Author: Square Peg

Tough Opening Game For Mickleover Squad

by Peter Scherer

In 2019/2020 South Shields were heading for promotion to the National League North and then Covid struck. Two years on and the North Eastern side under former Leicester City striker Graham Fenton, are still striving for that elusive promotion.

Goalkeeper Myles Boney had a spell on loan to Darlington during the NPL lockdown, but the former Blackpool junior will back between the posts for South Shields this Saturday.

Left back Blair Adams captains the side, a former Sunderland graduate had played at League One, Two and Scottish Premiership with the likes of Brentford, Coventry, Northampton, Mansfield and Hamilton.

Centre back Dillon Morse has been at South Shields for five years, having signed from Blyth Spartans, whereas wing back Jordan Hunter  came through the Liverpool and Sunderland Academies, before signing in July 2020 after a couple of loan spells.

Jack Bodenham is one of the new additions to the squad, having recently signed from Cardiff City. A Welsh under 19 international he has also been at loan at The New Saints and Hereford.

Central midfielder Callum Ross joined the club in January 2020, after two years in the US with Oklahoma City, he will be vying for a place with long serving Rob Briggs. He came in August 2015 from Spennymoor, having started out at Gateshead.

Nathan Lowe is a product of the Burnley Academy, the midfielder having come from Southport last January, via FC United and Spennymoor. Conor Tee is another midfielder and new signing, who started out at Leicester City.

Among the strike force is Alex Kempster, signed from York City last year, he was previously at Spennymoor and Whitley Bay.

Jon Shaw has lots of experience mostly at National League level added to a host of coaching experience too. From his start out at Sheffield Wednesday, he has played at Burton Albion, Halifax, Rochdale, Gateshead and Luton. He’s been at South Shields since 2016.

Ghanaian born Darius Osei spent six months at Oldham Athletic after signing from Stalybridge. After his release he went to Maidstone, before returning Stalybridge from where South Shields brought him in February last year.

Ntumba Massanka has a host of class teams on his cv. The Congalese striker started at Manchester Utd, before joining Burnley Academy. Among various loans spells he played in Belgium and Italy and recently joined South Shields.

Defender Matthew Wade is one of South Shields own products, and has played for England at Junior levels. Striker Sam Hodgson is another home product working his way in the team too.

It will be a tough game and Mickleover won’t quite be at full strength. With keeper Joe Slinn still recovering from his wrist operation, Burton loanee Callum Hawkins will be starting.

Last year’s strong back four of Jake Bennett, James Butler, Phil Watt and Alex Morris will hopefully be fit, after both Watt and Morris have nursed injuries of late.

Skipper Mason Warren leads from midfield, but with Andrew Wright on the road to recovery and George Milner suspended, Kemy Agustien should bring along his vast experience and Ben Gowing could get a start, with Bobby Battisson or George Atwal.

Up front Stuart Beavon leads, will lead by example, ably supported by Dec Bacon and Paddy Webb.

Kick off 3pm, let’s see what happens!!

Smith Hits Five In Reserves Nine Goal Rout Of Hilton

by Peter Scherer

With last Saturday’s opening day win at South Normanton still fresh, Mickleover Reserves had their first home game in this seasons Central Midlands Premier Division South campaign  last night against Hilton.

Starting line-up 1-Fin Bowen 2- Larrel King 3-Ben Lewin 4-George Atwal 15 –Ethan Mann 6-Will Robinson 7-Lewis Benjamin 8-Jake Edge-Lucas 9- Devon Smith 10-Bobby Battisson 17 Fin Barker. Subs: Ash Elliott; Ted Stevenson; Pablo Mills.

It was hard to even count the seconds before Smith opened the scoring for Mickleover, maybe 10 if we are generous to Hilton, 1-0.

But the visitors tried to respond quickly, with skipper Lewin clearing the danger after three minutes, before the game started to settle.

It could easily have been a second for Mickleover when only the visiting keepers legs saved them , after good ball in from Battisson created Barker’s shooting chance.

