Author: Square Peg

We’re Up For The Cup!

by Peter Scherer

On Tuesday evening, weather permitting, Mickleover will be striving to reach their second Derbyshire Senior Cup final, when they travel to Glossop North End.

Back in April 2019 Sports went down 1-2 against Alfreton Town at Pride Park, but success on Tuesday would leave them facing the winner of the other semi between Ilkeston Town and Belper Town.

Our hosts were a football league side between 1898 and 1915 and now play their football in the North West Counties League. They reached the semi-final with a penalty shootout victory over New Mills.

Lee Wilshaw has been the manager since November and they currently lie mid table with four wins from their last 10 games. They were without a game last Saturday and drew 2-2 at home to Burscough last Tuesday.

Joey Oldham is their first-choice goalkeeper, signed from Chadderton in December. He’s also played for New Mills.

Harry Allen is the second-choice keeper, signed in pre-season. He previously had a loan spell with the club during his time at Burnley, but started out at Manchester Utd. He’s played for Flint Town, Farsley Celtic, Colne and Prestwich Heys too.

Right back Joel Igwenwanne is dual registered with Avro. A former Sheffield Utd junior, he joined Hyde Utd on his release. He’s played for Abbey Hulton and Mossley too.

Defender Dylan McMahon came from Burscough in July 2024, having previously played for Ramsbottom.

Centre back Jordan Schofield was signed from Chadderton too, where he had spent most of his career, but he was a pre-season arrival.

Captain Olly Parker is in his third season at Glossop. Another centre back and former Chadderton player, he’s also played for Ashton Utd and New Mills.

Central midfielder Abdul Djalo started out at Manchester Utd, before moving to Crewe Alexandra. He joined FC Barnton following his release, before moving on to Warrington Rylands and Skelmersdale. He then spent two years at Macclesfield, including loans at City of Liverpool and Skelmersdale and came to our hosts in November 2023, after four months at St.Helens.

Fellow Midfielder Jack Hopkins arrived at Surrey Street from Clitheroe in July ’22, having previously been at Stockport County.

Aeron Bardsley plays in defence or midfield and came to our hosts in March 2024 from Curzon Ashton.

Full back Leo Cooper has come through the Hillmen’s own youth scheme.

Spanish born Gabby Money-Munoz started his career playing for CD Canillas in Madrid, before coming to the UK with Wythenshawe Town. Before joining our hosts the midfielder also played for Winsford Town, Northwich and Prestwich Heys.

James Purfield came from Chadderton in pre-season, he’s a midfielder.

Midfielder Alex Bowker was signed from Trafford a few months ago, after starting out at Stockport County.

Conal Gallagher is another midfielder who came from Pilkington in February 2024. He played for Ramsbottom and Skelmersdale too, was a junior at both Bolton and Blackburn and had spell in the US too with the University of Illinois. He is also a former England under 19 Futsal international.

Striker Jacques Etia is on loan from Stalybridge Celtic. A former Rotherham junior, he played for Sheffield FC and Ollerton after his release, but was loaned to Glossop in May 2023 after joining Ashton Utd.

Conor Berry returned to the club last month, after a brief appearance before Christmas. He’s another signing from Chadderton, having also been a prolific goal scorer at Moston Brook, Avro and Prestwich Heys.

Fellow striker Ethan Sutcliffe came from Chadderton too in pre-season and previously played for Avro.

Adem Oureghi is another young striker, while fellow striker Martijn “Junior” Smith arrived last month from Chowan University Hawks in the US, he’s an ex Doncaster Rovers junior.

Kick off is 7.45 and remember if you are travelling to the game via Ashbourne, it’s also Shrove Tuesday.

*** MONDAY’S WEATHER UPDATE FROM GLOSSOP, “light overnight snow soon cleared and not too bad overall.”

Keane Returns

by Peter Scherer

Midfielder Cieron Keane has returned to the Don Amott Arena, from Long Eaton Utd and signed just in time to make his debut in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Basford.

Keane came to Mickleover originally in September 2024 and scored within two minutes of his debut in the FA Cup win over Coleshill Town.

He started this season at Quorn Town, but his return is a welcome addition to the Mickleover squad.

