Four-goal Mills back on form with league victory

In his programme notes Sykes referred to the fact his side were among the top scorers in North West Counties League Division One, and they were clinical in front of goal once again to win 4-1.

With Dean Williams still suspended, Sykes opted to bring in Liam Flynn for his debut in goal, replacing Craig Ellison who featured in last weekend’s defeat at Alsager.

Dennis Sherriff was rewarded for several impressive outings as a substitute by being handed a starting spot, lining up in attack alongside Nathan Neequaye.

The Millers were ahead wihint wo minutes as Darcy O’Connor’s shot from distance took a slight deflection — the defender’s first goal of the campaign.

Ten minutes later Sherriff fired home from the edge of the area to double the advantage.

Having spent much of the season on the substitutes’ bench, Sherriff was determined to show his worth and produced a lively performance.

The visitors responded well and had their best spell of the match.

On 24 minutes Flynn was forced into a fine double save, initially blocking Billy McKenna’s effort and then flying across his goal to tip away Conah Bishop’s follow-up.

But moments later AFC Blackpool were rewarded for their efforts. The lively Kit Gregory spun away from Gaskin and slotted under Flynn.

Moments later Gregory found himself clear on goal in an almost identical position but, to the relief of the home side, screwed his effort narrowly wide.

The Millers began the second half even more impressively than the first, Neequaye racingclear and slotting past Kirkland to restore the home side’s two-goal advantage.

Andy Graham came on as a substitute and made an impact with his passing range.

It was Graham who was the architect as the Millers added their fourth goal on 72 minutes. A fine through-ball found Blackwell, whose finish was of equal quality, chipping Kirkland as he raced from his goal.

There was no let-up from the home side, Joe Armstrong and Callum Scott both went close, but there was to be no addition to the scoreline, the game ending 4-1 and the Millers’ impressive home record under Sykes continuing.

Line Up:

1. Liam Flynn, 2. Jack Beswick, 3. Darcy O’Connor, 4. Arron Kirk, 5. Joe Armstrong, 6. Warren Gaskin (c), 7. Adam Kay (Andy Graham), 8. Sam Scott (Bobby Lofthouse), 9. Nathan Neequaye (Callum Scott), 10. Dennis Sherriff, 11. George Blackwell.

Unused Subs: Jordan Pendlebury, Liam Pearson