Author: Square Peg

Can We Make It Two On The Road?

by Peter Scherer

This Saturday Mickleover visit Prescot Cables, who were promoted to the Northern Premier League, after finishing third in last years West Division.

Following Tuesday nights 3-1 win at Leek Town, Mickleover are now 14th in the table, compared with Prescot in 21st, after Tuesday’s home defeat to Workington.

Our hosts didn’t have the best of pre-seasons, when only a week or so before their first league fixture, manager Steven Daley and his assistant both resigned after a dispute, which was rectified a few days later. They were then reinstated after their replacement resigned.

After taking a point at home to Matlock Town in a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season, they have lost each of their other three matches.

First choice goalkeeper is Andre Mendes, who started his career in his native Portugal with Benfica, after they had signed him from Marinhense. 

He then came to the UK in 2018 with Morecambe and spent five years with them, during which time he was loaned to Colne and Ashton Utd, before joining Lancaster City on his release. He then moved to Bury, joining our hosts pre-season, after spending last term with FC United.

His deputy is Danny Hamlett, a former Sandbach, Runcorn and Alsager player.

Centre back Scott Wara is a new signing too. A former Stoke City Junior, he joined Leek on his release in 2020. After two years he then moved to Ireland for a couple of months with Finn Harps, before returning to England with Stalybridge last September. He is a Fiji International too.

Julius Ndene is another centre back, another pre-season signing and another former Stoke Junior. He spent two years at Rocester after his release and came to Prescot after spending last season at Leek.

Left back Matty Devine has just started his third season at Prescot. He started out with Marine, before moving to Burscough and Witton Albion. He then had three years at Nantwich, before joining Prescot in July 2022.

Centre back Charley Doyle is currently on loan from Marine. He is a former Blackburn Rovers Junior and has also played for Stalybridge Celtic.

Owen Cushion is a central midfielder who came from Wrexham pre-season. He also had a spell on loan with Colwyn Bay earlier this year.

French defender Nelson Digbeu is a new arrival too, following a successful trial after leaving Skelmersdale. He started with Chauvigny and has also played for Prestwich Heys, Bradford Park Avenue, Ashton Utd, Leek Town and Widnes.

Midfielder Francis Smith made his debut in Prescot colours in March 2023 and has been a regular starter ever since.

Fellow midfielder Brandon Newell was another pre-season signing from Witton Albion. He was previously at Macclesfield and went on a dual registration to Wythenshawe Town, before starting last season with Stalybridge Celtic.

Finlay Heath is a midfielder too, on loan from Southport. He started at Buxton and was at AFC Liverpool before going to Southport in November 2022. He was loaned to South Liverpool and Nantwich too last season.

Captain and midfielder James Foley came from Witton Albion at the start of 22/23 and was previously at Marine for three years, Cammell Laird and Macclesfield.

Dominic Cain came from Tranmere Academy. A centre back he arrived from South Liverpool at the end of last season and had also played for Beeston Sports.

Left back Michael Carberry is another pre-season addition to the squad. He was a Doncaster Rovers Junior, who went to Burscough on his release. He then spent three years at Bootle, before moving on to Southport and Marine, then returned to Bootle last December to see out the season.

Lewis Gilboy is another newcomer. A pacey winger, he started out at Accrington, but was released after a loan at City of Liverpool and joined Bury. He spent the second half of last season at FC United.

Centre back Harry McVeigh was in Everton’s Academy, before moving to Wales with the New Saints on his release. He then spent time at Liverpool before returning to TNS. Skelmersdale was his next stop, before a brief spell at South Liverpool preceded his move to Prescot last February.

Striker John Murphy came from Ransbottom for the start of 22/23. He has been the clubs leading scorer for the last two seasons and has also played for Glossop North End.

Fellow striker Kyle Sambor has been a prolific scorer too since he arrived in March 2022. He has had a number of previous clubs, including Colne, Widnes, AFC Liverpool, Atherton Collieries, Witton Albion, Warrington Rylands, Cammell Laird 1907, Kendal Town, Ytterhogdals IK, Mansfield Town, Litherland and Vauxhall Motors.

Liam Hollett is a defender and club captain, who had numerous spells with our hosts. He has played for Cammel Laird, City of Liverpool, Marine, Burscough, Skelmersdale and Runcorn too.

