by Peter Scherer

Following last weekends FA Cup exit, we now focus on the third and final qualifying round of this years FA Trophy, where we host Southern Premier League South Malvern Town.

Our visitors were promoted last season via the play-offs, but it’s not been a good start for them at Step 3. They had been bottom of the table with two points from their first seven games and having gone out of the FA Cup at the first attempt, 0-4 to Redditch after a replay. So Lee Hooper’s side were still seeking their first win of the season, until Tuesday night. A fighting second half comeback against fellow strugglers Gloucester City gave them a 5-2 win and lifted them off the bottom.

Hooper was the club captain in his playing days, but has been manager for over eight years, reaching his 400th game in charge last April. He made his debut for the club as a 15 year old and spent most of his 17 year playing career with the club.

They have already used four goalkeepers this season, all loanees, with Jenson Kilroy making his debut from Walsall on Tuesday night. West Brom teenager Louis Brady had been first choice, he previously played for Sutton Utd and Rushall Olympic. Wolves Adam Harrison and Charlie Binns from Bristol Rovers have also played.

Young defender Ben Baxter was signed from Hartpury last season and soon earned his place in the promotion winning team.

Luke Payne is an experienced defender who joined our visitors in June 2022 from Cinderford Town. He spent part of his early career at Truro City and has also played for Tuffley Rovers, Slimbridge and Bishops Cleeve.

A Malvern legend, Lewis Platt is a defender and former Captain, who came through the junior ranks before making his first team debut. Apart from one year, he’s been at the club for 11 of the last 12 years.

Dennis Digie is a centre back who started his career with Kidderminster. Moves to Redditch, Yate Town, Cinderford, Lye Town and Wulfrunians soon followed, before a return trip to Redditch. He started last season at Quorn, before joining Coventry Sphinx in February, from where he moved pre-season to our visitors.

Matt Fulloway s another defender, he came from Sporting Khalsa at the start of last season. He’s also played for Stourport Swifts and Redditch.

Another long server is defender Charlie Johnson in his third season since arriving from Hartpury. He’s played for Cirencester, Evesham and Yate Town too

Central midfielder Levin Francis is in his fifth year at Malvern, since arriving from Slimbridge. He was a Swindon Town Junior, during which time he was loaned to Highworth and Chippenham.

Reece King is a central midfielder too. He started out at Buxton, moving on to Stourbridge before he first arrived at Malvern in March 2024. He started the following season at Bromsgrove, from where he joined our visitors last November.

Midfielder Joe Tumelty came off a two-year career break to join our visitors. He was previously at Swindon Supermarine, Yate Town, Hereford, Frome Town and Larkhall Athletic. He is currently team captain.

Matt McDonald is a midfielder in his fourth season with the club. He also spent time at Hereford Pegasus last season on a dual registration.

It was back in August 2020 that midfielder Joe Bullock came to Malvern. He was previously with Hereford Pegasus, but made his 200th Malvern appearance last season.

Attacking midfielder Jay Malshankyj came from Bishop Cleeve in pre-season. He’s played for Weston Super Mare, Yate Town, Melksham Town, Cirencester Town and Taunton Town too after starting out in the Forest Green Academy.

James Church is another midfielder, but he’s come through Malvern’s own junior ranks o get his first team break.

Winger Kobe Chong came from Stourbridge in pre-season. After starting at West Bromwich Albion, he spent two years in Italy with Cagliari, before returning to the UK with Solihull Moors. Banbury, Redditch and Sutton Coldfield were his next stops, before joining Peterborough Utd in 2021. After a loan at Peterborough Sports he moved onto Telford, Nuneaton, Alvechurch, Barwell, Kings Lynn, Kettering, St.Ives and Worcester before joining Stourbridge last November.

Striker Austin Samuels was a pre-season signing from Quorn. His career started when Wolves signed him from Newbridge Rangers. He was loaned to Kidderminster, Bradford City and Aberdeen before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle following his release.

His next move was Morton before returning to England with Rushall. Spennymoor, Alfreton and Shifnal followed before spending joined Quorn in November last year. He has Championship, League Two and Europa League experience.

Fellow striker Ryan Brunt has played over 120 games in Leagues One and Two, scoring 20 goals. He started out at Bristol City and Stoke City, being loaned to Nantwich, Luton Town, Tranmere Rovers and Orient, before a permanent move to Bristol Rovers. Further loans at York City Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle followed, before moving onto Exeter City. He played for Bath City and Chippenham too, returning to action with Malvern January 2025 after a four-year career break.

