Author: Square Peg

Sports Juniors Lose Out… But Only Just

by Dave Mackenzie

Just over 16 hours after putting up a terrific performance against Derby County’s Youth (mainly U21 and some 18’s), the reserves took to the field against a Derby Singh team that had made some excellent additions during the close season.

Old MFC players like Yakeef Murphy, Muzari and Tyler Yohal all played a prominent part  whilst Alex Steadman turned up with his right ankle in a cast!

Sports starting 11 was Josh Maher, Mason Hoult, Silas Donker, Jared Cholerton and Zak Sandhu – defending. Toby Smith, Harry Atwal and Fin Ryder occupied the midfield and up front with Hamza was Dean Ironmonger and Josh Powell.

The game started at a good pace and Mickleover were showing little fatigue by controlling the midfield and defence.

Powell was looking lively and it was from his cross from a deep position that had the defender in two minds running back towards his goal. We didn’t care as he chose the wrong mind, steering a header over the advancing goalkeeper to give Mickleover a well deserved lead. 1-0.

Singh Bros had some talented and experienced players in their ranks and began to take the upper hand with some good quality passing and the right winger proving a handful for Zak.

They scored with a well worked goal which should have been prevented, but the previous nights endeavours started to take their toll, not just physically but mentally. 1-1.

The lads did well to get to the turn with no more damage as the half finished bang on 45 minutes.

The second half started just like the first with Mickleover in ascendency but Singh Bros held firm. After 60 minutes the legs of some players were going and Will Coffen and Sam Johnson came on for Harry A and Josh P.

Another foul stopped the play wide on our right and Ryder put in a great delivery between the players and the goal which was met by the rising Ironmonger who powered a great header into the net.

Could the lads hold out? Other fresh legs were needed and Dean(the leap) Ironmonger and Hamza made way for Ellis King and Hayden Simpson. The lads that came on were being asked to play out of position but were asked to give us some much needed energy.

With about five minutes left a Singh cross from the right bounced up near the back post and as the trajectory was upwards, the header from the Singh player went even higher over the bar. Amazingly the linesman who was at the far side gave a penalty, whilst the ref who was about 12 yards away pointed for a goal kick before changing his decision. The spot kick was well struck, skelping the outside of the post and away to safety. Could the lads hold out?

Sadly from a free kick on the left a Singh player snuck in at the back and scored. The scorer definitely evaded a defender as he was on his own but surely he couldn’t have been offside. 2-2

That was not a good goal to lose and on reflection a draw would have been a fair result.

When we had played about three minutes over, the ref. claimed that there was still seven minutes to play. On hearing this you could see the players react in disbelief. Our final change saw Josh Bull (keeper) replacing Mason H.

Singh continued to press and Josh Maher saved well from a header pushing the ball around the post to safety but from the corner the taker was able to drive into the box and finished well to give his team the three points. 2-3’

Congratulations to DSB for another excellent game, however where the time extension came from nobody bar one person knew.

Barnes Double Strike Sinks Ives

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover opened their Southern Premier League Central campaign in the best possible way, keeping a clean sheet and taking a 2-0 win thanks to a Marcus Barnes double.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Ben Sault 3-Jake Bennett 4-Will Atkinson 5-Fin Delap 6-Ethan Mann 7-Andy Dales 8-Dan Bradley 9-Andre Wright 10-Oli Greaves 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Stuart Beavon, James Pollard, George Nunn, George Atwal, Brandon Ferron.

Sports earned their first free kick in the opening minute, after Sault was brought down in his own half. But overall it was a fairly even started to the afternoon.

Sault was the first to have an attempt on goal seven minutes in, when his long-range effort tested the home defence, earning a corner after keeper Brearey saved.

As the ball came into the box Dales followed up, earning another corner as Mickleover’s pressure began to rattle the St.Ives back line.

Both Sault and Bennett were pushing forward and it was Bennett that floated a telling ball into box after 10 minutes, Wright collected but the keeper saved and only a minute later Barnes had him at full stretch too to keep the ball out.

St.Ives had their first real attempt on goal after 16 minutes, falling nicely just outside the box, with the following shot well over the bar.