Midfielder Tom Owens started out at Preston North End, before moving to US College football as a player and a coach. He returned to the UK in 2017 and set up his current UK coaching centre in Prescot.

Striker Ben Elliott is a new arrival from Didsbury & Chorlton.

Kick off as usual is 3pm.

Mickleover Reserves Lose Out To Strong & Well Organised Melbourne Dynamo

by Sam Cholerton

On a sunny but breezy evening, Melbourne FC hosted Mickleover on their well-maintained pitch. Despite Mickleover’s strong start, playing their usual pass-and-move game and controlling possession, Melbourne’s physicality and relentless pressing ultimately saw them secure a 2-0 victory.

Starting Line Up:

1.Josh Maher, 2. Mason Hoult, 3. Brad Brittan, 4. Jared Cholerton (c), 5. Zak Sandhu, 6. Harry Atwal, 7. Josh Carter, 8. Hamza Konane, 9. Mike Mandimitsura 10. Josh Powell, 11. Luke Thompson, Subs: Ted Stevenson, Taylor Smith, Brodie Carter, Jake Lord, Matt Harding.  

Mickleover began brightly, forcing Melbourne to change tactically, with a high press and direct approach with the wind. However, despite Mickleover’s early dominance, it was Melbourne who struck first, somewhat against the run of play.

In the 10th minute, Melbourne won their first corner of the game. A poorly dealt with delivery led to confusion in the box, and the ball found its way into the back of the net, giving Melbourne a surprising 1-0 lead.

Mickleover responded well, continuing to pass and move effectively. A shot from Thompson was spilled by the Melbourne keeper, but there was no one on hand to capitalise. As the wind began to pick up, Mickleover’s Cholerton launched a long ball to Powell, who made a great run and played in Thompson, but the chance inexplicably ended with a dubious goal kick awarded to Melbourne.

Despite their best efforts, Mickleover struggled to break Melbourne down. Another long throw from our hostscaused havoc in the box but was defended well, and although Melbourne continued to press, Mickleover’s defence, led by Maher in goal, stood firm.

Melbourne’s next big chance came from a corner in the 30th minute, as they hit the bar with a well-taken set piece. They continued to cause problems with their relentless pressure and physical play, forcing Mickleover to defend especially at set pieces.

A missed open goal after another Melbourne corner was a let-off for Mickleover as the half wore on. Thompson then caused concern for Mickleover when he landed awkwardly, but after some treatment, he was able to continue. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Melbourne, with Mickleover doing well to stay in the game.

At the start of the second half, Mickleover made a quick substitution with J. Carter replaced by Matt Harding. Melbourne came out attacking, but a superb double block from Sandhu kept them at bay.

Mickleover defended resolutely but struggled to create clear chances. Just eight minutes into the second half, Melbourne doubled their lead, when Mickleover failed to clear their lines from a Melbourne attack, and the home side pounced to make it 2-0.

This goal seemed to deflate Mickleover, as Melbourne continued to press high and disrupt their attempts to build from the back.

Mickleover made further substitutions, with Mandimitsura replaced by B. Carter at the hour mark and Powell making way for Stevenson five minutes later.

Despite some nice passing moves in midfield, Mickleover couldn’t break through Melbourne’s well organised defence.

Sports then won their first corner of the match, but despite a good delivery by Atwal, Melbourne defended well and cleared the danger.

Dynamo’s physicality continued to make life difficult for Mickleover’s youngsters as they kept the ball in their opponent’s half and defended their lead solidly.

Sports tried to mount an attack, but every time they pushed forward, they were met with intense pressure from the home players.

As the game neared its conclusion, Sandhu provided a spark for Mickleover with a driving run down the wing, winning a free kick. Stevenson delivered the ball into the Melbourne box, but Atwal’s effort somehow sailed over the bar.

A final substitution saw Lord come on for Hoult in the 75th minute, but despite a late push from Mickleover, they couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Melbourne defence. Melbourne continued to pressurise Mickleover as the game drew to a close and Maher made some excellent saves late on. The match ended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat for Mickleover but credit to Melbourne for a resolute and tactically astute performance.

