Witton Albion 1-2 Mickleover Sports
Tuesday 9th October
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports had a huge weight lifted off their shoulders as they got their first away win of the season on Tuesday night as they came out 2-1 victors on Tuesday night in Cheshire. Sports dominated the first half and goals from the gaffer John McGrath and striker Nathan Jarman were reward for a first half in which Sports could have been 3, 4 or even 5 goals to the good at half time. Witton were always going to come out the blocks fighting in the second half and they got a goal back through Rob Hopley in the 70th minute. But despite the increased pressure and six minutes of injury time Sports held firm to take three points back down the road to Derby for the first time in the league this season.

Lewis King started in goal with a back four of Jake Scott, Tom Burgin, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. John McGrath and Ricky Ravenhill were in holding midfield roles with an attacking quartet of Evan Garnett, Oli Roberts, Jimmy Phillips and Nathan Jarman. On the bench were Harley Kozluk, Isai Marselia, Curtis Burrows and Mason Warren.

Sports got off to a flying start as they went ahead after six minutes. A free kick on the right hand side of the box was taken by McGrath and he spotted a gap in goal to place the ball into the near post which caught the keeper out and went in just under him into the bottom right hand corner. Within ten minutes Sports dominance saw them go two ahead. A lovely ball over the top found Garnett running through who inside the box played the ball back to Roberts, who in turn spotted the gap to place in Jarman in space to slam the ball home from close range to double Sports advantage.

Witton then reacted and his straight on the attack. Danny McKenna unleashed a wonderful curling effort which looked destined for the top right corner. However King managed to get a finger on the ball to tip it onto the bar and out for a corner. Next James Foley produced a powerful effort from the left hand side of the box but it went over King’s bar. A few minutes later Witton were nearly gifted a route back into the game. Jake Scott played the ball back into King who’s clearance was blocked by the Witton striker and almost went over the line but thankfully Pablo Mills got back just in time to clear it away for a corner. A big chance then fell for Sports as Roberts had an effort saved before Jarman had his rebounded strike cleared off the line via the defenders head. Garnett had two chances before the break to increase Sports lead further but sadly couldn’t take them with one saved and one blocked away to see Sports go into the break two goals up but certainly should have had more.

When the second half got underway Witton changed formation and made a substitution to try and get back into the game. They could have got a goal before they actually did as a free kick found its way into the Sports box and after a few headers the ball fell to Rob Hopley who managed to blaze a first time effort over the bar and out of the ground from only a few yards out. He made up for it later on though as he scored in the 70th minute to give the hosts the momentum for the final section of the game. A corner was taken short, crossed in and the header hit the bar but the ball dropped down into the path of Hopley who made no mistake heading the ball in from a yard out to give Witton hope of getting back into the game.

Sports made a change a few minutes later as Oli Roberts came off for Curtis Burrows to add some more speed down the right flank. Sports then had their final chance of the game as Garnett was played in on the counter attack and got just inside the box but his shot was saved by the Witton keeper. Sports then made their second change as Nathan Jarman came off to be replaced by Mason Warren to sure up the defence.

Despite the dominance in possession and many balls into the box Burgin and Mills were heading and clearing everything that came their way and despite the six minutes of added time that came and went Sports didn’t allow Witton Albion to create any real concrete chances in the final moments of the game. As the final whistle went the joy and relief of all connected with the club could be seen and heard as Sports won and got their first away win of the league season. Sports now have a huge weight off their shoulders and can hopefully now push on and move further up the table in the weeks ahead. Sports are next in action on Saturday 13th October back at The Don Amott Arena as they take on Nantwich Town on Non League Day with a 3pm Kick Off.

Mickleover Sports will be looking to get over the injustice of their FA Cup exit this coming Tuesday as they turn their focus on getting their league form back on track. Sports travel to 16th placed Witton Albion knowing that a win in Cheshire would move them level on points with The Albs. After two consecutive away league defeats and still no league away win all season, John McGrath will no doubt be wanting to pick up their first away win but the lads will know that Witton will be buzzing after their FA Cup win at the weekend so will prove a very tough test. Of course it is still very early days with plenty of football to be played but both winning and losing can become habits and Sports will need to reverse the current trend in order to avoid having to keep looking over their shoulder at the teams below inside the relegation zone, with Sports sitting only one place above the dreaded drop.

