by Peter Scherer

This Saturday at the Don Amott Arena Mickleover face Rushden & Diamonds, currently 21^st in the table.

Joe Bateman should be back from suspension and it will be a first chance for home supports to see our four new signings.

A change of manager to Richard Maxwell in the last week may prompt a change in form for Rushden, but with wins at home to Nuneaton and away at Cadwell , plus two draws they have only amassed eight points so far.

In last weeks home game against Redditch went down 0-2, but in their last two away games they have failed to score and had 12 scored against, 0-5 at Hednesford and 0-7 at Coalville.

Most of their squad are relatively new singings and currently includes five loanees.

Keeper Dean Snedker was a Northampton Town Junior, who moved onto Brackley after an initial loan. Kidderminster, Nuneaton, Kettering, Cambridge City and St Albans were his next ports of call, before a year at Hemel preceded his move to Rushden in August 2021. He was also an England Under 19 International.

Centre back Ryan Hughes started at Northampton too and after a loan at St Neots, he came to Rushden on loan too for three months until January 2020. Further loans at Banbury and Corby followed, before a permanent move to our visitors in August 2020.

Hamilton Bunga is a centre back who came from Yaxley a couple of weeks ago. He started at Kingstonian, and is well travelled via Staines, Arlesey, Thurrock, Royston, Norwood, Bedfont Sports, Leiston, Basildon, Three Bridges, Hemel and Marlow, before a three-week stay at Yaxley.

Central Midfielder Nathan Hicks was a pre-season signing. He was at Kettering, Histon and Leamington, before a six month stay at Alfreton. Moving back to Leamington, he then played for Nuneaton, Kettering and Biggleswade, before his first spell at Rushden  in July 2018. Two years later he went to St Ives, from where he returned this summer.

Midfielder Luis Pinto-Leite started his career in Portuguese Junior football, before a stay at Bloomfield College in New Jersey. He signed for Rushden in July, through a Scholarship programme with Moulton College.

Courtney Lashley is a left back who arrived at Rushden in July from Northampton Town.

Norwegian Centre back Matthew Fossen was another July arrival. A former Bradford City Junior, he played for Halifax before returning to Norway with SK Herd. CD Bupolsa in Spain was his next stop, before Nybersgund in Norway. He then had six months at Linkoping City in Sweden before arriving at Rushden.

Miguel Ngwa is an 18 year old midfielder on a five month loan from Northampton. Similarly Morgan Worsfold-Gregg is also a midfielder and loaned from Lincoln City, again for five months.

Centre Forward Jack Connor is the third loanee, like Ngwa he has come from Northampton too.

Conor Tee arrived from South Shields in August. Another midfielder who, started at Leicester City, before moving on to Brackley, prior to spending last season with South Shields.

Jesse Akubuine is a midfielder too, who has spent much of his career in Scotland. Initially at Queen of the South, he played for Dalbeattie Star on loan and Open Goal Broomhill, before a permanent move to Cumbernauld. He has been at Rushden since July 2019.

Striker Jenson Cooper was a summer signing from Shrewsbury Town’s Academy. Midfielder Fraser Corden has only recently broken into the first team, having graduated through the clubs own youth scheme.

Evangelis Empochontrif was a summer signing too from Canvey Island. A young defender he’s played for Walthamstow, Woodford Town, Newbury Forest and Hullbridge Sports.

Striker Charlie Black was signed last month from UD Poblense in Spain. A former Luton Town Junior, he has played for Dunstable. Arlesey and Biggleswade too and has played in Finland and the US.

Jordan Hines is another striker to join the club during September. He started out with Bradford City and Sheffield Utd, before moving on to Halifax, Harrogate, Dereham Town, Thackley and Knaresborough.

Right back Nehemiah Agemoh-Davies was signed in August from Cambridge City, he is another ex Northampton player, who’s played for Stratford and St Ives.

Both striker Dylan Surace and goalkeeper have both come through the clubs youth scheme and joined the first team squad this season, along with centre back Dante Grey.

Attacking midfielder Tyreese Sutherland is another fairly recent arrival, having played for London Tigers and Dorking.

Kartell Dawkins is a young striker and the fourth loanee from Leicester City and finally Neo Richard-Noel has recently arrived from Kettering as s fifth loanee for a month, he’s a former Cambridge Utd striker.

Kick off as usual is 3pm!!

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover made it three successive wins last Saturday, in a seven goal thriller at Barwell, with two goals for Ryan Wilson.

