The 19-year-old midfielder had been unemployed before joining County on non-contract terms last week after being released by Shrewsbury Town following his dad’s departure in April.

Connolly was the public face of the 2015 Group during the consortium’s negotiations to buy the club and was handed the role of chief executive following the takeover.

It was Cheadle who created the most chances in the early stages with James McDonagh unlucky see a close-range effort blocked. Cheadle’s good play was reward after 11 minutes when a Paul McCormack headed clearance found Ben Brooks who produced a fantastic finish from the edge of the penalty box.

In a similar way to the midweek game at Formby, the Millers took a bit of time to settle but once they did, they looked threatening as an attacking force.

Cheadle Hulme posted 201-8 batting first with Jordan Potts making 50 and Ewan McCray 43 not out.

With the visitors also in the relegation zone, it was hoped that Bramhall would be able to put up a fight, but as it has done all too often this season, the batting line-up fell away limply while attempting to post a decent score.

The visitors batted first and amassed 245-8 thanks to Justin Blackhurst’s 64 and an unorthodox 52 from skipper Craig Young. Chapel were bowled out for just 127, mainly due to O’Connor’s incredible spell of 5-9.

The only snag was that on the turgid, soporific evidence of recent years, Sharks fans were more in need of defibrillator in order to get the blood pumping such was the paucity of entertainment on offer.

The County boss blasted administrators Leonard Curtis for offering deals to out-of-contract players just weeks before the 2015 Group completed their summer takeover.

New head coach Mike Brewer sprang a major surprise in midweek by confirming that young lock James Gaskell – who had skippered Sale in their three pre-season games – would retain the captain’s armband for the rest of the season.

Govan Athletic enjoyed a 3-2 win at South Manchester but then lost out 3-2 in a close encounter with Hooley Bridge Celtic.

With Cheadle missing a few key players due to injury, it was Ramsbottom from the Premier Division of the Vodkat League who controlled the game from an early stage.

The 20-year-old midfielder, pictured, spent 13 months on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg and broken wrist during a horror campaign.

A rain-delayed start meant the game was curtailed to 30 overs a side.

They will compete in the First Division next year after becoming uncatchable in the Division Two promotion race.

But the 32-year-old from Poynton will write a new chapter in her sporting career after being named in a new look England cycling squad for the Delhi Games in October.

Thompson is being succeeded by Davyhulme Park’s Doug Craig, who has been shadowing him for the past year to get the feel for the big job that lies ahead.

On the face of things, a second successive pre-season win left the Sharks in fine fettle ahead of Friday’s Aviva Premiership opener against Newcastle.

After two draws and two defeats, Simpson is determined to get County’s season up and running with three points against his former club.

The 19-year-old winger underlined his rich promise at Firhill last weekend by scoring a dramatic late try to help the Sharks record a morale-boosting 23-22 win over Magners league side Glasgow Warriors.

County were outmuscled at Stevenage as the Conference champions bagged their first ever Football League win.

Swailes was due to miss the League Two clash at Broadhall Way with his partner Charlotte due to give birth at any minute.

It didn’t take long for the Millers to get into their attacking stride when Luke Horrocks raced clear and played a square ball to Adam Morning who had the simple task of tapping the ball home into an empty net.

Cheadle had an early goal scoring opportunity when Joe Wood shot just wide of the post inside 60 seconds of the kick-off.

Draw experts Cheadle Hulme shared the spoils for 11th time this season at home after bowling Cheadle out for 125 thanks to Damien Stringer’s return of 4-60.

Missing key players Simon Wilkinson and Matt Dawson, Nick Cantello won the toss and elected to bat, opening alongside Nick Atherton.

Hawk Green were left frustrated by the weather at home to Hadfield. The Green batted first and scored 271-9. The Blackhurst brothers saved the day after a mini collapse at the start of the innings; Justin scoring 69 and Mark 61.

After bringing seven new faces to Edgeley Park during the summer – including latest recruit Jamie Proctor – Simpson has already squeezed the last out of his modest transfer budget.

The Sharks face Magners League outfit Glasgow Warriors at Firhill at the end of another busy week of activity at Edgeley Park.