Head Coach Steve Powell was pleased with the performance…

Our intention was to start brightly, press high and dominate possession in the build-up which again as in previous games we did early on. But credit to Melbourne for making tactical changes and although the first goal came against the run of play, they made it difficult for us to build up through the middle.

On reflection it was a great learning opportunity for the players to have to make and execute decisions under pressure, when being closed down quickly and against very physical opposition.

Our learning also comes from how we have to adapt to the specific external factors each game provides and have the confidence individually and as a squad to maintain our playing style, which we are still developing with such a newly formed and young squad

Late Goals Seal First Win!!

By Peter Scherer

Two late strikes from Mickleover made sure we returned from Leek Town 3-1 winners, securing the first victory of this NPL season.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Callum More 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Curtis Weston 5-Charlie Hickingbottom 6-Will Atkinson 7-Gabiel Adebambo 8-Jake Bennett 9-Tin Ryder 10-Andy Dales 11-Dylan Scott. Subs: Luke Cox, Brandon Webster, Toby Smith, Stuart Beavon, Dylan Edwards,

Mickleover took the kick off on a sunny evening and made a promising start, but within five minutes rain started to fall, fortunately briefly.

It had been fairly even but just eight minutes in, Leek had possession on the Mickleover right and the ball fell to former Sports loanee Brandon Daniels, who fired it home from close range, just inside Mersin’s left-hand post, 0-1.

Five minutes later Leek captain Curl beat Wilson on the left, but Mersin comfortably held his cross. But for a while Mickleover were losing out in 50/50 challenges, until Weston set up Dales, whose run and following shot were blocked.

Confidence began to grow and with it possession too. Adebambo set up Scott after 20 minutes and the young strikers effort was only just wide, with Mickleover’s first real shot.

The hosts then retaliated and had a header just wide after 27 minutes, before Sports earned a free kick when Ryder was fouled. Wilson’s kick found Moore in the box, but his header was just wide.

Bennett was relishing his right-hand midfield role and his run on the half hour earned a corner. As the ball came in Dales snatched the equaliser with a rare header and it was all square again 1-1-.

Only a minute later Dales and Adebambo combined, beat the home defence, but there was no one in the box to receive.

With Mickleover continuing to push forward, Dales had another run, but as he reached the edge of the box, centre back Harrison blatantly pushed him over.

Wilson kick again found Moore, who was beaten by the bounce, but still managed to get a shot in.

Atkinson and Hickingbottom were playing well in the centre of Sports defence, forcing Leek to try random distance efforts. They made two attempts as the first half drew to a close, both well over the bar, before Moore tried to feed Dales as he ran through the middle, but the final pass was just short.

So as the whistle went it remained 1-1, but with plenty of promise for the second half.

Mickleover were unchanged as the second half kicked off and within a minute of the restart there was another close call for our hosts, when Ryder burst through to find Scott, whose deflected shot was only just off target.

Five minutes later Dales found Scott again, his path was blocked this time, but Sports were on top possession wise.

53 minutes and it was close again. From Bennett’s original pass, Ryder pulled it back from the line to cross into the box, but the ball was just fractionally behind Adebambo and Scott.

Ryder then set up another strike for Scott, keeper Visser pushed the initial shot away, before Dales fired over the bar.

Leek continued to play football and tested Mersin after 59 minutes, before hitting the back of the net two minutes later with a rebound after Mersin’s save, but it was ruled offside.

Bennett then hit the side netting and after 65 minutes and Dales had a distance shot saved, after a Ryder and Adebambo build up.

Weston was looking both calm and controlling in the centre of midfield and the confidence had spread throughout the team, but Leek remained dangerous on the break.

70 minutes in and Mersin had to punch away another effort, before Mickleover made their first change, with Beavon replacing Ryder. But Leek were on the attack and a 74th minute cross from the right was headed just over after a deflection for a corner, followed by another corner.

Sports had briefly been pinned back in their own half, but came back strongly over the final 10 minutes, after Dales cut inside from the left to earn another corner.

Dales was fouled again on the halfway line before he had got into full flight, but the halt prompted another substitution as Edwards came on for Scott.

With two minutes of normal time left Beavon was on the end of a break, he held on for Dales to charge in, but he was then fouled in the box and Edwards stepped up to convert the penalty, 2-1.

