Author: Square Peg

June 2, 2021

Reserves: Chairman’s Cup Final Report

by D.Mac, Reserves Manager, Mickleover F.C.

Having come through the group stages, a quarter-final against Dinnington and a tough semi-final against Rowsley, the reserves should have seen us in good shape to face the challenge of Retford Utd in the final of the Chairman’s Cup.

Unfortunately, the cumulative fixtures of the Academy, Reserves and First team took its toll and we went to Sheffield with several players carrying injuries or knocks and also Jacob Ferdinand had a previously booked engagement.

The team that started the final was Tom Smith, Larrel King, Matt Fuertado, Tom Eccleshall, Ash Elliot, Jacob Lucas, Lopes Massampo, Surafel Tefera with Will Monteiro and Jude Ayetine up top. On the bench were Fin Barker, Devon Smith, Josh Satchwell, Bobby Battisson and George Williamson.

The team started off strongly and only brilliant agility and fortuity from the Retford goalkeeper maintained the stalemate. Good chances were being created almost every time Mickleover went into the Retford half. Will, Jude and Surf all thought they had scored but for the aforementioned quality of the goalkeeper. Tom Eccleshall then put in a great cross met by the head of Jude Ayetine, only for the ball to connect with the underside of the bar and clear.

It seemed that a goal would come soon and it did, sadly at the wrong end for us. It was a similar goal to the one we lost at Rowsley, with a player dribbling across our box and striking a shot low into the corner at the left-hand post. A good goal to score but defensively one that could have been prevented.

Worse followed! You ask for consistency from referees and we certainly got it on Saturday. Retford took advantage of leniency on the referee’s part by stealing several yards at throw-ins. The ball went out of play right beside the right-hand side corner flag but the throw-in was actually taken almost in line with the 18 yard line. From that point Retford worked the ball well up the park and an excellent cross was put in from the right-wing. The cross was met with a great header back across the goal high into the side of the net. A goal of great quality.

Into the second half and Mickleover continued to press without creating the same level of chances. Then Ash Elliot drove into the box beating a couple of players and was brought down by a desperate challenge – penalty awarded. Surf unceremoniously struck the ball low to the keepers right 2-1 game on.

Five minutes later Ash again was in the box and in the action of shooting was caught from behind – a stonewall penalty in the eyes of everyone bar two- the ones that mattered. Ash said afterwards that the second challenge was worse than the first.

Mickleover made another couple of chances which we snatched at which was understandable given the pressure.

Missing fouls was to prove the final nail when Tom Eccleshall was fouled some 30 yards out. The game carried on and what followed was a goal good enough to win any cup. The Retford sub found himself to the right side of our penalty box and hit a sweet ferocious drive into the roof of the net.

The game finished with a well struck shot that missed the target – the story of our match.

If football mirrored life there would have only been one winner but it’s a cruel game and whilst Retford scored three excellent goals and in the main defended well Mickleover should have won the game in the first 20/25 minutes. Congratulations to Retford Utd and also thanks to Sheffield FC for their organisation and hospitality.

May 28, 2021

Academy Reds Thrash Northern Champions

by Peter Scherer

Runcorn Linnets had already won the first of their ESPFA Play-off games, but it was all one-way traffic as they faced Mickleover Reds at Rushall.

Only 30 seconds into game and Bobby Battisson picked up on some slack defending, finding Fin Barker who slotted home 1-0.

Five minutes later Ben Lewin and Barker worked well on the overlap, but just ran out of pitch before a shot was taken.

We didn’t have to wait long for goal number two though, with George Atwal firing into the roof of the net, after a classy build-up between Brodie Carter and Josh Satchwell. 2-0.

Mickleover had a free kick 10 minutes in, when Ted Stevenson was tripped on the edge of the box, but Jacob Edge-Lucas’ kick was just wide.

With Runcorn barely getting out of their own half, they hit the post on their first real break.

Lewin then had a good try blocked after 15 minutes, before Battisson found Barker, whose close range shot was blocked by the keeper.

Lewin’s defensive duties were called upon after a Runcorn free kick was cut out, before Will Robinson burst from the defence to find Battisson in space, shooting wide of the post.

With both wing backs pushing forward, Cameron Anthony and Robinson were the only Mickleover players to stay back. There was a free kick after Battisson was fouled again, and a combined effort from the majority of the team set Barker free, earning another corner after 27 minutes.