Back to Winning Ways

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

It was back to winning ways for Mickleover, as they came away from the Don Amott Arena 3-1 winners over second in the table Basford Utd.

Starting line-up: 1-Jack McDowell 2-Danny Benson 3-Jake Bennett 4-Will Atkinson 5-Brad Gascoigne 6-George Wlkinson 7-Archie White 8-Cieron Keane 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Manni Norkett. Subs: Paddy Webb, Ross Derham, Josiah Dyer, Josh Ashman, Thabang Dube.

From the kick off Mickleover starting to challenge the visitors and after five minutes White cut inside from the right for the first shot of the game, just over the bar.

From there Sports were in the ascendancy and a few minutes later Norkett dispossessed two defenders to pass to Beavon, his shot was saved by keeper Yates, but it fell to White who struck if sweetly into the back of the net, 1-0.

Norkett was causing havoc and after nine minutes his hard work sent Dales on his first run. He created the space but his shot was well off target.

Basford tried to capitalise after a brief moment of uncertainty in the home defence, but the danger was soon cleared.

Keane and Norkett then combined to make good progress, but the Basford defence managed to thwart the advance.

There was more pressure from the visitors after a series of corners 17 minutes in. The ball was heading goalwards, but Wilkinson managed to head it off the line and keep the lead intact.

There was more sustained pressure from Mickleover with Keane, Atkinson, White and Dales blending well in midfield, provided a strong feed to Norkett and Beavon up front.

After 25 minutes Dales outpaced the defence on the left, but keeper Yates just made it to the ball before Norkett.

Three minutes later Basford had their best chance f the game, after Nyle Blake broke through, but McDowell was quickly off his line and blocked the striker with his feet.

Dales had another shot saved after 36 minutes, after Norkett’s resilience had paid dividends and two minutes Beavon almost put White in the clear again.

Mickleover had created more chances and had the greater of the possession in the first half, but with one minute left on the clock, Connor Dimaio picked up a corner on the edge of the box, and struck it into top left hand corner, to end the half on equal terms, 1-1.

Mickleover came out fighting in the second half and just three minutes in Dales was hacked down. Keane stepped up to take the free kick, floated in to find Benson on the right, who headed it home 2-1.

Four minutes later Jordy Hallam tried his luck for the visitors, his effort went across the face of the goal, but fortunately no one was on hand to connect.

Basford continued to look for the equaliser again, but Benson, Gascoigne, Wilkinson and Bennett had grown in confidence at the moment.

But just past the hour Blake broke through again, just about on side, but with just McDowell to beat he shot wide of the left-hand post.

Mickleover’s first change was Dyer for Beavon after 64 minutes, before Basford won a free kick just outside the box on the left, only to go to waste.

Keane dropped another free kick nicely into the box after 68 minutes, winning a corner that was cleared. But Basford then broke and with McDowell charging out his goal, the ball was somehow played past him, but Bennett intercepted.

Bennett had started to push forward more on the left and having got clear after 70 minutes, he cross was a little too close to Yates, who collected with ease.

After Webb had replaced Norkett on the 70 minute mark, McDowell had to make another save low down with his feet, as Basford continued to seek that elusive equaliser.

Dales almost connected with Webb after cross from the left, but the clock was counting down. Ashman replaced White for the final seven minutes, but ten victory was sealed, when Bennett’s hard work found Webb on the left. He cut back inside to find Bennett, who continued his run and fired home to make it 3-1 and secure all three points.

Derham and Dube were late subs to replace Keane and Dales, and McDowell had to make another late save from a long range shot, but it was Mickleover’s day, completing the double over our Nottinghamshire visitors.

 

Valentine’s Day Clash: Basford United (H)

By Peter Scherer

Having gone 10 days without a match following the postponement of our visit to Anstey Nomads, Mickleover are back in action on Saturday, as we welcome second placed Basford Utd to the Don Amott Arena.

Back in October we were 2-1 winners in the corresponding away game, with goals from Archie White and Stuart Beavon.
Since then our visitors have gone from strength to strength under Martin Carruthers’ leadership, only ending a fourteen game unbeaten run last Saturday, with a 0-1 defeat at home to Bedworth.

