Author: Square Peg

Mickleover Go Down To Belper Utd In Poor All Round Performance

by Peter Scherer

Following the comfortable Don Amott Spring Cup semi final win at Heanor, Mickleover once again fielded the majority of their first team for their Cup Final game at Borrowash against Belper United.

Belper were first on the attack, earning a corner in the fifth minute, before George Milner passed to Stuart Beavon, finding Dec Bacon, whose shot was just wide.

Captain for the day Bobby Battisson then had a good run, but ran out of space before managing to fire in a shot. But then the   Mickleover attacks were becoming more and more intense, with Beavon’s attempt just wide after eight minute, followed by a shot from Milner two minutes later.

The Mickleover game wasn’t its usual flowing play however and with Alex Morris in the middle of the defence with James Butler, Jake Bennett was at left back, with Larell King on the right and that familiar look reliability seemed to be lacking.

 But 14 minutes in the Belper keeper missed a cross and it fell nicely for Beavon, who made no mistake from close range with a powerful header 1-0. Belper  came back fighting however, earning another corner four minutes later and their determination was rewarded after 20 minutes, when a cross from Tom Lewis on the left was deflected, finding its way passed Mickleover keeper Fin Bowen’s  far post 1-1.

The usual machine like midfield of Mason Warren, Ben Gowing , Milner and Battisson, were struggling too, and despite some challenging runs, the final ball continually failed to reach the strikers.

Belper were quicker on the break and looked dangerous on a number of occasions. After a couple of near misses they split the Mickleover defence right down the middle in the last five minutes of the first half, before Richard Hanslow slotted it past the advancing Bowen 1-2.

As the team returned for the second half, Academy centre back Will Robinson was on for King, which meant Bennett and Morris reverted to their more familiar right and left back positions. Gowing also made way for Kemy Agustien.

The equaliser almost came in the opening minutes of the second half when Robinson’s effort hit the underside of the bar and bounced out. But the promise didn’t last long, and after 49 minutes Belper had another shot just wide.

There were still very few chances coming Mickleover’s way, even though they began to take more possession.

Belper had a wild shot high and wide in the 56th minute, before Bacon lofted a dangerous ball into the box five minutes later, which was blocked by the defence.

There was a free kick for Mickleover after Morris was fouled and took a knock to the head,  but Agustien’s kick was well off target.

But more danger followed in the  Mickleover defence after Morris lost possession on the left wing. Robinson managed to clear the danger, only for Belper to make an immediate return with a powerful header going close.

Robinson then lost possession himself on the edge of the box, calling on Bowen to race off his line and rescue the situation.

Although there seemed to more input from the Mickleover team, the results were still not there. Bacon put a promising ball in to the area, it was cleared and then Agustien fired the final shot over the bar.

Only two minutes later Belper had shot wide again, before following up with a double attempt, one blocked and one wide again.

Time was running out for the elusive equaliser, but Belper continued to try and make it safe. With four minutes left Bowen pulled off another good save, which was followed by an attempted overhead kick from a Belper striker, who failed to connect.

In the final minutes Beavon headed just over from a build up from Warren and Morris, and with the whistle poised Warren fired a shot into the crowded box, but it was game over and a disappointing defeat, after a lack lustre and uninspiring all round performance.

Basford Take The Non-Elite Cup

by Peter Scherer
Images courtesy of Basford United

Mickleover FC sent a mixture of first team, reserves and academy players to Basford, for the inaugural Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Non Elite Cup.

In the opening minutes Mickleover could have taken the lead, when a through ball was cut off by Brad Gascoigne, as it was about to land at Paddy Webb’s feet.

Although Basford got the lead through Ryan Wilson in the eighth minute, there were few chances created by either side for much of the first half.

Basford sprung back to life for the final third though, when after a long run by Callum Chettle, left Kane Richards shooting wide, before Richards made amends a minute later to make it 0-2.

Webb and Will Monteiro up front for Mickleover had few chances, but wing backs Jake Edge-Lucas and Ben Lewin, supported by Ethan Mann in the middle of the defence, restricted Basford’s efforts somewhat too.

Hawkins had little to do again in the Mickleover goal, but after taking a relatively easy save from Niall Towle, the striker was on the receiving end when Hawkins punched away a James Clifton effort, making it 0-3 to the hosts.

First teamer Aman Verma, Josh Waldram and reserve pairing Lopes Massampo and Surafel Tefera combined well with the Academy’s Sam Pipes, and second half subs Tom Eccleshall, Devon Smith and Ash Elliott, but on the day the experience of the virtual Basford first team lifted the trophy, even though a three goal success may have flattered to deceive.