Tom Smith had a rare touch of the ball when he raced from his line to kick well clear as the half hour mark approached, quickly followed by a charge down the wing from Edge-Lucas after he intercepted, almost putting Carter in the clear.

Carter was close to adding to the goal tally in the 33^rd minute when Anthony sent Lewin on a run, before his precise cross was inches from the strikers head.

Battisson had a try high and wide, then Atwal, Barker and Carter combined. As Barker had no space, Atwal collected and fired over the bar.

It was soon 3-0 though when Carter was on target after 41 minutes. Another Lewin cross had found Barker, whose pinpoint pass set Carter up.

From 3-0 at half time, Mickleover were straight back on the attack as the second half got underway. Barker put a shot across the face of the goal after 48 minutes and a minute later Barker’s attack left Atwal shooting over.

Battisson and Barker then combined with yet another chance, only to be denied by the keeper’s legs. It was another Barker and Battisson run than earned goal number four. After being tripped in the box, Barker made no mistake from the penalty spot. 4-0.

Runcorn had a random shot well over after 58 minutes, but there was only one team in the game.

Edge-Lucas hit the post after 68 minutes and four minutes later Stevenson had a fantastic run to set up Barker, who took it around the keeper and fired into the roof of the net for 5-0.

Only two minutes later Barker put Carter through but the keeper intercepted, then Stevenson came off to make way for Kai Moore.

It was soon 6-0 when Battisson was tripped in the box and recovered to take the penalty himself after 76 minutes. Lewin then fired just over from another free kick.

10 more minutes and it was goal number seven, after the Runcorn keeper lost the ball, Battisson picked it up and slotted home 7-0.

There was still more to come, with Niall Cole on for Carter, it was 8-0 with two minutes left. Edge-Lucas had burst down the wing and was also on the end of it, with a top corner shot 8-0!

Kyran Ward and Joris Yates were both late subs for Lewin and Edge-Lucas, leaving Mickleover to play possession football for the last few minutes.

Moore had a half chance late on and Smith in the Mickleover goal had one brief threat to his clean sheet, but Moore played it back for him to clear confidently.

So the Midlands Division was sewn up last week, and victory in the first play-off, leaves the Reds in good stead for the final game against Chesham Utd in two weeks.

“Job done, now one to go,” said Coach Pablo Mills, who was also celebrating his 37^th birthday.

May 25, 2021

Sports Reserves Into Chairman’s Cup Final

by D.Mac, Mickleover F.C., Reserves Manager
with additional words from Jon Battisson and Peter Scherer

Rowsley 86 v Mickleover F.C. Reserves – Chairman’s Cup – Semi Final

The Mickleover Reserves team headed back up the A6, unless you went up the A38 and across the A615, to the scenic setting of Rowsley, situated in a little Swale at the edge of the Peak District.

This semi-final was the third time we have made acquaintance with them in the last month, having been paired with them in the group stages and playing our home game there as well.

I also went up and watched their quarter-final win over Bentley and now my Sat Nav thinks my home address is Peaktor Lane, Rowsley! The results of the first two games were one win each, however being the tactical geniuses that Aaron and I are, we inveigled a 2-1 defeat in the last game, so as we would get an away tie in the quarter-final and not have to pay the officials!

But one thing guaranteed at Rowsley is a friendly welcome and post-match.

The team, showing a couple of changes from the quarter-final win at Dinnington Town, was Tom Smith, Lopes Massampo, Jacob Ferdinand, Matt Fuertado, Tom Eccleshall, George Milner, Clinton Morrison, Bobby Battisson, Surafel Tefera, Jude Ayetine and Will Monteiro. On the planks of wood were Ash Elliot, Jacob Edge-Lucas and Devon Smith.

Mickleover started really well with some crisp passing and good movement supporting players on the ball. The central defensive pairing of Ferdinand and Fuertado were solid and well balanced, making good decisions on when to play out or give it the wellie.

With the stability of Morrison in front, it allowed the industrious pairing of Battisson and Milner to pressurise Rowsley into errors, so we got the ball back.

After 15 or so minutes Mickleover had fashioned chances for Monteiro, Ayetine and Tefera, with the home keeper being called into action.