There was time added on and it proved to be a positive addition for Mickleover. A sensational run down the wing from Dales saw in him continue to cut in, finding Beavon in the box who struck it first time and it was 3-1.

It could have been four in the final minute too, when another Beavon break saw Edwards hit the post.

It’s now off to Prescot Cables on Saturday, with the future starting to look brighter.

 

Next Stop Leek Town

by Peter Scherer

It’s back on the road for Mickleover, as we head to newly promoted Leek Town on Tuesday evening, seeking our first win of the season.

Last Saturday Sports lost out to table toppers Hebburn Town, conceding a second half penalty, after pushing for an equaliser to their first half strike.

Leek are currently 13th in the table, having won away at Basford and lost at home to Stockton, before last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Workington.

Manager Josh Brehaut took over at the beginning of last season, having previously been joint assistant. He has worked in Stoke City and Port Vale’s Academies and been assistant manager at Kidsgrove.

First choice goalkeeper Dino Visser started his career in his native South Africa, with Platinum Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, Back Leopards, Polokwane City, Santos and Cape Umoya, before coming to the UK with Exeter City in 2019 at the age of 30. 

He quickly moved on via Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale, before joining Hereford in September 2022 and came to Leek last November.

His deputy is Xander Parke, a St.Kitts & Nevis International, who started out at Stoke City’s Academy. He joined Shrewsbury Town on his release and came to our hosts last October.

Right back Liam Buckley was signed from 1874 Northwich at the beginning of last season. Originally a Chester Junior, he has also played for Welsh Premiership side Cefn Druids.

Olly Harrison is a burly defender who started out at Crewe Alexandra. He went to Sweden with IKF Ostersund an first came to Leek in 2019.

Fenton Green is a defensive midfielder, who came through Crewe Alexandra’s youth team. He joined Hyde Utd on his release, who then loaned him to Stockport County. His next stop was 1874 Northwich for 16 months, before moving to Leek in November last year.

Midfielder Tom Scully unusually played for both Liverpool and Everton at youth level, before a two year stay at Norwich City.  He then moved to Accrington, before crossing the Irish sea on loan at Carrick Rangers. Following his release from Accrington he joined Nantwich, before switching to Leek at the start of last season.

Winger Alex Hurst started at Crewe Alexandra too, and joined Matlock Town following his release. He moved on to Bradford Park Avenue and Port Vale, before loaned back to Bradford. Next stop was York City, before ending last season at Macclesfield. He has league two experience and came to Leek pre-season.

Midfielder Brendon Daniels s a former England C player, who has played in leagues one and two. He was another player to start out at Crewe, before playing at Under 21 level with both Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers. 

He was to Chester following his release, moving on to Tamworth, Harrogate Town, Fylde, Alfreton and Port Vale, with loans at Altrincham and Telford before joining Stourbridge on his release. He had a brief loan at Mickleover last season and was a pre-season signing for Leek.

Midfielder Nathan Okome is another new arrival. He started at Knutsford, before moving to 1874 Northwich, Hanley Town and Chorley, followed by loans at Witton Albion, Matlock and Glossop, before starting last season at Nantwich.

Fellow midfielder Ty Webster came from Crewe too, he played for Telford last season and was another pre-season arrival for our hosts.

Lucas Weir is another midfielder. His junior football was spent at Chester and Wigan before going to 1874 Northwich. He spent some time in the US with Evansville Purple Aces, before returning to Northwich. After spending 22/23 at Marine, he returned to Northwich for a third time last season, and was another pre-season arrival at Leek.

Central midfielder Ollie Shenton is a former Stoke City Junior. He was loaned to Wrexham and Kidderminster before going to Chorley on his release. He was then loaned to Warrington Rylands, before joining the pre-season newcomers at Leek.

Defender Liam Edwards is another pre-season signing. A former Stoke City youngster, he moved to Bolton on his release and captained their Under 21 side. He was then loaned to Southport and made six first team appearances at Bolton, before going to Chester after his release.

Midfielder Billy Reeves returned to our hosts for a second time, when he signed pre-season from Bury. A former Port Vale youngster, he originally came from Stafford Rangers in September 2018, but moved to Bootle last summer, before making the move to Bury.