Despite Sports lack of consistency their ninth place is only eight behinds behind Basford and still well in touch with the play-off positions, such is the closeness in the table.
Mickleover should be at full strength with strikers Manni Norkett and Josiah Dyer’s loans now confirmed to the end of the season.
For our visitors first choice goalkeeper is Matt Yates who arrived pre-season from Ilkeston. He spent last season at Ilkeston after joining them from Gainsborough, where he had spent the previous two years. He was a Derby County Junior and was loaned to Gloucester City, Hereford and Telford Utd prior to his release.
In our FA Trophy defeat back In September, he was the difference between us winning and losing and now also captains the side.
Yates’ understudy has been the vastly experienced Saul Deeney. He started his career at Notts County, and after loan spells at Gresley Rovers, Ilkeston and Hull City, he made a permanent move to Burton Albion in 2005.
He then returned to Notts County, for a year, before a short stay at Hucknall Town preceded a return to Burton too. 4 ½ years at Derby County followed, before his first spell at Basford in 2015. Moving on to Coalville and Ilkeston, he joined Matlock in January 2023, before returning to Basford at the beginning of last season.
Harvey Woodward has also been on the bench as sub keeper, a former Ilkeston Town player, who has also played for Gedling, Gresley Rovers and Kimberley MW’s.
Centre back Ethan Stewart was signed at the beginning of last season from Stafford Rangers. He started his career with Nottingham Forest, who loaned him to Billericay and Alfreton, before joining Nuneaton on his release. He then returned to Alfreton, before moving to Stafford Rangers in October 2021.
Left back or centre back captain Henri Wilder has just started his third season with the club, since signing from Ilkeston in November 2023.He played his youth football at Brighton and Mansfield and was loaned out to Lewes. Following his Stags release he went to Tamworth and played for Alfreton too, before a year at Ilkeston.
Right back Osa Soloman came from Grantham in pre-season. He is an ex Nottingham Forest Junior, who was also loaned to Redditch. He joined Grantham following his release in summer 2023.
Lynden Joyce is another defender who returned to the club after starting off in their youth scheme. He started the season with Shepshed Dynamo and has also played for Sherwood Colliery and Eastwood.
Ryan Ebanks was a pre- season arrival. He plays on the right side of the defence and lists Grantham, Newark Flowserve, Newark & Sherwood Utd and Coalville on his CV after playing junior football at Notts County.
Eli Christie is a former Derby County Academy centre back. He joined Ilkeston following his release and played for Grantham to before joining our visitors from Gresley Rovers in pre-season.
Jordy Hallam is an attacking midfielder, who has spent most his career at Sheffield Utd. With 28 EFL appearances under his belt, he had loans at Southport, Viking Stavanger and Chesterfield, before joining Scunthorpe following is release. His next stop was Ilkeston after an initial loan, but after three months he moved to Basford in October 2023.
Connor Dimaio is another experienced midfielder. He has League One and Two experience after starting at Sheffield Utd. Chesterfield was his next stop, followed by Stockport, Boston Utd, Curzon Ashton, Matlock and Bradford Park Avenue, from where joined our hosts in pre-season.
Callum Cocks came from Long Eaton in the summer. A right back or midfielder he was previously with Loughborough Dynamo and has played for the Army and Royal Artillery.
Right sided midfielder Nyle Blake arrived from Eastwood a couple of weeks ago. He is a former Mansfield Town junior, who joined Alfreton following his release. Frickley, Belper Town, Carlton, Hyde, Gainsborough, Stamford, Newark & Sherwood and Anstey are all on his cv before joining Eastwood last November.
Nat Peters is a midfielder that came through Basford’s own scheme, before moving onto Kimberley MW. He returned to our visitors in November.
Fellow midfielder Rev James in his fourth spell with our visitors. He started out at Rotherham and Oxford Utd, before a loan spell at Basford in 2018. After a spell at Tamworth he made his second visit in November 2019, moving on to Nuneaton who laned him back again, before that became permanent. He finally came back in December 2023, after four months oat Belper Town.
Jack Thomas arrived last month. He’s an ex Notts County and Mansfield youngster, who was loaned to Hednesford, Barrow, Boston Utd and Tamworth, before joining Basford at the start of 2018/19. After further spells at Ilkeston and Tamworth he returned to our visitors again in May ’23, moving onto Anstey, Rushall and Tamworth before his latest move.
Strikers Tyler Dacres, Luca Burton and Covarne Leon are three young strikers that have come through the clubs own Academy and is now a regular in the first team squad.
Curtis Durose was signed early into the season, a striker he is an ex Rotherham youngster and he had loans at Gainsborough, Scarborough and Matlock before a permanent move to Matlock at the start of last season, following his release. He came to our hosts after 10 months at Gainsborough.
Oli Wilson is another striker who came from Hednesford in November. He played his junior football at Mansfield Town and has also played for Carlton and Boston Utd.
Dameer Rose and Taylon Cevirir both made their first team debuts earlier this season, having come through the clubs youth scheme.
Kick off is at 3pm, with usual bar and refreshment facilities.