Prior to the game, we talked about the importance of set pieces – corners and free-kicks and how having a plan would work in our favour. It was therefore pleasing that from a free-kick from our right side, just to the right of the penalty box, about 21.5 yards powerfully struck by Eccleshall between the posts that we took the lead.

Monteiro had gone close in the opening minutes, after a fine ball from Ayetine on the left. Then Tefera found Ayetine, but his effort was saved by the Rowsley keeper, before Milner put another telling ball into the box, from a Massampo feed.

15 minutes in and Battisson lofted a corner in, finding Milner in space, but the final header was over. Both Battisson and Milner went close again as the pressure built on the home defence and it was no surprise when Tefera opened the scoring.

It was a free kick from Edge-Lucas after Monteiro was fouled, but the keeper did well to parry the shot and his next action was to fetch the ball out of the net, after Tefera had controlled the high spinning ball and guided the ball carefully into the corner.1-0 Mickleover.

Only five minutes later Monteiro was on another run, beating players to pile more pressure on the Rowsley defence.

The tails were up and in the next period we played some sumptuous impressive football and not much later followed a goal of quintessential beauty.

The ball got played out to Monteiro just in our half, he set the ball back to Tefera, who spun with one touch and slotted an exquisite through pass in front of the onrushing Monteiro. There was still work to be done as their centre backs had come across to close down the danger, but Monteiro took them both out, sidestepping inside before bending the ball to nestle in the corner of the net. 2-0.

Monteiro continued to run rampant through the defence, ably supported by Ayetine, Morrison, Battisson, Tefera and Milner, but after 35 minutes Rowsley had their best chance of the game, when Smith had to charge off his line to try and retrieve a short back pass. The striker was their first but his shot was wide of an almost open goal.

There were penalty appeals after Monteiro was fouled again, but it was still virtual one-way traffic.

Just before half time however Rowsley pulled one back, with a shot from 10 yards out, which Smith misjudged 2-1.

To Rowsley’s credit, they continued to fight and it was a good goal from their point, but one which we should have stopped.

Collecting the ball about 30 yards out on our left he ( the scorer) drove into the centre area and got away a shot that went through Morrison’s legs and trundled with a wee bit of pace into the net near the left-hand post. If there was a good time to lose a goal when 2-0 up, the minutes before halftime as the momentum they could have gained was stopped by the interval.

There was still a chance for one more shot from Mickleover before the half time whistle, as yet another foul on Monteiro, saw Battisson shoot over.

We started the second half well but the game developed into a tousy affair with a spate of bookings. I suspected that the referee had left his cards in the changing room first half, as he allowed a few robust challenges to go unheeded.

Tefera was booked for pushing a defender after being kicked from behind and then Monteiro flew into a tackle that merited the yellow that he received.

Worse was to follow for the Rowsley centre half when he got a yellow to match the one he had just got previously so he had to go.

On the positive side, Eccleshall had a free kick saved and just after the hour, Rowsley had a shot hit the underside of the Mickleover bar, before Battisson tested the keeper, after nice build up between Morrison and Tefera

In the last period of the game the Rowsley keeper made three very good saves from Tefera twice and Monteiro.

However, there were other opportunities squandered which would have made the game safe, when we either were slow in getting a shot away or took the wrong option.

One thing we knew was that Rowsley would keep playing and were very unlucky on three occasions.

In the 73^rd minute Morrison used his experience to be in the right place and cleared off the line and luckily for us a Rowsley player snatched at a shot from six yards and squirted the ball past the post.

In the final minutes Ayetine had a shot well saved, but in time added on, Rowsley were handed the chance of an equaliser, but put the shot wide with a open goal, before Monteiro lost out in a final one on one with the Rowsley keeper.

A good first half followed by a dip in the second with excellent performances coming from Ferdinand and Fuertado, with Battisson and Milner in midfield and Monteiro and Tefera taking their goals well.

There was also a display of ball retention and simplicity that would be hard to match from Morrison, added to his goal-line clearance, making make him motm. (I won’t mention the ‘swinger’ of an attempted shot in the first half though)

We now look forward to a final with Retford at Sheffield on Saturday, at the end of a strange season and thank Rowsley for their hospitality and wish them well for the future.