Striker Tim Grice came from Stoke City’s Academy, before joining Wolstanton Utd and Alsager Town. He is the clubs longest serving player have signed from Eccleshall in 2011.

Striker Joe Woolley came in pre-season from Kidsgrove Athletic. He had joined them at the start of last season after eight seasons at 1874 Northwich and has also played for Bootle.

Tyreece Onyeka is another new arrival, from Stafford Rangers. Another Crewe Junior, he was loaned to Matlock and Stalybridge, before going to Staford on his release.

New signing Tom Curl is a right back and another former Stoke City Junior.

Join us at the F.Ball Community Stadium, kick off 7.45pm.

Reserves Lose Out At Wirksworth

On a warm and overcast afternoon, Wirksworth Ivanhoe FC hosted Mickleover FC in a Central Midlands Alliance league clash that tested the visitors’ resolve. Mickleover, fresh from no midweek fixture started the game brightly, controlling possession, with some slick link-up play between Luke Thompson and Josh Carter leading to an early foul on Thompson. 

Unfortunately, their momentum was cut short in the 8th minute when a well worked short corner by Wirksworth was smashed home to make it 1-0. 

Mickleover tried to respond quickly, Brad Brittan picked up the ball from deep, charged down the wing, and found Mikey  Mandimitsura in a promising position, only for the move to be halted by a questionable offside call. 

Despite their efforts, Mickleover struggled to penetrate Ivanhoe’s defence. A great strike by Mandimitsura just over the bar looked like Mickleover might claw their way back, but disaster struck in the 25th minute. 

After an Ivanhoe attack the ball was bundled into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. As the half wore on, Mickleover found themselves under sustained pressure, defending several corners. Josh Maher was again called into action with a fantastic save right on the stroke of half-time after a defensive error almost gifted Ivanhoe a third. 

As the second half got underway the sun broke through the clouds and Mickleover came out looking more energetic. Within minutes, their positive play paid off, with a brilliant move involving Thompson and Mandimitsura seeing Josh Carter slot the ball home in the 49th minute, giving Mickleover hope at 2-1.

They immediately gained more and more control of the game, however, a poor sequence of defending allowed Wirksworth to restore their two-goal lead shortly after, making it 3-1 and stifling Mickleover’s momentum. 

The introduction of Lord for Konane at the 60-minute mark brought fresh legs but little change in fortunes. As the game wore on, Mickleover battled hard, with Brittan picking up a yellow card for a late challenge. 

Wirksworth, meanwhile, expertly disrupted Mickleover’s rhythm, breaking up play and utilising their physicality advantage.

Late in the game, a dubious free-kick decision in Ivanhoe’s favour nearly caused tempers to boil over, but Mickleover managed to keep their composure. Their best chance to get back into the game came from a superb free-kick by Josh Carter, which rattled the crossbar in the dying moments of the match. 

Despite Mickleover’s efforts, Ivanhoe’s defence held firm. Mickleover made a number of substitutions but couldn’t turn the tide. An excellent overhead clearance off the line by Cholerton typified Mickleover’s late and continued efforts, but ultimately, the score remained 3-1. 

The final Score: Ivanhoe FC 3-1 Mickleover FC Mickleover will leave Wirksworth frustrated, having struggled to play their usual passing game. Despite their best efforts in the second half, Ivanhoe’s disciplined defence and opportunistic finishing secured the win. 

A Goal In Each Half From Visitors Skipper Leaves Sports Pointless

by Peter Scherer (Photos: Steve Ingers)

After the disappointment at Tuesday’s home defeat to Ilkeston, Mickleover were hoping for better fortune as they faced table toppers Hebburn Town.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2- Jake Bennett 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Curtis Weston 5-Dan Bradley 6-Luke Cox 7-Andy Dales 8-Will Atkinson 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Dylan Edwards 11- Nathan Opoko. Subs: Charlie Hickingbottom, Leojo Davidson, Dylan Scott, Toby Smith, Brandon Ferron.

The visitors won an early free kick which was headed away by the home defence, but after four minutes they were on the attack again, with Robinson’s shot blocked.

Mickleover had their first real chance on goal seven minutes in, when Edwards curling shot was just over. But with a fairly even start to the game, both defences were looking fairly solid, with Hebburn not having conceded a goal so far this season.