MFC Vets: Sundays Match Reporter Mark Whitton & his MOTM

First Half: Quick-Fire Exchanges

The match began at a high tempo, with both keepers called into action early. Mickleover looked dangerous in the opening exchanges, as both Betts and Clifton saw goal-bound efforts denied from point-blank range.
​However, it was Shardlow who drew first blood midway through the half. Exploiting a lapse in Mickleover’s set-piece marking, the hosts converted a towering header from a corner to take a 1-0 lead. The advantage was short-lived; Mickleover responded with their best passage of play in the match. Bailey produced a superb solo run, weaving through the Shardlow midfield before delivering a precise cross for Betts, who clinicaly finished to level the scores before the interval.

​Second Half: A War of Attrition

​The second half proved to be a far more disjointed affair. Mickleover struggled to find their usual rhythm, often attempting to force the final ball rather than relying on the patient build-up play that had served them well in the first period.
​Opportunities remained scarce as the game became increasingly physical. Gayle came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors, but his powerful strike cannoned off the post.
​With only five minutes remaining, Mickleover appeared to have found the winner. A fluid move saw the ball worked wide to Palms, whose pinpoint cross found Diksa in the area to slot home for a 2-1 lead. However, a defensive lapse in the dying moments allowed Shardlow a route back into the game. A late break resulted in a foul by Mickleover goalkeeper Ash inside the box. Shardlow converted the resulting penalty with composure to make it 2-2 at the final whistle.

​The Shootout
​The tension carried over into the shootout. While Diksa, Palms, and Bailey all converted their spot-kicks with confidence for Mickleover, Shardlow held their nerve as Sam, Lille, and Clifton failed to find the target. Shardlow FC clinicaly finished the shootout 4-3 to advance

Motm- Richard Bailey

This Sunday we are at home top of the table clash v unbeaten castle donnigton fc who have won 9 out of 9 on including a 4-1 win against us start of the season will be a tough test especially with keys players for us out injured

Please show your support 2pm ko bar open

MFC Vets 8–1 Ethan United – Dominant display at the Don Amott Arena

by Gavin Warren

The full-time whistle confirmed a ruthless attacking performance as MFC Vets put eight past Ethan United to collect another three points, closing both the gap and the goal difference on high-flyers Castle Donington.

The lads started brightly, controlling the game from the off and playing on the front foot. It took just five minutes to break the deadlock when Kris burst down the right and slid a delightful ball into a dangerous area for Sav, who made no mistake to fire home. 1–0

Six minutes later, Sav turned provider, laying the ball off to Palms, who struck from 18 yards. The keeper stood rooted as the shot nestled into the bottom corner. 2–0

Our wide players, Mannion and Betts, were causing Ethan’s full-backs endless problems with their pace and delivery. On 25 minutes, another dangerous ball into the box caused chaos. Ethan struggled to clear, Mannion’s initial shot was blocked, but he recycled possession to Aidan, who smashed home emphatically. 3–0

Ethan had a couple of half chances, but nothing that truly troubled us. The back line was solid throughout, and it was great to see Stamp back in the squad.

Then… chaos.

