Author: Square Peg

Mickleover Put Five Past Loughborough

by Peter Scherer

Most of the Mickleover first team squad were in action last night, for the penultimate pre-season friendly at Loughborough Dynamo.

The starting line-up was 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ben Lewin 4-Roger Lee 5-Joe Bateman; 6-Phil Watt 7-George Atwal 8-Bobby Battisson 9-Dec Bacon 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andy Dales. Subs: Fin Bowen, James Butler, Will Robinson, Josh Satchwell, Mason Warren, George Milner, Paddy Webb.

Mickleover had an early chance when Lee cleared from the defence to find Beavon, whose sent Dales on a run with his first shot saved.

The attacks seem to come fairly quickly in succession, after Bennett’s eighth minute overlap, sent a telling ball into the box, for Bacon to try a spectacular miscue, before his rebound was saved.

Three minutes later it was Dales for Beavon, before the final shot brought a diving save from the Dynamo keeper.

As Bennett and Lewin relished the attacking opportunities from wing back, Lee, Battisson and Atwal kept the front three well supplied. But after 14 minutes another attack started with Hawkins in the Mickleover goal. His clearance had worked through almost half the team, before the final ball was just too long for Battisson.

Mickleover had more of the play and opened their goal account after 15 minutes, with Dales sending Beavon through, before Bacon was brought down in the box and scored from the penalty spot, 1-0.

There was another chance  only a couple of minutes later, when Atwal sent a long ball to Bennett. His cross allowed Beavon to set up Lee, whose weak shot failed to trouble the keeper.

Loughborough had few relatively few attacks, and a rare corner for the home side, was intercepted and set up another Mickleover attack. Beavon charged out and sent Dales on another run, before Bacon had a clear shot saved by the keeper again.

On the half hour Beavon made a lovely switch of play from the left, to find Bennett on the right stretching the home defence, but against the run of play it was suddenly 1-1 three minutes later. A long throw hadn’t been cleared by the Mickleover defence, and with Hawkins unsighted in a crowded box, he had little chance.

But Mickleover came back fighting, and a 36th minute attack from Beavon found Bennett again, before Battisson’s shot was straight at the keeper.

The closing minutes of the first half were more even, and Loughborough could have taken the lead, but Hawkins legs intervened .

Loughborough had a defender booked after a knee high challenge on Beavon, after the referee initially played on for Bennett’s shot to be blocked by a defender, before Dales had a positive run as the whistle was poised, leaping several tackles before the keeper collected his cross.

As the teams came out for the second half, Lewin, Battisson and Atwal had been replaced by Milner, Satchwell and Warren, shortly followed by Butler on for Watt.

Mickleover were showing strong pace and Beavon headed just over from a Dales cross after 47 mins, before Dales fired one home in the left corner to make it 2-1 

Hawkins then had to make a double save, the first from a free kick on the edge off the box and the second from the follow up before  Beavon then had a shot just wide after 61 mins.

But Loughborough started to have a few more attacks, which Butler easily dealt with, before Bennett charged through to make it 3-1 after 70 mins, beating the keeper on his near post.

Four minutes later Dales scored his second, with a precise chip over the advancing keeper, 4-1 and with Robinson now in defence for Bateman, the Mickleover defence continued to look solid.

Paddy Webb made it 5-1 after 80 mins, then had another chance which went high and wide, before the consolation of a second goal for the hosts a minute from time made the final score 5-2.

Morris Looks To The Future & Commits To Mickleover

One of last years new signings and an instant success, Alex Morris is the latest of last seasons stars to commit to another season.

I am delighted to have signed again for the upcoming season. Although last season was curtailed, we managed to get some good momentum as a group so hopefully we can progress again and have a great season.

said Morris.

As a PE teacher in his day life, Alex’s discipline is one of the key features that gaffer John McGrath appreciates about him.

Alex has been superb since joining us and I am delighted to get him signed and secured for the upcoming season. He sets the standards and tempo in training and has a great will and dedication to work hard and be the best.

John McGrath.

Beavon’s Back For More

by Peter Scherer (Photo: Sarah Middleton)

There is more good news for Mickleover fans, as senior professional and top goalscorer Stuart Beavon is one the latest players to sign on for another season.