Finally brothers Sam and Harry Clark complete the squad. Striker Sam came from Pershore Town in June 2024, where as winger Harry is a longer server, having made his 250th appearance last season. Harry has also played for Worcester Raiders and Worcester City.

Kick off is 3pm, all the usual catering facilities are available, so come down to the Vibrant Doors Arena and help make sure we are in the hat for Monday first round proper draw.

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

Mickleover’s FA Cup campaign, which saw victories over the likes of Barwell and Stamford, reached its climax in a 2-0 defeat to step 3 Halesowen Town.

1- Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Charlie Hickingbottom 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Andy Dales 8-Josh Ashman 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Jude Taylor 11-Kane Richards

Subs: Rowe, Norkett, Atkinson, Alonzi, Powell, J. Carter, McDowell

It was a positive start from Mickleover in front of an over 700-strong crowd in the West Midlands. The Sports got on the front foot from the first whistle, looking to camp within the Halesowen final third.

The ball was getting worked around the edge of the box nicely, with a pass from Stuart Beavon being received by Hamza Bencherif. The Sports’ captain shot, but did not make sufficient contact to cause Dan Platt any issues in the Halesowen net.

The first real chance for Mickleover to punish Halesowen for a slow start came in the 13th minute. Beavon, starting once more, squeezed the ball through to Jude Taylor in the box; his strike, however, was straight down the throat of Platt, who palmed it away easily.

Mickleover were enjoying the larger share of possession in the opening 20 minutes, limiting their opposition’s time on the ball and, as a result, preventing anything of real threat.

There was plenty to be encouraged about for the travelling side in the opening 25, but Halesowen soon reminded Mickleover just how clinical they could be going forward, as they took the lead 28 minutes into proceedings.

Vanylson Silva delivered an inviting ball that was found by Samson Hewett, who tapped the ball across goal to an onrushing Jason Cowley, who was left with a simple finish into an near enough empty net as Aaron Chapman had been dragged out of position.

The goal flipped the game’s momentum on its head as it was now Halesowen firmly on top and on the hunt for a goal that would double their lead and put them one foot into the next round of the FA Cup.

Cowley continued to threaten, coming close with an effort that was always swinging away from goal, but came very close to nestling in the top left corner.

Halesowen very nearly found that insurance goal on the stroke of half-time when Cowley blasted an effort off the crossbar. It had been a nervous fifteen minutes for the Sports, but they made it to the break only a goal down.

Mickleover made a change ahead of the second half, introducing Manni Norkett to the game, replacing Stuart Beavon, who had once again shown tremendous work rate; the Sports would now set their sights on a way back into this game.

But it was never going to be easy as Halesowen picked up where they left off towards the end of the first half, looking dangerous once more, as the Sports continued to try and keep their opponents out.

The work rate in midfield was something to be admired on the day, as Josh Ashman, who is enjoying a fantastic campaign, and Charlie Hickingbottom continued to patrol in the central areas.

But Mickleover’s task soon grew a lot larger as Cowley, who had caused issues all afternoon, struck once more to double his tally for the day and put his side two to the good. It was a cruel deflection to take the ball away from Chapman; there was nothing the goalkeeper could have done.

The game was very quickly getting away from Mickleover as the momentum was out of their favour whilst they were chasing the game. Halesowen’s defence was a hard one to breach as the Sports had little opportunity to strike in the box; a lot of moves forward bore no fruit for the visitors.

Theo Rowe was introduced as was Luca Alonzi, making his debut having recovered from injury; a bright moment in a tough afternoon for Mickleover.

There was just no way back into the game for the Sports in a game which, twenty minutes in, looked in the balance. However, Halesowen’s quality came through when it mattered as Mickleover’s FA Cup run had come to an end in the West Midlands.

Attention will now turn to next Saturday when Malvern FC travel to the Vibrant Doors Arena for an FA Trophy clash as Mickleover still fight on two fronts.

 

By Peter Scherer

After a brief dip into league action with our 1-1 draw at home to Coleshill Town last Tuesday, it’s FA Cup time as we travel to Southern Premier League Central Division Halesowen Town in second qualifying round.

Mickleover have reached the third qualifying round five times in their history, the last being 23/24 when we went down 0-2 at Stourbridge.

