Author: Square Peg

Who Are We Playing This Season? – Part One

by Peter Scherer

Over the next weeks we are going to take a look at the teams we will be visiting and hosting this season, starting with the teams, who like Mickleover are new to the Southern Premier League Central Division.

Formed in 1900 Basford United are also moving from the Northern Premier League, a team well known to us over recent seasons. Last year we lost at home to them in the league and FA Cup, before a late season away win.

They had a difficult year overall however finishing down in 20th place, only surviving relegation by two points. Manager Mark Clifford and assistant Dave Frecklington have already started adding to their squad, with 6ft plus defenders Brad McGowan joining from Peterborough Sports and Stern Irvine from Notts County.

Former Northern Irish international midfielder had been signed from Ilkeston and striker Anthony Dwyer from Nuneaton.

Last season’s regulars Declan Dunn and Owen Betts have also re-signed along with Academy graduate Wayne Hinds.

Like Mickleover they have a 3G pitch at Greenwich Avenue and a ground capacity of 1,600.

Kings Langley were formed in 1886 and are also new to the Central Division, after moving sideways from the Southern Division. Like Basford the Hertfordshire based team only just missed relegation, after finishing 20th.

Manager Chris Cummins was in charge last year, having joined them from Reading Under 21’s in late 2019. He has also been Academy manager at Luton Town, assistant at Watford and been in charge at Toronto in Canada.

Although it’s assumed that a team rebuild will be in progress, no news appears to coming from the club at present about their squad.

Their Orbital Fasteners Stadium has a grass pitch and holds 1,900.

Bedford Town are the third of the four newcomers, having been promoted as Champions from the Southern League Division 1 Central.

Manager Gary Setchell joined the club in September 2020. He won the Conference and League Two titles as a player with Rushden & Diamonds and has previously managed Wisbech and Kings Lynn.

His assistant Darren Edey is an ex Peterborough Utd player and was assistant to Setchell at Wisbech.

They have already re-signed four of their title winning side, with goalkeeper Elliot Duffy, midfielder’s Hugh Alban-Jones and Drew Richardson and striker Connor Tomlinson, but not announced any newcomers yet.

Formed in 1908 they have a grass pitch at their Meadow Lane ground, holding 3,000 spectators.

Last of the newcomers are local rivals Ilkeston Town. Originally formed in 1892, they were re-launched in 2017 and were last seasons NPL Division One Midlands Champions and had been expecting to join Mickleover in the Northern Premier League.

Their New Manor ground can hold 3,029 and the local Derbies are eagerly awaited during the season.

Manager Mark Carruthers has been busy already building his squad. He has signed two centre backs, ex Cardiff and Burton centre back Ben Turner and 6ft 4in Marshall Wilcock, Montserrat international and ex Chesterfield, Stamford and Solihull Moors player, along with right back Kalern Thomas, ex Solihull and Coalville and former England Under 19 left back Ben O’Hanlon who’s played at Wolves, Darlington and Harrogate.

Former Forest striker Chris O’Grady has also played at Leicester, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and more recently Bolton Wanderers, and will joined up front by ex Northern Ireland International, Forest and Derby striker Jamie Ward.

Ex Rams and Burton keeper Saul Deeney has also signed permanently after completing last season on loan from Coalville.

Chettle Signs For Mickleover

by Peter Scherer, May 31st 2022

Mickleover FC manager John McGrath has added midfielder Callum Chettle to the squad for the forthcoming season, from near neighbours Basford Utd.

I’m  delighted to join Mickleover, the club is heading in the right direction and myself and the manager have spoken and agreed that it is the perfect move for me to keep progressing. The management team has a huge amount of experience and it’s something that will only help better myself during the course of next season. Can’t wait to get started and hopefully be right up there come the end of the season.

said Chettle.

Chettle had been at Basford since July 2019, during which time his father and ex Nottingham Forest star Steve was manager. He started out at Forest as a junior too, before joining Ilkeston at 15. He made 22 first team appearances during a spell at Peterborough Utd and has also played for Alfreton and been capped at England C level.