May 23, 2021

Mickleover Go Down To Belper Utd In Poor All Round Performance

by Peter Scherer

Following the comfortable Don Amott Spring Cup semi final win at Heanor, Mickleover once again fielded the majority of their first team for their Cup Final game at Borrowash against Belper United.

Belper were first on the attack, earning a corner in the fifth minute, before George Milner passed to Stuart Beavon, finding Dec Bacon, whose shot was just wide.

Captain for the day Bobby Battisson then had a good run, but ran out of space before managing to fire in a shot. But then the Mickleover attacks were becoming more and more intense, with Beavon’s attempt just wide after eight minute, followed by a shot from Milner two minutes later.

The Mickleover game wasn’t its usual flowing play however and with Alex Morris in the middle of the defence with James Butler, Jake Bennett was at left back, with Larell King on the right and that familiar look reliability seemed to be lacking.

But 14 minutes in the Belper keeper missed a cross and it fell nicely for Beavon, who made no mistake from close range with a powerful header 1-0. Belper came back fighting however, earning another corner four minutes later and their determination was rewarded after 20 minutes, when a cross from Tom Lewis on the left was deflected, finding its way passed Mickleover keeper Fin Bowen’s far post 1-1.

The usual machine like midfield of Mason Warren, Ben Gowing , Milner and Battisson, were struggling too, and despite some challenging runs, the final ball continually failed to reach the strikers.

Belper were quicker on the break and looked dangerous on a number of occasions. After a couple of near misses they split the Mickleover defence right down the middle in the last five minutes of the first half, before Richard Hanslow slotted it past the advancing Bowen 1-2.

As the team returned for the second half, Academy centre back Will Robinson was on for King, which meant Bennett and Morris reverted to their more familiar right and left back positions. Gowing also made way for Kemy Agustien.

The equaliser almost came in the opening minutes of the second half when Robinson’s effort hit the underside of the bar and bounced out. But the promise didn’t last long, and after 49 minutes Belper had another shot just wide.

There were still very few chances coming Mickleover’s way, even though they began to take more possession.

Belper had a wild shot high and wide in the 56^th minute, before Bacon lofted a dangerous ball into the box five minutes later, which was blocked by the defence.

There was a free kick for Mickleover after Morris was fouled and took a knock to the head, but Agustien’s kick was well off target.

But more danger followed in the Mickleover defence after Morris lost possession on the left wing. Robinson managed to clear the danger, only for Belper to make an immediate return with a powerful header going close.

Robinson then lost possession himself on the edge of the box, calling on Bowen to race off his line and rescue the situation.

Although there seemed to more input from the Mickleover team, the results were still not there. Bacon put a promising ball in to the area, it was cleared and then Agustien fired the final shot over the bar.

Only two minutes later Belper had shot wide again, before following up with a double attempt, one blocked and one wide again.

Time was running out for the elusive equaliser, but Belper continued to try and make it safe. With four minutes left Bowen pulled off another good save, which was followed by an attempted overhead kick from a Belper striker, who failed to connect.

In the final minutes Beavon headed just over from a build up from Warren and Morris, and with the whistle poised Warren fired a shot into the crowded box, but it was game over and a disappointing defeat, after a lack lustre and uninspiring all round performance.

May 23, 2021May 23, 2021

Basford Take The Non-Elite Cup

by Peter Scherer
Images courtesy of Basford United

Mickleover FC sent a mixture of first team, reserves and academy players to Basford, for the inaugural Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Non Elite Cup.

In the opening minutes Mickleover could have taken the lead, when a through ball was cut off by Brad Gascoigne, as it was about to land at Paddy Webb’s feet.

Although Basford got the lead through Ryan Wilson in the eighth minute, there were few chances created by either side for much of the first half.

Basford sprung back to life for the final third though, when after a long run by Callum Chettle, left Kane Richards shooting wide, before Richards made amends a minute later to make it 0-2.

Webb and Will Monteiro up front for Mickleover had few chances, but wing backs Jake Edge-Lucas and Ben Lewin, supported by Ethan Mann in the middle of the defence, restricted Basford’s efforts somewhat too.

Hawkins had little to do again in the Mickleover goal, but after taking a relatively easy save from Niall Towle, the striker was on the receiving end when Hawkins punched away a James Clifton effort, making it 0-3 to the hosts.