A minute later and it was 2-0 after Battisson found himself one on one with the Hilton keeper, before successfully chipping  over his advancing rival.

Mickleover were playing the ball around the field with growing confidence, with King and Lewin free to roam on the wings, as Robinson and Mann coped with Hilton’s advances relatively easily.

Edge-Lucas poured loads of energy into his midfield role, while Atwal, Battisson and Benjamin were more tactical in their approach.

Lewin had a shot just wide after 23 minutes, but the ease of Mickleover’s game, with both skill and pace was just too much for the visitors.

Battisson almost sent Barker clear after 24 mins and a minute later after Battisson was fouled on the edge of the box, Atwal’s free kick was well-saved by the Hilton keeper, tipping over for a corner.

King then tried his luck after a slow build up, his shot was just wide too, while only two minutes later he was almost through again, but a last minute tackle came in before he was able to shoot.

After Barker had a shot straight at the keeper well held, Lewin the tested him too with a low drive at the right corner.

But Hilton did get a break after 32 mins forcing Bowen to race off his line to clear the danger, setting up another Barker attack, before the striker lost possession just outside the box.

A couple of minutes later and Mann had a shot too, from outside the box he fired just over the bar.

Hilton then had a yellow card after a second attempt to foul Atwal, took the midfielders legs  from beneath him. 

Mickleover’s third goal had only been a matter of time and it came after 38 mins, after Battisson hit the post. Edge-Lucas’ shot went close and then after hitting the bar, Robinson made it 3-0 from the rebound. The Hilton keeper must have felt like a ping pong ball, as the shots had reigned in from all angles.

It was nearly half time but still time for one more. Barker had broken through again and hit the post, Edge-Lucas then picked it up and charged for goal, only to brought down for a penalty. Atwal made no mistake from the spot, to send the team in for half time  with a comfortable 4-0 lead.

As the second half got underway, Mickleover were soon on the attack again. Although Barker’s input was more visible, Smith’s play caused havoc for the Hilton defence. 49 mins and he got his second and Mickleover’s fifth 5-0!!

5 minutes later and it goal number six and Battisson’s second. He created his own space with time on his side, before placing a perfectly weighted shot over the top of a dormant Hilton defence into the roof of the net.

Smith’s hattrick soon followed 7-0, before the first of the subs came on with Mills and Elliott for Battisson and Benjamin after 59 mins, with Stevenson soon following.

Hilton had a rare chance after 71 mins, but a clear shot was well wide of Bowen’s goal, but play at both ends had started to show signs of casualness.

78 mins and Smith smashed in another, having been almost unchallenged by the defence, but two minutes later a rare mistake in the Mickleover defence left Hilton clear to pull one back, after Bowen was given no chance at close range, 8-1.

Possible double figures were on the cards and the shots came in thick and fast over the last 10 minutes. Barker shot just over on 80 mins, then Mills similarly seven minutes later.

Hilton had another shot just wide with two mins left, before Smith got his fifth after low cross in from Lewin founds him totally free in space, 9-1. In the final minute he could so easily have had a sixth, but his effort went straight across the front of an open goal.

An outstanding  performance from such a young team, so if you can’t travel to South Shields on Saturday, get down to the Don Amott Arena on Saturday, with Wirksworth Ivanhoe the visitors at 3pm, you are sure to entertained and it’s £4 on the gate!

Reserves Report: South Normanton Athletic

by David Mackenzie, Reserves Manager

 A youthful team headed up the A38 for the season’s opener. As usual the pitch was in great condition which would suit our passing game. The average age was 17.7 years.

There were no surprises that South Normanton would be strong and try and put us under pressure however we settled well and the S. N. keeper made an excellent save to stop the first goal. Shortly afterwards Ben Lewin rattled the upright for the second time as we started to exert steady pressure on the S.N. defence.

A rash challenge on George Atwal ended with a skirmish in the middle of the field with several players involved. When the dust had settled South Normanton’s #9 got his marching orders on the advice of the nearside linesman.  Half time saw the teams go in level although we could say we were a bit unlucky.

The start of the second half saw a S.N. defender sin binned having observed verbally that the linesman was a lady’s front bottom.