Starting line-up: 1-Jonathan Hedge 2-Lucas Yeomans 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Ryan Wilson 5-Ethan Mann 6-Phil Watt 7-Andy Dales 8-Mason Warren 9-Elliott Reeves 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Oliver Greaves. Subs: George Nunn, Pablo Mills, Olaleka Osideko, Ben Horleston.

Both sides had half chances in the opening minutes, but disaster struck for Mickleover in the seventh minute when Rowley headed home a Brogan free kick to give the hosts the lead, 0-1.

Brogan had a shot wide again a few minutes later, before Mickleover saw a glancing header just past the Barwell post after 14 minutes.

Another four minutes and Wilson hit the first of his two goals to bring it back to 1-1, before catching the home keeper off his line and chipping it home to make it 2-1 after 34 minutes.

Mickleover had deserved their half time lead and were soon on the attack again in the second half. But it a mix up between the home keeper and his defence that led to the third goal, missing a back pass to make it 3-1 after 51 minutes, credited as an own goal for Green.

10 minutes later and Beavon showed his experience and composure as the ball fell nicely in the box to make it 4-1 and Sports then made their first change, with loanee Nunn on for Reeves.

Hickey scored a consolation header for Barwell on the 90 minute mark 4-2, and with Horleston a late sub for Dales, Nunn crowned his debut with an injury time fifth goal.

The win now moves Mickleover back to 12^th in the table, with games in hand over most of the teams above them. 

by Peter Scherer

It’s back on the road for Mickleover this Saturday, with a short trip to Barwell as they resume their Southern League Premier Division Central campaign.

With Joe Bateman still suspended and George Milner having left the club this week, Sports will be hoping that Andy Dales, Marcus Marshall and Jake Bennett are fit for action.

Sports will looking for their third successive away win in the league, following success at Ilkeston and Rushall, as well as making up for the disappointing FA Trophy defeat at Stowmarket last weekend.

Mickleover are now 16th in the league, with our hosts 20^th and still seeking their first home win of the season.

Ian King has been in charge since May and has kept a fairly stable line-up so far, but with just away wins at Ilkeston and Royston, they have taken a point off Alvechurch, Rushall and Kings Langley and also went out of the FA Trophy last week 1-3 to Gainsborough.

First choice goalkeeper Andy Wycherley started his career with New Saints and Guilsfield in Wales, before  moving on to Telford Utd. He has also played for Solihull Moors, Hednesford, Nantwich and Halesowen and was at Rushall for one month before arriving at Barwell in July.

With Wycherley give a straight red card last week, second choice Elliott Lawson will probably be between the posts.

Derby born Micah Edwards started off as a Rams Junior, before the young midfielder had spells at Ilkeston and Gresley Rovers. He has been at Barwell since July 2019.

Centre back Kyle Rowley arrived from Stourbridge pre-season. He was a Walsall Junior and after a loan at Sutton Coldfield, he joined Rugby following his release. Moves to Alvechurch, Walsall Wood and Hednesford followed, before his seven months stay at Stourbridge.

Herve Pepe-Ngomi joined Leicester City’s Academy from St Etienne. Another centre back he went to Nuneaton on his release, but after spells at Kettering and Boston Utd he had a career break. 

After three years out he joined Coalville in July 2021 and moved to Barwell two months later.

Midfielder Max Brogan has scored five goals this season. He was signed from Coleshill Town last season and previously had a spell at Tamworth.

Brady Hickey is the club captain and central midfielder, who came from Nuneaton in January 2018, having moved in the opposite direction only seven months earlier. Like Brogan he has scored five goals too this term.

Jack Deakin is a midfielder too, currently on loan from Mansfield Town, having previously been at Sheffield Wednesday. He scored in both of the last two league games too.

Beck-ray Onoru is a winger or striker signed pre-season. He has scored two goals and already been a “man of the match.”

Striker Tiago Nassunculo was a pre-season signing from Redditch, having previously played for Peterborough Sports.

George Ward is a defender on a dual registration with Weymouth during his time at Loughborough University. He had played for the University side too, as well as Bromsgrove, before joining Barwell last month.

Albanian born Melis Bushaj is a young left back who started out with Solihull Moors. He was loaned to Leamington, before being released to join Barwell pre-season.

Dominic Brown-Hill is a midfielder who first came to Barwell in 2018 after his release from Notts County. After 18 months he moved to Alvechurch, but returned in July 2021.

Striker Michael Heading hails from Washington DC, but started his career at Northampton Town. After a loan at Kettering he joined St Ives Town, before moving to Beaconsfield November last year. He was another pre-season signing for Barwell.