The 25-year-old left-back moved to Edgeley Park on non-contract terms after he was released by Huddersfield Town during the summer.

Cueto’s fiance Suzie gave birth to little Max last week – he tipped the scales at almost eight pounds and is the engaged couple’s first child.

The Millers opened the scoring after six minutes when Leon Grandison’s through ball beat the visitors’ offside trap and Adam Mornin slotted the ball past Mike Langley.

It was Cheadle Town who looked more like the Premier Division side than Squires Gate after they opened the scoring on four minutes when James McDonagh headed home a corner. Cheadle continued to pressure the Squires Gate defence and we unlucky not to double the advantage when a Dan Brokenbrow shot rattled the crossbar.

Rob Porter scorched to a 70-ball 108, well backed by Ben Morrison, 74 as Macc declared on 252-6 from 46 overs (Ewan McCray 4-81).

His decision was vindicated in the second over as opener Nick Atherton nicked a good one to the wicketkeeper, and no batsman ever really settled after this point.

Tintwistle won the toss and asked visitors Hawk Green to bat on a bowler-friendly wicket.

The 32-year-old admits he feels stronger now than ever in his career – a point backed up by four gold medals at the European Championships last year and gold at this year’s Paralympic World Cup.

The first leg of the two part Mixed Greensome challenge saw Cheadle holding a 6-2 advantage over Hesketh with all to play for in the return leg in September.

The Hatters won just five times as they were relegated from League One, prompting new owners, the 2015 Group, to part company with manager Gary Ablett.

After 14 months in administration – and six months without a win – Simpson came within a whisker of delivering three points in County’s opening game at Southend.

The Hatters endured a torrid time last season, collecting just 25 points under Gary Ablett, as the club battled against a mountain of off-field problems.

The twin brothers, 18, are currently on trial at Old Trafford and were both named in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI for United reserves’ 2-0 win over Altrincham last week.

The Millers took the lead in the 24th minute when Carl Carey was on hand at the back post to drill Adam Mather’s cross into the net.

Cheadle had the majority of the possession in the first half with a couple of chances falling to Ben Brooks who failed to convert. It wasn’t until the 41st minute that Cheadle finally took the lead when Barry Cotterill headed home a corner.

Skipper Steven Hurworth’s 46 hoisted Irby’s score to a modest 126 (Ashwin Punja 4-24) but this was too many for Cheadle, who were all out for 85 (Punja 35), with Mark Newman taking a superb 5-16 off 12 belligerent overs.

Nick Cantello won the toss and chose to bat first, but it was the only bright spot of the day as the visitors’ bowling attack grabbed wickets at regular points throughout the innings.

Batting first on a pitch that gave some assistance to the bowlers, Hawk Green scored 228 all out in a game reduced to 40 overs per side.

The 21-year-old will link up with the rest of the 30-strong Great Britain team later this month as they descend on Holland for the championships – regarded as second behind the Paralympics in terms of prestige.

The Hatters boss knows 10 of the 11 players who will start against Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday while he continues to scour the transfer market for a left-back.

In an open letter published in the Stockport Express, Thompson has called on Hatters fans to return to Edgeley Park after 14 months of turmoil.

Goals from George Donnelly, David Poole and a Barry Conlon penalty sealed a 3-0 win for County against a spirited Glossop North End at Surrey Street.

Plymouth Argyle striker Donnelly re-signed for County last week after agreeing a six-month loan deal at Edgeley Park.

In the early betting, the Hatters are joint-favourites to go down again; William Hill pricing them at 10/3 to drop into non-league football, the same odds as Accrington Stanley.

Danny Naughton scored 119 not out and figured in two century partnerships Widnes piled up 244-1 by half-way. He and opener Tony Hurdley (46) put on 107 then 137 runs were added with Scott Henry (64).

The Green travelled to Hayfield and alarm bells were ringing when Sam Hudson and Shane Furness put on 100 for the opening wicket.

The Euros kick-off in Budapest today (Wednesday) but Stockport Metros star Keri-Anne has decided to swap the pool for the commentary box after landing a role with the BBC.

