Pic: James Lobley
NEW MILLS finally grabbed their first point of their cataclysmic season last Tuesday – and were then tipped to pull off the greatest escape of all time!
The Evo-Stik NPL Division One North Millers lost every one of their 27 league and cup games prior to meeting Witton Albion.
Losing their previous two matches 4-0 and 5-0, and with their opponents just shocking promotion-chasing Glossop North End, more of the same was expected.
New Mills’ campaign from hell had seen them ship 95 goals already but that all changed in midweek. They almost won it, too.
Darrhyl Mason, their new signing from Cheadle, twice put them in front at Wincham Park only for the hosts to respond quickly both times.
Joint manager Paul Williams reckons the 2-2 draw, their first point on the board could just be the start.
He said: “We’ve now got something to build on. It’s been a long time coming, that’s clear for everyone to see. People have dismissed us but we’ve shown we can pull together.
“What it is, is a huge confidence booster. We’ll take the game to people now and hopefully we can turn the corner.
Legends
“We’ve just not got the money to bring in proven quality players so we just have to find diamonds in the rough and polish them up. All managers tell us the same thing, we’re a decent side with spirit who have been unlucky a lot. This is the turning point we believe.”
New Mills clearly have it all to do to avoid Step 5 football next season – but if they can pull off the shock of all shocks, Williams says his players can become legends.
Harrogate Railway boast 14 points and the team above the dreaded dotted line, Ossett Town, have two more. Mills play them both in February – get that first win as soon as possible and Mission: Impossible may look a little more probable.
“You just don’t know,” Williams said. “I’ve got to say I am quietly confident.
“There’s a long way to go and what a story it would be, these players would never be forgotten! They’ve been kicked when they’re down but we’ve stuck together.”
