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Elliott Cooke secured New Mills their first win in six outings with Saturday's much-needed 2-1 victory on their first visit to Ashville in the North West Counties Division One South.

Teddy Ospitan had put the Millesr ahead after only eight minutes.

An error gifted the home side an equaliser after the break only for Cooke to bag a stunning winner on 63 minutes.

“It was a tough game. It was scrappy but I think we were well worthy of the three points if I am honest,” said joint Mills boss Dave Birch.

Teddy Osipitan - opening goalscorer at Ashville. Photo by John Fryer.

“It was a massive boost for the lads. We still have a good side with good players though we still need to bring a couple in as we are a little light round the edges.

“We did lose a lot of players in the summer, who went on to bigger and better things – which is what we promote and we wish them well.

“The rebuild continues, but we will get there.

“We needed a win. We've probably deserved a little more than we've had this season as we have not had the rub of the green. But I am a great believer in making your own luck.”

On the game he added: “We were cruising at half-time and 1-0 up and I said to them at half-time just don't give them an opportunity.

“But we went back out and the centre half gave the ball away, they score out of nothing, and it gives them a bit of something to fight for.

“It was very windy and the pitch was difficult, but we fought back and Elliott Cook scored us a cracking goal.

“I don’t think we played as well as we can but we were the better team. It was pleasing as we'd have probably lost that game a couple of weeks ago. We ground it out and it was a good day all round in the end.”

Mills now turn their attentions to three cup competitions.

“It was especially important to get the three points as we have a couple of weeks' rest off the league now as we have some cup game coming up,” said Birch.

“We play the Division League Cup and the NWC League Cup with the Derbyshire Cup in between, which is a good competition that we have done well in recently and want to do so again.

“We're looking forward to it and it gives us an opportunity to look at a few players we have had in at training we've not had chance to look at so far and re-evaluate a few things.

“With us not doing so great lately and not in the greatest of form it's not easy to throw people in and have a proper look at them in league games – which is our bread and butter.

“I do want to win every game we play but, with no disrespect to the league cups or winning a trophy, the league is the most important thing. We have lots of games at our level and we do lose a lot with the weather and end up with a backlog.

“Withenshawe are flying high and they beat us early in the season . I know a couple of their lads who previously played for us. We will have a look at a few players there and it's an opportunity to get a few minutes into legs of players who have been constantly on the bench plus a couple of lads who have had around the squad at training.”

Elliott Cooke stunner halts New Mills' run without a win as they take three points at Ashville