First teamer Aman Verma, Josh Waldram and reserve pairing Lopes Massampo and Surafel Tefera combined well with the Academy’s Sam Pipes, and second half subs Tom Eccleshall, Devon Smith and Ash Elliott, but on the day the experience of the virtual Basford first team lifted the trophy, even though a three goal success may have flattered to deceive.

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021

Academy Reds, Regional Champions!

by Peter Scherer

Following last week’s victory over Stafford Rangers, all Mickleover had to do was take a point from their final league game at home to Rushall, to clinch the title.

Just as the game kicked off down came the rain. Mickleover had their first real attack after three minutes, earning a corner. A couple of minutes later Bobby Battisson went on a run, but couldn’t keep his feet in the tricky conditions, but earned another corner.

The pressure quickly began to build on the Rushall defence and it was almost the opening goal six minutes in. Jacob Edge-Lucas put a good cross in to Josh Satchwell. His shot wasn’t cleared and his second attempt was cleared off the line with the keeper well beaten.

After a free kick header went for another corner, Rushall had their first attack after 10 minutes, but the dependability of Cameron Anthony and Will Robinson in the centre of the Mickleover defence, soon saw off any threat.

It wasn’t long before the scoring spree began, with Ted Stevenson’s strike coming from a right wing break after 12 minutes 1-0.

With Edge-Lucas and Ben Lewin both allowed to push forward at will, joining Battisson, George Atwal and Louis Pennington, they controlled midfield and the chances continued to flow.

After a good build up a cross from the left saw Battisson’s shot blocked after 14 minutes, before Rushall had a good chance two minutes later, clear in front of goal before Edge-Lucas and Anthony combined to clear the threat again.

Fin Barker’s bustling runs had already caused problems and in the 20^th minute he made it 2-0, with a shot to the keepers left.

Stevenson then went close again, from an Edge-Lucas cross.

Rushall weren’t surrendering, but the skilful Mickleover build up gave them little time on the ball.

Edge-Lucas swung the ball from the right to find Lewin in space down the left wing, he put a through ball to Pennington, whose shot was saved, before Barker burst from a deep position to fire another shot just wide of the right hand post.

Rushall’s first corner came after 24 minutes, but it was Barker with the next clear shot again, saved by the keeper’s feet after 26 minutes.

As they passed the half hour mark Battisson had another shot blocked and Barker almost set Edge-Lucas on a clear run.

But 40 minutes in Satchwell hit the post, and Barker was on hand to smash home the rebound, 3-0.

Only minutes left in the first half and Robinson followed in from a free kick to make it 4-0, before Stevenson brought a successful first half to an end with a glancing header just past the post.

The Reds made one change at half time, with Brodie Carter on for Satchwell.

Within the first couple the Rushall goal was bombarded again, with Battisson’s shot just wide, before Barker had his attempt blocked.

Rushall had to clear off the line again after 54 minutes, from a Carter attempt, as more shots reigned in close succession.

Barker was then fouled on the edge of the box, the free kick was blocked and then a handball gave another, from which Stevenson’s shot was blocked.

Atwal had his first long range shot wide just before the hour mark, but soon after there was another goal, with Edge-Lucas’ pace proving positive at the end of minutes of consistent pressure, 5-0.

Edge-Lucas was only just wide a few minutes later, after Barker had sent in an initial cross from Lewin.

Barker made way for Kai Moore after 68 minutes, but it was Carter next to go close, after creating his own space.

Kyran Ward was next to come on for Atwal, but Rushall were still trying random shots, usually wide from well out, leaving Tom Smith untroubled.

Just after Moore had a shot saved in the 74^th minute, he made it 6-0 after collecting a cross from Ward on the right.

Battisson was tripped a couple of times in the remaining minutes but the free kick’s came to nought and Carter went close with a couple of half chances.

As the referee was poised to call time, Stevenson went on a long run, weaving and jinking through the defence, only to have his final shot blocked.

A comfortable win to clinch the Midlands Division ESPFA title and they now look forward to playing Runcorn Linnets and Chesham Utd as they aim for the National crown.

May 21, 2021

Beavon Doubles Sinks Heanor Hopes

by Peter Scherer

Three second half goals for Mickleover ended any hopes Heanor Town had of a comeback in the Don Amott Spring Cup semi final.