Cam Moore is another striker signed last month from Redditch, having only joined them two months earlier. He is a former Bolton Wanders Junior and has also played for Loughborough University, Prescot Cables and Stalybridge Celtic. 

Already well known to Mickleover is Bermudan International midfielder Roger Lee. He joined Barwell in July from Loughborough Dynamo, having joined them from Mickleover in January.

He has played for Kalev Talinn in Estonia, FK Jurnieks in Latvia, as well at Stafford, Corby, Basford, Stamford, Rugby and West Super Mare, after spending his early career at home in Bermuda.

Sid Kerr is a defensive midfielder, recently arrived from Loughborough Students. He made his debut in their last league match and has also been on the books at Everton, Chelsea and Brighton.

Deen Master is another midfielder too. He attends Nottingham Trent University and has also played for Leicester Nirvana.

Centre back Elliot Percival came to Barwell from Sheffield Wednesday in August  2017, having joined them a year earlier from Leicester City.

Jake Pemberton was summer signing from Wantage. He started at Reading and was at Loughborough University for two years, before moving to Wantage.

Tolani Omotola is a striker in his second spell at Barwell. A Tranmere Junior, he played for Altrincham, Buxton, Corby and Coalville, before arriving for the first time in Jul 2019. 

After just over a year he moved to Hyde and played for Alvechurch, Carlton, Stafford and Atherton, before arriving back at Barwell from Burscough in August.

Midfielder William Warren is in his second season at the club, while defender Callum Stewart and striker James Pye have been on the bench, but yet to make a start. 

Kick of as usual is 3pm and as it’s only about 40 miles, your support would be most welcome.

by Peter Scherer

After the disappointment of the early exit from the FA Cup, hopes were high of success as Mickleover visited Isthmian League North side Stowmarket Town, for the FA Trophy tie.

Stating line-up: 1- Jonathan Hedge 2- Ethan Mann 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Ryan Wilson 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Jordan Fankwe 8-George Milner 9-Elliott Reeves 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Mason Warren. Subs: Jahvan Davidson-Miller, George Atwal, Ben Horleston.

The hosts had the ball in the net after only two minutes following a free kick, but it was given offside.

Beavon then had the first Mickleover shot on goal a minute later, with his effort just wide of the left-hand post. But Reeves went close six minutes in, when his strike forced keeper James Bradbrook into a diving save, after a good build up between Mann and Beavon.

Stowmarket had a couple of corners that came to nought and a 13^th minute cross from Chris Casement, was straight into Hedge’s waiting hands.

The play had been fairly even, but Reeves had another header just over the bar after 17 minutes, following a Warren free kick after Beavon was fouled.

Five minutes later Beavon found Reeves on the left, but his shot was deflected out for a corner. Then a telling cross from the Stowmarket left after 26 minutes, almost found Jack Ainsley, but it was just a couple of inches too high.

Neither side looked particularly decisive in midfield, and neither Mann nor Dolan were having the usual cutting runs on the wings.

Beavon found Reeves again after 39 minutes, but his powerful shot was straight at the keeper and then Ainsley wasted a chance for the hosts, wanting too much time before shooting, as the danger was cleared.

With the whistle poised for half time, Mann, Beavon and Reeves combined, but the final ball rolled out of play, just beyond the left-hand post and it remained 0-0.

From the start of the second half Mickleover had more drive and it was only three minutes in when the ball fell nicely for Beavon in space, who set up Reeves for a run, outpacing the defender and slotting it past Bradbrook 1-0.

It could so easily have been level again only two minutes later, when Hedge parried an initial shot, which fell at Evan Collard’s feet, but the Stowmarket midfielder sent his shot high over the bar.

There hadn’t been a lot of creativity from the Mickleover midfield, despite Milner and Warren’s pace and enhthusiam. But after 53 minutes Fankwe had a weak shot wide of the left hand post, with Warren then spotting the keeper off his line, trying a chip just wide gain.

Tev Allen broke through the Mickleover defence and earned a corner after his shot was blocked, but the follow up was just wide.

As the hour mark approached Mickleover just about had the edge, but it was decided to make the first change with Davidson-Miller on for Fankwe.

It was close again for the hosts after 63 minutes, when Butler lost possession on the edge of the box and gave away a free kick, which fortunately caused no problem.

But Davidson-Miller was unlucky not to hit a second for Sports, when he held the ball well and cut in from the right, seeing his shot hit the right-hand post.

Beavon had a 72nd minute break, before Warren’s shot was blocked, but at this point it was just about going Mickleover’s way still.

Allen had another shot across goal after 78 minutes, which Hedge had covered and with four minutes on the clock Horleston came on for his first team debut, replacing Milner.