Stephen has his own commitment to charity through the Stephen Ireland Foundation and Francis House in Didsbury was his choice to receive the funds raised on the day.

Simpson was Carlisle manager when he took his team to Edgeley Park for the final game of the 2005/06 season, with County on the brink of relegation from the Football League.

Instead, head coach Mike Brewer and his squad – not to mention hundreds of Sharks fans – were left kicking their heels in frustration after the trip was abruptly cancelled over fears the clubs could have become the victim of a promoters scam.

The Hatters comfortably brushed aside Conference North outfit Skelmersdale with goals from new signing Barry Conlon, Paul Turnbull and a trialist centre forward.

]]> stockport county http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1311316_conlon_sets_county_on_course?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:51 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1311311_boss_simpson_eyeing_new_recruits?rss=yes Paul Simpson is scouring the transfer market for a left-back and a striker.

The new County boss has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his depleted squad and has already added Barry Conlon, Mark Lynch and youngster Jordan Rose to his ranks since arriving at Edgeley Park earlier this month.

]]> stockport county http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1311311_boss_simpson_eyeing_new_recruits?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:50 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1311307__rose_looking_for_instant_success?rss=yes Jordan Rose has set his sights on nailing down a regular place in Stockport County’s back four after signing a one-year deal at Edgeley Park.

The 20-year-old defender becomes Paul Simpson’s third new addition after impressing the new Hatters boss during a trial spell.

]]> stockport county http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1311307__rose_looking_for_instant_success?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:48 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/cricket/s/1311303_bramhall_hang_on_for_home_stalemate?rss=yes Bramhall earned a hard-fought draw in their game with Chester at the weekend, after a stirring fight back following a blistering hundred from the visitor’s Warren Goodwin.

Such was Goodwin’s dominance, when he was finally dismissed after only 30 overs, he left his side in the enviable position of 181 -1 with plenty of time left to build an insurmountable total.

]]> cricket http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/cricket/s/1311303_bramhall_hang_on_for_home_stalemate?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:47 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/cricket/s/1311302_mersey_finally_slip_up_with_defeat_at_leaders?rss=yes After their unexpected home defeat by Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire County League First Division leaders Widnes returned to form with a nine-wicket demolition of Heaton Mersey.

Mersey’s recent fine run was ended when they collapsed from 66-0 to 110 all out against fine bowling from Danny Moore. Danny Naughton hit an unbeaten 54 as Widnes wrapped up maximum points in 19 overs after tea.

]]> cricket http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/cricket/s/1311302_mersey_finally_slip_up_with_defeat_at_leaders?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:46 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/s/1311292_carry_staying_pokerfaced?rss=yes Stockport Metro swimmer David Carry is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the European Championships – but admits they will act as dry run for the Commonwealth Games and London 2012 Olympics.

The 28-year-old booked his European ticket at the British Championships in Sheffield back in March courtesy of silver behind fellow Scot Robbie Renwick in the 400m freestyle.

]]> sport http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/s/1311292_carry_staying_pokerfaced?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:45 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/golf/s/1311291_eddie_makes_golf_look_easy_as_one_two_three?rss=yes Archive experts at Romiley are consulting the record books to see if the winning round in a club medal by Eddie Howson is a club or even a national record.

Eddie posted a 67 to win the competition from N Gorman (68) and J Spence, SW Birtles and Denis Hall (all 70).

]]> golf http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/golf/s/1311291_eddie_makes_golf_look_easy_as_one_two_three?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:44 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/s/1311288_nursery_top_the_table_as_wmc_stay_in_the_hunt?rss=yes Nursery turned up the heat in the Stockport and District League by smashing George and Dragon in Hyde.

The Green Lane men romped to seven winners and the aggregate to win the match 13-3.5 overall.

]]> sport http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/s/1311288_nursery_top_the_table_as_wmc_stay_in_the_hunt?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-28T08:00:43 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1306140_skelmersdale_0_stockport_3?rss=yes stockport county http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1306140_skelmersdale_0_stockport_3?rss=yes#comments 2010-07-25T18:16:53 http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/sport/football/stockport_county/s/1302249_simpson_starts_with_victory_at_northwich_?rss=yes Paul Simpson played a different team in each half when County opened their pre-season campaign with a short trip to Cheshire neighbours Northwich Victoria, managed by former Hatters’ favourite Andy Preece.

