15/09/2025
Our first ever league fixture at the weekend, since forming last summer, ended in a 7-1 victory.
Joining the Tameside Vets league, we hosted Rochdale AFC Community Trust, who despite a spirited performance struggled with injuries and played much of the second half with only 10 men.
We started well, going ahead after 10 minutes, after a well worked move was finished off by Tom Coghill on the angle for 1-0.
A further two goals in quick succession on 20 and 25 minutes made it 3-0.
Jake Taylor with a good finish on the angle inside the box and then an assist for a Jack Kirk goal, which was smashed in, off the crossbar.
Rochdale pulled one back on 40 minutes when their right back was pushed further forward. A neat nutmeg opened up space and he ran on and finished well for 3-1.
Half time: New Mills 3-1 Rochdale
Early in the second half, Rochdale had several chances to close the gap, going close after some good work in midfield but just couldn't find the net.
On the 50 minute mark Darren Lytham stepped up with the goal of the game, placing a 30 yard free kick into the top left of the goal, (the one video that was captured!).
Ten minutes later Tom Coghill got his second and The Millers 5th of the game and then completed a well earned hat-trick on 75 minutes.
Multiple injuries to Rochdales players meant they played the last 30 minutes with only 10 men.
This and the scoreline part way through the half allowed us to comfortably roll subs on and off, with alot of chances going a miss, with players wanting to get on the scoresheet.
Craig McDonald went close when clean through, with Russ Sumner and Jake Taylor both hitting the woodwork.
Some great saves throughout the game from Rochdales captain and goalkeeper kept the scoreline down, before Jake Taylor rounded off the scoring on 86 minutes to make it 7-1.
Full time: New Mills 7-1 Rochdale.
Goals: Tom Coghill (3), Jake Taylor (2), Jack Kirk & Darren Lytham.
Man of the Match: Lee Hampson a tireless performance in central midfield, both on and off the ball.
A great performance all round, and with almost 40 players signed on, the potential for friendlies to be organised to allow everyone plenty of playing time is a definite......watch this space!
Thank you to everyone that came down to watch and support on our first ever league fixture.
A big thank you to New Mills FC and Sue for allowing to use the ground as our home pitch.
To Lone Pine Pizza for the always amazing pizzas and to Jake and Holly Taylor for making the food for the players post match.
Our next match, at home again, versus Hyde United FC Vets, is on Sunday 28th September, 2pm kick off.
We hope to see you then! ⚽️🍕🍺👍🏽