But there was another chance for Mickleover after 14 minutes, new signing Opoko turned defender Haywood, laying off to Beavon who earned a corner. Edwards won the ball as it came in to the box, but again it was just over.

The visitors defence had begun to be the busier of the two and after 19 minutes Opoko crossed for Beavon, he went down after a push in the back with appeals made, but nothing was give.

Hornets skipper Purewal was their top scorer last season, when they gained promotion as North Premier East Division Champions and he was the man to break the deadlock again.

Only two minutes after he had been flagged offside Purewal slid the ball past Mersin, after Noble had put the ball over the defence for him to run onto, 0-1.

Edwards then chased down a long ball out defence from Mickleover, but was caught offside, but Purewal wentdown as Hebburn attacked again, but like Mickleover’s earlier, the appeals were waved away.

But Sports were pushing hard to try and seek the equaliser, but attempts to break down the right were stopped went Walton managed to block.

Despite having gone down to the earlier goal, Mickleover were still standing firm and keeping Hebburn attacks at bay, as well as dominating the possesson.

Just after Sports had another penalty appeal waved away,when Dales was brought down, a counter attack by the visitors was intercepted again by some strong defending.

With half time approaching Mickleover earned another corner which came to nought, before play switched and the home defence dealt with another cross following a free kick.

With almost the last kick of the half, a long ball was played out of the Mickleover defence, but cleared by the visitors, only for a cross to be fired back in, with a follow up header just wide, and so it remained 0-1.

Mickleover had replaced Opoko with Davidson and  started the second half with passion and after just one minute there was as hot just wide of Hunter’s near post.

But after the initial flurry, Hebburn tried to press again with Noble’s effort just wide of the far post after a positive build up. But once again it was Mickleover in possession,with the final ball thwarting the quest for that elusive equaliser.

After another Hebburn cross had been headed away, Sports tested Hunter with a shot from just outside the box, after an initial parry, he caught the ball again.

Mickleover were still very much in the game, but Hebburn were also firing in some challenging crosses, Mickleover continued to source the equaliser and Hebburn tried to seal the points.

Just after Scott had replaced Beavon, Mersin caught another effort from Heywood after 69 minutes, but seven minutes later, Purewal went down in the box, the penalty was awarded and he stepped up to make it 0-2.

Wilson put a Mickleover free kick just wide of the far post after 79 minutes, but the ball just wasn’t breaking for Sports.

In the last 10 minutes Ferron and Hickingbottom replaced Edwards and Cox, but Hebburn pushed hard for a third. Blocks by the defence, a couple of saves from Mersin and a last minute clearance off the line by Hickingbottom, kept the score at 0-2 as we now go back on the road to Leek Town on Tuesday.

“I think one of our first half penalty appeals was legitimate and the decision on their’s could have gone either way. We had the majority of the possession in both halves, so that was frustrating,” said Sports managerGareth Holmes.

“Their first goal was against the run of play, but we needed to hurt their back line to. Although we were better in defence than the last game, we made mistakes and it cost us. We are still adjusting to this league, the style and the clubs, but we need to maximise our opportunities. But some positive performances on the field, which we need to carry into the next games,” he concluded.

 

Table Toppers Come To Mickleover

by Peter Scherer

After the hard fought point was earned at Hyde, it was a disappointing result when Ilkeston visited on Tuesday night. The 1-3 defeat leaves Mickleover on the back foot, but determined to get back to winning ways this Saturday as newly promoted Hebburn Town visit.

It’s important for us to move on now, we’re still a new team and we are still learning

said manager Gareth Holmes.

After a mixed pre-season our visitors made the best possible start to their first season in the Northern Premier League, after being promoted as Champions of the East Division and currently top the table.

They faced Warrington Rylands at home and came away 1-0 winners, before travelling to Blyth Spartans on Tuesday evening to take another 1-0 win.

It’s player/manager Daniel Moore’s third season in charge of the Hornets, having previously led Shildon to the Eastern Division play-offs. 

A former Mansfield Junior, he captained the Spennymoor side that won the FA Vase, despite missing the Wembley final, before returning to Shildon as captain again too. He is still registered as a player.