Andoh then had the ball for the hosts, cutting inside to make his cross, to find no one to receive. But with the pressure off, Ives started to push forward again, and skipper Richens tested Bosworth with a shot from just outside the box after 22 minutes.

Greaves and Dales were finding their familiar runs cut off early, but 26 minutes in, Wright almost managed to set up Greaves. It was virtually a one on one, but on this occasion Brearey won.

With Ryan Wilson missing due to suspension, Mann was captain and proved his worth, as he held off a St.Ives strike until Bosworth arrived to collect.

Mickleover were still looking the more composed on the ball, but on the half hour St.Ives managed to put in a series of crosses, the first leaving their strike force somewhat surprised and the danger disappeared.

But after 38 minutes the deadlock was broken when Dales broke free down the left. As he starting to cut inside Brearey left his line, prompting a pass from Dales to find Barnes waiting to receive and it was 1-0.

Three minutes later Brearey had to pull off a save from a deflected Dales shot, before St.Ives got a break and fired a shot very high over the fence.

Sports came close to a second in time added on, when Greaves brough the ball forward, leaving Wright to cut inside until his shot was blocked, then it was Wright’s turn to send Dales on a run, but the keeper read it well, sprinting out to save the day as the half time whistle blew.

The home side started the second half with a flourish, when Hottor jinked through the defence only to shoot wide. But as Ives pushed forward, Dales and Greaves began to find more freedom and 48 minutes in it was a Dales piling in a great cross from the right, missing both Barnes and Wright by inches.

But Ives were still looking for the equaliser and Baker tried his luck after creating his own space, but Bosworth had it covered with a diving save again.

It was Greaves turn to lead the next Mickleover push, his cross had the defence beaten and Barnes calmly tapped it home for his and Mickleover’s second after 56 minutes, 2-0.

Three minutes later it was almost a replay, when Greaves attacked down the right, crossed, but Barnes shot was kept out this time by a diving save from Brearey.

The hosts began to make changes and continued to push forward, but with Mann and Delap totally in control in the middle of defence, both Atkinson and Bradley showed their experience as holding midfielders.

Baker received a yellow card for diving in the Mickleover box, before Delap started a move to send Dales clear. He took the end shot himself on this occasion, but it well over the bar.

Beavon came on for Wright for the last 15 minutes, as Sports sought a third goal, while Dales and Greaves combined to feed Barnes, he earned a corner as it bounced off a defender, but the assistant saw it otherwise.

Nine minutes left and Beavon led a charge, which set up Barnes. It was a good shot but Brearey comfortably saved, much to our strikers clear disappointment.

Ives centre back Williams put in a weak header, taken easily by Bosworth and Beavon had a late effort saved from a Dales pass.

Nunn then came on for Barnes for the final three minutes, but as the whistle went Mickleover were able to celebrate their winning start to the season.

We’re All Off To St. Ives

by Peter Scherer

This Saturday Mickleover FC will start their Southern Premier League campaign, with a visit to St. Ives in Cambridgeshire.

After a 3-2 win over our hosts at the Don Amott Arena last August Bank Holiday, we went down 0-2 in the return fixture in January, which saw the Ives finish 16th in the table.

There will be a whole host of new signings on show for Sports and will give the fans a first sight of new loanees Finn Delap from Burton Albion and the returning George Nunn from Derby County.

St.Ives manager Ricky Marheineke has been in charge at Westwood Road for nine years.

They beat Hendon in their final pre-season friendly, having lost 0-4 to Peterborough Utd Under 21’s, also winning 3-0 against Ware and 3-1 versus Harborough, plus a 2-2 draw with Hornchurch.

Goalkeeper Kacper Kurylowicz was with Tottenham Hotspur until September last year, during which time he was loaned to Potters Bar and Braintree, before joining Yaxley on his release.

Eddie Brearey is a young keeper on loan from Oxford Utd. He has previously been loaned to Ives, as well as North Leigh, Thame and Evesham.

Johnny Herd is an experienced left back who joined our hosts from Peterborough Sports in July last year. He started off at Southend Utd, making 26 League One appearances. He had also played for Ebbsfleet, Bishop Stortford and St Neots.