It was a full strength side from Mickleover on this occasion, 1-Fin Bowen 2-Larell King 3-Jake Bennett 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Alex Morris 7-George Milner 8-Mason Warren 9-Paddy Webb 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Declan Bacon. Subs – Josh Waldram, Ethan Mann, Will Monteiro, Ben Gowing.

Mickleover won a corner in the first minute, which was played out to Warren whose shot was just wide.

But Heanor responded similarly a few minutes later, before there was a brief scare when Bowen came off his line and a Heanor striker tried to chip over him.

Mickleover soon started to settle into the precise interplay that took them to the top of the Northern Premier League, with King playing a through ball on the overlap to Agustien, finding Webb who just missed out with a header.

Beavon almost got Webb through too, before Adam Jablonski in the Heanor goal intercepted.

Heanor kept trying to push forward, and after one of their attacks broke down, Webb burst clear but was fouled as his progress ceased.

On the 15 minute mark Mickleover struck, when a cross from the left found Beavon’s head, beating the keeper on his left side. 1-0.

Five minutes later Heanor could have equalised, after a high bouncing ball caught Bowen out, only for the pursuing Heanor player to go down.

Possession became more and more in Mickleover’s favour, with King and Bennett both overlapping, while Agustien and Warren alternating between staying deep and joining the attack.

After a 21^st minute cross from Milner, followed a long ball from Agustien. The keeper came out but from a scramble, Beavon had the ball with his back to goal, from where the host defence cleared.

There was another chance for Heanor after 33 minutes, when a telling cross from Joe Nice on the left found Kyle Daley, whose shot was well over the top.

Jordan Ball had another shot for Heanor, so high it went out of the ground, but Mickleover were keen for a second goal before half time.

King had a shot well saved by the keeper after 40 minutes, before Heanor’s Lewis Weaver followed up his weak initial effort, with a more precise shot, stretching Bowen to his limit with a good diving save.

Bacon managed another shot from a Webb cross for Mickleover, saved in the final minutes of the first half, so it remained 1-0 at the break.

Heanor started the started the second strongly with Daley shooting straight at Bowen, plus two more shots well off target.

Butler also caused some concern with a short back pass, forcing Bowen to race off his line.

Beavon and Bacon both had shots saved after six minutes, before the substitution was made with Gowing on for Agustien.

After 15 minutes Bennett’s run into the area was thwarted when he was brought down, but penalty appeals were waved away.

Five minutes later Milner had a point black shot saved from a Beavon cross, before the rebound hit the bar.

Monteiro came on as the second sub, and made an immediate impact. His 25^th shot came out and Bennett smashed the rebound high into the Heanor net, 2-0.

Waldram then came on for Webb and Mann for King, but apart from an occasional random shot the last 10 minutes were all Mickleover, with Morris and Butler continuing to look solid at the back.

With five minutes left Warren’s shot was deflected passed Jablonski, 3-0 and almost on the full time whistle Beavon made it 4-0, as Mickleover now move in to Saturday’s final.

May 19, 2021May 20, 2021

Reserves March On To Semi Finals

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Reserves visited Dinnington Town last night, for their Central Midlands League Chairmans Cup Quarter Final tie.

The starting line-up was 1-Tom Smith 2-Ben Lewin 3-Tom Eccleshall 4-Lopes Massampo 5-Jacob Ferdinand 6-Aaron Hayer 7-Devon Smith 8-Ash Elliott 9-Jude Ayetine 10-Surafel Tefera 11-Matt Fuertado. Subs: Jacob Edge-Lucas, Bobby Battisson, George Wiliamson, Josh Satchwell.

Dinnington were straight on the attack and won their first corner in the second minute. Mickleover retaliated when a good cross from Ayetine, saw Fuertado’s attempt just wide, before Elliott missed out on connecting with a half chance.

A couple of minutes later Elliott put the ball across the face of the Dinnington goal, just missing connection with Smith.

After Dinnington put a free kick well over Smith’s bar, it became end to end for most for the first half.

Elliott just missed out on another Fuertado cross after 14 minutes, but at the back Ferdinand was marshalling the defence well, with the aid of Hayer, while both Lewin and Eccleshall were effective on the overlaps.

Dinnington had a shot just over after Hayer had lost possession on the edge of the box, before Smith was brought down in the area in the 16^th minute, but penalty shouts were waved away.

Devon Smith got a shot in again after a feed from Massampo, followed by another corner for Sports as they pushed to open the scoring.