During the sin bin time Mickleover took the lead with a crisp left foot drive from 18 yards by George Atwal who was imposing himself all over the pitch.

With S.N. restored to 10 Mickleover continued to press with both full backs wide and 3 attackers through the middle. Several opportunities were carved out but SN continued to hold firm until Fin Barker was fouled in the box and George Atwall struck home the resulting penalty with aplomb.

Fin Barker, Devon Smith and Jude Ayetine were causing all sorts of problems and from one such run Fin cut inside and a sweetly struck shot to the bottom corner gave the keeper no chance.

A fine performance with each player playing their part and young Ethan Mann and Will Robinson outstanding.

Wright Move For Andrew And Another Year

by Peter Scherer

A regular goalscorer, ice captain and unsurpassed enthusiasm, just some of the attributes that have made Andrew Wright a fans favourite.

A recent knee operation will see him miss the first month of the season, but he is already keen to start playing again.

Delighted to have committed to the club for another year, I’m enjoying every minute at Mickleover & we have a really good group of lads & staff. It was an easy decision for me and looking forward to getting back out there with the boys and picking up from where we left off last season.

Wright been a key team players since being signed by John McGrath back in 2019.

Another really important player for us who is a vital cog in what we are trying achieve here at Mickleover.

said the gaffer.

Mickleover Put Five Past Loughborough

by Peter Scherer

Most of the Mickleover first team squad were in action last night, for the penultimate pre-season friendly at Loughborough Dynamo.

The starting line-up was 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ben Lewin 4-Roger Lee 5-Joe Bateman; 6-Phil Watt 7-George Atwal 8-Bobby Battisson 9-Dec Bacon 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andy Dales. Subs: Fin Bowen, James Butler, Will Robinson, Josh Satchwell, Mason Warren, George Milner, Paddy Webb.

Mickleover had an early chance when Lee cleared from the defence to find Beavon, whose sent Dales on a run with his first shot saved.

The attacks seem to come fairly quickly in succession, after Bennett’s eighth minute overlap, sent a telling ball into the box, for Bacon to try a spectacular miscue, before his rebound was saved.

Three minutes later it was Dales for Beavon, before the final shot brought a diving save from the Dynamo keeper.

As Bennett and Lewin relished the attacking opportunities from wing back, Lee, Battisson and Atwal kept the front three well supplied. But after 14 minutes another attack started with Hawkins in the Mickleover goal. His clearance had worked through almost half the team, before the final ball was just too long for Battisson.

Mickleover had more of the play and opened their goal account after 15 minutes, with Dales sending Beavon through, before Bacon was brought down in the box and scored from the penalty spot, 1-0.

There was another chance  only a couple of minutes later, when Atwal sent a long ball to Bennett. His cross allowed Beavon to set up Lee, whose weak shot failed to trouble the keeper.

Loughborough had few relatively few attacks, and a rare corner for the home side, was intercepted and set up another Mickleover attack. Beavon charged out and sent Dales on another run, before Bacon had a clear shot saved by the keeper again.

On the half hour Beavon made a lovely switch of play from the left, to find Bennett on the right stretching the home defence, but against the run of play it was suddenly 1-1 three minutes later. A long throw hadn’t been cleared by the Mickleover defence, and with Hawkins unsighted in a crowded box, he had little chance.

But Mickleover came back fighting, and a 36th minute attack from Beavon found Bennett again, before Battisson’s shot was straight at the keeper.

The closing minutes of the first half were more even, and Loughborough could have taken the lead, but Hawkins legs intervened .

Loughborough had a defender booked after a knee high challenge on Beavon, after the referee initially played on for Bennett’s shot to be blocked by a defender, before Dales had a positive run as the whistle was poised, leaping several tackles before the keeper collected his cross.

As the teams came out for the second half, Lewin, Battisson and Atwal had been replaced by Milner, Satchwell and Warren, shortly followed by Butler on for Watt.