Centre back Charlie Johnson was a Cambridge Utd Junior, who first joined St.Ives on his release in July 2019. After six months he moved to Yaxley, before returning last November, after spells at St Neots and Bury Town.

Fellow Centre back Jordan Williams is another ex Cambridge Utd  Junior. He joined Brackley following his release in July 2017, and was at Cambridge City, Stratford and Stourbridge, before returning to Stratford for the 20/21 season, from where St.Ives signed him for the start of last season.

Defender Patrick Casey started out at Northampton Town. He arrived part way through last season from Harborough Town, but has also played for Rushden & Diamonds, Cogenhoe Utd and Bugbrooke St.Michaels.

Centre back or defensive midfielder Murphy Culkin is a recent signing from Redditch, having previously been at Barton Rovers, Eynesbury Rovers and Biggleswade.

Michael Richens is a midfielder who started out at Peterborough Utd. During his Posh spell he was loaned to Histon, Nuneaton, Whitehawk, Bishop Stortford, Stevenage, and Farnborough, before a permanent move to Stevenage on his release in 2015, after making two first team appearances at London Road.

After another loan at Farnborough, he moved to Hemel, Bishop Stortford and Biggleswade, before a four year stay at Kettering preceded his St.Ives move in July 2021.

Midfielder Fernando Bell-Toxtle is a  pre-season signing from Royston. He was a Cambridge Utd Junior, who was loaned to St.Neots, before a permanent move to Rushden & Diamonds. After stops at Basford and Grantham he returned to Rushden for two years, before going to Royston last September.

Enoch Andoh is another midfielder who started out at FC Porto. After a two- year spell in Cyprus with Limassol he moved to the UK with Port Vale, making 12 appearances before a move to Whitehawk.

Nuneaton, Macclesfield, Hednesford and Stratford followed, before starting last year at Biggleswade, arriving at St.Ives in August 2022.

Edmund Hottor is a midfielder that has spent most of his career in Italy. AC Milan signed him from Triestina for £1.2 million and loaned him to Virtus Lanciano, ASG Nocerina and Unione Venezia, before his release in 2015.

His next stop was Inter Milan, who loaned him to Atletico CP  in Portugal, Olibia in Italy and Fafe in Portugal, before a permanent move to Maltese club Sliema Wanderers. He first arrived in the UK with Kettering and was at Banbury before coming to St. Ives in December 2019.

Striker Jonny Edwards has been with our hosts since the beginning of last season. As a Peterborough Utd Junior he was loaned to Bishop Stortford and St. Albans, before a permanent move to Hull City.

Further loans at Accrington and Woking were followed by a move to Halifax, moving on via Maidstone, Biggleswade, Royston and FC Romania.

Greg Kaziboni is a midfielder who came from Nuneaton at the start of last season. A former Northampton Town youngster, he has played for Corby, Brackley, Banbury, Tamworth, Rushden and Stratford too.

Tiago Nassunculo is a new signing from Barwell. He started with Grantham and was also loaned to Boston Utd, before joining Peterborough Sports in 2019. He has also played for Wisbech, Redditch and Spalding.

Defender Aaron Smith is a new arrival too, from St.Neots. He started out at Peterborough Utd too and also had a spell at Mildenhall.

Winger or midfielder Tyrone Baker came from Basildon in November 2021, having previously played for Bowers & Pitsea and Heybridge Swifts.

Midfielders Luke Harris and Myles Cowling spent the second half of last season on loan, Harris from Peterborough Utd, and Cowling from Cambridge Utd, both have now made their moves permanent.

Ives also have Brandon Njoku and Dan Barton on loan from Cambridge Utd. Njoku is a former West Ham Utd Junior too, and has been loaned to St. Neots, Cheshunt and Braintree too.

Striker Barton has also been loaned out previously at Dereham and St. Neots.

Kick off is at 3pm and we will try to keep you updated via the clubs Facebook page, with live updates.

McGrath Seals Late Deals

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have made two late loan signings on the eve of the their opening Southern Premier League Central Division game at St.Ives on Saturday.

Derby County striker George Nunn returns for a third spell, having scored three goals for the club last season.

