After taking 10 points in their last four league matches, Sports can be pretty happy with their recent form. Despite the disappointment of the last minute goal at Lancaster City last weekend, Sports are still unbeaten in 2019. However that record will be put to the test at The Don Amott Arena this Saturday as high flying Gainsborough Trinity visit. When Sports made the trip to Lincolnshire all the way back in August, they were totally outclassed the the home side who of course were relegated from the National League North last season. This was the first time Trinity have ever been relegated in their history. Trinity could have scored 5 or 6 that night so it will be a good marker to see how far Sports have improved as a side since then.

LAST TIME OUT
Gainsborough Trinity made light work of Workington AFC last weekend, winning by four goals to one at The Northolme as the side from Lincolnshire are now 6th in the league table. Goals from Ashley Worsfold (2) , Benjamin Gordan and Simon Russell saw off the Cumbrians in front of the crowd of 572. Sports were of course denied only their second away win of the season at Lancaster City in the 96th minute through a late Brad Carsley equaliser.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
John McGrath has a full squad to pick from with no new injury worries from last weeks game, with the exception of Nathan Jarman who was sent off at Lancaster City last Saturday.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 3pm Kick Off at the Don Amott Arena on Station Road, Mickleover, DE3 9FB with Admission Prices set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s. Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not going to Doncaster are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side with reduced admission of £7 on production of their club’s season ticket at the turnstile. The bar and snack van will be open as usual serving hot and cold drinks and food before during and after the match. Your new look Sports Report Match day Programme will also be on sale at the turnstile for only £2! This features the thoughts of Chairman Don Amott and Manager John McGrath plus all your usual content.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!

After successfully negotiating their way into the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final on Tuesday night, John McGrath’s in form Sports side now turn their full concentration back to league matters as they face a trip up the M6 for a very important Evo Stik League match. Like Sports Lancaster City have been struggling down in the lower reaches of the division for most of the season. This saw the Lancashire outfit in the relegation places for most of the early part of the season. After the club lost five of its first six games, Phil Brown resigned as first team manager after three years at the helm and former Nelson and Ramsbottom United manager Mark Fell was appointed as his replacement in October 2018. After a mini resurgence the club have since fallen back into the relegation picture and now sit 18th, one place and two points below Sports, so this is certainly a crucial game as we move into the final four months of the league season. But with Sports recent form they will have plenty of confidence they can pick up a positive result if they keep their recent high standards up to where they have been to in recent games.

LAST TIME OUT
A Robert Wilson penalty after five minutes was all that Lancaster City needed last Saturday to beat fellow Derbyshire side Matlock Town 1-0 in the Dolly Blues last match. Sports last match was of course the 4-1 win over Clay Cross Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Semi Final, with a Nathan Jarman penalty and another goal from Shaquille McDonald sending Sports through to face Matlock Town or Alfreton Town in the final.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
For probably the first time since the start of the season John McGrath has a full squad to choose from. Lewis King, Ricky Ravenhill, Shaquille McDonald and Evan Garnett has recovered from their recent knocks and all should be available, however it is expected that Callum Hawkins will remain in goal. It is unknown if any more of the Czech Derby Uni Students have returned to join Adam Prusa in the squad.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at The Giant Axe Field, West Rd, Lancaster, LA1 5PE. Admission prices are set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions/OAP’s/Students, £5 for 14-17 year olds and Under 14’s are FREE with a full paying Adult . Match day programmes as well as hot and cold food and drink will as always be available inside the ground with alcoholic beverages available inside the clubhouse. Match day parking is available in the ground and, in dry conditions, on the playing field adjacent to the ground free of charge to all supporters. If the car park is full, exit the ground to the right to search for a spot in the near-by housing areas and roads. These areas and roads do not require a permit to park. If you would prefer not to drive we do have spaces on the team coach leaving the Don Amott Arena at 10:15am costing £10 a seat. Ring Tony Shaw on 07966 197 246 to book.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!