Academy Reds, Regional Champions!

by Peter Scherer

Following last week’s victory over Stafford Rangers, all Mickleover had to do was take a point from their final league game at home to Rushall, to clinch the title.

Just as the game kicked off down came the rain. Mickleover had their first real attack after three minutes, earning a corner. A couple of minutes later Bobby Battisson went on a run, but couldn’t keep his feet in the tricky conditions, but earned another corner.

The pressure quickly began to build on the Rushall defence and it was almost the opening goal six minutes in. Jacob Edge-Lucas put a good cross in to Josh Satchwell. His shot wasn’t cleared and his second attempt was cleared off the line with the keeper well beaten.

After a free kick header went for another corner, Rushall had their first attack after 10 minutes, but the dependability of Cameron Anthony and Will Robinson in the centre of the Mickleover defence, soon saw off any threat.

It wasn’t long before the scoring spree began, with Ted Stevenson’s strike coming from a right wing break after 12 minutes 1-0.

With Edge-Lucas and Ben Lewin both allowed to push forward at will, joining Battisson, George Atwal and Louis Pennington, they controlled midfield and the chances continued to flow.

After a good build up a cross from the left saw Battisson’s shot blocked after 14 minutes, before Rushall had a good chance two minutes later, clear in front of goal before Edge-Lucas and Anthony combined to clear the threat again.

Fin Barker’s bustling runs had already caused problems and in the 20th minute he made it 2-0, with a shot to the keepers left.

Stevenson then went close again, from an Edge-Lucas cross.

Rushall weren’t surrendering, but the skilful Mickleover build up gave them little time on the ball.

Edge-Lucas swung the ball from the right to find Lewin in space down the left wing, he put a through ball to Pennington, whose shot was saved, before Barker burst from a deep position to fire another shot just wide of the right hand post.

Rushall’s first corner came after 24 minutes, but it was Barker with the next clear shot again, saved by the keeper’s feet after 26 minutes.

As they passed the half hour mark Battisson had another shot blocked and Barker almost set Edge-Lucas on a clear run.

But 40 minutes in Satchwell hit the post, and Barker was on hand to smash home the rebound, 3-0.

Only minutes left in the first half and Robinson followed in from a free kick to make it 4-0, before Stevenson brought a successful first half to an end with a glancing header just past the post.

The Reds made one change at half time, with Brodie Carter on for Satchwell.

Within the first couple the Rushall goal was bombarded again, with Battisson’s shot just wide, before Barker had his attempt blocked.

Rushall had to clear off the line again after 54 minutes, from a Carter attempt, as more shots reigned in close succession.

Barker was then fouled on the edge of the box, the free kick was blocked and then a handball gave another, from which Stevenson’s shot was blocked.

Atwal had his first long range shot wide just before the hour mark, but soon after there was another goal, with Edge-Lucas’ pace proving positive at the end of minutes of consistent pressure, 5-0.

Edge-Lucas was only just wide a few minutes later, after Barker had sent in an initial cross from Lewin.

Barker made way for Kai Moore after 68 minutes, but it was Carter next to go close, after creating his own space.

Kyran Ward was next to come on for Atwal, but Rushall were still trying random shots, usually wide from well out, leaving Tom Smith untroubled.

Just after Moore had a shot saved in the 74th minute, he made it 6-0 after collecting a cross from Ward on the right.

Battisson was tripped a couple of times in the remaining minutes but the free kick’s came to nought and Carter went close with a couple of half chances. 

As the referee was poised to call time, Stevenson went on a long run, weaving and jinking through the defence, only to have his final shot blocked.

A comfortable win to clinch the Midlands Division ESPFA title and they now look forward to playing Runcorn Linnets and Chesham Utd as they aim for the National crown. 

Beavon Doubles Sinks Heanor Hopes

by Peter Scherer

Three second half goals for Mickleover ended any hopes Heanor Town had of a comeback in the Don Amott Spring Cup semi final.

It was a full strength side from Mickleover on this occasion, 1-Fin Bowen 2-Larell King 3-Jake Bennett 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Alex Morris 7-George Milner 8-Mason Warren 9-Paddy Webb 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Declan Bacon. Subs – Josh Waldram, Ethan Mann, Will Monteiro, Ben Gowing.

Mickleover won a corner in the first minute, which was played out to Warren whose shot was just wide.

