by Peter Scherer
Following our 4-1 win at Pinxton in last Saturday’s opening pre-season match, it’s time for or first home game. It’s hardly a welcome to Mickleover for Belper Utd on Tuesday evening, as they are our new tenants and have already lost 2-4 to Ilkeston and won 4-1 against Long Eaton at the Don Amott Arena.
Belper just lost out on promotion last season, after losing in the United Counties League Premier North Division play-offs. They are in step 5 and were promoted in 22/23.
Under Alex Steadman’s guidance they have improved year by year, from 13th in 23/24, to 8th in 24/25 and fourth last season.
They have retained many of the players from last years successful season, including goalkeeper Joe Fryatt. An ex Derby County junior, he’s played in the US for Boston Eagles, as well as Rushall Olympic, Lye Town, Gresley Rovers, Selston and Loughborough. He joined our visitors in January 2024 and was briefly loaned to Belper Town too.
Striker Diego Edwards is a full International for St.Kitts & Nevis. He arrived midway through last season from Belper Town, having started out Notts County and Mansfield, he has also played for Basford, Ossett, Nuneaton, Leek and Carlton.
Centre back Ben Price was last years players player of the year and rarely missed a match.
Central midfielder Micah Edwards started off at Derby County too. He began last season at Belper Town, before joining Utd, and has played for Ilkeston, Gresley Rovers, Barwell and Rugby Town too.
Keaton August is a winger who was signed from Belper Town. He was previously at Anstey Nomads, but spent his early career in the south with Chalfont St.Peter, Walton Casuals and Windsor & Eton.
Signed at the end of last season from Chasetown, Devante Ramsey is also a winger and has played for Derby University too.
Jade Ferron is striker and has Rushden & Diamonds, Littleton FC, Redditch and Worcester Raiders on his CV.
Defender Kyle Bryant was signed from Quorn at the beginning of last season, where he previously been captain. He also played for Coalville.
Midfielder Jay Bruce starts his second full season with the club since signing from Wellingborough.
Tyrel Francis is in his third year at the club and plays in defence or defensive midfield.
Striker Kieran O’Connell is on of many former Mickleover players in the squad. He’s played for Gresley Rovers, Belper Town, Ilkeston, South Normanton Athletic and Ilkeston and is one of the longest serving players.
Fraser Corden and Brandon Ferron are both well known to Sports fans too. Midfielder Corden came from Rushden & Diamonds at the start of last season, before initially going on loan to Belper. He’s and England Futsal International too.
Left back Ferron had just started to break through in the first team at Mickleover, when he opted to take a step down.
Larrel King is another full back who came to Mickleover from Mansfield in 2021. He then moved on to Long Eaton Utd and Belper Town before his current stop.
Josh Powell is a midfielder who came through Academy at Mickleover. He had a speel at Granthan last season too, and is the son of former Sports reserve team manager Steve, who is also on the Belper coaching, Grandson of ex Rams Star Steve and Great Grandson of Tommy another ex Rams favourite.
Kick off as usual is 7.45 with all the usual facilities available.