Grantham Town 2-1 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 4th September 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Sports fell to another defeat on Tuesday night as they went down 2-1 to Grantham Town. Two goals either side of half time from Michael Hollingsworth, the first one being a spot kick, saw the Gingerbread men into a two goal lead. However Sports dominated large parts of possession during the game, had a missed penalty by Nathan Jarman and had several chances to score before and after Evan Garnett pulled a goal back in the last minute of normal time. Sports will have gone back into the dressing room at full time wondering how on earth they had lost the game. But it was down to Grantham capitalising on their mistakes and not the same way vice versa.

The Sports team consisted of Lewis King in goal as normal. Jake Scott slotted in at right back alongside Tom Burgin, Tyreece Robinson and Ben Turner. In midfield were John McGrath and Mason Warren with Jimmy Phillips and former Grantham player Curtis Burrows. Up front were the two strikers Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman. On the bench were Oli Roberts, Will Norcross, Lewis Belgrave, Isai Marselia and Clinton Morrison.

Early on a Grantham corner headed on towards goal was cleared off the line before the rebound was saved by King. Two efforts from Nathan Jarman and Jimmy Phillips then proceeded as Sports got a foot. Garnett and Burrows then had further chances to grab a Sports goal before Grantham Town took the lead from the spot after a Sports defender pulled back a Grantham attacker who went down and the referee awarded the spot kick. Hollingsworth stepped up and drilled it into the bottom left corner leaving King rooted to the spot. However not too long after Sports were awarded a penalty for a similar incident in the opposite box as Garnett was pulled back. Nathan Jarman stepped up and had his spot kick saved in the bottom left corner and tipped round the post for a corner by the Grantham keeper. Jarman would have two further efforts before half time with a header in from a Turner cross before a long range strike went over the bar to signal an end to the first half.

Into the second half and Sports had two further chances either side of a Robinson error which gave Grantham a chance at goal. Phillips smashed an effort onto the bar and Jarman put a half volley attempt over the bar. Curtis Burrows then had two chances to grab one against his former side. First a Phillips crossed was just out his reach then a another cross from the other side was met with Burrows head but was put straight into the keepers hands. Sports were then made to pay for these missed opportunities as Grantham took advantage for a mistake to extend their lead. The ball was crossed low into the box, Robinson tried to clear it but it got caught under his foot and fell out to Hollingsworth who smacked one under King into the net to make the score 2-0 to the Gingerbeads.

Sports reacted by making two substitutions within a five minute period. McGrath was replaced by Roberts and Burrows was replaced by Norcross. Tom Burgin was given a yellow card for a challenge near the centre circle late on. The changes seem to work well as Sports grabbed a goal back just as the game was about to tick into added time. Evan Garnett was played through and managed to slot one past the keeper to get Sports back into the game as five minutes were added. However for all the pressure that Sports put on Grantham they only created one concrete effort to equalise in the 9rd minute of the game. Garnett again was played in 1v1 and just had the keeper to beat. But under pressure from the Grantham defender he strike was at the keeper and palmed away from danger.

That’s as close as they came as the game came to an end which signalled a second loss in a row for Sports however they still sit outside the relegation zone as none of the four teams below them (Lancaster, Marine, Matlock and North Ferriby all failed to register wins. Sports will need to get their league campaign back on track pretty quick but for now their attentions turn to the start of their FA Cup journey as they face a home tie with Step 6 West Midlands Regional League side Haughmond. The side from Shrewsbury caused an upset as they defeated Step 4 side Market Drayton Town 1-0 away from home to set up the tie at the Don Amott Area on Saturday 8th September with a 3pm kick off.

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Mickleover Sports go back on their travels this Tuesday night as they make another trip to Lincolnshire to face the Gingerbread Men of Grantham Town. Grantham were last seasons play off runners up losing to Ashton United in the final. This will be a very tough game for Sports but one they need to pick some points up from in what is a very congested and action packed month of the season. Grantham will still be hurting from that play off final defeat and will be looking to go one better this time around and claim promotion to the National League North. After a very good start to the campaign so far, this looks like a realistic target for the side from Lincolnshire.