LAST TIME OUT
Witton Albion caused an FA Cup upset on Saturday as the beat National League North Side FC United of Manchester 2-1 at Broadhurst Park. Goals from James Foley and Robert Hopley cancelled out Jack Bannister’s goal to see Witton through to the 4th Qualifying Round. It was a 2-1 scoreline was well for Sports at the weekend but a loss instead as McGrath’s side went out to Alfreton Town in the same competition.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Once again Niall Dorran is missing through his long term injury. Pablo Mills looks back to full fitness and Kevin Grocott may feature after coming back from his own injury problems. Everyone else remains fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6DA on Tuesday 9th October at 7:45pm. Admission prices are £10 for Adults, £7 Concessions, £5 for Young Adults (17-21) and £2 for Under 16’s. 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. Car Parking is also available on a first come, first served basis.

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 1-2 Alfreton Town
Emirates F.A. Cup 3rd Round Qualitfying
Saturday 6th October 2018

Mickleover Sports FA Cup dreams were left in tatters after bowing out of the competition two goals to one to National League North side Alfreton Town. After Lewis King made a terrific double save from one penalty kick, he could not prevent the second after an extremely ludicrous decision led to Jordan Sinnott giving the visitors the lead. Sports were clearly aggrieved and conceded a second before half time through Richard Peniket scrambling the ball home. Sports battled well in the second half and got a goal back through an Isai Marselia penalty after Pablo Mills was bundled down in the box. But despite wave after wave of pressure from Sports it just wasn’t to be as a mixture of bad decision making and bad luck saw the hosts FA Cup dreams shelved for another season.

As always Lewis King started in goal between the sticks. A back four or Jake Scott, Pablo Mills, Tom Burgin and Ben Turner started behind John McGrath and Jimmy Phillips in midfield. On the wings were Curtis Burrows and Ted Cribley with Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman upfront. A youthful bench for Sports included Jack Walsh, Harley Kozluk, Mason Warren, Oliver Roberts and Isai Marselia.

Sports had the first effort of the game as Evan Garnett went close after being played in behind the Alfreton defense but his low shot was dragged wide of the right hand post. Alfreton came forward a few minutes later and despite some heavy pressure Sports held firm and it resulted in Bobby Johnson sending a strike wide of Kings left hand post. Two further efforts from Reds winger Jordan Sinnott then followed with both being well handled by King in the Sports goal. Next chance for the visitors came when a long ball forward was headed back into danger by Mills which fell kindly to James Clifton but his snap shot was hit well over the bar for a goal kick.

Next up came the first Alfreton penalty as Ben Turner clipped for Alfreton Town strike inside the box. However Lewis King saved well down to his right hand side before getting up and tipping the follow up with both hands over the bar for a corner. However the drama did not end there as the referee on the 34th minute gave another penalty which nobody in the ground claimed for. The referee adjudged John McGrath to have stamped on the Alfreton players foot but you can tell a lot about a decision when neither the player or the visiting fans don’t appeal for it whether it’s the correct call or not. This time Jordan Sinnott stepped up and sent King the wrong way to put the visitor’s one goal up. Sports players were evidently aggrieved with the referee’s decision and unfortunately after two missed chances from Garnett and McGrath, the players switched off for the second goal from the Reds right before half time. An Alfreton corner was floated in and after a scramble to clear in the box the ball fell kindly to Richard Peniket who stuck the ball in from close range to put the visitor’s two goals to the good at the half time break.

Sports started the second half well as Pablo Mills headed a McGrath corner wide. Alfreton then had the ball in the back of the net once more but this time the decision was in Sports favor as the linesman on the far side raised his flag for offside. Another Sports chance then came and went as a McGrath free kick was headed back into the danger area by Mills across the goal but the on rushing Tom Burgin couldn’t quite get to the ball as it went out for a goal kick. A bizarre moment occurred moments later as Evan Garnett burst through into the box with pace, cut inside and looked to have been brought down but the referee took the view he had dived and booked Garnett to his anger. Isai Marselia then came on for Curtis Burrows. With eight minutes of normal time left Sports got themselves back into the game through a penalty kick of their own. Pablo Mills was rugby tackled in the area and up stepped Isai Marselia with nerves of steel to score into the bottom right corner.

However as much as Sports piled the pressure on the visitors saw the game out well and had the only remaining concrete chance of the match as goal scorer Sinnott put an effort over the bar. All in all Sports will feel that their FA Cup adventure was brought to an end by a bad decision but they can still take a lot of pride away from a battling performance as they competed well against a side a league above them. It’s back to the league on Tuesday night as Sports travel to Witton Albion on Tuesday 9th October 2018, 7:45pm Kick Off.