But Heanor responded similarly a few minutes later, before there was a brief scare when Bowen came off his line and a Heanor striker tried to chip over him.

Mickleover soon started to settle into the precise interplay that took them to the top of the Northern Premier League, with King playing a through ball on the overlap to Agustien, finding Webb who just missed out with a header.

Beavon almost got Webb through too, before Adam Jablonski in the Heanor goal intercepted.

Heanor kept trying to push forward, and after one of their attacks broke down, Webb burst clear but was fouled as his progress ceased.

On the 15 minute mark Mickleover struck, when a cross from the left found Beavon’s head, beating the keeper on his left side. 1-0.

Five minutes later Heanor could have equalised, after a high bouncing ball caught Bowen out, only for the pursuing Heanor player to go down.

Possession became more and more in Mickleover’s favour, with King and Bennett both overlapping, while Agustien and Warren alternating between staying deep and joining the attack.

After a 21st minute cross from Milner, followed a long ball from Agustien. The keeper came out but from a scramble, Beavon had the ball with his back to goal, from where the host defence cleared.

There was another chance for Heanor after 33 minutes, when a telling cross from Joe Nice on the left found Kyle Daley, whose shot was well over the top.

Jordan Ball had another shot for Heanor, so high it went out of the ground, but Mickleover were keen for a second goal before half time.

King had a shot well saved by the keeper after 40 minutes, before Heanor’s Lewis Weaver followed up his weak initial effort, with a more precise shot, stretching Bowen to his limit with a good diving save.

Bacon managed another shot from a Webb cross for Mickleover, saved in the final minutes of the first half, so it remained 1-0 at the break.

Heanor started the started the second strongly with Daley shooting straight at Bowen, plus two more shots well off target.

Butler also caused some concern with a short back pass, forcing Bowen to race off his line.

Beavon and Bacon both had shots saved after six minutes, before the substitution was made with Gowing on for Agustien.

After 15 minutes Bennett’s run into the area was thwarted when he was brought down, but penalty appeals were waved away.

Five minutes later Milner had a point black shot saved from a Beavon cross, before the rebound hit the bar.

Monteiro came on as the second sub, and made an immediate impact. His 25th shot came out and Bennett smashed the rebound high into the Heanor net, 2-0.

Waldram then came on for Webb and Mann for King, but apart from an occasional random shot the last 10 minutes were all Mickleover, with Morris and Butler continuing to look solid at the back.

With five minutes left Warren’s shot was deflected passed Jablonski, 3-0 and almost on the full time whistle Beavon made it 4-0, as Mickleover now move in to Saturday’s final.

Reserves March On To Semi Finals

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Reserves visited Dinnington Town last night, for their Central Midlands League Chairmans Cup Quarter Final tie.

The starting line-up was 1-Tom Smith 2-Ben Lewin 3-Tom Eccleshall 4-Lopes Massampo 5-Jacob Ferdinand 6-Aaron Hayer 7-Devon Smith 8-Ash Elliott 9-Jude Ayetine 10-Surafel Tefera 11-Matt Fuertado. Subs: Jacob Edge-Lucas, Bobby Battisson, George Wiliamson, Josh Satchwell.

Dinnington were straight on the attack and won their first corner in the second minute. Mickleover retaliated when a good cross from Ayetine, saw Fuertado’s attempt just wide, before Elliott  missed out on connecting with a half chance.

A couple of minutes later Elliott put the ball across the face of the Dinnington goal, just missing connection with Smith.

After Dinnington put a free kick well over Smith’s bar, it became end to end for most for the first half.

Elliott just missed out on another Fuertado cross after 14 minutes, but at the back Ferdinand was marshalling the defence well, with the aid of Hayer, while both Lewin and Eccleshall were effective on the overlaps.

Dinnington had a shot just over after Hayer had lost possession on the edge of the box, before Smith was brought down in the area in the 16th minute, but penalty shouts were waved away.

Devon Smith got a shot in again after a feed from Massampo, followed by another corner for Sports as they pushed to open the scoring.

But Dinnington were equally on the attack too and after a scramble in the Mickleover box 26minutes in, a free kick was given and relieved the pressure.

Lewin placed a nice curling ball into the Dinnington box on the half hour, but there was no one on the receiving end, he was then back in defence clearing the lines too.

But Dinnington kept coming back for more and there was another goal mouth scramble after Smith charged out only to beaten to the ball, before the defence rallied once more.