Our hosts are currently 12th in the league with three wins from six games, but are looking for a fourth successive league and cup win, having beaten Leighton Town 4-2 at home last Saturday and knocked Basford out of the FA Cup the previous week.

Former Burton Albion midfielder Russell Penn has been in charge at the Grove since February 2024, having previously managed Kidderminster Harriers for four years.

Harvey Smith should be available for selection for Mickleover again, following his mandatory timeout after receiving concussion at Grantham and hopefully there were no more casualties from Tuesday night.

A number of our visitors players have been long servers, notably goalkeeper Dan Platt who is in his sixth season with the club in this spell. He started at Crewe Alexandra, before joining Telford following his release. Nantwich, Stourport, Evesham and Oxford City followed, before he first came to the Grove in July 2015. He stayed for four years before moving to Hednesford, spending two years at Bromsgrove prior to his current stay.

Right back Ben Cassidy had been at Alvechurch for six years before he joined our hosts in July 2024.

Matt Preston is one of the new arrivals, a centre back who came from Hereford in pre-season. His career started to Walsall, who loaned him IBV Vestmanmaeyjar in Iceland and Barwell, before a permanent move to Swindon Town.

Mansfield Town, Barnet, Solihull Moors and Kidderminster were his next moves. He also went on loan to Brackley before his two year stay at Hereford and has experience in both Leagues One and Two.

Fellow centre back Rob Evans came from Leamington last November for his third spell with our hosts. After starting out at Romulus, he played for Coalville, Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill, before coming to the Grove in July 2019 after six months at Redditch. He stayed four years before moving returning to Coleshill, but was back again four months later, before an 18 month stint back at Leamington preceded his last move.

Ryan Wollacott is another centre back in this third season with the club. He started at Stourport, before spending three years in the Welsh League with Aberystwyth. After a spell at Alvechurch he returned to Stourport and had three years at Redditch before joining our hosts in July 2024.

Left back Ethan Sephton was a pre-season arrival from Alvechurch. Derby County had originally picked him up from Solihull Moors, but he then joined Alvechurch following his release. He’s also played for Boston Utd.

Dan Meredith is a right back and former West Bromwich Albion Junior. He had loans at Maidstone and Leamington, before joining the latter on his release and came to Halesowen in pre-season.

Centre back Ryan Wynter is the current team captain. An ex Stoke City youngster, he was loaned to Stone Dynamos before spending time in the US with Blue Devils Athletic in Kansas. On his UK return he joined Stafford Rangers, before spending a few months at Mickleover in 2015.

He next stop was Chasetown for the first of four spells, interspersed with a return to Stafford and a couple of spells at Hednesford. He first came to Halesowen in May 2023, stayed two years and moved back to Hednesford from where he returned again in pre-season.

Patrick Wood is a homegrown defender, who spent part of last season at Dudley Town.

Central midfielder Jim Kellerman played his junior football with Wolves. He joined Aldershot on his release, before a season in Scotland with St.Mirren, which included a loan back to Fylde. He’s also played for Chesterfield, Kidderminster, Tamworth, Woking and Ebbsfleet, from where he joined our hosts in August 2025.

Former Bermudan Under 17 international midfielder Milan Butterfield started his career in his homeland with Robin Hood, before coming to the UK with Walsall. After a loan at Rushall he moved on via Kidderminster, Chesterfield, Guiseley, Alfreton, Nuneaton and Stourbridge. He first joined Halesowen in January 2025 on loan after six months at Basford and made his stay permanent at the start of last season.

Lewis Ison can play midfield or defence. He came from Stratford in pre-season, after a three-year spell with the Bards followed a successful spell at Hednesford, where he was team captain. His earlier career was at Coventry Utd and Rushall, plus a spell in the Bristol Rovers Academy.

Midfielder Todd Parker is another long server, now in his third season since arriving from Hednesford in July 2023.he had previously been at Wolves Academy.

Vanylson Da Silva and Samson Hewett are both midfielders too. Da Silva is dual registered with Tamworth and Hewett is on loan from Kidderminster.

Striker Tyrone Barnet is vastly experienced, with almost 300 League One and Two appearances to his name and over 60 goals. From the West Brom Academy he played at Rushall, Telford, Willenhall, Hednesford, Macclesfield and Crawley, before being rediscovered by Peterborough Utd. He went on to play for Ipswich, Bristol City, Oxford Utd, Shrewsbury, Southend, AFC Wimbledon, Port Vale, Cheltenham, Eastleigh and Hereford too, before joining our hosts from Stourbridge in October 2025.