Don’t forget that we will also be doing live match commentary on Mixlr during the game. Either download the app or go onto the website and search for Mickleover Sports. Once the broadcast has gone live at around 2:50pm click listen and you should be able to enjoy full match commentary. You can access our page by clicking on this link… http://mixlr.com/mickleover-sports/

Mickleover Sports 4-1 Clay Cross Town
Derbyshire FA Senior Cup Semi-Final
Tuesday 8th January 2019
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover went into this game eyeing the prize of going into the Derbyshire FA Senior Cup final. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good 4-2-3-1 formation with Callum Hawkins in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Mason Warren, Pablo Mills and Durrell Berry. The two holding midfielders consisted of John McGrath and Ricky Ravenhill. The three attacking midfielders consisted of Adam Prusa, Kyle Carey and Jimmy Phillips who were sitting behind lone striker Nathan Jarman. The bench consisted of Shaquille McDonald, Evan Garnett, Ted Cribley, Jack Walsh and Tom Eccleshall.

First half commenced and on the 3rd minute, chance came for Sports with Nathan Jarman who played the ball to Kyle Carey and he took a shot, but the shot went over the bar. On the 12th minute, chance came for Sports with Adam Prusa having a shot but went straight to keeper. Sports had the most chances to score throughout the first 15 minutes of the match. On the 17th minute, another chance came for Sports with John McGrath having a shot, but his shot went straight to the keeper. A minute later and Sports were so close to goal, but his shot hit the crossbar of the goal post. On the 27th minute, another chance came for Sports from a free kick. John McGrath took the free kick and found the head of Pablo Mills, but his shot fell into the keeper’s hands.

On the 31st minute, chance came for Clay Cross with Callum Lytham’s shot went out wide of the right side of the post. Two minutes later and a huge chance came for Sports, but Jake Scott’s shot hit the post. On the 35th minute, Mason Warren had a chance to score but his cross met the hands of the Clay Cross keeper. On the 37th minute, chance came for Clay Cross after a free kick. Josh Scully took the free kick but met the hands of Callum Hawkins. Callum kicked the ball out of the area and met Adam Prusa. Sports had a chance with Adam Prusa’s shot but went over the bar. On the 40th minute, huge chance came for Clay Cross. Josh Parfitt had the shot but went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 41st minute, a penalty was awarded to Sports. Ricky Ravenhill was taken out inside the box and the referee showed no hesitation and gave Sports a penalty. Nathan Jarman stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it past the goalkeeper to give Sports the lead on the 43rd minute.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Clay Cross Town

Second half commenced and on the 48th minute, chance came for Sports. Kyle Carey is played in but could not get a clean contact and went out for a goal kick. On the 55th minute, chance came for Sports. John McGrath took the corner and met Jimmy Phillips, but his shot went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 56th minute, chance came for Sports with Adam Prusa who sent the ball to Nathan Jarman, but his shot was deflected out for a corner. John McGrath took the corner and met Pablo Mills, but his shot was over the bar. 59th minute, massive chance came for Sports with Kyle Carey’s shot going over the bar. On the 65th minute, Clay Cross equalise after a free kick was awarded. Josh Scully took the free kick and went over the wall past Callum Hawkins. On the 67th minute, chance came for Sports. From a Ricky Ravenhill shot, the keeper parried it to the path of Adam Prusa, but his shot went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 69th minute, goal came for Sports. From a John McGrath corner, the ball struck towards goal by many Sports players, but it was Nathan Jarman who smashed it past the goalkeeper. On the 70th minute, Sports made a substitution with Shaquille McDonald replacing John McGrath.