Smith was in action again pulling off a good save in the 34th minute, but then namesake Devon had a shot whistle just wide of the post, the nearest yet to an opening goal.

But as half time approached Dinnington had a couple more telling attacks and Hayer had a cross, too long, but just over the bar.

Elliott had the final chance of the half, in space initially but waiting too long to try and get a shot in, so the teams went in still 0-0.

Mickleover made two half time changes, with Tefera, injured after a couple of knocks, and Lewin, making way for Edge-Lucas and Battisson.

From the start of the second half Mickleover seemed more positive and Devon Smith was soon attacking giving Fuertado a half chance.

But after Dinnington had another attack, Fuertado had a shot saved in the 54th minute. Ayetine had become more effective as the target man, but was hacked down from behind in the 46th minute, earning the Dinnington defender a yellow card.

Eccleshall then put a good cross in before Elliott’s shot was blocked on the hour. But Mickleover had a lucky escape, when Edge-Lucas was surprisingly outpaced on the wing, before the Dinnington striker fired a shot in which Smith tipped onto the bar. But the hosts had the ball in the net from the rebound, only to be deemed offside.

 Fuertado went close again for Mickleover three minutes later, his shot was blocked by the advancing Dinnington keeper.

Two more substitutions followed with Satchwell and for Fuertado and Wiliamson for Devon Smith.

Dinnington had another weak penalty appeal rejected, but finally after 70 minutes the deadlock was broken, when Satchwell was fouled on a run, and Wiliamson’s following free-kick had the keeper well beaten 1-0.

Six minutes later and from Eccleshall on the left, Wiliamson’s through ball to Battisson was met up by the charging Edge-Lucas, who placed the ball nicely out of reach of the advancing keeper, 2-0.

Dinnington had a free kick, but in punching clear Smith took a slight knock. But Mickleover came charging back and Satchwell made it 3-0 with a back heeler, catching the defence flat footed.

The hosts were close to pulling one back though when Smith was unable to collect. Hayer cleared off the line before Eccleshall brought it clear.

Battisson and Wiliamson both had more of the ball in midfield and after a long kick by Smith in the closing minutes, Battisson almost latched onto it at the other end. 

A minute later and another Battisson run saw him brought down in the area, only for his resulting penalty to be saved.

So it remained a hard earned 3-0 win, which takes them into the semi finals, against the winners of the AFC Bentley v Rowsley tie.

First Two Players Re-Sign For 21/22 Season

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC are proud to announce the first two re-signings from last years aborted but very successful season.

Club captain Mason Warren will be back to orchestrate the midfield, as well as being the dead ball tactician,

For me it was a no-brainer to re-sign again for the coming season. Everything about the club is moving forward both on and off the pitch and like many others players in the squad I want to be a part of the journey. The group is raring to go and show what we can do and kick on again from last season.

Gaffer John McGrath has always valued Warren’s input in all his capacities within the club and it was important for him to make his captain the first to sign up for the forthcoming campaign.

Mason fits the bill of exactly what I look for in a player and a captain. He is a talented footballer who leads by example and is a massive influence both on and off the pitch for the football club. I am delighted that he has committed to continue his own progression and development with us here at Mickleover FC.

Centre back James Butler has also pledged himself for another season, having only joined the club last summer. But his life has been football, following on the footsteps of his father Tony,

I am delighted to sign a new deal with the club. I have loved my time here and I am looking forward to seeing where we can go as a football club. We will aim for the same performances as last season and I am sure we will be fighting again at the top of the table.

explained James.

Butts is a rare find in non-league. For someone so young he has all the ability and know-how you would associate with a seasoned professional footballer. He is a highly competitive footballer and he drives our standards on the pitch and in the changing room. In my opinion will be a future football league player and I am excited to play a part in his journey as he will no doubt develop into the player, we all know he can be.

added gaffer McGrath.

Our Chairman Presents Lottery Winner With Prize

Paul Ryan, a recent Supporter’s Lottery Winner, was presented his £50 Cash Prize by Don Amott on Saturday. “Spend it wisely Paul!”

For just £2 per week you can help Mickleover FC by signing up for this great cause with great prizes!

You can now sign up online

Download and fill in the online PDF form using the button below. Once completed just email it to lesloring@gmail.com

10 Men Reds Hit Four Against Title Rivals

by Peter Scherer

Top of the table Stafford Rangers had only dropped one point and had already beaten the Mickleover Reds when they visited Stafford, but no one could anticipate how the return match would unfold in this Championship decider.