Pre-season signing Callum Ebanks is a striker signed from Buxton. Most of his career has been with Cheltenham, where he was loaned to Worcester, Tuffley Rovers, Evesham, Bromsgrove, Eastleigh and Bath before joining Stratford on his release. After two years he joined Buxton who also loaned him to Bedford Town.

Fellow striker Jason Cowley came from Hereford at the start of last season. Redditch was his starting point, before a three-year spell with Bromsgrove. He then joined Stevenage and has played for Macclesfield and Stourbridge too. He’s another player with League Two experience.

Finally Luke Postle is another young striker currently on loan at Lye Town.

Kick off at the Grove is 3pm and for those who can’t make the trip, Halesowen have their own radio station https://ht-fc.co.uk/radio-halesowen-town/

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

The points were shared at the Vibrant Doors Arena on Tuesday evening as Mickleover came from behind to ensure that the points were shared against Coleshill Town in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.

1-Aaron Chapman 2-Darryl Powell 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Andy Dales 8-Josh Ashman 9-Kane Richards 10-Jude Taylor 11-Theo Rowe
Subs: Norkett, Josh Carter, Hickingbottom, Zoko, Beavon

It was Mickleover who came out of the blocks the faster of the two sides, getting hold of possession from the first whistle; something they had struggled with last time out. It was clear from the get-go that the midfield of Josh Ashman and Will Atkinson were looking to press Coleshill high up the pitch.
Atkinson had the first opportunity of the match by doing just that. The midfielder snuck up behind his man and snatched the ball off him, before unleashing an effort that was dragged wide of the left post.

Five minutes later, the Sports were threatening again, this time with Andy Dales as the ball deflected kindly to the winger on the left side of the box. However, the Coleshill defence got back in shape, and Dales’ effort was sent behind for a corner. Nevertheless, it had been an encouraging opening ten minutes for Mickleover.
Despite the start that they enjoyed, it was Coleshill who would take the lead of proceedings in the 13th minute. Dwayne Wiley brought down his man in the box, as the referee pointed for the spot kick.

Benjamin Usher-Shipway was the man to step up for Coleshill and converted neatly with an effort straight down the throat of the goal.
Mickleover would pick their heads up and go again, now chasing the game as they had been in their weekend victory over Sutton Coldfield; there was still plenty of time to flip this game on it’s head.

The 24th minute saw another good chance for the Sports as Theo Rowe, who had been battling hard down the right so far, cut inside and broke into the box before fizzing a ball across goal.
It was a delightful pass that, with any touch, would have likely ended up in the back of the net, but nobody was able to get a foot on it as the chance went begging for Mickleover, letting Coleshill off the hook.

Moments later, Cameron Belford in the Coleshill goal made a strong double save from a corner to deny Kane Richards the equalising goal.
The Sports had been much the better side in the opening half, but would enter the break behind, with 45 minutes to change that coming up.
In the opening stages of the second half, there were a couple of close calls for Mickleover, particularly in the 47th minute as an inviting delivery into the box was headed just wide of the top left corner.

Three minutes later, Coleshill had squeezed the ball into the back of the net, but the offside flag came to Mickleover’s aid on this occasion, ensuring their task did not become any greater.
Twenty minutes into the second half, with no real clear-cut chances seemingly coming in the direction of the Sports, Gareth Holmes turned to his bench, bringing on Stuart Beavon and Charlie Hickingbottom in place of Jude Taylor and Atkinson, respectively.

Beavon, who had played the full ninety minutes against Sutton Coldfield at the weekend, offered something different going forward, throwing himself into aerial duels and often coming out on top.

The substitution turned out to be a fruitful one for the Sports, as in the 74th minute, Beavon found the back of the net to level the game for his side and open his account for the season.
It came from a corner, as Dwayne Wiley flicked the ball on with his head, and Beavon rose the highest to head it past Belford and finally breach what had been a stubborn Coleshill backline.
With 15 minutes to go, the Sports began to set their sights on a late winner, something that was becoming a trademark of their season. A masked Manni Norkett also entered the field, looking to leave his mark on the match.

