IN years to come when players discuss past campaigns in the Garey Mooar club, they will reflect on the 2011-12 campaign as a memorable season.
GH Woods Cup winners, promotion to the Premier League, FA Cup finalists for the first time in the club’s history, success at junior level and on Thursday the merry Millers were crowned JCK Division Two champions after defeating Colby 2-6 at Station Road.
Union Mills have a team to be proud off; youthful, dynamic and dedicated to the cause. On a wind-swept and down-cast evening, the hardy visiting supporters gathered on one line were treated to another exhibition of scintillating football.
However, things didn’t go according to the script with 12 minutes played. Following a counter-attack and some good wing play from James Collett, a squared pass across the box resulted in a bout of footballing pinball and Steve Kelly reacted quickest to chip an effort into the goal.
Then came a devastating goalscoring spell from Mills, scoring three goals within five minutes. James Cannell pushed a through-ball, Steven Quine collected and, after a Colby defender slipped, the Mills’ number 10 expertly placed his shot into the net.
Derek Cowley’s charges got their noses in front for the first time soon after when Matty Cain delivered a cross and AJ Suckling connected at the near post to head home.
Three minutes later the visitors notched their third as Suckling’s flick-on put Quine clear who coolly chipped into the net.
With Millers finding their goalscoring groove it was soon 1-4, Kyle Uren passing the ball across goal and Cannell was on hand to tap into an empty net.
The visitors finished their first half in style with a fifth. A free-kick was awarded just outside the penalty area and Stephen Halsall’s shot was struck with such force, it could have burst open the net.
The second half performance lacked goals but Colby were reduced to 10 men following a tussle involving Suckling and Kevin Kniveton. The Millers’ striker fell to the floor, the Colby player’s foot stamped on Suckling’s head. Kniveton was shown a red card - he had to walk.
The southerners were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Christian Cellamare brought down Collett and Steve Kelly banged the spot-kick into the top-right corner to reduce the deficit.
The Millers were more than happy to maintain possession but, whenever they did press forward, they came across an excellent Colby rearguard.
However, they scored their sixth with the last attack of the game. After being awarded a free-kick, Uren’s effort deflected off the wall and flew into the net to complete the scoring.
Seconds later referee Gareth Jones blew his whistle to begin the celebrations - Isle of Man Football Assocation director and vice-president Tony Mepham gave a quick speech before JCK Ltd’s Jimmy Cubbon presented medals and the trophy.
Next step for Mills, the Paul Henry Gold Cup.
TEAM CHECK
Colby: Jay Gandy, Tom Ward, Danny Kniveton, Kevin Kniveton, Adam Griffiths (Adam Young 46m), Juan Kinvig, James Collett, Luke Samuels, Steve Kelly, Fraser Veale (Jack Snidal 65m), Alex Bulai (Adam Fretwell 71m)
Union Mills: Christian Cellamare, James Cannell, Daniel Woznica, Chris Kelly, Stephen Halsall (Craig Ennett 76m), Karl Dobbin, Michael Nash, David Hicks, AJ Suckling, (Willie Miller 53m), Steven Quine, Matthew Cain (Kyle Uren 38m)
Referee: Gareth Jones
Bookings: Cellamare (Mills)
Sent off: K. Kniveton (Colby)
Man of the Match: Quine (Mills)
Match rating: HHHHI