I am over delighted with the signing of Callum. He fits the mould of the dynamic midfielder we are looking for and he is also incredibly talented with the football. I had a very specific type of player in mind when doing my recruitment and Callum was top of that list. He has football league experience and having spoken to him at length over the last few weeks, he still harbours ambitions to again play as high as he can. I believe he has all the ability to be a football league player once again and it’s our job at Mickleover to make sure we give him the platform to do so.

McGrath added.

 

Mickleover FC: It’s All New For 2022

by Peter Scherer (Photo: Sarah Middleton)

It came as a surprise to many that 2021/22 was the final season for Mickleover FC as part of the Northern Premier League.

With neither of the previous two seasons completed due to Covid lockdowns and some teams going out business, the FA decided that a reshuffle was needed mainly around steps 3 & 4.

As well as Mickleover, fellow NPL side Basford Utd and newly promoted Ilkeston have all been placed in the Southern League Premier Division Central for next season.

Bedford are newcomers too, promoted as Division One Central Champions, along with Kings Langley who have moved from Premier South.

Although we now lose the local Derbies at Matlock, Belper and Stafford, a number of new localish clashes come to the fore, with Coalville and Barwell in Leicestershire, plus Tamworth, Nuneaton and Hednesford.

Gone are the long trips to Morpeth and South Shields, with numerous trips up the M6 North and we now look to Leiston Nr Ipswich as our furthest excursion, along with Kings Langley also in Suffolk and Hertfordshire based Hitchin and Royston.

The general concensus is that it’s a new challenge and bit of a journey into the unknown.

I’m OK with it, as there are pros and cons. New clubs, new grounds etc and exciting times. But there is a drawback as I knew most of the NPL teams, managers and players inside out, but I don’t know much about the Southern League,

said Mickleover manager John McGrath.

So it’s my job to prepare the lads for the new challenge in the Southern League.

Season Review 2021/22: Looking Back At Sports’ NPL Campaign

by Peter Scherer (Photo: Sarah Middleton)

2021/22 will be looked back on as both a challenging but rewarding season.

The new 3G pitch not only put an end to the constant postponements, but brought in extra revenue to the club.

The delay and lack of pre-season availability after the well-publicised theft also had their part to play  however.

The season started with the tough trip to South Shields, suffering a 0-3 defeat before two consecutive home wins against Gainsborough and Ashton.

After going 1-0 up at eventual Champions Buxton, they fought back as 1-3 winners, but after the win at home to Hyde on August 30th, a double victory over Atherton in October and November were the only other wins before the New Year.

Injuries had hit hard and loss of form too in some cases. Paddy Webb, Alex Morris and Declan Bacon all left the club and keeper Callum Hawkins was recalled by Burton Albion.

Jake Bennett had picked up a serious knee injury and George Milner had a couple of injury spells, while the influx of loanees showed some promise and some not.

There were 17 games to play as we reached the new year and it was tight at the wrong end of the table, but out of those 17 games only three were defeats, which included the dubious home loss against Scarborough.

Confidence in defence came from new keeper Jonathan Hedge and the combination of skipper Phil Watt, James Butler and Pablo Mills began to look solid.

Ben Lewin had his first NPL experience and scored in the FA Cup defeat to Basford, but after Jordan Gough departed after only a few games Rhys Dolan and latterly Elliott Walker settled as wing backs.

Will Robinson and Ethan Mann both got useful time with the first team and both Phil Bateman and Burton loanee Ben Radcliffe spent time in defence as well as midfield, until Bateman was injured too.

Andrew Wright was coming from injury too but still gave his usual 110% effort, while Andy Dales looked strong in early season but faded a little, before a strong finale when once again his pace was critical.

It was another good season for Kemy Agustien, a calming influence on the ball, with some trickery and a constant threat.

After his early season injury Mason Warren took time to get back to form, but was another reliable midfield performer.

Liam Ravenhill spent the season with loans from Doncaster Rovers. It was noticeable that after a spell in the Doncaster first team, he returned to Mickleover looking much more confident.