All the momentum was in the Sports’ direction as they tried to find the winner, but time was running out quickly. However, just before injury time, Mickleover would go down to ten men. A challenge seemingly sparked a reaction out of Hickingbottom, a reaction that the referee deemed worthy of a red card, as the substitute’s evening came to a premature end.

With six minutes of injury time, Mickleover were ultimately unable to find the winning goal as the points were shared on the evening. It was a game that the Sports may feel like they could have won, but nevertheless it is another point added to their tally. A tough FA Cup tie against Halesowen Town now awaits them at the weekend.

 

by Peter Scherer

Tuesday evening sees a rare return to league action when we host Coleshill Town, following our ongoing FA Cup and FA Trophy successes.

Our visitors have just the one win under their belts so far and went down 1-3 at home to Rugby Borough last Saturday, leaving them 17th in the table after seven games.

We are already seeing the benefits of a large squad here at Mickleover, with injury enforced changes, particularly in defence.

It was good to see Charlie Hickingbottom finally make his seasonal debut as a second half sub last Saturday

In the equivalent fixture in January we shared a 1-1 draw with our visitors, thanks to a Manni Norkett goal, having gone down 1-3 earlier in the season away from home.

Manager Harry Harris took over as manager at the start of last season, having previously been in charge at Walsall Wood and briefly at Hednesford.

Goalkeeper Cameron Belford is vastly experienced, having played over 200 Leagues One and Two games in England and Scotland. He started at Coventry City and was loaned to Tamworth before moving to Bury. He was then loaned to Worcester City, Southend Utd and Accrington, before returning to Tamworth in July 2013.

Mansfield, Swindon, Stranraer and Forest Green are among his later stays and three years at Stafford Rangers before joining our visitors at the start of last season.

Alex Graham is currently Belford’s deputy, signed after a successful pre-season trial, he recently made his debut when Belford was suspended.

Right back Ben Usher-Shipway arrived from Boldmere St.Michael’s at the start of 24/25. He started at Boldmere before a spell at Solihull Moors, who then loaned him to Alvechurch, Sutton Coldfield and Stourbridge. He then returned to Boldmere September 2023 after a year at Leamington.

Defender Taylor Carter-Byrne is the club captain in his second spell with the club. He left to join Hednesford in June 2022, but returned after a few months.

Defender Dan Brookes arrived from Lye Town in July 2024 and took the Players Player of the Year, supporters and managers player of the season awards in his first season.

Left back Callum Witts is currently on loan from Hereford Utd. He’s a former Coventry City youngster.

Tyreace Brown started as a defender in the Northampton Academy. He moved on to play for Rushden & Diamonds, Alvechurch, Barwell, Highgate Utd, Lye Town, Romulus, Atherstone, Walsall Wood and Worcester City and joined our visitors in July last year.

Harry Sweeney is a defender that has become part of our visitors squad over the last two seasons.

Experienced centre back George Cleet was initially a West Bromwich Albion junior. After loans at Worcester and Hednesford, he went to Halesowen on his release. Sutton Coldfield was his next stop, followed by Highgate Utd and he joined our visitors in November 2025 from Boldmere.

Joe Fitzpatrick is a midfielder, who arrived in July last year. An ex Wolves youngster, he joined Mansfield Town on his release, where he made three first team appearances and was loaned to Sutton Coldfield. He then moved on to Worcester City, Telford, Boston Utd, Hednesford, Halesowen, Walsall Wood and Cradley Town.

Mason Rees is a midfielder signed from Stafford Rangers last February. He started out at Wolves, before joining Rushall following his release. He’s played for Boldmere too.

Midfielder Louie Webb was on loan from Walsall last season and has made his stay permanent this term.

Lewis Allison is a midfielder too, signed in October 2025 from Boldmere St.Michaels, while fellow midfielder Bassit Mandey joined the club in November 2024.

Daniel Gyasi is a former Stourbridge and Redditch striker in his third season at Coleshill. He has also played for Boldmere and Sutton Coldfield.

Currently on a dual registration with Alvechurch, Will Marshall arrived in pre-season and can play midfield or striker.

Callum Coyle is a recently arrived midfielder on dual registration with Racing Club Warwick. He has spent much of his career at Solihull Moors, which included loans with Sutton Coldfield, Romulus, Nuneaton, Halesowen and Grantham, before joining Stafford Rangers in 2020 following his release. Rushall, Stratford, and a return trip to Stafford followed, before joining Warwick in December 2024.