Despite a heavy downpour before kick-off the pitch was in excellent condition, and County began confidently with their crisp passing and movement causing problems for the Northern Premier League outfit.

The 31-year-old defender was out of contract after the short-term contract he signed in January, following his move from MK Dons, expired on June 30.

First, after two months’ careful negotiations, the Aviva Premeirship club revealed that Kiwi forward Kristian Ormsby had penned a new two year deal.

The 30-year-old titan of the Sale front row suffered an horrific shoulder dislocation early last October while playing for the Sharks against Cardiff in the Heineken Cup.

In a repeat of the project of 2004, where County and Sharks fans worked side by side, the steps and walkways in the stands are looking much cleaner after the refurbishment.

Mersey declared on 185-5 with South African Gareth Basson scoring 66 not out and T Malik 49 putting on 119 for the fifth wicket before a declaration came at 185-5.

After last week’s hiccup, Hawk Green bounced back to form and extended their lead at the top of the table after victory away at Dinting.

Nick Cantello chose to bat on winning the toss but it soon became apparent that run making would be a tricky affair on a spicy wicket, with uneven bounce and plenty of spin.

The Offerton-based school impressed with a 6-3 victory over Hale Prep in this year’s showcase final at the University of Manchester Armitage Centre.

Following in the footsteps of Metro greats Graeme Smith, James Hickman, James Goddard and Keri-Anne Payne, who all medalled at the European Juniors early in their careers, Selby helped the Brits to silvers in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays.

After ending 14 months of administration at Edgeley Park and clearing the club’s debts, Thompson and the 2015 Group have given Paul Simpson a modest war chest to build a squad capable of competing in League Two next season.

Chairman Alwin Thompson and the board will host established and new club sponsors in the Insider Suite at Edgeley Park on Thursday July 29 at 7pm.

After being asked to bowl first, things looked good when the visitors had only reached 10-1 from the first 10 overs, with both Kieran O’Connor and John Birchall bowling probing and disciplined spells.

Bolly were dismissed for just 67 with Muhammed Saifullah claiming personal best figures of 6-19. Mersey also lost wickets rapidly but clung on in a tense finish to close on 68-8 thanks to the Hassan Rashid’s match-winning innings of 25 not out.

Hawk Green won the toss and chose to bat first and the decision was vindicated with a superb opening partnership of 102 between Sam Messih (54) and skipper Craig Young (45).

As the curtain was unveiled on new sponsors Aviva - who will be backing English rugby’s elite league to the tune of £20m over the next four years - so new Sale head coach Mike Brewer was busy applying the finishing touches to his Sharks squad after a whirlwind summer of change at Edgeley Park.

The state-of-the-art facility is very handily placed on the Stanley Green Trading Estate just off the A34 bypass in Cheadle Hulme.

The 30-year-old midfielder was released after just one season at the Moss Rose following his switch from Grimsby Town last summer.

The Hatters have been searching for a new manager since parting company with Gary Ablett last month, and last week the first team squad returned to pre-season training without a permanent boss in place.

Mullins missed the first three days of the Hatters’ pre-season training last week before returning to Manor Farm after a proposed move to Swindon Town fell through.

Ella Maria 15, from Bramhall, left, and Natalie, 14, from Romiley, right, have both won their respective age group competitions in the Northern finals of the Independent Schools’ shot put championships, and will now compete in the National Championships in Milton Keynes this week.

Liam Broady, 16, and partner Tom Farquharson, 18, from Surrey, created their own piece of tennis history after winning the Boys’ Doubles.

Oulton chose to bat first on what looked to be a good wicket on the tiny Little Budworth ground but not even they would have imagined the carnage that ensued.

Poynton set Grappers a considerable task by posting 233-6 (Brian Kingham 105, Rhys Burke 68, Dean Riches 5-62).