LAST TIME OUT
It was three points for the Gingerbread on Saturday as they won 2-0 at Marine. Goals from Ross Barrows and Michael Hollingsworth from the spot saw the points come back to Lincolnshire. Grantham Town sit 9th on 8 points having won two, drawn two and lost only one. Sports of course come into the game after the 3-1 home defeat to Buxton, with Evan Garnett netting his second of the season for Sports.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports look set to be without the defensive duo of Pablo Mills & Kevin Grocott after the pair were injured by Buxton FC in the last game. Niall Doran is still out with the injury picked up at Stafford Rangers. This means former Gingerbread Curtis Burrows looks set to start against his former club. Everyone else should be available for selection for boss John McGrath.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 7:45pm Kick Off on Tuesday 4th September. The game is at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium, Trent Rd, Grantham NG31 7XQ. Admission prices are 12 pounds for adults, 8 pounds for concessions, four pound for 13-18 year olds with under 13’s FREE. Match Programmes will be on sale at the turnstile with hot and cold food and drink available from the catering outlets. There is a large two tired seating stand on one side of the ground with a large terrace located on the other side of the running track.

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!

Saturday 1st September 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A day to forget at the Don Amott Arena as a controversial decision by the match referee payed a big part in Sports falling to their first home loss to Buxton FC, going down 3-1. After a scrappy first half Buxton took the lead in the few minutes of the second half through Bradley Roscoe. Evan Garnett got a superb equaliser for Sports before a Nico DeGirolamo goal which was originally given as offside by the linesman was overturned by the referee to put the Bucks back infront. A late Jude Oyibo third wrapped the points up for the Bucks as Sports pressed to get a point but the injustice of the Bucks second goal will be the talking point from a very physical Derbyshire Derby.

Sports were able to welcome back Tom Burgin, Jake Scott and Nathan Jarman into the starting lineup after the trio missed the game at Stafford Rangers through injury. The lineup consisted Lewis King in goal with a back four of Kevin Grocott, Pablo Mills, Tom Burgin and Ben Turner. The midfield trio of John McGrath, Jake Scott and Mason Warren were behind the attacking three of Oliver Roberts, Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett. On the bench for Sports were Curtis Burrows, Tyreece Robinson, Isai Marselia, Jimmy Phillips and Will Norcross.

There were plenty of hard challenges and tackles flying in for the first 10 minutes as the tone of the game was set. But Garnett had a chance to score after he was played in over the top by Roberts before forcing a save from Buxton keeper Theo Roberts. Pablo Mills had to be taken off on 16 minutes with that looked like a dislocated shoulder again after another heavy challenge from the visitors; he was replaced by the young Tyreece Robinson. For the action off the ball there was little on it in terms of chances as each side would only have one more concreate effort each before the half time break. First Buxton’s Garry Gee fired a fantastic volley straight into the chest of King with almighty power but the Sports keepers did well to hold the ball in his arms. Finally a Nathan Jarman free kick was tipped over the bar by the keeper as it looked like it was going in to round off the minimal first half chances.

Within two minutes of the game restarting Sports were forced into another forced change as yet again Buxton took out Kevin Grocott who was unable to continue and was subbed at right back for Curtis Burrows. Soon after the Bucks were ahead. A corner ball from the far side was headed in after a rebounded effort was cleared. Lewis King tired his best to keep the ball from going in over the line but despite his best effort it wasn’t enough as the ball crossed the line. Another great save from King kept the Bucks from making it to then a long range free kick from Roberts from a very long way out was on target as the Bucks keeper palmed the effort away for a corner.

Then on the 71st minute Sports effort were rewarded with an equaliser. The ball was played in from the left to Garnett who cut inside on his right a few times before driving an effort into the bottom right corner which left the Buxton keeper rooted to the spot. But just when it looked like Sports were in the ascendency the Bucks scored the controversial goal that would give them the win. A free kick was played in and as Lewis King went to punch it away he missed it. The ball was the headed back into the danger area and as Nico DeGirolamo tapped the ball in from close range the assistant referee flagged for offside. But after a conversation with the referee the man in the middle overturned the assistant’s decision and awarded the goal. Analysis later on proved the assistant referee had made the right call thus meaning the Sports player’s protests were justified.