Striker Tristan Dunkley was signed from Shepshed Dynamo in October 2025. A junior at Birmingham City, he moved onto Loughborough Dynamo, Hednesford and Halesowen, before arriving at Solihull Moors. He soon moved on again to Rushall, Tamworth, Alvechurch, Barwell, Corby and Bedworth, before joining Shepshed at the start of 24/25.

Fellow striker Joey Butlin signed from Chasetown in pre-season. An ex Walsall Junior, he was loaned to Solihull Moors before joining Hednesford on his release. Stays at Walsall Wood, Hereford and Rushall followed, before spending the two years at Chasetown, his third spell at the club.

Charlie Manners is another striker, signed on a couple of weeks ago from Boldmere St.Michaels.

Luke Benbow is a striker too, a pre-season signing dual registered with Rushall. He’s had a number of spells at Solihull and in between he’s played for Stourbridge, Hednesford and Nuneaton. He spent last season at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Kick off at the Vibrant Doors Arena is 7.45, so come and help us get three more points on the board, before returning to FACup action at Halesowen on Saturday.

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

A second-half strike from Kane Richards was enough to ensure Mickleover’s FA Trophy Campaign would live on as the Sports came from behind to defeat Sutton Coldfield Town.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-Darryl Powell 3-Sam Sanders 4-Josh Ashman 5- Hamza Bencherif 6-George Wilkinson 7-Andy Dales 8-Cieron Keane 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Kane Richards 11-Theo Rowe

Subs: Manni Norkett, Charlie Hickingbottom, Jude Taylor, Josh Carter, Will Atkinson

It was the visitors who came out of the blocks the quicker of the two sides, as they looked to get on the front foot from the first whistle. Sutton Coldfield were looking particularly threatening down the wing as Luca Taylor, brother of Jude, looked to be causing some issues.

Down the other end of the pitch, Mickleover were struggling to remain on the ball for a prolonged period of time, not allowing them to create anything of genuine threat. The closest the hosts came in the opening 15 minutes was through a first-time effort from Cieron Keane that was struck with some force, but rose too quickly.

The Sports’ first effort on target came from Hamza Bencherif, heading the ball towards goal and forcing Brandon Ganley into action. Kane Richards picked up the rebound and rifled an effort that was deflected behind for a corner.

Whilst the backline was generally dealing with the Sutton Coldfield attacks well, the visitors were passing the ball around well; the opening goal did feel like it was on its way for the visitors.

The breakthrough was inches away from being made by Sutton Coldfield in the 24th minute as the bar was struck before Aaron Chapman was called into action, denying a long-range effort from James McGrady.

McGrady would have his say on proceedings in the 32nd minute, driving through the centre of the pitch before playing a beautifully weighted pass through to Kory Burke, who slotted calmly past Chapman to give the visitors the lead.

It was deserved for Sutton Coldfield, who had enjoyed the large majority of attacks in this first-half. However, this lead turned out to be an extremely short-lived one.

A venture forward from Mickleover led to Andy Dales being fouled in the box, as the referee pointed to the spot. It was Cieron Keane who stepped up to take the spot kick, making no mistake in his finish with a thunderbolt of an effort into the right side of goal.

The teams would enter the break deadlocked. Sutton Coldfield had enjoyed the better share of play, but ultimately Mickleover had held out and got their equaliser as the momentum may well have taken a turn at the Vibrant Doors Arena.

The Sports came out with much more attacking intent in the second half, looking to get forward from the first whistle. The first real chance for the hosts to take the lead came as Dales drove forward before laying the ball off to Theo Rowe. The effort looked destined for the far corner, but Ganley got low to tip the ball beyond the far post and out for a corner kick.

Mickleover were looking the more threatening of the two sides now and made good with this statement on the hour mark as they gained the ascendancy in this tie.

It was a brilliantly worked goal from the home side, with the ball eventually ending up at the feet of Rowe on the wing, who fizzed a wonderful pass across goal towards an onrushing Kane Richards.

Mickleover’s number ten on the day fired the ball into the back of the net, making it two goals in two games for himself and completing the turnaround for his side.

The home side were the team firmly in control now as the central areas were being covered well by the likes of Cieron Keane and Josh Ashman, who was enjoying a brilliant performance in this one following his return to midfield against Stamford last week.