Reeves teed up Beavon who shot over on the 90minute mark, but then disaster struck. With some of the home fans accepting defeat, Mickleover lost possession and with the ball in the box the defence froze.

Allen was first to react and fired in the equaliser past Hedge from close range, 1-1.

The full-time whistle soon followed and with no extra time, it was straight into penalties. Stowmarket’s first was in, before Warren saw his attempt saved. After the hosts had made it two, Reeves shot was saved too! 

Hedge managed to keep Stowmarket’s third shot out, before Wilson stepped up. His attempt was nearer the parallel A14 than the goal and it was all over for Mickleover, apart from the long journey home.

by Peter Scherer

This weekend Mickleover head over to East Anglia again to face Stowmarket Town in the Third Qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Paul Musgrave’s side are currently seventh in the Isthmian League North and have already knocked out Bury Town and Chatham Town in the FA Trophy.

He has been in charge since November 2020, having previously been assistant since 2017.

They started their season with a 4-1 home win again Hullbridge Sports and have also beaten Hashtag Utd, Wroxham and Basildon, suffering one defeat away to Lowestoft.

Keeper James Bradbrook came from Brightlingsea Regent in June 2019, having previously been on loan during 2017/18 from Needham Market. He has also played for Bury Town.

Central defenders Tom Bullard and Joe Jefford were a double signing from Leiston in June 2019, where Bullard was captain and played over 220 games, after coming from Bury Town in 2014.

Jack Ainsley is a former Ipswich Junior, who was signed from Felixstowe in June 2019. He had loans at Rushden & Diamonds, Histon and Chelmsford before joining Lowestoft on his release from Ipswich. He had a spell at Leiston too before joining Felixstowe in 2018.

Chris Casement is a Northern Ireland International at Under 17,19,20, 21 and full. A very experienced defender he played for Ipswich in the Championship, and was loaned to Millwall, Hamilton Academicals and Wycombe, before a permanent move to Dundee.

He then moved back to Ireland with Linfield and Portadown, before arriving at Stowmarket in September 2020.

Left back Tommy Smith is another former Ipswich Junior, who only arrived at our hosts this summer, following his release.

Craig Parker is an experienced striker that came from Needham Market in September 2020. He started at Needham but has also played for Chelmsford City, Sudbury and Kings Lynn.

Tevan Allen is a defensive midfielder, signed in October 2021 from Coggeshall Town and has also played for Bury Town. He scored in the first league game of the season and in last week’s win at Basildon.

Fellow midfielder Luke Hipkin was a summer signing from Sudbury Town, having come through their academy.

Defender or midfielder Josh Curry came back to Stowmarket for a second time in May 2021, after spending three years at Lowestoft. He also played for Walsham-Le-Willows, Ely City and Diss Town.

Natty Stewart was another summer signing, from Mildenhall Town. A former Kings Lynn, Norwich Utd and Wroxham striker, he scored 10 goals in 24 games last season.

Left back Jack Wilkinson also arrived during the summer. He was at Sudbury Town, before moving on via Mildenhall. Lowestoft and Cambridge City.

Ed Upson started out at Ipswich too as a young midfielder. He has played over 400 games, the majority in league one and had loans at Stevenage and Barnet, before joining Yeovil in 2010.

Stops at Millwall, MK Dons, Bristol Rovers and Newport County followed, and had spent six months at Stevenage before joining our host’s pre-season. He scored a hattrick on his league debut too.

Midfielder Dylan Logan is a recent singing from Heybridge Swifts, having previously been at Biggleswade, Stotfold, St Neots and Baldock Utd. He has played two games so far and has scored in both!

Bermudan International midfielder Reggie Lambe has scored three goals so far this season. He was a junior at Ipswich Town too, along with a number of teammates. 

He was loaned to Bristol Rovers before trying his luck abroad, with Toronto FC in the US MLS and Nykoping in Sweden, before returning to the UK with Mansfield Town. He was then at Carlisle and Cambridge Utd, before coming to Stowmarket in December 2020.

Both striker Shaun Brammant and winger Jacek Zielonka came from Dereham pre-season. Brammant scored 11 goals in 39 games last season and had a spell at Lowestoft too before making a return trip to Dereham.

Zielonka spent his early career in Poland, with Pomezania Malbork, Concordia Elblag, 1920 Mosina and Lubonski 1943, before arriving at Lowestoft in 2014. He has played for Kings Lynn, Lowestoft and Dereham too.