It was end to end action from the start, with Bobby Battisson having a shot blocked three minutes in, after a Jacob Edge-Lucas cross, before Josh Satchwell headed just wide after a corner.

Fin Barker was leading some powerful attacks on the Stafford goal, and when he was tripped on the edge of the box, George Atwal put his free kick wide.

Only a minute later Stafford had a similar shot from a free kick off target too, before Mickleover Tom Smith had to come charging off his line, to quash another Stafford attack.

 

Atwal and Barker shared a couple of good exchanges, but the end result was disappointing, but in the 24th minute the deadlock was broken. Sam Pipes was fouled on the edge of the box, and Atwal’s free kick was met superbly by Edge-Lucas, heading into the far corner of the Stafford net 1-0.

Only minutes later Battisson was scythed down on the left. As a couple of Stafford defenders started to protest their innocence, Pipes was given a harsh straight red car, for a slight push.

Despite being down to 10 men, Mickleover more than held their own, as the Stafford team started arguing among themselves.

After a follow up from a 30th minute free kick   had beaten the Stafford keeper before gong just wide, Satchwell had a strong run down the right, before Battisson crossed the ball landing just behind Barker.

Stafford had started to push forward, but another Satchwell run after 39 minutes, fed Barker, who outran the defence and shot just over.

The visitors continued to show some defensive disarray which saw Barker through on goal, before the keeper intercepted his 42nd minute attempt. After Louis Pennington was brought down with minutes left in the first half, Atwal had another free kick attempt saved, but Stafford were ruing their missed chances from a busy first half.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Battisson’s early attempt blocked. 54 minutes had gone though when Barker had a shot which rebounded off the keeper, out into Satchwell’s path, firing it hard to the keeper’s right 2-0.

Only five minutes later it could so easily have been three, after Battisson dispossessed a Stafford defender, went on a run and saw his shot bounce back off the right hand post.

Mickleover then opted to make their first substitution with Brodie Carter on for the hard working Barker. No sooner had Carter come on, he was in with a chance, after Stafford began to commit a string of minor fouls, he just missed getting on the end of an Atwal free kick.

Stafford started to push forward again to try and open their score sheet, their leading scorer Jayden Hunter was almost through after 17 minutes, and five minutes later he had the ball in the net, but used his hand to take it past the advancing Smith in the Mickleover goal.

As attack turned to defence though, Stafford were in trouble again, after a mix up between keeper and defence. Carter was able to take the ball past the keeper as he rushed from his line to make it 3-0 after 69 minutes.

Pennington was having a much better second half and began to spray the ball about, with help from the running Battisson and continuous overlaps from Edge-Lucas and Lewin.

The keeper had to run out again to stop Carter, before Edge-Lucas’ charge in the 73rd minute found Atwal who shot over. Battisson then had a good shot saved, before it was played out wide to Satchwell, whose effort was wide o the right and post.

Cameron Anthony and Will Robinson had both been solid as a rock in the centre of the Mickleover defence, but it was Stafford under continuing pressure, with Battisson through again.

Ted Stevenson was on for Atwal, and had a cracking shot from just outside the area, after Battisson earned another free kick.

Kai Moore came on for Carter but there was still another goal to come, when a great build up from Battisson, saw Edge-Lucas collect, before sending a powerful shot past the keeper, 4-0!! 

Kyran Ward was the final sub on for Battisson, but time was up and despite having been down to 10 men barely halfway through the first half, it was convincing win, with a terrific all round team performance.

Now only Rushall Olympic stand between Mickleover Reds and the ESPFA League title, which will be settled at Borrowash next Thursday.

Reserves Lose Out In Poor Chairman’s Cup Tie

by Peter Scherer

It wasn’t a particularly skilful encounter and combined with some poor officialdom, the Mickleover Reserves visit to Rowsley was instantly forgettable.

Having already qualified for the knock out stages of the Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup, Mickleover weren’t fielding their strongest line-up.

The hosts had a free kick just wide in the opening minute, followed by another shot just over the bar.

Gradually Sports started to push forward and in the ninth minute had a chance to take the lead. Matt Fuertado chested the ball down in the box and was about  shoot, when the referee blew for handball, which was clearly incorrect.

Rowsley’s attacks were coming mainly from long balls, but Marcus Calderone marshalled the defence to fend off any early threat.

Aaron Hayer took a free kick for Mickleover, from which Ben Lewin had his shot blocked, but it was in the 16th minute when the defence failed to collect a through ball, a brief scramble in the area and it fell to a Rowsley striker, 0-1.