Jake Scott came back for a few games in a variety positions and George Atwal got his first team debut,

But it was at the front where some difficulties lay. With Milner missing Stuart Beavon was the only regular starter and the frustration began to show.

There were a few loanees who failed to impress, so Shaquille McDonald made his Mickleover return and added some verve to the frontline. 

Jahvan Davidson-Miller came in too but was mainly on the bench and Callum Niven showed promise when he came over from Burton on loan.

Both Josh Satchwell, Fin Barker and latterly Kai Moore had spells in the squad too.

So how did gaffer John McGrath feel the season had gone?

“I was delighted how things started, with the pitch etc and the team we had. Then in October and November we had lots of injuries and that was causing us a big problem.”

“From January though it was probably promotion form, so I wish there had been another six or so games and we could have reached the play-offs.”

“I was super proud of the lads to finish 12th though, and I always had faith in our method’s and we never came away from that. We have the youth system and recruitment just right and knew we would probably finish about half-way,”

“We have one of the best coaching staffs outside the league with Paul Groves, Ricky, Steve, Pablo and Jonah and being team manager it’s an important figure over the whole club not just the first team. I am a hands on a tracksuit manager, but will wear a suit when we get to the Premiership.”

Another Great New Signing for Sports!

Mickleover FC are very happy to announce the signing of Marcus Marshall.

I am over the moon to have signed and to have the chance to play for a such great club. I’ve had a chance to look around the ground and i can’t wait to get started. I’ve spoken in length with the manager who i think really highly of so I’m looking forward to working with him and his staff. Hopefully this season will be a successful one on a personal level and for the team.

Marcus

 

Marcus is a player who I have admired for a long time and having spoken to him at length over the last few weeks I know I’m signing a centre-forward with the same desire and determination that aligns with everything we’re trying to achieve here at Mickleover FC.

John McGrath

 

 

Mickleover FC Reserves – Runners Up!

by Peter Scherer

It was their first full season in the Central Midlands Premier Division South, but Mickleover Reserves only missed out to Blidworth in the title race by four points.

Unlike previous years, the team was formed around the previous years title Academy title winning team, with the addition of a little experience at times.

After an opening win at South Normanton, the pace and scoring ability of the team soon became evident. 

Three successive wins followed over the next 10 days, scoring 19 goals and conceding two, nine of which were scored by Devon Smith.

They suffered a rare defeat at home to Long Eaton and were dumped out of the cup 0-5 at home to Staveley MW.

Defeats away to Linby and Pinxton triggered new resolve and determination from the youngsters, with six consecutive victories putting them right back into the title hunt.

They hit seven goals against Teversal, eight against Arnold and another seven each against Mansfield Hosiery and South Normanton, including a hattrick for Pablo Mills.

Mills, gaffer John McGrath, Andrew Wright and George Milner all came in for occasional appearances and there was even an appearance from the legendary Clinton Morrison.

After his early season goal blitz Smith had a long spell out injured and it was Fin Barker hitting the headlines, with four at home to Rowsley and five at home to Ashland to reach a seasons total of 29.

Dead ball specialist George Atwal was a regular scorer too with 20 over the season, while Smith’s return finally accrued him 14.

Atwal, Will Robinson, Ben Lewin, Josh Satchwell, Ethan Mann, Bobby Battisson and Jacob Edge-Lucas had all been part of the early season success, but with casualties in the first team they all became part of the NPL squad.

Fin Bowen wasn’t the busiest man in the team, before performed his goalkeeping duties with confidence, while Cam Anthony looked a strong pairing at the back with Mann or Robinson.

Jude Ayetine and Lopes Massampo were just a couple of the old guard who played their part too, Ayetine netting six times too.

Ben Horleston progressed match by match and also scored five goals, while Louis Benjamin shows glimpses of promise too.

They were captained early season by Larrel King, who moved to Long Eaton, Edge-Lucas also departed for Belper Town in the New Year, and Battisson signed his first pro contract with FC Europa in Gibraltar.

For a while Dave Mackenzie and Aaron Hayer had to work with a tiny squad, but the whole team pulled together and looked like title contenders until consecutive at Mickleover RBL and Hilton Harriers ended their challenge in mid April.