This was a real setback for John McGrath and his Sport side who has they tried to press and grab another goal to equalize Buxton broke on the counter to make it 3-1 in the final minute. Jude Oyibo went on a darting run dribbling up the field and his strike beat King as his near post in the bottom left corner to seal the win for the visitors. A tough one to take all round for Sports but unfortunately as we know these things are very common in football, sometime they go for you and sometimes they don’t. Sports will now move on very quickly as they travel to another tough test in Lincolnshire to Grantham Town on Tuesday 4th September, 7:45pm Kick Off.

Mickleover Sports will be looking to pick up further points back on home turf as they welcome Derbyshire Rivals Buxton FC for what will be a fantastic and exciting game if previous meetings are anything to go by. Sports host Paul Phillips & Steve Halford’s Bucks are one of the bookies favorites to earn a promotion spot before the season kicked off having strengthened really well over the summer and after a flew close attempt at making that next step up, will be hoping this is finally the year they can break into the play offs as a minimum. But whatever happens over the course of the season Buxton as always will be very tough opposition and will certainly give plenty of teams in the league a strong test. Sports on the other hand will be looking for a second home win after the victory the 3-2 win over North Ferriby United and a very solid point on the road at Stafford Rangers over the bank holiday weekend. With tough away matches at Hednesford and Hyde to come later this month, Sports must make the most of home advantage to pick up the points required to climb the table.

LAST TIME OUT
As Sports were drawing 1-1 with Stafford Rangers, Buxton were opening their brand new 4G pitch they they beat Hyde United 1-0 at The Silverlands Stadium thanks to a 55th minute goal from Liam Hardy. The Bucks sit 13th in the table level on points with Sports with the same record of one win, two draws and one loss currently after the first month of the season. Sports sit 15th so could leapfrog their visitors with victory.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports look set to be without Niall Dorran against the midfielders former club due to the injury he picked up in the first half of the Rangers game. On the positive, Sports will be hoping to welcome back Nathan Jarman, Jake Scott and Tom Burgin after the trio missed the trip to Rangers through injury. John McGrath admitted he has a selection dilemma after those who stepped up in the place of the injured players definitely stamped their mark and made their case for a starting spot.

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 £2 10-16’s with Under 10’s FREE with a playing adult. Derby County Season Ticket Holders who are not travelling to Hull City 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 Officer Sam 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!

Wednesday 29 August 2018

Watch the best-selling musical under the stars at Mickleover Sports F.C. this August.

Hugh Jackman tackles the legendary figure of P.T. Barnum in the mostly true tale of his life, brought to life with music! Jackman stars alongside an all-star cast including Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson.

Wednesday 29th August. Doors open at 7pm, the film will start once light levels are low enough, which will be approximately half an hour after sunset.

Location: Mickleover Sports F.C., Station Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9FB

Parking will be free for attendees.

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TICKETS:
Adults £15.50
Children £10.50

Under 5s go free.

GROUP BOOKINGS   
Groups of 8 or more get the early bird rate at any time, up until the Tuesday before the screening.

Please click here to download our Frequently Asked Questions.

Monday 27th August 2018
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Fans at the Marston Road stadium were treated to a real battle as Stafford Rangers and Sports ground out a 1-1 draw in a very competitive and match which saw Kevin Grocott sent off for what looked like a harsh decision by the referee. A goal from Kyle Perry gave Rangers a half time advantage which also saw Niall Doran stretchered off after a nasty looking coming together. Sports got themselves back into the game with a heavily deflected John McGrath free kick. As Sports looked more likely to go and grab a winner Grocott was sent off which left Sports hanging on for the point but that is what they did to round off the first month of the season with four points from four games.

A number of players were missing due to injury and illness for McGrath today so a shakeup in the lineup took place. Lewis King remained in goal with a back four of Kevin Grocott, Pablo Mills, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. The midfield five was made up of John McGrath and Curtis Burrows holding. This left Niall Doran, Jimmy Philips and Oli Roberts supporting lone striker Evan Garnett up front.