Really pleased to have signed again for another season, exciting times ahead with the new pitch and facility and hopefully we can carry on the good form from last season. It is definitely exciting times ahead.

said Beavon.

The gaffer is pleased to have him back too:

Bev is an exceptionally talented footballer and is without doubt still one of the best forwards playing outside the football league. He is a great example to our younger player’s  with his attitude and professionalism to his football.

A Double Celebration At Mickleover

by Peter Scherer

With the new 3G pitch in place and the official ceremonials conducted by Derby City Mayor Robin Wood, with Burton Albion’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Dino Maamria and Mickleover’s Don Amott and John McGrath, it was time for football.

Mickleover’s traditional charity match against neighbours Burton Albion was mainly an Academy line-up from Mickleover, with Burton fielding their under 23 side.

Mickleover team

1-Fin Bowen 2-Jake Edge-Lucas 3-Ben Lewin 4-George Atwal 5-Ethan Mann 6-Will Robinson 7-Sam Tingle 8- Ben Gowing 9-Will Monteiro 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Bobby Battisson. Subs: Larrel King, Roger Lee, James Snedden, Josh Satchwell, Fin Barker, Freddie Murphy, Devon Smith.

It was a fairly even first five minutes before Beavon picked up on a loose ball and fired over from well outside the box.

Burton responded with their first attack after a good clearance by the Burton keeper, but it was still end to end.

After 10 minutes Monteiro put a good ball in the Burton box, Battisson was poised to receive but it bounced unkindly for the midfielder, who was unable to connect.

It was only three minutes later when Lewin started an attack down the left, which developed into a bit of a goal mouth scramble. Gowing’s first attempt was blocked, but his second was in the back of Burton net 1-0.

Mickleover seemed to gain in confidence and the attacks became more positive, as Burton seemed to sit back. Monteiro put a cross in after 17 minutes, with Beavon’s header just wide.

But Burton were quick to break given the chance, and after a 20th minute corner from Atwal was intercepted, they went on a charge, forcing Bowen to sprint off his line and end the danger.

Wing backs Edge-Lucas and Lewin started to move forward and were linking well with Sam Tingle, Atwal and Battisson, while Monteiro and Beavon continued to cause trouble for the Burton defence.

Atwal put a nice ball through to Monteiro after  21 minutes and a few minutes later a more gradual build-up controlled by Gowing, left Atwal free but his shot was saved.

As the half hour approached a Lewin cross was dropped by the Burton keeper, but no one was there to collect. Beavon then had a shot saved, before his rebound attempt was blocked.

Burton continued to be forced so far back into their own half, that centre backs Mann and Robinson began to push forward too.

Mann missed an interception but Robinson had it covered, and it was Robinson again that saw off a brief Burton threat after 35 minutes.

For the final 10 minutes of the first half Burton started to push forward again, but wasted a chance when they fouled Bowen.

Just before the whistle Atwal had a  random shot well over for Mickleover, but it was comfortable at 1-0.

Beavon was on the attack as soon as the second half kicked off. His first shot was saved, before he had a header just over from the following corner,

Burton had a shot after 48 minutes but didn’t trouble Bowen and it was then time for Mickleover’s first sub, with King on for Edge-Lucas.

The attacks continued to be mainly one-way, with a Lewin, Gowing, Beavon move sending Monteiro through with a shot just wide again.

54 minutes and there were more subs, as Lee and Snedden were on for Gowing and Atwal.

The possession continued in Mickleover’s favour and on the hour Battisson found himself in space, and let rip with a cracking shot into the top right corner, with the Burton keeper well beaten, 2-0.

Satchwell then came on for Robinson and shortly afterwards it was Barker for Monteiro, but it was still Mickleover pushing forward.

Battisson and Tingle then came off for Smith and Murphy, but the pattern of the game looked well set in Mickleover’s favour.

Burton had one of the best chances after 76 minutes, the shot on goal was bent well wide of the target, and finally Smith was through from a Beavon pass, but his attempt went wide.

A successful night on all counts and there was a crowd of 425 to witness it.