There was another return for Sports fans to be happy about in the 70th minute as Charlie Hickingbottom entered the field to help Mickleover see out what was left of the game.

As the game progressed, more players were introduced off the bench, including Will Atkinson and Jude Taylor, ready to face his brother.

Both teams had chances in the latter stages; Chapman was on form in this one, ensuring the result was not going to fall out of the Sports’ favour. The hosts even had the chance to wrap it up late on, but the effort was fired over the bar by Norkett.

But Richards’ goal was once again enough to ensure the victory for Mickleover as the Sports will now enter the hat for the third qualifying round of the competition. But now it is all eyes on Tuesday when they play host to Coleshill Town in the NPL Midlands Division.

 

by Peter Scherer

From FA Cup success at Stamford last Saturday it’s now back to FA Trophy action, as we welcome Sutton Coldfield Town to the Vibrant doors Arena.

It was good to have our first choice back four together again with both Hamza Bencherif and Dwayne Wiley back from injury, but there are still a number of players on out casualty list.

Our visitors are second in the league on goal difference, having won all five of their matches so far. Their only defeat was in the FA Cup, going down 1-3 at home to Coventry Utd. In the opening round of the FA Trophy they travelled to Worcester Raiders for a 2-1 victory.

Jemiah Richards has been in charge since last October, having previously been at Sporting Khalsa and after drawing 2-2 at home to them last season in the league, we went down 0-4 in the return.

James Wren is first choice goalkeeper and assistant manager. He started out with Walsall, before joining Burton Albion following his release. He then moved on to Tamworth, who also loaned him to Redditch, before visiting Barwell, Nuneaton and Stafford Rangers.

He first joined our visitors in 2025, moving to Hednesford two years later. Stourbridge, Walsall Wood and Rushall followed, before returning to Sutton in July 2024 from Chasetown.

Wren’s deputy is teenager Joe Bisseker, who has comes through the clubs own youth scheme.

Right back Tom Hurley came through Sutton’s own youth scheme. He made his first team debut at 16 and also had a spell at Wolverhampton Casuals before rejoining our visitors.

Ayo Lekuti also plays left back or midfield. He was signed at the start of last season from Rugby Town after starting his career at Northampton Town. He’s also played for Bromsgrove Sporting and Lye Town.

Captain and centre back James Beresford is another home produced and long serving player. He has been with the club for 10 years.

Luke McGinnell is a defender who arrived in July 2024 from Chasetown. He has also played for Loughborough Dynamo.

Centre back Archie Duerden had recently returned to the club from Worcester after impressing at the end of last season on a dual registration from Bromsgrove. He’s a former Aston Villa Junior.

Zak Kourouyianni is a centre back too, signed from Sporting Khalsa in pre-season.

Left back Matthew Jackson was signed from Droitwich Spa after impressing in pre-season trials.

Remie Birch is a midfielder signed initially in August 2023. He also had a spell at Romulus before returning to our visitors.

Jayden Campbell is a right sided midfielder who started out at Walsall. He joined Rushall following his release, before spending two years at Chasetown. He joined our visitors in July 2025 after spending last season with Sporting Khalsa.

Ryan Edmunds came from Bromsgrove in February 2023. Another midfielder, he started at Alvechurch and played for Rushall, Boldmere and Stafford before joining Sutton initially July 2015. After two seasons he moved to Coleshill, followed by Nuneaton, Redditch and Bromsgrove, preceded his return to Sutton.

Reece Gibson is an experienced and long serving midfielder and has captained the side too. James McGrady is another midfielder, previously at Sporting Khalsa.

Midfielder James McQuilkin was signed at the start of this season. A former West Bromwich Albion youngster, capped by Northern Ireland at Under 11, 19 and 21, he played for FC Zlin in Croatia, before returning to the UK with Hereford.

He’s played for Walsall, Hednesford, Torquay, Kidderminster, Telford and Stourbridge too and spent the last two seasons at Stafford Rangers.

Courtney Richards is a midfielder recently signed from Bewdley Town. A former Coventry City and Brighton junior, he spent three years at Torquay following his release, before moving on to Macclesfield, Solihull, Nuneaton, Braintree, Wulfruninans and Alvechurch. Stratford, Bromsgrove, Hednesford and Worcester followed, and finally a three-year say at Bewdley.

Winger Luca Taylor made his debut last season, before leaving on US Scholarship. However he has now returned to our visitors.