He is joined by Burton Albion’s Finn Delap, son of Republic of Ireland International Rory and brother of Hull City’s Liam.

Delap can play centre of wing back and had a spell on loan at Ilkeston last season too.

 

Wilson Named As Sports Skipper

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC have named Ryan Wilson as the sides captain for this season’s Southern Premier League Central Division campaign.

One of last years pre-season signings, Wilson proved his worth in defence and midfield, as well as scoring six goals.

“Having had a fantastic 2022-23 campaign, Willo was one of our best and most consistent performers last season and I am looking forward to see the positive impact he has on the squad and in games once again,” said Sports manager John McGrath.

Ethan Mann will be vice-captain, following his successful transition from Academy and Reserves, to a regular first teamer.

Sports Youngsters Victorious

by Dave Mackenzie

Hot on the heels of the enthralling encounter with AFC Mackworth, we welcomed Stapleford Town to the Don Amott Arena.

Against Mackworth the lads showed great tenacity, high skill levels and courage to overcome Derby’s top Sunday League outfit by the odd goal in eleven!

Stapleford play their football in the Nottinghamshire Senior Premier Division and they topped their table, losing only two games during the season.

To give a measure of their success they finished 31 points clear of Borrowash Vics and 14 points ahead of Keyworth Utd in second place.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Will Coffen 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Tony Smith 5-Silas Donker 6-Harry Atwal 7-Sam Tomlinson 8 – Fin Ryder 9-Luis Mas-Hall 10- Josh Powell 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Owen Slater, Hamza Konane, Liam Carter, Sam Johnson, Josh Maher.

The conditions couldn’t have been more contrasting. Gone were the monsoon rains of Wednesday evening, being replaced by intermittent cloud and sunny spells.

Holidays meant there were three changes, with Will Coffen, Silas Donker and Luis Mas-Hall starting. Stapleford had a nucleus of experience and from the start you could see they would provide a stern test for the young reserve side.

It was however Mickleover that started well with strong defending from Silas and Toby aided by good work in midfield from Fin R and Josh P.

Sam Tomlinson was showing well and from a powerful run he beat the full back and he got away his shot before the keeper could set himself. 1-0.

Stapleford got themselves back in the game when a good cross found a Stapleford player unmarked at the back post. The goal was well taken with a calm side foot back across the keeper. 1-1.

What followed was a goal of great quality. The ball was played down the left to Mason Tugay who spotted Brandon Ferron  moving forwards down the left. Although the pass was good Brandon still had work to do, cutting inside taking out two defenders. The ball was then on his standing foot, but Brandon didn’t panic as he stroked the ball into the corner of the net. 2-1.

That ended the scoring as Stapleford gave away a gilt-edged opportunity by skying a penalty high and not very handsome.

The half time interval gave Leigh Parr the chance to explain the importance of some of the players’ positions in maintaining a good shape to the team and moving across the pitch in relation to an attack.

The Gaffer was also able to highlight a couple of areas where the team could improve out of possession.

The team reacted well to the half time coaching and put in a controlled second half that saw them restrict Stapleford to long balls, which the defence, including the introduction of Owen Slater dealt with well.

The third goal showed the effectiveness of a long pass. After some interchanges between Toby S and Fin R, Fin hit a lovely diagonal which found Liam Carter running into the box on the angle. Liam’s first touch took out the defender and his second placed the ball under the advancing keeper to seal the game. Great goal.3-1.

Overall another very positive performance against a competitive Stapleford team. The lads have shown that they are taking on board instruction and benefitting from the structure and coaching provided by Leigh Parr and Steve Powell.

Second Half Goals Seal It For Alfreton

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover travelled to National League North neighbours Alfreton Town for the their final pre-season friendly.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Jake Bennett 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Will Atkinson 5-Dan Bradley 6-Ryan Wilson 7-Oli Greaves 8-Will Trueman 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Andre Wright 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Ben Sault, Fin Ryder, Harry Atwal, Jim Pollard.

In an even first half hour, neither side created many goal scoring opportunities, until Lewis Salmon hit the post and the hosts began to take control.