20 different players were on the scoresheet as they shared a massive 116 goal tally, so watch out Central Midlands League Premier South, they’re coming to get you!!

One notable face will be absent from the bench next year, as Aaron Hayer has decided to move on after three years.

A familiar voice at both reserve and first team games, his all round enthusiasm will be missed. He even scored a goal for the reserve side this season!!

Sports Exciting New Signing From Alfreton Town

Mickleover FC are over the moon to announce our new signing Eliott Reeves from Alfreton Town.

I’m delighted to commit to Mickleover for the upcoming season. Firstly I think it’s a great club, but it also strikes the right balance between family, friends, work and playing at the club which makes me happy. I met the gaffer John McGrath for a coffee and we both share the same ambition for promotion. I’m already excited about next season and I’m hoping I can put in some good performances for the club and score plenty of goals.

Eliott Reeves

Eliott is someone who will add real quality to our attacking line up.  I’ve tried to sign him on numerous occasions over the last few seasons and I’m delighted to finally get him to Mickleover. He’s an exciting centre-forward with a keen eye for goal and I am really looking forward to working closely with him over the upcoming new season.

John McGrath

Beavon Signs On for Another Year

Mickleover FC are proud to announce that one of our star players, Stuart Beavon, will be playing for us next season.

I am really pleased to have signed for another year and I cannot wait to get going again, especially after the way we finished last season on a great run of form. I think it’s gonna be a good season ahead.

Stuart Beavon

Absolutely delighted to keep Stuart for another season. Players like Stuart Beavon are unique and I am delighted he has committed again to Mickleover FC. He’s an outstanding player but also an unbelievably positive person to have in and around our changing room.

John McGrath

Reserves: Last Game Of The Season

by Dave Mackenzie, Reserves Manager

The long and winding road unfortunately containing a couple too many potholes started back at South Normanton on one of the better playing surfaces which would prove to suit our technical players. 

There were 32 games resulting in 23 wins 4 draws and 5 reversals. During which, 116 goals were scored and 34 let in. Strangely enough, it would be not scoring in two games that would prove to be the difference. Zero Zoro’s against Linby at home and Blidworth away would have redressed the 4 point lead that Blidworth ended with. Apart from not scoring the common denominator in both games was everyone’s favourite official. Against Blidworth he allowed persistent fouling of Kia Moore and started giving fouls against Kai when was getting hit from behind. Against Linby he was kind enough to give us a yellow card after 7 seconds and just to be consistent the second followed minutes later. Whilst he didn’t miss the chances we created he did come away with the refereeing comment of this and every other season that I have been involved with.

It’s a corner, I can tell by your body language!

Having mentioned the effect referee’s can have on a game probably the worst ever decision occurred in my last full game for the club – 22/2/2018. Will Norcross having rounded the keeper was rolling the ball into an empty net when he was clattered into by a defender. The ball had just crossed the goal one and would have put us 2 up. The ref pulled it back and gave a penalty and didn’t even send off the offender. Jermaine Palmer hit the post and we then went on to lose the game. We lost the league that year by 2 points!

Back to this year and we should really take the positives with 7 players making it into the first team at various times during the season. This was down in no small part to John McGrath and the rest of his team but also the players in the first team that made the step up less arduous.

5 weeks ago the game v Pinxton looked like it would be a title decider but they had 3 points deducted and like us lost players through injury at vital times in the run-up.

The game itself was a toughie with the teams going in level at halftime without a great deal of chances created at either end. We still had to secure 2nd place so the team went out in the second half with more determination and started at a higher tempo. This was to prove beneficial early in the half when George Atwall finished with a lovely left-foot strike after Pinxton had blocked a couple of earlier efforts The introduction of Ben Horleston at the break gave us more tempo and he scored an excellent goal with a bending strike from just outside the box. Even at 2 -0, we couldn’t relax and Pinxton got their rewards with a goal that would have surely been chopped off for a foul on Tom Smith, returning from his sabbatical with Vics.

