Stockport Town 4-1 The Millers

The Millers suffered a disappointing defeat in the season opener at Stockport Town, although the score does not tell the total story of a game that was even for long periods, in fact but for a crazy ten minute spell midway through the second half it appeared that Birch and Norton's side were more than capable of taking something from the contest.

The Millers started well and took the lead just three minutes in, Jordan Milne winning the ball in midfield and finding Kyle Oakes who slipped in Jamie Hinchcliffe who produced a fabulous finish from just inside the area. The visitors were in total control of the opening period, the game played largely in the Stockport half, until Milne who had been dominating the midfield was forced off.

As half-time approached the home side had battled their way back into the game and they equalised just before the interval, a well worked corner routine prodded home from close range by former New Mills Junior Harry Lomakin-Rogers.

The equaliser right on half-time galvanised the home side and they went ahead on 63 minutes, a clumsy challenge resulting in a penalty kick, converted by McLaughlin. Five minutes later it was three as McLaughlin bundled home from close range. With 19 minutes to go a long cross from the right was headed past his own goalkeeper by Elliot Cooke who was substituted as a precautionary measure shortly after.

With the game now no longer in doubt the home side sat back and reverted to the long ball tactics employed in the opening half as The Millers created a couple of openings, but the defence held firm and it was a frustrating end to a game that had started so brightly.

Pic. MKS Photos