New Mills Football Club are delighted that Chris Pauley has been named NWCFL Division One South Player of the Month for March. His nomination can be seen below;

Experienced central defender Chris Pauley joined The Millers back in December having fallen out of favour at his former club, limited to just two substitute appearances in 2023/24 before arriving at Church Lane, but since then he has become a key figure as his sides fortunes improved. Going into the month of March The Millers sat bottom of the North West Counties Football League Division One South table having conceded more goals than any other side in the division. The Millers started the month with a 4-0 win over Stockport Geortgians, their first clean sheet in the league this season, and Pauley was perhaps not challenged significantly however it was the game that saw the debut of his central defensive partnership with Chris Rogers. Four days later Ashville visited Church Lane and Pauley was outstanding, collecting the Man of the Match award as his side won 2-0.

The Millers were sensational in defeating Cheadle Heath Nomads 4-0 at Church Lane, a game effectively over by the interval, but the visitors were much improved after the break and Pauley was required to be on top form as they looked to fight back into the match. Following the Nomads win came the trip to Winsford United, a real six pointer at the bottom of the table. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges and Pauley, as well as his defensive colleagues, was frequently called into action before his side settled into the game. The Millers took the win and recorded another clean sheet. Stafford Town are a side who do not struggle to score goals, but were unable to breach The Millers defence in an entertaining goalless draw at Church Lane. The final game of the month saw The Millers visit Abbey Hulton United and record an astonishing 6-0 win. The Millers ended the month with five wins and a draw from six matches, significantly they did not concede a goal during the month. In honesty any one of The Millers defensive unit could have been nominated for this award, but Pauley just edges it, a real leader within the squad his organisational skills along with his outstanding performances would make him a worthy winner.