Mickleover were showing strong pace and Beavon headed just over from a Dales cross after 47 mins, before Dales fired one home in the left corner to make it 2-1 

Hawkins then had to make a double save, the first from a free kick on the edge off the box and the second from the follow up before  Beavon then had a shot just wide after 61 mins.

But Loughborough started to have a few more attacks, which Butler easily dealt with, before Bennett charged through to make it 3-1 after 70 mins, beating the keeper on his near post.

Four minutes later Dales scored his second, with a precise chip over the advancing keeper, 4-1 and with Robinson now in defence for Bateman, the Mickleover defence continued to look solid.

Paddy Webb made it 5-1 after 80 mins, then had another chance which went high and wide, before the consolation of a second goal for the hosts a minute from time made the final score 5-2.

Morris Looks To The Future & Commits To Mickleover

One of last years new signings and an instant success, Alex Morris is the latest of last seasons stars to commit to another season.

I am delighted to have signed again for the upcoming season. Although last season was curtailed, we managed to get some good momentum as a group so hopefully we can progress again and have a great season.

said Morris.

As a PE teacher in his day life, Alex’s discipline is one of the key features that gaffer John McGrath appreciates about him.

Alex has been superb since joining us and I am delighted to get him signed and secured for the upcoming season. He sets the standards and tempo in training and has a great will and dedication to work hard and be the best.

John McGrath.

Beavon’s Back For More

by Peter Scherer (Photo: Sarah Middleton)

There is more good news for Mickleover fans, as senior professional and top goalscorer Stuart Beavon is one the latest players to sign on for another season.

Really pleased to have signed again for another season, exciting times ahead with the new pitch and facility and hopefully we can carry on the good form from last season. It is definitely exciting times ahead.

said Beavon.

The gaffer is pleased to have him back too:

Bev is an exceptionally talented footballer and is without doubt still one of the best forwards playing outside the football league. He is a great example to our younger player’s  with his attitude and professionalism to his football.

A Double Celebration At Mickleover

by Peter Scherer

With the new 3G pitch in place and the official ceremonials conducted by Derby City Mayor Robin Wood, with Burton Albion’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Dino Maamria and Mickleover’s Don Amott and John McGrath, it was time for football.

Mickleover’s traditional charity match against neighbours Burton Albion was mainly an Academy line-up from Mickleover, with Burton fielding their under 23 side.

Mickleover team

1-Fin Bowen 2-Jake Edge-Lucas 3-Ben Lewin 4-George Atwal 5-Ethan Mann 6-Will Robinson 7-Sam Tingle 8- Ben Gowing 9-Will Monteiro 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Bobby Battisson. Subs: Larrel King, Roger Lee, James Snedden, Josh Satchwell, Fin Barker, Freddie Murphy, Devon Smith.

It was a fairly even first five minutes before Beavon picked up on a loose ball and fired over from well outside the box.

Burton responded with their first attack after a good clearance by the Burton keeper, but it was still end to end.

After 10 minutes Monteiro put a good ball in the Burton box, Battisson was poised to receive but it bounced unkindly for the midfielder, who was unable to connect.

It was only three minutes later when Lewin started an attack down the left, which developed into a bit of a goal mouth scramble. Gowing’s first attempt was blocked, but his second was in the back of Burton net 1-0.

Mickleover seemed to gain in confidence and the attacks became more positive, as Burton seemed to sit back. Monteiro put a cross in after 17 minutes, with Beavon’s header just wide.

But Burton were quick to break given the chance, and after a 20th minute corner from Atwal was intercepted, they went on a charge, forcing Bowen to sprint off his line and end the danger.

Wing backs Edge-Lucas and Lewin started to move forward and were linking well with Sam Tingle, Atwal and Battisson, while Monteiro and Beavon continued to cause trouble for the Burton defence.

Atwal put a nice ball through to Monteiro after  21 minutes and a few minutes later a more gradual build-up controlled by Gowing, left Atwal free but his shot was saved.

As the half hour approached a Lewin cross was dropped by the Burton keeper, but no one was there to collect. Beavon then had a shot saved, before his rebound attempt was blocked.

