by Peter Scherer

Back on the road again after last weekends home defeat to Hyde Utd, Mickleover face high scoring form team Stockton Town.

Our hosts are currently seventh in the table, following Tuesday nights 5-1 win at Bamber Bridge, following up on a 3-1 win at Warrington Rylands last Saturday too.

In the NPL their last win prior to the current run was back on August Bank Holiday, beating Whitby Town 2-0 at home.

Manager Michael Dunwell has been in charge since the summer of 2014, having previously been a player coach at the club and at Billingham Town.

Hopefully Sports are nearing the end of their injury list and will have close to a full squad to choose from, as they face the Stockton strike force, who have scored 10 goals in their last three matches, conceding two. Sports currently are 12^th.

First choice goalkeeper Nathan Harker was a junior at Newcastle Utd and was loaned to Blyth Spartans, before joining Scarborough on his release.

He played for Bedlington Terriers and Whickham too, before joining our hosts last January, after 10 months with Marske Utd.

His deputy is Elliott Stephenson is a former Sunderland youngster. A pre-season signing he has also played for Hartlepool and South Shields.

Right back Josh Baggs is another former Sunderland junior. He joined Seaham Star following his release and was also loaned out to Consett, before joining our hosts last January.

Centre back Tom Coulthard has been at Stockton for 12 years, having come through their own youth scheme. He made his first team debut at 17 and has a long standing defensive partnership with skipper Adam Nicholson.

6ft 5in Nicholson has been at the club even longer, having started his 15^th year. He came from local junior football and made his first team debut at 16. 

Lewis King is another defender and former Hartlepool junior, who was then picked up by Burnley. Following his release he moved to Spennymoor and came to Stockton in July 2019.

Midfielder Glen Butterworth was signed from Marske Utd in October 2022, after 10 years service.

Midfielder Shane Henry is in his fifth season with the club, since arriving from Spennymoor in July 2020.

Cam Painter is a defensive midfielder, signed from Blyth Spartans in July 2022. He was originally a youngster with Grimsby and went to Blyth on his release. He also had a short loan spell at Billingham Town.

Defender Arjun Purewal was a pre-season signing from Consett, where he had spent the last seven years, six as club captain. He was previously at Jarrow Roofing and has also played for Darlington, Durham City, Blyth Spartans, Whitby Town and Bishop Auckland.

Central midfielder Lewis Leech was another pre-season arrival from Whickham. He started out with Gateshead and was loaned to Benfield, before a permanent move to Marske Utd, where he started last season, before going to Whickham in February.

Owen Gallacher is striker capped by Scotland at Under 19 and 16 levels. He played Junior football with Newcastle City, Swallwell Swifts, Sunderland and Ryton Blacks, before joining Newcastle Utd. He quickly moved on to Nottingham Forest, who loaned him to Harrogate, before joining Burton Albion on his release. 

Crawley Town was his next stop, with a further loan at Gateshead, before moving to Grimsby, Spennymoor and finally Stockton in pre-season and has league one and two experience.

Fellow striker Stephen Thompson started his career at Middlesbrough, before joining Port Vale. After a loan at Telford he joined Durham City, before moving to Spennymoor, who loaned him to Marske, before arriving at Stockton in July 2022.

Michael Fowler is a striker too, having started his career with Sunderland and Burnley. He then moved on to Fleetwood Town, who loaned him to Guiseley, Bamber Bridge and FC Utd.

Striker Mikey Roberts arrived in July 2018 and has been North East based for the whole of his career. He has played for Guisborough Town, Spennymoor, Whitby Town and Marske Utd before joining our hosts.

He then crossed the Atlantic with Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, a US college team before returning to the UK six months later with Dunston UTS. He finally came to Stockton at the beginning of last season.

Josh Scott may be remembered by Mickleover fans, after a short loan spell from Mansfield back in 2021. He started his career at Hartlepool, before moving to Mansfield. As well as Mickleover, he was loaned to Basford and Frickley Athletic, before a permanent move to Morpeth. 

He only arrived at our visitors last week, from West Auckland, and has also played for Blyth Spartans and Marske Utd.

Michael Sweet is another striker, who has spent his whole career in the North East. From starting out at Gateshead, he was loaned to Darlington, before joining Billingham Synthonia. He has played for Consett and Blyth too, before a three-year spell at Shildon preceded his Stockton arrival in July 2023.

