by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)
Mickleover came away from newly crowned Champions Needham Market with heads held high, after a 2-0 win. Regardless of the pending points penalty deduction, if Sports win at home on Saturday, they will be assured of a play-off place.
Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Dan Bradley 5-Will Tamen 6-Ethan Mann 7-Ben Sault 8-Will Atkinson 9-Tyrell Waite 10-Will Trueman 11-Oli Greaves. Subs: Stuart Beavon, Ethan Fitzhugh, Rhys Dolan, Andy Dales.
After a fairly even start it was Mickleover that snatched the initiative, when Sault opened the scoring with a 13th minute chip over keeper Garnham, as he charged off his goal line to try and intercept, 1-0.
After Needham had penalty appeals waved away a minute later, Ingram went close from a McGrath cross for our hosts after 21 minutes.
Needham were pushing for an equaliser, but Bennett, Tamen, Mann and Wilson were looking a solid back four, but after 29 minutes Mersin punched away a header by Mills, following corner.
There were more chances as McGrath had a shot blocked, before Mills fired the rebound over the bar, but it was still Mickleover ahead as the half time whistle blew.
Needham continued to push forward as the second half got underway, but a number of attempts on goal followed, but few on target.
Mickleover made their first change when Dales came on for Atkinson after 69 minutes, but two minutes later there was a penalty award in Sports favour and Greaves stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way, and it was 2-0.
Beavon came on for Waite after 75 minutes, before Mersin made another save to keep his clean sheet.
Sault, Trueman and Greaves had run themselves ragged to earn the valuable three points, with Bradley the stability in defensive midfield, but the Champions were forced to surrender.
Dolan was a late sub for Bennett, but it was a well deserved 2-0 win and now we look forward to the visit of Stamford at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday.