Jake’s Back For Another Year

by Peter Scherer

Having returned to the Don Amott Arena last season for his second spell, Jake Bennett has now re-signed for the new campaign.

Last season was my first one back at the club since I left for Sheffield United 4 years ago and realistically it could not have gone any better. We showed our potential to win this league and that is why my decision to re-sign was a simple one. I am looking forward to seeing where we can go as a group with hopefully a full season ahead.

So how does the gaffer John McGrath rate him?

In my opinion Jake is the best right back playing at this level. He can easily go and play alot higher and I am delighted to re-sign him for the upcoming season. He fits my mould in what I want from our attacking full-backs.

Sports Welcome The Brewers and The Mayor to Open New 3G Pitch

BURTON Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and assistant manager Dino Maamria will officially open Mickleover FC’s revamped Don Amott Arena – which includes a brand new 3G pitch – on Thursday, July 29.

Hasselbaink and Maamria, along with Councillor Robin Wood, the Mayor of Derby, will be on hand to officially open the new facility, which has been constructed in time for the upcoming Pitching In NPL Premier Division season, and a Burton Albion XI will play Mickleover in a friendly match on the same night (7.30pm kick-off).

Construction on the project began in April, with the new 3G pitch being installed along with 250 new red seats being implemented in the new main stand and brand new LED floodlights.

The facility will also be open for bookings to the public and other teams – providing a valuable asset to the local community – while helping to prevent league games being called off due to waterlogged pitches.

Tickets for the friendly cost £10 for adults and £6 for concessions, with children under the age of 16 going free.

Mickleover, managed by former Brewers midfielder John McGrath, were top of the NPL Premier Division prior to the 2020/21 season being curtailed.

Mickleover FC Chairman Don Amott said:

We would like to thank Burton Albion and Chairman Ben Robinson for their support and for bringing a Burton Albion XI for a friendly game.

We must also thank Jimmy and Dino for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and open our new facility – which we are delighted to see come to fruition and which will be of a huge benefit I’m sure to the local community.

Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said:

We are delighted to be able to open Mickleover FC’s magnificent new facility, which we are sure will be of massive benefit not just to the club but the local community in Mickleover.

Don Amott has long been a supporter of Burton Albion, including sponsoring our West Stand terrace at the Pirelli Stadium, and we have always looked to support Mickleover where possible. I know Jimmy and Dino are honoured to have been invited to perform the official opening.

With a fantastic manager and chairman, both of whom we know very well, and this new facility in place, we’re sure Mickleover can build on their magnificent start to last season and push on again in the Northern Premier League next term. We wish them every success.

Reserves Win at Newark

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Reserves travelled to Newark Town last Saturday for a friendly match, as they prepare for their first game in the Central Midlands League Premier South Division, away to South Normanton on August 7th.

It was 0-0 at half time, but Academy Graduate Fin Barker broke the deadlock, with Mickleover returning home 1-0 victors.

Mickleover And Borrowash Victoria Become Partners

by Peter Scherer

It’s official, local Step 6 side Borrowash Victoria have become partners.

It’s something we have been working on for some time and I am glad to finally get it announced and move forward.

said Mickleover FC Manager John McGrath.

The Vics team currently play in the United Counties League Division 1.

We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Mickleover FC and we view this as a fantastic opportunity for the continuing development of our club, not just on the pitch but off it as well

It will give our players a target to aspire to the Mickleover 1st team in Step 3 of the FA pyramid, but also give Mickleover the option to blood some of their talented young players in our team, in preparation for the progress to the 1st team too.

After we had discussions at Mickleover with John and Chairman Don Amott, it was a no brainer for both clubs. We can’t wait to get to work with our new partners and give a local young footballers more opportunities at a higher level.

added Vics’ Secretary and General Alan Ure.

Playing at Borrowash will allow some of our young players to bridge between our reserves and 1st team and allow much needed game time to challenge our players,

It is also, and just as important serving as a fantastic community initiative bringing both clubs together too.

John McGrath concluded.

Positive Sports Lose Out To Sheffield

by Peter Scherer

Most of the Mickleover first team squad were in action at Sheffield & Hallam University last night, when they faced NPL Division One East side Sheffield FC.