Burton continued to be forced so far back into their own half, that centre backs Mann and Robinson began to push forward too.

Mann missed an interception but Robinson had it covered, and it was Robinson again that saw off a brief Burton threat after 35 minutes.

For the final 10 minutes of the first half Burton started to push forward again, but wasted a chance when they fouled Bowen.

Just before the whistle Atwal had a  random shot well over for Mickleover, but it was comfortable at 1-0.

Beavon was on the attack as soon as the second half kicked off. His first shot was saved, before he had a header just over from the following corner,

Burton had a shot after 48 minutes but didn’t trouble Bowen and it was then time for Mickleover’s first sub, with King on for Edge-Lucas.

The attacks continued to be mainly one-way, with a Lewin, Gowing, Beavon move sending Monteiro through with a shot just wide again.

54 minutes and there were more subs, as Lee and Snedden were on for Gowing and Atwal.

The possession continued in Mickleover’s favour and on the hour Battisson found himself in space, and let rip with a cracking shot into the top right corner, with the Burton keeper well beaten, 2-0.

Satchwell then came on for Robinson and shortly afterwards it was Barker for Monteiro, but it was still Mickleover pushing forward.

Battisson and Tingle then came off for Smith and Murphy, but the pattern of the game looked well set in Mickleover’s favour.

Burton had one of the best chances after 76 minutes, the shot on goal was bent well wide of the target, and finally Smith was through from a Beavon pass, but his attempt went wide.

A successful night on all counts and there was a crowd of 425 to witness it.

Jake’s Back For Another Year

by Peter Scherer

Having returned to the Don Amott Arena last season for his second spell, Jake Bennett has now re-signed for the new campaign.

Last season was my first one back at the club since I left for Sheffield United 4 years ago and realistically it could not have gone any better. We showed our potential to win this league and that is why my decision to re-sign was a simple one. I am looking forward to seeing where we can go as a group with hopefully a full season ahead.

So how does the gaffer John McGrath rate him?

In my opinion Jake is the best right back playing at this level. He can easily go and play alot higher and I am delighted to re-sign him for the upcoming season. He fits my mould in what I want from our attacking full-backs.

Sports Welcome The Brewers and The Mayor to Open New 3G Pitch

BURTON Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and assistant manager Dino Maamria will officially open Mickleover FC’s revamped Don Amott Arena – which includes a brand new 3G pitch – on Thursday, July 29.

Hasselbaink and Maamria, along with Councillor Robin Wood, the Mayor of Derby, will be on hand to officially open the new facility, which has been constructed in time for the upcoming Pitching In NPL Premier Division season, and a Burton Albion XI will play Mickleover in a friendly match on the same night (7.30pm kick-off).

Construction on the project began in April, with the new 3G pitch being installed along with 250 new red seats being implemented in the new main stand and brand new LED floodlights.

The facility will also be open for bookings to the public and other teams – providing a valuable asset to the local community – while helping to prevent league games being called off due to waterlogged pitches.

Tickets for the friendly cost £10 for adults and £6 for concessions, with children under the age of 16 going free.

Mickleover, managed by former Brewers midfielder John McGrath, were top of the NPL Premier Division prior to the 2020/21 season being curtailed.

Mickleover FC Chairman Don Amott said:

We would like to thank Burton Albion and Chairman Ben Robinson for their support and for bringing a Burton Albion XI for a friendly game.

We must also thank Jimmy and Dino for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and open our new facility – which we are delighted to see come to fruition and which will be of a huge benefit I’m sure to the local community.

Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said:

We are delighted to be able to open Mickleover FC’s magnificent new facility, which we are sure will be of massive benefit not just to the club but the local community in Mickleover.

Don Amott has long been a supporter of Burton Albion, including sponsoring our West Stand terrace at the Pirelli Stadium, and we have always looked to support Mickleover where possible. I know Jimmy and Dino are honoured to have been invited to perform the official opening.

With a fantastic manager and chairman, both of whom we know very well, and this new facility in place, we’re sure Mickleover can build on their magnificent start to last season and push on again in the Northern Premier League next term. We wish them every success.