But Dinnington were equally on the attack too and after a scramble in the Mickleover box 26minutes in, a free kick was given and relieved the pressure.

Lewin placed a nice curling ball into the Dinnington box on the half hour, but there was no one on the receiving end, he was then back in defence clearing the lines too.

But Dinnington kept coming back for more and there was another goal mouth scramble after Smith charged out only to beaten to the ball, before the defence rallied once more.

Smith was in action again pulling off a good save in the 34^th minute, but then namesake Devon had a shot whistle just wide of the post, the nearest yet to an opening goal.

But as half time approached Dinnington had a couple more telling attacks and Hayer had a cross, too long, but just over the bar.

Elliott had the final chance of the half, in space initially but waiting too long to try and get a shot in, so the teams went in still 0-0.

Mickleover made two half time changes, with Tefera, injured after a couple of knocks, and Lewin, making way for Edge-Lucas and Battisson.

From the start of the second half Mickleover seemed more positive and Devon Smith was soon attacking giving Fuertado a half chance.

But after Dinnington had another attack, Fuertado had a shot saved in the 54^th minute. Ayetine had become more effective as the target man, but was hacked down from behind in the 46^th minute, earning the Dinnington defender a yellow card.

Eccleshall then put a good cross in before Elliott’s shot was blocked on the hour. But Mickleover had a lucky escape, when Edge-Lucas was surprisingly outpaced on the wing, before the Dinnington striker fired a shot in which Smith tipped onto the bar. But the hosts had the ball in the net from the rebound, only to be deemed offside.

Fuertado went close again for Mickleover three minutes later, his shot was blocked by the advancing Dinnington keeper.

Two more substitutions followed with Satchwell and for Fuertado and Wiliamson for Devon Smith.

Dinnington had another weak penalty appeal rejected, but finally after 70 minutes the deadlock was broken, when Satchwell was fouled on a run, and Wiliamson’s following free-kick had the keeper well beaten 1-0.

Six minutes later and from Eccleshall on the left, Wiliamson’s through ball to Battisson was met up by the charging Edge-Lucas, who placed the ball nicely out of reach of the advancing keeper, 2-0.

Dinnington had a free kick, but in punching clear Smith took a slight knock. But Mickleover came charging back and Satchwell made it 3-0 with a back heeler, catching the defence flat footed.

The hosts were close to pulling one back though when Smith was unable to collect. Hayer cleared off the line before Eccleshall brought it clear.

Battisson and Wiliamson both had more of the ball in midfield and after a long kick by Smith in the closing minutes, Battisson almost latched onto it at the other end.

A minute later and another Battisson run saw him brought down in the area, only for his resulting penalty to be saved.

So it remained a hard earned 3-0 win, which takes them into the semi finals, against the winners of the AFC Bentley v Rowsley tie.

May 17, 2021

First Two Players Re-Sign For 21/22 Season

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC are proud to announce the first two re-signings from last years aborted but very successful season.

Club captain Mason Warren will be back to orchestrate the midfield, as well as being the dead ball tactician,

For me it was a no-brainer to re-sign again for the coming season. Everything about the club is moving forward both on and off the pitch and like many others players in the squad I want to be a part of the journey. The group is raring to go and show what we can do and kick on again from last season.

Gaffer John McGrath has always valued Warren’s input in all his capacities within the club and it was important for him to make his captain the first to sign up for the forthcoming campaign.

Mason fits the bill of exactly what I look for in a player and a captain. He is a talented footballer who leads by example and is a massive influence both on and off the pitch for the football club. I am delighted that he has committed to continue his own progression and development with us here at Mickleover FC.

Centre back James Butler has also pledged himself for another season, having only joined the club last summer. But his life has been football, following on the footsteps of his father Tony,

I am delighted to sign a new deal with the club. I have loved my time here and I am looking forward to seeing where we can go as a football club. We will aim for the same performances as last season and I am sure we will be fighting again at the top of the table.

explained James.

Butts is a rare find in non-league. For someone so young he has all the ability and know-how you would associate with a seasoned professional footballer. He is a highly competitive footballer and he drives our standards on the pitch and in the changing room. In my opinion will be a future football league player and I am excited to play a part in his journey as he will no doubt develop into the player, we all know he can be.

added gaffer McGrath.