But the Sports defence of Bennett, Bradley, Wilson and Dolan stayed solid at the back and made sure the sides went in at half-time even at 0-0.

Day put a header just over the bar for Alfreton after 49 minutes, but a minute Jim Oliver gave them the lead, after picking up a loose ball and burying it in the roof of the net. 0-1.

Bosworth was in action again after 55 minutes, saving from one of Alfreton’s subs, before tipping a shot from Dec Howe round the post, only five minutes later.

Just after the hour mark Dwayne Wiley made it two for Alfreton, heading past Bosworth, after collecting from a corner, 0-2.

With the score remaining the same, both sides brought on their sub goalkeppers as outfield players, Jake Askew for the last 19 minutes and Sports Pollard for the final 15.

So it remained 0-2, but gaffer John McGrath said, “it was a good work out for the lads though,” as they prepared for the start of the league season next Saturday.

(Images: Steve Ingers)

Tomlinson Stars In Reserves Goal Fest

by Peter Scherer

There was no shortage of goals as Mickleover Reserves visited AFC Mackworth for a pre-season friendly last night. Sports youngsters finally ran out 6-5 victors with Sam Tomlinson hitting TWO.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Mason Hoult 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Toby Smith 5-Zac Sandhu 6-Harry Atwal 7-Sam Tomlinson 8-Fin Ryder 9-Dean Ironmonger 10-Josh Powell 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Josh Maher, Luis Mas-Hall, Will Coffen, Owen Slater, Liam Carter, Silas Donker.

It was wet and miserable as the game kicked off, but Mickleover almost scored from the kick off, with Powell and Tudgay combining to earn a corner.

The opening goal came after seven minutes when Powell fed Tomlinson, who sent a belting shot into the back of the net, 1-0. Only two minutes Tomlinson tested the keeper again, but his chip was taken fairly easily.

Ferron and Hoult were starting to attack down the wings and after 10 minutes it was a long run from Ferron with a crossfield ball, that was just too long for the chasing Tomlinson.

Mackworth’s first chance came when Sandhu slipped on the wet grass, the hosts number nine collected but Bull saved his effort initially, before a rebound made it 1-1, 11 minutes in.

Ironmonger had a chance three minutes later from a Tomlinson cross, before another Tomlinson cross set up Ryder, whose shot was blocked.

Bull had to palm away another Mackworth strike, before Ferron’s attempt on a charge ended with a crude foul. It was Sports on top though and 23 minutes down and it was 2-1, after Tomlinson again cut in front the right, giving Tudgay a tap in.

Atwal was controlling the central midfield, with the eagerness of Powell and Tudgay strong on the left and Tomlinson dominating the right wing, but Tomlinson nearly hit a second, firing just over on the half hour.

But Mackworth were proving determined opposition and when Bull was spotted off his line, a speculative lob made it 2-2. They went close again a minute later with a long shot just off target.

Both sides were trying random long shots, but with two minutes of the first half to go, Tomlinson jinked through the defence with a fine solo effort to make it 3-2 and then went close again with the whistle poised.

A number of subs came on for the second half, with rain still falling heavily. Ryder had the first shot of the second half, before Ironmonger made it 4-2 following a 48th minute corner.

Tomlinson continued to cause havoc, but after 55 minutes it was 4-3, after Bull failed to hold the slippery ball.

Sandhu then joined the scorers as the ball fell nicely from at Atwal free kick 5-3. But the two goal only lasted for six minutes, after chaos in defence made it 5-4.

It was another slip from keeper Bull that made it 5-5 with 15 minutes left, which seemed to spur on Mackworth for the final push.

But with two minutes left Mickleover sub Slater sealed it at 6-5 with a solo run down the middle.

Bradley Joins Sports

by Peter Scherer

Dan Bradley is the latest signing for Mickleover manager John McGrath.

A former Aston Villa junior, the midfielder started last season with Ilkeston Town, before moving to Matlock in February. He previously had a couple of spells at Tamworth, Alfreton and Kidderminster, as well as playing for Barnet, Fylde and Nuneaton.

“I’m delighted to be signing for Mickleover. The gaffer is someone I know personally having played with him, and someone I have a huge amount of respect for and the way he treats people.