On the 73rd minute, Sports scored again. An excellent cross from Kyle Carey on the right side of the box met Nathan Jarman and smashed it into the bottom left corner of the goal to give Sports the lead. On the 76th minute, Sports made their second substitution with hat trick scorer Nathan Jarman replaced by Evan Garnett. On the 80th minute, Sports made their final substitution with Jack Walsh replacing Jimmy Phillips. On the 85th minute, huge chance came for Sports. Shaquille McDonald did the hard bit and took it round the keeper but was blocked on the line by one of the Clay Cross defenders. On the 88th minute, Sports score again. A neat play from Sports set up Shaquille McDonald who got his 6th game in 6 games after the ball smashed past the keeper. Throughout the added minutes, Kyle Carey and Shaquille McDonald had chances but both efforts went over the bar. Pablo Mills also had a chance to score during added time with an amazing free kick, but his shot hit the post.
Full Time: Mickleover Sports 4-1 Clay Cross Town.

There are places available on the players coach to Lancaster City this coming Saturday. We leave The Don Amott Arena at 10:15am and it costs only £10!

To book please phone Secretary Tony Shaw on 07966 197246 to book a seat.

Sports will have to be at their very best on Tuesday night as they take on Step 7 Clay Cross Town to see who will be the first finalist in the DCFA Senior Cup in 2019. There may be a four league difference between the two sides however Clay Cross are here on merit after defeating Graham St Prims, Ashbourne and Long Eaton United to make it to this stage. The Millers have only lost three games in league and cup all season and are looking strong favourites to win the Central Midlands League North Division after missing out on promotion in the last two seasons. From a Sports point of view John McGrath will see this as an excellent opportunity to book a place in a cup final in a competition Sports have never won in their history.

LAST TIME OUT
The Millers continued their impressive league form by hammering bottom of the league Newark Town 7-2 away from home last Saturday. Goals from Ant Lytham, Callum Lytham, Grant Mitchell and Joshua Parfitt all netted to extend their league at the top of the North Division to seven points. Mickleover Sports of course defeated Stalybridge Celtic 2-1 at home with Shaquille McDonald netting both Sports goals to make it three wins in a row.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Adam Prusa, one of our Czech Derby Uni Graduates featured on Saturday with the other three expected back soon. Evan Garnett will probably start as he looks to gain fitness after his recent injury. Lewis King is also set to start for similar reasons. Shaquille McDonald was substituted on Saturday with a minor knock so may be rested ahead of the game at Lancaster City at the weekend. Everyone else is presumed fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 7:45pm Kick Off at the Don Amott Arena on Station Road, Mickleover, DE3 9FB with Admission Prices having been reduced to £5 for Adults and just £1 for Under 16’s. Derby County & Burton Albion Supporters are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side. The bar and snack van will be open as usual serving hot and cold drinks and food before during and after the match. Your new look Sports Report Match day Programme will also be on sale at the turnstile for only £2! This features the thoughts of Chairman Don Amott and Manager John McGrath plus all your usual content.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!

Mickleover Sports 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic
Saturday 5th January 2018
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After an excellent beginning to 2019, Sports once again were at home against 11th place Stalybridge Celtic. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-4-2 formation with Callum Hawkins in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Ben Turner, Pablo Mills and Durrell Berry. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Jimmy Phillips, Mason Warren and Kyle Carey. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Ted Cribley, Ricky Ravenhill, Reece Ford and two returning players Adam Prusa and Evan Garnett.

First half commenced and on the 4th minute a chance came for Sports. A good ball from Kyle Carey met Nathan Jarman and passed to Shaquille McDonald but his shot was off side. On the 9th minute, chance came for Celtic with Andy Scott’s shot going wide of the left-hand post from outside the box. On the 10th minute and a goal for Sports. A lovely cross from Ben Turner with a cross to Shaquille McDonald from Nathan Jarman and was smashed into the net to give Sports the lead. Throughout the past ten minutes, Sports have had the most chances to score again but efforts have been well saved and cleared by the Celtic defence. On the 22nd minute, a big chance came for Sports. Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald linked up together as a free kick found McDonald, but his shot went over the bar.