Defender Kane Munday was previously at AFC Sudbury and Barking, having started in Colchester Utd’s Academy. 

Ryan Capon is the second-choice keeper. A product of their own youth scheme is currently dual registered with Debenhams FC to gain experience.

Kick off at Greens Meadow is 3pm and its only 154 miles away, so depending on the A14 it could take 2 ½ hrs or it could take a lot longer.

by Peter Scherer

First half mistakes in defence proved decisive as Southern Premier League Central Division leaders Tamworth came to the Don Amott Arena.

Starting line-up. 1-Jonathan Hedge 2-Jake Bennett 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Joe Bateman 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-George Milner 8-Mason Warren 9-Elliott Reeves 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andy Dales. Subs: Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Ethan Mann, Marcus Marshall, Jordan Fankwe, Ryan Wilson.

Gaffer John McGrath made two changes to the side that lost at Needham Market, with Milner in for Wilson and Reeves replacing Davidson-Miller to lead the attack.

The opening pace of the game was rapid, but after only five minutes Alex Bradley’s run sent Kyle Finn through. His shot from outside the box was parried by Hedge, but only as far as Ty Deacon who scored from close range. 0-1.

Five minutes later a long and patient build up from Mickleover led to a shot from Dolan, deflected out for our first corner, before Butler headed just over from the following kick.

The home defence easily dealt with a Bradley free kick, before Milner managed to get a shot in that failed to trouble visitors keeper Jas Singh.

But Tamworth were quick on the break and league top scorer Dan Creaney broke through the middle of the defence to fire just over.

The visitors had outpaced Mickleover, but 15 minutes in the tide turned, when a looping pass found Reeves, who easily outran Liam Dolman, before chipping the advancing keeper 1-1.

Tamworth had another free kick headed away by Butler, before Beavon went close again after 20 minutes. His initial shot was blocked by the keepers leg, before his rebound bounced off a defender.

The play had become much more even but Butler miss timed his header from a Tamworth clearance, sending Creaney clear. He cut to his left, fired the shot at Hedge, who failed to hold onto the ball and it was 1-2 after 27 minutes.

The defence failed to settle again following the goal and a general mix up only four minutes later saw Deacon fouled in the box, with Creaney stepping up to take the spot kick, 1-3.

Sports tried to fight back with Beavon seeking out Bennett, but a defender intercepted for a corner. Dales rebound shot from the corner was blocked and the visitors cleared their ranks.

Dolan started to find his pace on the left, but a saving tackle arrived as his shot was straight at the keeper. 

But a poor clearance from Hedge put himself under pressure after 37 minutes, from which his charge off the line rescued the situation.

Tamworth had a couple more chances but failed to maximise, with Hedge saving again from a Luke Fairlamb effort in a goalmouth melee, handing the visitors another corner.

Bennett got a cross into the box after 43 minutes, but it was to close to the keeper. Right on half time though Warren found space on the left and from a tight angle and smashed his shot off the post.

Early into the second half Hedge held a cross from Dolman, but after 49 minutes Dales was down in the box and penalty appeals were waved away.

Mickleover had come out with far more determination, and after Dales had a 54^th minute shot blocked, Beavon found Reeves five minutes later, but his shot was wide.

Just after the hour mark Dolan was fouled right on the edge of the box, but the free kick came to nought. Soon afterwards Bennett’s run on the right was halted when Fairlamb brought him down and a penalty was awarded.

Warren stepped up and smashed the ball into the roof of Singh’s net and it was game on again, 2-3.

Although Mickleover were on top, Tamworth were still dangerous on the break and a Fairlamb cross beat Hedge, but Watt was on hand to clear from goal.

The referee then missed a clear hand ball in the Tamworth box, but Sports had the Lambs on the run and continued to press forward.

Dolan put a nice ball inside for Dales after 81 minutes, but the shot was wide and then the first substitution was made with Wilson on for Milner.

Tamworth had begun to delay the proceedings excessively into the final 10 minutes, the questioning of every ball, feigning injury, kicking the ball away, but ironically it appeared that Hedge was yellow carded.

Dolan cut inside and fired another shot just over, but the middle was well blocked by the Tamworth defence. Hedge had to deal with a random long shot almost on time, but the referee added five minutes on due to Tamworth’s time wasting.

Finn was booked after appearing to push the ref away as he attempted to speak to him too.

In time added on Butler had a shot blocked from a corner and Dolan had two consecutive crosses easily taken by Singh, who had rapidly recovered from apparent cramp a couple of minutes earlier.

A strong second half performance and probably deserved a point, but the defensive errors proved decisive in the end and it remained 2-3.