The Millers 1-1 Barnton

George Howarth grabbed a last gasp equaliser as The Millers recorded their first point of 2023/24 against a resolute Barnton side who defended superbly in their attempts to hold onto a lead they gained through Adam Moseley mid way through the first half.

With Jordan Milne out injured, although it is hoped that his knee injury is not as bad as first feared and could see him return in weeks rather than months, MacKena Bradshaw came in for his debut in central defence alongside Spencer Harris who took over the captains armband. Olly Parker moved to right back to accommodate Bradshaw with Elliot Cooke moving into midfield.

As they did in the season opener at Stockport Town, The Millers started brightly, Cooke in particular causing problems down the right flank and Jamie Hinchcliffe again looking lively. The visitors didn’t take long to settle though and they posed a threat in the wide areas, and it was from a break in the inside right channel that they took the lead, on 26 minutes a fierce drive ricocheting off the post straight to Moseley who tapped in from close range. After taking the lead it was Barnton who controlled the remainder of the half and they may well have been disappointed to have only a single goal lead at the interval.

The Millers were much improved after the interval, going close on several occasions as George Howarth crossed from the left to both Cooke and Ankers, but neither could find the target. Substitute Adam Muir linked well with Hinchcliffe to go through on goal, only for the outstanding Patrick McLoughlin to block his effort and the visitors through their bodies in front of several goal bound efforts. With the game in injury time a long cross from the right was deflected back across goal to an unmarked Howarth who smashed home gleefully from level with the penalty spot to earn his side a point.