Two minutes later and another chance came for Sports. This time it was a lovely play from a throw to Nathan Jarman, but his shot was blocked low down and out of the area. On the 29th minute a chance came for Celtic but good pressure from John McGrath put off Neil Kenini off his strike and went into the hands of Callum Hawkins. A minute later and Stalybridge had another chance to score. Greg Wilkinson was the next player to have an effort, but his shot went wide of the right-hand post. On the 38th minute, a chance came for Sports. A good counter attack from Shaquille McDonald found Kyle Carey but his shot was blocked by the Celtic defender and into the hands of Celtic keeper Aidan Winterbottom.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic.

Second half commenced and on the 48th minute a chance came for Celtic to equalise. A dangerous throw into the Sports bid by the visitors found Neil Kenini who fired it wide of the right-hand post. On the 49th minute and Sports got a second. Shaquille McDonald made it 5 goals in 5 games with a strike outside the box and took a slight deflection and past the Celtic keeper. Throughout the past ten minutes, Sports had dominated and had many shots, but the efforts have been well cleared by the Celtic defence. On the 62nd minute, a chance came for Sports. Kyle Carey had a good shot from outside the box, but his shot was deflected and into the hands of the Celtic keeper Aidan Winterbottom. On the 65th minute, Sports made a sub with Adam Prusa returning to the squad replacing Shaquille McDonald. On the 70th minute, an excellent counter attack to Sports from a Stalybridge free kick as Nathan Jarman broke down from the right side and gave it to Kyle Carey and his shot was blocked then followed up by Jimmy Phillips whose shot went over the bar.

Throughout the past ten minutes, once again Sports were the dominate team and had many efforts, but the shots were cleared and saved by the Celtic defence and keeper. On the 81st minute, Sports made a double change with Ted Cribley and the returning Evan Garnett replacing Jimmy Phillips and Kyle Carey. On the 83rd minute, a goal came for Stalybridge Celtic with Elliot Cooke having a shot and smashed past Callum Hawkins.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic

Mickleover Sports will be looking to make it a hatrick of home league victories on Saturday as they take on Manchester based side Stalybridge Celtic in the reverse fixture of the opening game of the season. A lot has changed for both teams since that 0-0 draw back on the 18th August but Celtic are in a much healthier position of 11th than Sports 17th, so this will certainly be the toughest game of the recent opponents at The Don Amott Arena. However with the renewed confidence Sports have picked up after two home victories in a row John McGrath’s side will be feeling optimistic they can grab another positive result to move further away from danger with a tough away fixture at relegation rivals Lancaster City to come next weekend.

LAST TIME OUT
Stalybridge Celtic did Sports a favor in their last game on New Years Day as they came from behind to beat Workington 2-1 away from home. A Bradley Carroll goal for the Reds was cancelled out by two Andrew Scott goals either side of the break. Sports last game came of course on the same day at home to Stafford Rangers where they came from 2-0 down at half time thanks to two goals from Shaquille McDonald and a Nathan Jarman Penalty to win 3-2.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Our four Czech Republic players are away but will hopefully be back soon, Evan Garnett still remains a doubt but has been back in training so hopefully won’t be out for too much longer. Callum Hawkins is expected to remain in goal in the absence of Lewis King due to injury. Everyone else is presumed fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 3pm Kick Off at the Don Amott Arena on Station Road, Mickleover, DE3 9FB with Admission Prices set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s. However for this game only Kids are FREE with their parents/guardians only having to pay £1 each to come and watch the game! Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not making the trip to Rochdale, Nottingham Forest Season Ticket Holders not going to Chelsea and Leicester City Season Ticket Holders are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side with reduced admission of £7. The bar and snack van will be open as usual serving hot and cold drinks and food before during and after the match. Your new look Sports Report Match day Programme will also be on sale at the turnstile for only £2! This features the thoughts of Chairman Don Amott and Manager John McGrath plus all your usual content. Due to printing deadlines this is a bumper two game special programme to go with our game with Stafford Rangers on New Years Day.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!