Sports had the first chance of the game as Garnett forced a save from Adam Whitehouse, who went down with a suspected broken wrist but all was ok as the Rangers keeper was able to play on. Sports had another good chance as Roberts put a free kick just over the bar. But it was Rangers who took the lead as a cross into the box was met in a crowd of players by Kyle Perry who headed into the goal. Lewis King protested that he was fouled in the mix up and the referee didn’t like this as he was booked for decent.

A few minutes later Joe Cuff put an effort wide for Rangers. Sports midfielder Niall Doran had to be stretchered off the field after is foot got caught in the grass ad as the challenge came in it was clear that Doran was in some discomfort and was removed from the pitch with the help of the stand by medical team who to be fair did good job in getting him off carefully but quickly. He was replaced by young midfielder Lewis Belgrave for his first taste of first team action this season. Rangers would have one more effort before the break though as Harry Benns fired an effort over the bar from a Bailey-Jones cross.

The second half started a lot better for Sports as Roberts caused problems weaving in and out of the defenders but his effort was comfortably saved by Whitehouse. It was Roberts again next, this time from a free kick once more which was again well saved by the Rangers keeper. Jimmy Phillips then had a shot dragged wide from a rebounded McGrath free kick before Sports finally got an equalizer just before the hour mark. A McGrath free kick on the far side of the field at the by-line took a wicked deflection off a Rangers defender and kicked in off both the bar and post to get Sports back on level terms.

Belgrave, Garnett and Phillips all had good chances to grab a winner for Sports as they pressed the hosts to snatch the three points. But just after Bailey-Jones had a strike smashed over the bar, those chances of grabbing all three points seemed to disappear as a challenge from Grocott just outside the box was deemed to be violent conduct by the referee as he brandished a red card. The match official after the game admitted he may have got it wrong as McGrath confirmed the club will be appealing. Stafford Rangers officials also agreed it was not a red but the decision at the time meant Grocott was off and Sports were down to 10 men.

Rangers smelt blood and went for the kill to grab the win themselves but to Sports credit they restricted the hosts to only one effort. First Karry Benns missed a header which everyone thought was in but was narrowly wide before the final chance. But it was Sports who had the final effort as a mistake by the Rangers keeper left Oli Roberts with an open net from 25 yards out but to the hosts credit they got back very quickly to block the lobbed shot and away from any dangers. So another point for Sports sees them end August with a good start to the season with one win, two draws and only one defeat and are 14th in the league standings. Sports will now begin September with a home game with Derbyshire rivals Buxton FC on Saturday 1st September with a 3pm kick off.

Mickleover Sports will be looking to take confidence from last Fridays 3-2 victory over North Ferriby United as they travel to Marston Road in a very difficult looking fixture away to Stafford Rangers. Rangers have of course been as high as the National League in their history and after a bad period which saw them relegated to Step 4, have now established themselves back at Step 3 and will be looking to be challenging again this season for a promotion spot. Sports however will be keen to grab a first away win to get a good run going into September and that clash with Buxton at home.

LAST TIME OUT
It wasn’t a successful trip to South Shields for Rangers as they went down 3-0 to the side from the North East in front of over 1,600 people. South Shields are themselves a promotion contender so there is no shame in losing at a very difficult ground. Stafford will now be looking forward to returning to home territory to get back on track.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Tom Burgin is a definite absentee with Jake Scott, who played no part on Friday, also remains a slight doubt. Mason Warren will be pretty much certain of a starting spot after impressing against North Ferriby. Everybody else is presumed fit and rating to go should they be selected.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place with a 3pm kick off at Marston Lane, Stafford, ST16 3UF. Admission Prices are set at £10 for Adults with Concessions at £7. Under 16’s are only £1. There is a further £2 charge should you wish to have a seat in the Main Stand at the side of the pitch. Refreshments, Hot Food and Match day Programmes will of course be on sale around the ground.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officer Sam 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!