Out of nowhere, Adam Salter delivered a goalkeeping masterclass in how not to clear a ball — confidently winding up before karate-kicking absolutely nothing but fresh air, allowing the ball to casually roll into the net. Time briefly stopped as teammates, fans, and reality itself tried to process what they’d just witnessed. Later, Salter pointed the finger at a knee injury — apparently one so serious it prevented his foot from meeting the ball 🤣🤣
3–1

With minutes remaining in the half, Palms restored order with a 20-yard wonder strike into the top bin. The keeper had no chance as he watched it sail over his head. 4–1 at half-time.

At the break, Quig and Kris — both excellent in the first half — were withdrawn to keep them fresh for the week ahead. Bailey and new signing Scott entered the action, and the tempo immediately lifted.

It took Bailey only a few touches to find his rhythm. A bursting run from midfield saw him glide past an Ethan defender before placing a composed finish past the keeper. 5–1

Diksa replaced Sav, and Clifton came on for Mannion. The pressure continued, and Diksa soon added our sixth with a tidy finish. 6–1

On 60 minutes, Aidan was replaced in a rare runout for the Gaffa. A Palms corner soon found him, but his header drifted just over. Moments later, questionable decision-making from the manager saw him attempt an audacious bicycle kick — well struck, but smartly saved by the Ethan keeper.

Bailey then grabbed his second of the evening, smashing home from a tight angle into the top corner. 7–1

The Gaffa then missed a gilt-edged chance, choosing to round the keeper instead of striking first time, only for a recovering defender to clear off the line.

Redemption followed late on. Instead of slipping Bailey through, the Gaffa shifted the ball onto his right foot and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to cap the scoring. 8–1

A superb all-round performance from every lad. The three points move us into second place in the league and significantly reduce the goal difference. You couldn’t ask for much more from the boys.

Motm- carter solid at centre back again and formed a good partnership with stamp.

Gaffa all smiles with the good run and performances from the lads onto the cup next away against a good shardlow st James veteran side.

Anstey Nomads v Mickleover: Match Preview

by Peter Scherer

Following Wednesday nights defeat at Lichfield, its back on the road again for Mickleover, as we travel to promotion chasers Anstey Nomads.

Nomads have only lost five games this season and one was back at the Don Amott Arena, when Michael Hollingsworth’s goal gave us a 1-0 win back in October.

It’s also been a successful season for out hosts in the FA Trophy, recently going out in the fourth round.
Tony Blanchard is the Nomads manager and they are currently in second place, with games in hand.

Mansfield Town loanee and Dominican Republic International Anthony Nunez is the first choice keeper. He was at Basford and Notts County before joining the Stags and has been out on loan at Shepshed Dynamo too.

Centre back Lewis Gibbens started out at Mansfield too. He moved onto Boston Utd after an initial loan, but came to Anstey from Worksop Town after one season, in July 2022.

Kyle Tomlin is another centre back and another former Mansfield Junior, after joining them from Burton Albion. He joined Coalville Town following his release and played for Carlton Town and Eastwood before joining Anstey in February 2024.

Left back Oscar Tonge was signed from Coleshill in August 2024, where he had spent the previous season after being released by Peterborough Utd.

Tristan Thomas is a left back too. A pre-season arrival following his release by Leicester City.
Ben Humphrey’s is a defender signed in pre-season from Hinckley Leicester Road.
Centre back Jordan Annable came from AFC Mansfield in August 2021, after spending seven seasons with the Nottinghamshire club. He is the club captain.

Luke Redfern is a centre back, a pre-season arrival from Stamford. He started at Burton Albion and was loaned to Nuneaton and Sutton Coldfield before joining Stoke City. He had another loan spell at Hednesford before going to Halesowen on his release. He spent the whole of last season at Stamford.
Defender Danny Gordon came from Corby Town in pre season, where he had played for the last three seasons. He has also played for Belper Town and Loughborough Dynamo
Henry Bestwick is a midfielder and a home-grown talent, having joined Anstey as a 16 year old. He had a few seasons away at Long Eaton Utd before returning to our hosts.

Former Leicester City junior Rubyn Gill is a defensive midfielder who went to the US after a spell at Solihull Moors. Starting with UCAS Bears, he played for Belmont Bruins and Brown Ballers before returning to the UK.
Central midfielder Tobias Liversidge arrived in October from Stamford. He started out at Lincoln City and has also played for Spalding Utd and Lincoln Utd.

