The Christmas Party was organised for later in the evening but the celebrations started early following the annual thrashing of Uppermill’s second string at the hands of Diggle’s third team. For the second year on the trot Diggle ‘A’ put an abrupt stop to any ambitions the ‘Millers may have had in the Richardson Cup.

Overnight frost had cleared and although playable, the pitch was heavy underfoot following the torrential rains of the previous weeks. The start was delayed whilst the lines were marked out and then delayed further when the three match balls were all rejected by the referee. This slapdash preparation reflects poorly on Uppermill as a club and it was only the hard working Marcus (the ‘Mill manager) who came out with any pride. Diggle were trusted to provide the match ball so we could get the game underway.

Uppermill started the brighter and flew into their tackles obviously looking for revenge following last year’s exit. Keeper Pooley was at full stretch in the first minute and Diggle’s defence looked shaky as ‘Mill hit them with pace. Diggle were not defending properly anywhere on the pitch and the first goal came from an unchallenged midfield pass behind our left back for the rapid No 9 to slot home.

Just as it did last week against New Mill, going a goal behind stirred Diggle into action. They started to compete more aggressively and launched a series of attacks down the right side with Hayes’ strong running getting the better of the left back who was lucky to stay on the pitch when his frustration led him to lash out at Hayes. A two footed challenge on Anchor went unnoticed by the referee who otherwise, had an excellent game.

As the half closed Diggle were rewarded for the efforts with Stone scoring in the corner to finish off some sharp, crisp passing through midflied.  

Half time 1-1. Marsh asked for more composure in the final third, Fitzy wanted a tighter defence and Johnson went for a chat with the referee about two footed tackles.

The second half was typical of derby day. The Diggle supporters outnumbered their Uppermill counterparts by 5 to 1 and the players were encouraged throughout. Diggle went behind again when they failed to properly clear a corner only to equalise 5 minutes later when Stone converted a penalty. Swallow was introduced for Hayes who had taken a knock and was given instructions to run at the ‘Mill defence at every opportunity.

Uppermill went ahead for the third time when the defence parted and allowed their striker to burst through on goal. It wasn’t the tighter defence that Fitzy had been asking for. Uppermill celebrated as if they had hit the winner, raising their fists to the travelling support as if in triumph – with 20 minutes to go this seemed premature.

This Diggle team though has the spirit and the will not to be beaten. Everyone raised their game taking inspiration from Walters who was taking no prisoners. Then came an horrific collision that left Anchor floored. There was no blame to apportion – it was just one of those accidental coming togethers. Anchor was prone on the pitch for about 5 minutes with blood streaming from his nose and his right eye swelling rapidly. When carried off he would be another 5 minutes coming round before being able to sit and take stock.

Marshall went on at right back and in the space of 5 minutes had inspired Diggle to score their 3^rd and 4^th goals to put Diggle ahead in the match for the first time. The fact that he didn’t touch the ball in this time should not take away from his obvious inspirational qualities. Those goals were scored by Brown and Swallow although I can’t describe them as they went in whilst I was attending Anchor.

Stone completed a deserved hat trick, Diggle won 5-3, Uppermill were dumped out of the cup and Norbury was red carded after the final whistle – that really did put the tin hat on it !!

Netherton Reserves await Diggle in the next round whilst next week it is back to league action away at Meltham Athletic ‘A’

MOM Dave Walters