The main absentees were Paddy Webb, Alex Morris, Joe Slinn, Phil Watt, Andrew Wright and Louis Pennington, the last four recovering from injury.

Starting line-up

Fin Bowen 2-Jake Bennett 3-Josh Satchwell 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Charlie Curtis 7-Ben Gowing 8-Mason Warreb 9-Dec Bacon 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andy Dales. Subs: George Milner, Bobby Battisson. Fin Barker, Jake Edge-Lucas, George Atwal, Ethan Mann

It was a lively start from Sheffield, who had a shot on target in the opening minute, before the play began to even out.

Mickleover had a strong attack in the 13th minute when Bennett attacked down the right, with Bacon just failing to connect before it was out for a corner, from where Beavon’s header was collected by the Sheffield keeper.

Both sides had their share of positive attacks, but 19 minutes in a Sheffield break forced Bowen to come charging off his line to clear the danger.

The clearance soon became an attack with another strong run from midfield ending when Dales was tackled and then cleared by the Sheffield defence.

It was only a minute later that the solid looking Sheffield defence were split. The ball was loose in space and as the keeper charged out, Beavon picked up the ball and lofted it over the keeper into the empty net 1-0.

With Butler and Curtis looking solid at the back for Mickleover, Bennett and Satchwell were both able to revel in the overlaps, fed by Warren, Agustien and Gowing.

After 22 mins Dales had another telling run to earn a corner, before Butler snuffed out a threatening Sheffield attack with relative ease.

Bacon was then fouled on the edge of the Sheffield box, but Warren’s free kick was dealt with.

Mickleover went close again however after 28 mins. Another Bennett overlap and cross, with Bacon almost on the end of it, before Satchwell’s final shot was saved.

There was another chance for Sheffield when a handball just outside the box earned them a free kick. The initial shot rebounded off the wall, before the follow up disappeared into the surrounding woodlands. 

Warren was almost on the end of a weak back pass too, but the Sheffield keeper came to his defences rescue, before the play switched ends again when a Sheffield striker had space on the left, but fired his shot straight at Bowen.

It continued end to end for the rest of the half, 36 mins and a cross/shot from Gowing on the right, forced the keeper to tip it over, but four minutes later it was level.

Zach Walker picked up the ball in a charge forward, came in close and fired his shot low to Bowen’s right  1-1.

Beavon had a shot wide after some positive work from Bacon and Dales, before Bowen had to make a point blank save right on half time.

The first of the substitutions were made as the second half was ready to kick off, with Atwal and Milner on for Gowing and Agustien.

It was a strong start for Mickleover as Bacon’s head was just inches wide of connecting with a Bennett cross from the right, before another attempt from Dales landed on the roof of the net.

Sheffield started to come back into the game and earned 53rd minute corner after a scramble in the goal mouth.

Battisson had just come on for Dales, when Milner came charging through, only to be thwarted as he prepared to shoot. It fell to Battisson, who found Beavon, with the final shot blocked.

On the hour Bennett’s run almost took him right through the defence, before he was finally blocked.

Two minutes later and Mickleover were awarded a penalty after Bacon was tripped. Warren stepped up, but the Sheffield keeper did well to dive to his right and make a save.

More subs followed with Barker, Edge-Lucas and Mann on for Butler, Bennett and Bacon, but shortly afterwards Sheffield made it 1-2 with another close range shot low in the corner, giving Bowen no chance.

A strong run from Barker five minutes later could have been the equaliser, but after finding Atwal in front of goal, the young midfielder completely miskicked and the chance had gone.

Beavon shot just over from well out in the 64th minute and Barker went close to earn a corner, Beavon then got a dangerous cross in, just short of Gowing’s head.

Edge-Lucas put a couple of good runs in on the overlap, but found no one running in and Atwal had a another shot but straight at the keeper.

It ended in a 1-2 defeat but everyone got a good amount of pitch time, and even during the substitutions the pattern of play remained mainly unaffected, which bodes well for the forthcoming season.

The next game is next week, away to Belper Utd on July 22nd.