Ronnie Kokkinos is a defensive midfielder, currently on loan from Mansfield Town.

Attacking midfielder Josh Burniston came from Stamford in pre-season. He had been on a dual registration with Lincoln Utd, but started off at Nottingham Forest. He’s had spells at Cambridge Utd and Gresley Rovers too.
Striker Nyle Blake spent much of last season out injured. He started out at Mansfield Town and had a spell at Alfreton before going to Frickley after an initial loan. He moved on to Belper Town, Carlton, Hyde Utd and Gainsborough before returning to Frickley in November 2021. Further moves to Stamford, Newark & Sherwood preceded his move to our hosts in 2023.

Tendai Chitiza is a striker that started off at Leicester Nirvana. He then had a short spell with Gresley Rovers before going to Serbia with CSK Celarevo and TSC Backa Topola. On his return to the UK he joined Stamford, but after three years he moved on to Coalville. Returning to Stamford again in August 2023 he was there until joining Anstey at the start of this season.

Striker Liam Murphy was another pre-season signing, having played at Bedworth and Boldmere St.Michael’s last season.

Courey Grantham is a striker too, signed from Quorn in pre-season. He spent four years with Basford and as played for Heanor Town and Hednesford too.
Also in our hosts squad are veteran strikers David Nugent and Martyn Waghorn, both ex Derby County players, but neither have seen much game time since their signings.
Kick off is 3pm and your support would be welcomed.

Strikers Staying On

by Peter Scherer

WE can confirm that strikers Manni Norkett and Josiah Dyer will be staying at the Don Amott Arena to the end of the season.

Dyer, on loan from Peterborough Sports has scored six goals so far, while Boston Utd loanee Norkett has three under his belt.

We would like to thank both Peterborough Sports and Boston Utd for their continued help and co-operation

said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

Sports Draw A Blank At Lichfield

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

On a night when victory was almost expected against a struggling Lichfield side, Mickleover came away pointless after a goal in each half, gave our hosts their first points since mid-December.

Starting line-up: 1-Jack McDowell 2-Jake Bennett 3-Archie Hall 4-Ross Derham 5-George Wilkinson 6-Danny Benson 7-Thabang Dube 8-Harry Wood 9-Josiah Dyer 10-Andy Dales 11-Paddy Webb. Subs: Manni Norkett, Josh Ashman, Will Atkinson, Fraser Corden, Louis Bonser.

It was a delayed 8pm start after problems getting out of Derby,

As in our last away defeat, Mickleover had the first chance of the game, but Bunn in the Lichfield goal came out on top in a one on one with Dyer in the opening minutes, resulting in a corner.

A few minutes later our hosts earned a corner too, with centre back McMenemy just failing to connect with a header.

Both keepers were kept busy in the opening 15 minutes, with McDowell saving from Footes, just after McMenemy had volleyed over the bar and then Bunn had to make a save low down at his near post.

Mickleover had a free kick after 19 minutes, but Bunn was able to collect as it came off the wall. Although Sports dominated the possession, it continued to be fairly even on chances.

Bennett, Wilkinson, Benson and White had held firm at the back for Mickleover, but pressure began to mount, with Smith hitting the bar for our hosts after 22 minutes.

A succession of corners followed and 27 minutes in McMenemy’s head connected with as corner to open the scoring for Lichfield 0-1.

Mickleover tried to push forward for the equaliser and had a corner cleared on the half hour, but Edwards had two more attempts on the Mickleover goal before the half time whistle, one shot blocked from the edge of the box, followed by a lob over the bar.

Despite Mickleover’s push forward as the second half got underway, any chance of an equaliser continued to elude them.

Just before the hour mark a free kick just outside the box was cleared and succession of corners followed before the home defence finally cleared the danger.

Norkett had come on for Dyer and his low drive in the 74th minute tested keeper Bunn.

A triple substitution then followed with Corden, Atkinson and Bonser on for Derham, Dube and Wood.

Lichfield continued to have their chances too, with Edwards long shot going wide on the 80th minute mark.

But with two minutes of normal time left Footes made it 0-2 , while the game concluded with White trying his luck with a shot over the bar.