Written by Sam Goldsworthy.

John McGrath could be the first manager to take Mickleover Sports to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup if his side can cause an upset against National League North Side and fellow Derbyshire side Alfreton Town. It is only the third time that Sports have gone this far in the FA Cup and have never gone beyond this stage before. With Sports league form not being the best so far it is a perfect opportunity to gain some confidence and extra motivation to try and cause an upset against a side in the league above and a perfect way to see what is expected of the sides playing at that level. A larger than average crowd is expected for this bumper FA Cup tie and we advise all supporters to arrive earlier than Normal due to the road works outside the ground to allow enough time for everyone to enter the ground in time for kick off.

LAST TIME OUT
Alfreton Town fell to a 1-0 defeat in their last game at home to West Yorkshire side Bradford Park Avenue. A 72nd minute goal from Conor Branson claimed the visitors all three points at The Impact Arena. Sports have suffered a similar fate in their last two matches losing 2-1 to Hyde United and 1-0 to Warrington Town in the last week. However league form goes out the window in the FA Cup and we can look forward to an exciting game.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports are still without Niall Dorran with his long term injury. Kevin Grocott may be available for selection as he nears full fitness after the injury he picked up at Farsley Celtic. Tom Burgin may also be back as well as he missed the Warrington game due to the back injury he suffered at Hyde United the weekend before. Everyone else should be available if selected.

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 £1 for Under 16’s. Derby County and Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not travelling to QPR and Wycombe 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!

Mickleover Sports misery on the road in the league continued as they suffered an unfortunate 1-0 defeat away at high-flyers Warrington Town. A 6th minute goal from Dylan Vassallo was all that separated the two sides on the night but Sports certainly had chances, especially in the second half, to get something from the game but it just wasn’t to be as Sports came home from another away trip with nothing to show for their hard work and effort.
Sports lined up with Lewis King in goal and a back four of Jake Scott, Pablo Mills, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. In midfield were John McGrath, Ricky Ravenhill with Ted Cribley and Jimmy Phillips on the wings. Up front were he duo of Evan Garentt and Nathan Jarman. On the bench were Tyreece Robinson, Isai Marselia, Lewis Belgrave, Oliver Roberts and Curtis Burrows.

It was a bad start to the game for Sports as six minutes in Sports fell behind. The ball fell to Dylan Vassallo who took his effort well with a hard and low drive into the bottom left corner past King. Sports then started to have a few efforts of their own with McGrath having two efforts with one going over the bar and one going just wide of the right hand post. Then striker Nathan Jarman dinked a lovely volleyed effort over the bar which had the keeper worried. However it was Warrington who had the final couple of efforts before the half time break. First Tony Gray was played in 1v1 with King but he somehow missed what seemed an easy effort past the right hand post before a header from Jake Kirby went put over the bar.

The second half started well from a Sports point of view as a strike from McGrath was deflected out to Ted Cribley whose effort was saved and parried away from danger by Warrington keeper Tony McMillan. Jarman then had an effort from long range saved by the keeper then Jake Kirby also had a strike saved by King. A good cross from Jimmy Phillips was perfectly placed into the danger area but no one was there to get onto the end of it and the ball went out for a goal kick. Nathan Jarman then had two more efforts to try and grab a Sports equaliser. The first from a corner kick from McGrath went over the bar before free kick from Lewis King met the head of Jarman but was saved by the keeper. Jarman then made way for Sports only chance of the game as the forward was replaced by Isai Marselia.

There would be one final chance for Sports and it was probably the best one of them all. A cross into the Yellows box was met by a header from Evan Garnett from only a few yards from the goal but the effort was over the bar as the Sports forward showed his frustrations knowing it was Sports last chance to salvage something. That would prove to be that as the referee blew for full time. With rivals Matlock Town winning their crucial relegation six pointer with North Ferriby United as well that left Sports only 2 points above the drop zone in 19th position, with the Gladiators having a game in hand. But for now Sports have to put their league troubles aside as they prepare for one of the biggest games in their recent history as they welcome Alfreton Town to the Don Amott Arena. Mickleover have the chance to progress into the 4th Qualifying Round for the first time in their history on Saturday 6th October 2018 with a 3pm Kick Off.

By Sam Goldsworthy.

