Teams must learn to adapt to a stop-start season, says New Mills boss Dave Birch

The Millers have already seen three matches postponed in a campaign which didn't kick off until October 3 due to local lockdown measures in the area.

Two of those games were put on hold due to COVID-19 cases and fears in opposition ranks, while the original date for the FA Vase of Winterton Rangers was put back due to a waterlogged Church Lane pitch.

"We've had three games postponed already this season and I think it's going to be like this all season," Birch admitted. "I think it's something we're going to have to put up with this season. It'll be stop-start and eventually it'll be the team that copes best who'll do well.

"I can see that happening. Not just COVID, the weather will stop a few games as well. Throw that into the hat as well, at our level the pitches don't take as much water as higher up the pyramid.

"I think weather, COVID and everything else will make it a long old frustrating season."

While Birch admits this isn't football as he's known it before, he believes that teams will have to adapt, even suggesting the campaign could conclude with sides having to fit three matches a week into their schedule.

But Birch is adamant that those who adapt best will be the teams who strive... even if a little bit of luck with fixtures and injuries will help too.

"The teams that are successful in our division will be the best teams, but they'll also need luck this season," he added.

"I've seen the top three or four in our division this season, in my opinion."I've been to watch a few teams, and I won't name names, but I know that the level of the bar has been set high this season.

"There’s some really good teams, but it's a challenge we're going to have a go at.

"Hopefully, at the end of the season we'll be up there looking at being in one of the top four positions."

New Mills picked up their first league win of the season on Tuesday night, beating Cheadle Town 2-1.

Defender Jared Wild, who signed on a dual registration with Glossop North End on Monday, made his first start for the club.

With just nine minutes to go the deadlock was broken as Michael Connor poked home.

Seconds later and that lead was doubled when Ben Edgson headed home for his first goal for the club.

Cheadle grabbed a consolation in injury time.

The Millers booked their place in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday following a 2-1 home win over Winterton.

They will now travel to Cheadle Town on October 31.

Lee Ridley headed the visitors ahead before Sam Amankwaa’s finish and Connor’s penalty turned the game around.

Adam Muir was sent off with 10 minutes to go for a second booking in a game which saw midfielder Gary Gee mark his return to the club.

New Mills are in league action at Maine Road on Saturday (KO 3pm) and Cheadle Heath Nomads on Tuesday (KO 7.45pm).