break.