Mickleover Sports face an extremely difficult test on Tuesday night as they travel to the North West to take on top of the table Warrington Town. The Yellows moved to the top of the Evo Stik Northern Premier League over the weekend and will be chomping at the bit to keep their good run of form going. Sports will have to be resolute, patient and work very hard for each other if they are to get anything from this tricky away match. But John McGrath will certainly be expecting a reaction from his players after the defeat at the weekend so don’t write Sports off just yet. With Sports sitting dangerously close to the drop zone at this early stage in the season it will be important to start picking up the points required to climb away from danger.

LAST TIME OUT
The Yellows of Warrington went top of the Evo Stik Premier Division table on Saturday as they leapfrogged former leaders South Shields with a dominant 3-0 win over the side from Newcastle. Goals from Bohan Dixon, Jake Kirby and Joshua Amis secured the three points for Warrington. Sports however were on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat across the other side of Manchester at Hyde United. Luke Porritt and Tom Greaves netting in the first half for the hosts before Ben Turner grabbed a goal back for Sports who couldn’t find an equaliser. Warrington have only lost one game all season so far after nine matches, with Sports still looking for their first away win of the season after two draws and four defeats so far on their travels. Sports sit 18th in the table after 10 games, three points off the drop zone.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Tom Burgin suffered a slight back injury which led to his half time substitution on Saturday at Hyde United, however all being well should be available. Sports are still without Kevin Grocott and Niall Dorran but it won’t be long before the former is back from his recent injury. Everybody else is presumed fit and available should they be selected.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Warrington Town’s Winner Recruitment Stadium, Common Lane, Warrington, WA4 2RS on Tuesday 2nd October at 7:45pm. Admission prices are £10 for Adults, £6 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s. 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. Car Parking is also available on a first come, first served basis.

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 travelled to Ewen Fields on Saturday afternoon for their match against Hyde United. Sports boss John McGrath put out a strong team sticking with a 4-4-2 formation of Lewis King in goal, the back four consisting of Jake Scott on the left wing and Mason Warren on the right wing and Ben Turner joining Tom Burgin in centre defence, the middle four consisting of Oli Roberts on the left and new Sports signing Ted Cribley on the right and central midfield consisting of Ricky Ravenhill and John McGrath and Isa Marselia and Evan Garnett making the two front strikers. On the bench consisted of Jimmy Phillips, Curtis Burrows, Pablo mills, Tyreece Robinson and Nathan Jarman.

First half was disappointing for Sports as Hyde produced chance after chance but it was the excellent work of Sports goalkeeper Lewis King. On the 11th minute, Hyde almost made it 1-0 and King nearly got lobbed but his effort kept the ball out and kept the score at 0-0. On the 16th minute, Hyde had another chance but took a deflection from Sports defender Tom Burgin and went out for a corner.

Hyde eventually got on the scoreboard on the 21st minute. Tom Greaves played it to Like Porritt and Porritt fired it past Lewis King to give Hyde the lead. On the 34th minute, a huge chance came for sports to equalise. Evan Garnett has the ball and was running towards goal but cut inside on both occasions and the ball was cleared by Hyde’s goalkeeper. Garnett has another chance of goal on the 42nd minute but is saved by the keeper. Hyde doubled their lead in added time from a corner. Hyde player Grant Roberts passed the ball to Tom Greaves and struck the ball in the net. Half Time, Hyde United 2-0 Mickleover Sports.

At half time, Sports boss John McGrath made all three subs with Tom Burgin, Isa Marselia and Oli Roberts coming off and Jimmy Phillips, Nathan Jarman and Pablo Mills coming on. During the second half, sports started to fight for a goal. In the 51st minute, a cross comes to an unmarked Nathan Jarman and headers the ball to goal but is saved by the keeper. A minute later, Hyde take their opportunity to bag in another goal from a corner but goes out wide of the left hand post.

A goal did come for sports in the 59th minute. A corner is awarded for sports and sports boss John McGrath took the corner. Cribley had the ball and passed to Ben Turner and headers it into the bottom left corner. Sports continued to fight for an equaliser throughout the remaining time of the second half. On the 64th minute, sports were awarded a free kick. John McGrath took the free kick and is headed on by Pablo Mills whose shot was saved by the keeper lobbing it over the bar. On the 67th minute, Jimmy Phillips could have equaliser but his strike was saved by the keeper.

On the 86th minute. Sports had another opportunity. Jimmy Phillips struck the ball from outside the box to goal but the ball goes over the bar. Referee blew his whistle. FT Hyde United 2-1 Mickleover Sports.

Written by Kerry Goldsworthy.