Aaron Cameron is one of the new signings, arriving pre-season from Highgate Utd, he’s a midfielder too.

Striker Kory Burke started last season with Sutton, before leaving for Boldmere St.Michaels. He returned last month. He’s played for Bedworth too.

Bakar Moussa is a young winger who had come through the clubs youth scheme. He’s had time with Stafford Town too.

Kick off is at 3pm, let’s give the lads loads of support and see them into the next round.

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

A late strike from Kane Richards ensured Mickleover’s FA Cup journey lived in a much-improved performance after Monday’s grounding defeat against Loughborough Students

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Andy Dales 8-Josh Ashman 9-Manni Norkett 10-Jude Taylor 11-Theo Rowe Subs: Kane Richards, Jack McDowell, Darryl Powell, Yerim Zoko, Stuart Beavon.

It was fair to say that the Sports got on top of possession from the first whistle, as they had their first opportunity just five minutes in through Andy Dales. The ball fell invitingly on the edge of the box for the winger to strike first time, his effort curling away from the goal and drifting narrowly wide of the top right corner.

Stamford were struggling to create anything of note in the opening stages as any long ball was dealt with by a tall Mickleover backline, boosted by the return of Dwayne Wiley, who slotted back into the starting lineup nicely after a period on the sidelines.

A lot of Mickleover’s attacking play in the first half came down the left side of the pitch as Andy Dales continued to be at the heart of the offence. Stamford were allowing him to cut inside at will in the early stages.

The winger came particularly close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute, cutting inside and curling an effort from the edge of the box towards the bottom right corner. It certainly had John Swales in the Stamford goal concerned, but it bounced just past the far post.

The momentum was certainly in the Sports’ favour come the half-hour mark as their opponents had generated very little of any threat and the deeper midfield duo of Will Atkinson and Josh Ashman were putting in a solid display in the central areas.

Five minutes before the break, Mickleover had their best chance of the game so far once again falling in the path of Andy Dales. Having spent much of the opening 45 minutes in Stamford’s half, Mickleover were camped in the final third.

George Wilkinson floated an inviting cross from the right over towards the back post where Dales was lurking. The winger was gifted some space due to some poor marking from Stamford but could not guide his headed effort on target.

It had been a good half from the Sports, a much improved performance from Bank Holiday Monday, but ultimately, the teams would enter the break level as the deadlock remained to be broken.

Whilst Stamford began the second half with a bit more of a spring in their step, the Sports’ defence remained solid. The full-backs were quick to dispose of any threat whilst Wiley remained switched on and always seemed to be in the right areas.

Another man experiencing a much more enjoyable afternoon was Josh Ashman, back in midfield having filled in at the backline throughout the absences of Wiley and Bencherif. He looked comfortable on the ball and added a strong presence in the centre of the pitch.

Just prior to the hour mark, the Sports introduced their first change of the afternoon as Manni Norkett made way for Stuart Beavon as Mickleover continued to hunt for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Beavon did cause some issues going forward, throwing himself into every aerial duel with that relentlessness that serves him so well, winning the ball on multiple occasions in advanced areas.

Sam Sanders came close in the 65th minute as the ball fell to him following a scramble in the box. It was a tough effort for the left-back, who had to strike the ball on the swivel; the effort rose over the bar.

Cieron Keane was the next substitute to be introduced for Mickleover as Will Atkinson made way.

Some neat passes were being played and very nearly led to the first goal of the afternoon as Dales and Beavon linked up wonderfully before the ball was eventually played across to Jude Taylor, who could not guide the ball towards the goal.

The Sports did ride their luck at times in the game, none more so than when Aaron Chapman failed to clear the ball after coming off his line, leaving Stamford with an open goal to fire at; the effort was off target as Mickleover were off the hook.

Kane Richards came on for Jude Taylor with fifteen minutes left to play and very nearly scored the opener five minutes later. Keane fired a low free kick into the box; Richards stretched to get to it, but his effort went over the bar.

This game looked to be heading for a replay, but Richards was determined to leave his mark on this tie. In the 88th minute, a long ball over the top caused issues as the substitute snuck in front of his defender and remained strong before confidently slotting into the bottom left corner to give his side a late lead.

It was enough to secure Mickleover a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup as the Sports will now prepare for an FA Trophy clash against Sutton Coldfield.