I’m at a stage in my career where I’ve experienced some good times and good clubs with good people and also some not so good. That, along with the way he wants to play football, meant it was no brainier for me, having spoken to the gaffer to come here.

I can’t wait to get my teeth into it and get started and try my upmost  to help improve on what was a very successful season for Mickleover last year,” he said.

“Delighted to get Dan to join us here at Mickleover FC. He’s a player I know personally and he brings with him a wealth of experience, to match his skill and talent. He’s a natural leader and will be a huge positive influence in our squad,” added McGrath.

Honours Even In Ilkeston Friendly

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover continued their pre-season build-up with a visit to Ilkeston Town last night.

Starting line-up: 1-Jim Pollard 2-Jake Bennett 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Will Atkinson 5-Ethan Mann 6-Ryan Wilson 7-Andy Dales 8-Will Trueman 9-Andre Wright 10-Oil Greaves 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: George Atwal, Fin Ryder, Zac Sandhu, Dan Bradley.

Mickleover were quick out of the blocks and were soon into a passing flow, with Barnes fouled after two minutes following a run by Wilson. Dales was soon into the action too, before Ilkeston responded with a telling cross, headed away by Wilson.

Bennett managed to find an excess of space down the right after seven minutes, cutting inside to have his half shot blocked. Despite being on the ground, he was up and picked up his own rebound before the danger was cleared.

Ilkeston then had a free kick which went straight out of play, before Eratt-Thompson fired in a shot straight at Pollard.

Sports were flowing well, with Mann and Wilson at the back, choosing between Atkinson in central midfield and the free running Greaves, Trueman and Dales.

Dales put a cross in from the left after 11 minutes, it tested keeper Yates, but was too close to the far post. Barnes fired a shot over the bar after collected a Dales pass and another charge straight down the middle of the pitch.

It was Wright and Barnes combining that almost broke the deadlock at 16 minutes. Wright went through first before Yates blocked him, then Barnes shot just over again.

Ilkeston started to break out a little more constructively, forcing Pollard into a save on the edge of his area and only a minute later the Mickleover keeper safely collected a shot from outside the box.

Sports struggled to clear a 20th minute corner as the hosts tried a couple of random shots in a crowded box, but Dales, Dolan and Greaves then combined to send Barnes on his way, but it came to nought.

Eratt-Thompson had another attempt on the Mickleover goal, but was high and wide, before Dales upped the pace again. Atkinson and Greaves had an interchange, but the final shot was blocked again.

Greaves had a shot saved by Yates on the half hour, after creating his own space, but Ilkeston came straight back with Pollard saving a header, after a cross from the left.

Wright then spotted Bennett in space on the right, but as he ran in, the oncoming defender intercepted. Greaves then missed out by just inches, as his angled shot was just the wrong side of the far post after 36 minutes.

Dales managed to disposess the Ilkeston number five Young with two minutes left of the first half, but as he ran head on for goal, keeper Yates guessed the right side and it remained 0-0 as the whistle went.

Bradley came on for Dales as the second half got underway, allowing Wilson to move forward. He had a shot just over in the 49th minute, but the first goal finally came two minutes later.

Barnes had powered through on the right, got his cross in to perfection and with Yates committed, Wright slid in to score his first goal for the club. 1-0.

Sports continued to control most of the play up to the hour mark, but then Lita broke through, had his shot blocked, but earned a corner.

Atwal came on for Atkinson after 62 minutes, but Ilkeston had started to break out again, looking much stronger in attack as Sports sat back and let then hosts run at them.

Ryder was the next sub on and quickly found Atwal in space, who was then fouled. Ryder then sent Dolan on a run which was blocked, before Sandhu was the final sub to come on for Wright.

Ilkeston sub Zottas had looked fast and dangerous from the moment he came on, and after an 80th minute effort after a cross from the right, he fired in a terrific lofted shot from the left and had Pollard beaten, 1-1.

Ilkeston had the scent for victory and two minutes later Tolley charged through the Mickleover defence, before Pollard made a diving save.

A fairly strong all round performance from Mickleover in game which they probably just had the edge overall, now it’s onto Alfreton Town on Saturday.