The scoring was finished off by a typical Fin Barker goal adding to his 26 in the season.

At that point the game was pretty much done and dusted but you wouldn’t have known as the Gaffer worked tirelessly closing people down and winning us more ball thus ensuring the 3 points and a deserved second place in the league.

Team: Tom Smith, Lopes Massampo, Ethan Mann,Will Robinson, Ben Lewin, John McGrath, George Atwal, Tom Braer, Jude Ayetine, Kia Moore and Fin Barker. Subs used Devon Smith and Ben Horleston. Unused – Cam Anthony.

Thanks have to be given to all the players throughout the season. To Fran for cooking the books and cooking the chips plus a massive thanks to Aaron Hayer for his organising, his enthusiasm and for topping up the coffers of the Derbyshire FA.

Reserves Win Final Away Game Of The Season

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Reserves headed for Wirksworth Ivanhoe last night for the final trip of their Central Midlands League Premier Division South season.

With hopes of the title having gone, Sports were looking to do the double over their hosts, having won 8-1 at the Don Amott Arena earlier in the season.

Starting line-up: 1-Tom Smith 2-Lopes Massampo 3-Sam Groves 4-George Atwal 5-Pablo Mills 6-Ethan Mann 7-Tom Brear 8-Jude Ayetine 9-Kai Moore 10-Will Robinson 17-Fin Barker. Subs: Devon Smith Ben Lewin.

It was five minutes into the game when Wirksworth were first to get a shot in, but the effort was straight at keeper Smith.

It continued to be a fairly even but scrappy game, with Mickleover struggling to take their familiar runs on the bumpy pitch.

Moore got a shot in after 12 minutes which was blocked and a minute later the hosts had a free kick which failed to penetrate the defensive wall.

Barker finally managed to get a longer run after 19 minutes, fired in a shot from distance but was well wide of the mark.

Robinson then burst out of defence to try his luck, floating in a curler from the left which was taken by the keeper.

There was another free kick for Mickleover after 26 minutes, with Atwal playing it short to Barker, whose pass found Moore with his effort blocked again.

But Wirksworth then went close when their number nine tested Smith, who palmed away the effort to his left for a corner.

Mills had the ball in the net on the half hour but it was offside, before Brear lost the ball in midfield and the Wirksworth number four had a first time shot just wide of the post.

The hosts seemed to have gained confidence and had started to take charge, with the number nine having two shots in a two-minute spell, both covered by Smith as they went wide of the goal on both occasions.

The deadlock was finally broken when Moore was fouled in the box and Atwal made it 1-0 from the spot after 38 minutes.

Wirksworth had one more effort wide of the post before half time, but there was drama in the Mickleover camp. Mills had been fouled and injured his shoulder, being replaced by Smith.

Atwal’s free kick was handled just outside the box, prompting a second kick, which was curled fractionally over the bar with the keeper beaten.

As the second half got underway Mickleover seemed to have more possession from the off. Atwal shot over after 49 minutes, but the hosts replied with another effort straight at Smith.

56 minutes and Lewin came on for Groves, which was soon followed by Ayetine’s first real attempt on goal.

Mann and Robinson were looking steady at the back, allowing both Massampo and Lewin to push forward.

Brear was working hard with Atwal in midfield but it was Robinson whose long ball found Barker after 63 minutes, cutting in from the right to earn another corner.

Lewin put in a nice cross which Moore headed wide and Brear had a long run 75 minutes in, before his effort was blocked and Barker’s follow up went wide.

A second goal was looking a strong possibility in the failing light, with Moore making a nice turn and shot just off target.

But with 10 minutes left and just the one goal there was a bit of chaos in the Sports defence following a Wirksworth break. Smith was out of his goal and his attempted clearance was sliced wide to the Wirksworth chasers, who failed to capitalise on their chance.

Brear had another shot blocked after a precise and slow build up and then with seven minutes left Robinson charged through again and fired just over.

84 minutes and the second goal finally arrived with Moore heading the ball around the keeper, before firing into the back of the net 2-0.

It was almost dark when the final whistle went but it was three points and the runner-up spot in the league table secured.