Goalkeeper Kieran Hunter came from the Sunderland Academy. He had three years at Gateshead and spent time at Chester Le Street on a dual registration too, after arriving at Hebburn.

Centre back Matty Elsdon was a junior at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough. After a loan at Inverness he joined Barrow following his release and was then loaned to Whitby and FC Utd, before a permanent move to Blyth Spartans. 

He then returned to Scotland with Clyde, before returning to Blyth in July 22, where he spent one year before joining the Hornets.

Tom Devitt is another centre back, who started at Lionsbridge in the United States. He came back to England with Gateshead, before moving to Blyth Spartans, he then headed for Scotland too with Stranraer, from where he joined Hebburn in July 2021.

Jack Donaghy is a homegrown talent, who came through the clubs youth set up to make his first team debut in 2017. Another centre back primarily, he has been a mainstay at the club for the last seven years.

Liam Noble is a central midfielder with over 250 league appearances under his belt, since Sunderland picked up from Cramlington Boys Club. After a couple of loans at Carlisle he moved permanently and then signed for Notts County in July 2014. His next stop was Forest Green, before returning to Notts County, from where he moved on to Hartlepool. He then 4 ½ years with Morpeth, but came to Hebburn in pre-season after ending last season on loan.

Defender Aidan Heywood was manager Moore’s first signing for the club, having played under his managership at Shildon. He also played for Easington Colliery and Team Northumbria and is also Hebburn Juniors coach.

Dan Groves is a right back who started at Darlington Academy and made 17 appearances in league two. He joined Blyth Spartans on his release in 2010, before joining Spennymoor and moved onto Shildon in 2015. He came to Hebburn back in 2018.

Dean Briggs is a central midfielder too, who started of at Ashington, before joining Gateshead. He then headed over seas with Holland Park Hawks and Peninsula Power in Australia, returning to the UK in July 2020 with Ashington again. He signed for Hebburn at the beginning of last season.

Aaron Thompson plays central or defensive midfield. A former South Shields player, he came to Hebburn from West Auckland in September 2022.

Robbie Spence is a midfielder who became a Hornet back in 2018. A former Scunthorpe junior, he also played for Team Northumbria in the Northern League.

Striker Olly Martin scored the winner in the win over Warrington Rylands on the opening day of the season. A Junior at both Newcastle and Sunderland, he moved on to Gateshead, Jarrow Roofing and Whitley Bay. He signed for Hebburn in June 2019 and scored the winner for them in the 2020 FA Vase Final at Wembley.

Amar Purewal is a striker who arrived from West Auckland in June 2020. A Punjab International, he started out at Newcastle Utd, before moving on to Newcastle Benfield and Bishop Aukland. He was then Durham City’s leading scorer before joining Darlington, before joining West Auckland in 2016.

Winger Joe Walton was manager Moore’s second signing for the club, after the pair played together at Spenymoor. He started at Sunderland RCA and has played at Washington and Morpeth too.

Bailey Adamson is one of the clubs first new signings. A striker, he has come from Lincoln Cit’s Academy.

Midfielder Leo Robinson was on loan from Hartlepool at the end of last season and has now made his move permanent. He also had a spell at Redcar and scored the winner for the Hornets at Blyth on Tuesday night.

Defender Michael Turner is another new arrival from Morpeth, while Joe Posthill is a striker who arrived pre-season, after being Shildon’s top scorer last term. Posthill started out at Hartlepool and played for Stockton before his move to Shildon.

Callum Dobson is the reserve keeper, signed after leaving South Shields Academy, while Hebburn have a host of their own Academy players registered for the first tea, Gildo Da Silva, Tyler Brownsword, Max Campbell, Alfa Djalo, Cam Inglis, Aidan Maher and Harry Urwin.

Kick off at the Don Amott Arena is 3pm, get along and help support Sports as they go for their first league win of the season.

Simply Not The Best

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover started their home league campaign with a 1-3 defeat against local rivals Ilkeston Town, in a  scrappy game.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3-Brandon Webster 4-Curtis Weston 5-Luke Cox 6-Charlie Hickingbottom 7-Dylan Edwards 8-Ryan Wilson 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Brandon Ferron. Subs: Will Atkinson, Dan Bradley, Leojo Davidson, Fin Ryder, George Taft.