It was a bad spell for Mickleover as only three minutes later it was 0-2, Rowsley broke after a Sports corner was cleared. The defence struggled to retreat and left the keeper isolated.

Another shot in the 24th minute hit the side netting after Calderone narrowed the angle and some telling crosses from Rowsley’s left wing back began to cause a few problems.

It was on the half hour before there was another promising Mickleover attack, aided by the hesitancy of the Rowsley keeper to leave his line, ending in a corner.

Captain Surf Tefera had been doing his best to marshal the midfield, with the determination of Ash Elliott. They combined for a promising run in the 33rd minute, before a shocking back pass from Rowsley allowed Mickleover to strike, but straight at the advancing keeper.

Tefera had his own shot blocked a few minutes later, with the rebound blocked too. Rowsley had another header just wide, as half time approached. But then Hayer’s ball into the box found Feurtado, who couldn’t quite find the space to turn.

Elliott then managed to ride a foul tackle with a minute left. He was clear on goal, but the referee ignored the advantage, gave a free kick which came to nought.

After a scrappy first half the second was worse, with the Rowsley players becoming more vociferous as they picked up on some poor officialdom.

Tefera’s 50th minute free kick went well over the bar, before a couple more efforts were just off target, from various players.

The Rowsley keeper made a couple of fumbles but got away with them, one attempt cleared off the line. But the hosts had another chance in 68th minute, splitting the defence before putting the shot wide again. 

The referee then went into the first of a number huddles, seemingly reluctant to stand by his own observations.

Elliott had a free kick ricochet off the wall after 75 minutes and a minute later Hayer took another, which was saved by the keeper.

After Rowsley hit the post their keeper dropped the ball from a cross, but following a goal mouth scramble it was out for a goal kick.

The home keeper was inaction again when he had to make a diving save from a headed back pass, from one of his own defenders!

But with two minutes of real time left, Mickleover pulled one back, the keeper well beaten by a header to his far corner, 1-2.

Into injury time and the referee rejected a blatant penalty shout as the Mickleover striker was hacked down in the area, and gave a corner. Fortunately the final whistle went shortly afterwards.

Academy Juniors End With A Winning Flourish

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover Academy first years finished their ESPFA season on a high, with a 2-1 over Carlton at Borrowash.

It was a lively start from both teams, with Mickleover’s Reece Perry going close after five minutes with a free kick, after Berhard Koecher’s run and  cross.

One minute later it was Devon Smith’s effort saved by the Carlton keeper.

But 14 minutes in, and after a Carlton attack broke down, they had pushed well forward leaving the defence wide open. The Mickleover clearance put Smith in the clear, who jinked passed the keeper and opened the scoring 1-0, with an excellent solo effort.

Carlton had a good chance to equalise two minutes later, but their striker wanted too much time and failed to get his shot in.

They came close again in the 19th minute, when Mickleover’s Fin Bowen charged from his goal, but was left stranded. Carlton went close, but not close enough.

Lewis Hughes and Ethan Mann were looking fairly steady in the centre of the Mickleover defence, and stopped Carlton again in the 22nd minute, when the strikers failed to collect from a good chance.

Both Koecher and Tom Griffiths had been used on the overlap, but Mann went on the attack too briefly, firing a shot over the bar.

Carlton continued to push for the equaliser and Jack Cockram had a good shot from outside the box, well taken by Bowen.

It could have been a second for Mickleover in the 31st minute, when the Carlton keeper came out to a Griffiths free kick, failed to collect and let the ball run loose.

Smith then went on another run just before half time, he was through, but fired just wide.

It was only seven minutes into the second half when Carlton got their goal. A through ball split Hughes and Mann and Cockram was on hand to slip it passed the advancing Bowen, 1-1.

Smith had a shot straight at the keeper a minute later, before Carlton responded with another effort just wide.

But in the 54th minute Perry was through on goal, his shot was saved, but the enthusiastic Koecher smashed the rebound into the Carlton net, 2-1.

Another good run from Smith put Josh Woolley through, shooting just wide, but Carlton were beginning to try random shots from further out, keeping Bowen on his toes.

Smith’s 79th minute attempt was blocked again, and after a good build up Koecher put Woolley clear before he was intercepted.

Smith had another late chance, which went close, before Carlton had two free kicks in the closing minutes, but failed to capitalise on either.

So it remained 2-1 and the Mickleover Black squad brought the curtain down on their season.