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.

Sports go on the hunt for their first league away win and look to build on Tuesday nights good performance as they travel up to Manchester to take on former National League Premier side Hyde United. The Tigers who a meteoric rise up to the highest level of non league football with the backing of Manchester City using their facilities for their academy and women’s teams. However when City built their new training campus they jumped ship leaving Hyde to fall down to Step 4 after a number of relegations. But they are back on the rise and after gaining promotion last season will be looking to push on and made strides to get back higher up the pyramid again after a tough period in their recent history.

LAST TIME OUT
Hyde United’s last outing was in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night as they lost 3-0 away at Birkenhead based side Cammell Laird 1907. Their last league outing came on Saturday as they won 1-0 away at Whitby Town as John McCombe getting the only goal after 15 minutes. Sports however have had a win and a draw going into this game with the 7-1 cup win at Anstey and the 1-1 draw in the league at home to Scarborough Athletic. Isai Marselia the players netting for Sports just before half time.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
After two substitute appearances in the last week, Pablo Mills has now shaken off his shoulder injury and is back fit. Kevin Grocott is nearing fitness again but might not be quite ready for this game. New signing Ricky Ravenhill will be looking to continue in Midfield after the players signed from Buxton made an solid start to his Sports career at home to Scarborough on Tuesday night.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields Stadium, Walker Lane, Miles Street, Hyde, SK14 5PL. Admission for the game is £8 for Adults £5 for Over 65’s and £3 for Under 16’s. It is then a further £1 for each category to sit down in the seating stand of the ground. Match day Programmes and hot and cold food will as always be available as well as alcoholic drinks being served in the club house before, during and after the game. Sports are offerings travelling fans limited seats on the players coach leaving the Don Amott Arena at 11:45am at £12 a seat. For more information and to book a seat contact secretary Tony Shaw on 07966 197 246.

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!

It was honours even at The Don Amott Arena on Tuesday night as Scarborough Athletic were the visitors as Sports draw 1-1 with the Sea Dogs. Two goals either side of the half time break from Isai Marselia and Scarborough’s James Walshaw meant the points were shared but as much as a draw against one of the toughest teams in the league is a positive step, Sports will rule not taking more of their chances particularly in a dominant first half performance.

Sports lined up with Lewis King in goal and a back four of Jake Scott, Tom Burgin, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. John McGrath and new signing Ricky Ravenhill started up in the centre with Oliver Roberts and Jimmy Phillips on the wings. Up front saw Nathan Jarman partner Isai Marselia. On the bench was Tyreece Robinson, Harley Kozluk, Pablo Mills, Curtis Burrows and Evan Garnett.

It took a while for the game to get going but after a while Sports created two opportunities from Jarman and Turner but one was saved for a corner and the other was put wide. New signing Ravenhill then put an effort wide from a header before a curling effort in from Turner found Jarman in the box but his looping header was just wide of the left hand post. Next a decent ball played over the Athletic defence into the path of Marselia found the dutch forward and he squared the ball to Jarman who from a short distance out blazed an effort over the bar.

But just before half time Sports got the break through that was the reward for a great first half performance. Marselia was played in on the edge of the box, cut inside and smashed an effort low and hard into the bottom left corner to give Sports the lead at the half time break.

However a terrible start to the second half saw Sports pegged back immediately. After a corner kick into the box there was an almighty scramble which let striker James Walshaw have an effort bundled over the line causing himself an injury in the commotion but was able to carry on. It was now Scarborough who were having the lion share of the game now and they tested Sports with many efforts on goal, making King work hard to keep the scoreline level. Another chance with a headed effort from Walshaw went wide which gave Sports another scare. The first change for Sports saw Garnett come on for Jarman. Two long range efforts from Phillips and Ravenhill really rested the keeper in the Scarborough net but he passed both as both were palmed out for corner kicks. Two further chances proceeded for Athletic as two further efforts from Walshaw one from close range saved by King and a headed effort over the bar could have given the Sea Dogs the win.

The final change from Sports saw Phillips come off and replaced by Pablo Mills. The final chance of the game fell to Sports as a fantastic Oliver Roberts free kick was tipped really well round the post by the Scarborough keeper. But that was all the action and the game ended 1-1 and both sides went home with a point. McGrath will have seen many positives having not lost to a top side in the league with plenty of the side having good performances. Now the next task is to gain an away victory in the league. That work starts on Saturday when Sports travel to Manchester to face Hyde United (29th September) with a 3pm kick off.

Sports will be looking to take their recent cup form into league action on Tuesday night as they take on league new comers Scarborough Athletic. With Sports scoring 10 goals in the last two cup matches, John McGrath will want to see his side take this form into what will be a very tough league match with the opponents sitting in the play off places going into the game. With Sports sitting 17th with only 2 league wins to date so far, its important to start picking up more victories and points to pull away from the danger zone and further up the table.

LAST TIME OUT
Our visitors tonight were in League action on Saturday as they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the 1st Qualifying Round by Marine. The Seadogs travelled North Ferriby United and moved up to third in the table with a 3-1 victory. Goals from Michael Coulson and James Walshaw turned the game around after Jordan Harrison put Ferriby ahead. This means Scarborough have lost only once in the league all season. Sports however were scoring for fun in Leicester as they booked their place in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a 7-1 demolition of Step 6 side Anstey Nomads. Isai Marselia, Nathan Jarman, Oliver Roberts and Jimmy Phillips all netting in the game, with Marselia bagging an FA Cup hatrick.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
With Pablo Mills returning to the fold last Saturday at Anstey, the defender is expected to be involved again tonight after recovering from a shoulder injury. Weather he starts or is on the bench again remains to be seen but still very positive news to have Mills back regardless. Niall Doran is definitely out with the availability of the other injured player Kevin Grocott unknown. Everybody 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 set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions £2 10-16’s with Under 10’s FREE with a playing adult. Derby County Season Ticket Holders 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?
WE’RE BACK! Then no need to worry. After two back to back weekends of weddings, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy are back and will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook. We also have the return of match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!