Sports won an early free kick which Wilson sent just wide of the post after two minutes and as they continued to push forward, a sequence of corners followed, with the final one headed over.

Walker had Ilkeston’s first real chance after 12 minutes, following up from a free kick which was  easily gathered by Mersin in the Mickleover goal.

There were a couple more corners for the visitors but the game had already begun to fall into a scrappy affair, with big kicks upfield and niggly tackles, stifling Mickleover’s attempts to play football.

21 minutes in and Marshall went in the book for Ilkeston, after hacking down Dales on his first real run of the game. Wilson’s free kick was close again, before Edwards was then fouled, and so another free kick from Wilson failed to test the keeper.

Ilkeston got a break a couple of minutes later, but Bennett won the race back and covered the danger competently, But the action moved to the other end as Beavon put Ferron through, only to have his shot blocked, before any danger was cleared again.

On the half hour a dubious free kick was given for an alleged handball, after shouts from the Ilkeston players. But it was the first real sign of the dramatics from Ilkeston, that fooled the referee for much of the game.

As the ball came into the box Cursons found Minkley who fired home at close range, with the defence somewhat flat footed and Mersin still on his line, 0-1.

There was then a long hold up with three Ilkeston players prone on the pitch in different places, one receiving treatment but unclear what the other two were doing.

Words were exchanged around the bench area and Sports manager Gareth Holmes was sent to the changing rooms.

By the time the referee had regained control it was almost half time, but not before Sports pulled it back to 1-1, with Beavon setting up Ferron, who fed Dales for a run in from the left. A beautifully placed ball had Yates beaten on his far post and it was all square.

Only a minute later Ilkeston won a corner, which Walker floated into the box to find Parker. The defence failed to make the challenge and Parker headed home to make it 1-2 as the half time whistle finally went.

Ilkeston had made one change for the start of the second half, but Mickleover initially stayed unchanged. 

Dales was again the victim as he tried to run at the defence via the left wing. But Ilkeston’s game plan seemed to be just to frustrate the Mickleover play, stopping the normal flow and passing game and forcing them to follow the kick and run style of the visitors, which continued to fail for them.

The referee was proving even more unpredictable, ignoring sequences of fouls, yet giving free kicks for the more dramatized dives, of which Ilkeston’s Connor Brown seemed to be going for an OSCAR.

After another scramble in the Mickleover box after 55 minutes, Walker eventually shot wide, but once again the home defence looked vulnerable and struggled to clear their lines.

Dales had more charges at the visitors, before he was inevitably hacked down again on the half way line. 

But Sports did manage to get a shot in after 63 minutes, when Weston picked his spot but the keeper had it covered.

Mickleover made a double substitution a minute later, with Bradley and Davidson on for Cox and Beavon.

Despite Dales and Edwards working hard up front, Mickleover’s natural game continued to be stifled and after 71 minutes Ilkeston went close again, with Mersin tipping an effort from Wafula over the bar, after another chaotic session in the box.

But Edwards determination almost set up the equaliser, when after 72 minutes he was just inches goal, with the Ilkeston defence in disarray, he just failed to make the final shot.

Daniel then got a break for the visitors, but Hickingbottom intercepted, then with another corner awarded, the whole Mickleover team were back to defend.

But as Walker’s corner came in again, it was the inevitable, as the defence once again lost out to a dead ball, and Cursons made it 1-3.

Sports still tried to go forward and Dales managed a run on the left without being fouled, but as Ferron attempted to collect, he was held back by a defender and the keeper was left with an easy catch.

Davidson’s pace then made him a similar target to Dales, and his 80th run ended with him being chopped down in full flight. Davidson had a shot wide after 84 minutes and was fouled again three minutes later, but that was ignored as Ilkeston won an immediate free kick after another dramatic dive.

On the 90 minute mark Hickingbottom let fly from outside the box, but that was over and the referee insisted on adding another six minutes as the drizzle ended a disappointing night.

“We have to learn and move on, as it’s our first defeat as a new team and we need to adapt to how others play. We need to focus on what we’re good at and stay true to ourselves. It takes time to gel as a team, but we know we can grow,” said Sports manager Gareth Holmes.