The Millers secured a hard‑earned three points with a 1–0 victory over Sandbach United, a result built on a dominant, but frustrating first half that saw the management team hand out stern words at the interval, a well‑worked goal after the break, and some resilient late defending.
The Millers set the tone early, controlling possession and territory throughout the opening 45 minutes. Their movement caused Sandbach repeated problems, with Millen Brown and Maysan Bernarbia especially lively out wide, while debutant Alfie Belcher dropped into pockets of space where the visitors defence struggled to contain him.
Despite several promising openings and sustained pressure, New Mills couldn’t find the breakthrough. Sandbach, meanwhile, struggled to build any rhythm, spending long spells defending deep inside their own half although The Millers defence had to remain alert with the visitors attack of Joe Bevan and Kyle Foley already registering 45 goals between them this season.

The decisive moment arrived ten minutes after the restart. Brown produced a moment of quality down the flank, driving into the box before picking out Bernarbia, who shaped to shoot across goal. His driven effort looked dangerous on its own, but the impressive Belcher reacted brilliantly, adjusting his run and steering the ball into the net with a composed finish to give his side the lead.

Saul Henderson thought he had doubled the advantage after rounding off a flowing move, only to see the celebrations cut short by the assistant’s flag. Moments later, Sandbach keeper Craig Ellison was called into action, producing smart stops to deny the Millers a more comfortable cushion.
As the game moved into the final stages, Sandbach found their way into the contest for the first time and dominated territory. Callum Jakovlevs became increasingly busy, making several fine saves to preserve the lead. The visitors came closest when a close range header following a right wing corner crashed against the crossbar before rebounding to safety, a reminder that the result was far from secure.

Despite the late pressure, Chris Baguley's side held firm to claim a deserved victory, registering a well‑earned three points that keeps them in the play-off picture as the season nears its business end.