Elliott Beddow is another striker, signed from Thornaby in August 2022. He began his career at Billingham Town.

Striker Jack Spears came through or hosts own junior set-up and made his first team debut last November.

Thomas Birtles is another home-grown talent. A midfielder, he made his first team debut last November too.

Academy graduate Jacob Johnson signed his first contract during the summer. A midfielder, he is also dual registered with Guisborough Town.

Strikers Joe Kennedy and Sonni Coleman have also graduated via the clubs own youth scheme, Coleman having represented England Schools Under 18’s too.

Kick off as usual as 3pm and Anchors radio provide live commentary via https://anchors-radio.mixlr.com/

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

After Mickleover had battled back to level terms following a first half goal from Hyde Utd, they once again succumbed to a late goal.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Curtis Weston 5-Will Atkinson 6-Danny Benson 7-Dylan Edwards 8-Charlie Hickingbottom 9-Jahvan Davidson-Miller 10-Cieron Keane 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Andy Dales, Callum Moore, Brandon Ferron, George Taft, Stuart Beavon.

The visitors were quickly on the attack from the start, when Drew Baker led an attack in the first minute. Jack Redshaw then sent debutant Ewan Bange through a couple of minutes later, but Mersin made a great stop, charging off his line to spread his frame on the edge of the box.

Mersin was forced to make another save after 10 minutes, when Kershaw cracked a shot in following a corner, but even the Mickleover’s keepers heroics couldn’t stop Bange in the 14th minute. Harry Ditchfield had sent a ball Crossfield to Redshaw, who found Bange in the box for an easy tap in, 0-1.

It wasn’t long before Mersin was busy again, holding a long shot from Matt Fearnley, but 23 minutes in and it was Mickleover’s turn to go close, when Barnes’ effort went just wide of the right-hand post.

But Hyde continued to be strong in attack and Mersin was forced to punch another effort from Redshaw over the bar four minutes later, soon followed by a shot just wide from Baker, as Sports struggled to clear their lines.

But Mickleover went close again on the half hour, when Hickingbottom headed over from a Wilson free kick. 10 minutes later Hickingbottom was on the end of another Wilson free kick, but his shot went over from close range.

So 0-1 it was at half time but Sports made two changes, with Dales and Taft on for Davidson-Miller and Keane.

Early into the second half Dales’ pace started to challenge the visitors defence, he had a shot wide after 51 minutes and three minutes later another effort was deflected out.

But Mersin had been forced to make yet another save from Redshaw on is near post, before a spectacular overhead kick from Bange, rattled the Mickleover bar after 58 minutes.

Sports perseverance finally paid off though, when Benson got on the end of an Atkinson cross to force the equaliser in the 68th minute. 1-1.

Hyde continued to look dangerous as Mickleover sought to look after the valuable home point, but Jones-Griffiths had a shot blocked too.

Hickingbottom was yellow carded after 74 minutes and shortly afterwards replaced by Ferron. Hyde still had their eye on three points though and Mersin was forced to tip over again from an 83rd Connor Heath free kick.

A minute later though a long throw from Ditchfield was headed back in by Heath, finding Baker who fired home the winner into the bottom corner, 1-2.

Moore was a late sub for Edwards, but it was virtually all over with a disappointing home defeat. With another late goal proving costly. The last three games having lost a possible five points, which would have had Sports fourth in the table

Mickleover now drop to 11th in the table, with a trip to 12th place Stockton next Saturday.

 

by Peter Scherer

It’s back to NPL league action for Mickleover on Saturday, when we face a repeat of our opening game of the season against Hyde Utd.

After that 1-1 draw back in August, Nick Spooner’s side had four successive league wins, but apart from an FA Cup win against FC United, haven’t won since.

Currently ninth in the table, they have a game in hand over Sports and are one point behind.

Our vistors were sixth last season, just missing out on the play-off’s. Manager Spooner has been charge since February 2022, having previously coached at Halifax and Bolton Wanderers. 

First choice keeper Callum Hiddleston was a Sheffield Utd Junior. He joined Ossett in February following his release and was one of the pre-season arrivals at Hyde.

Centre back Harry Ditchfield is in his fourth season at the club, since his release from Salford City.  He has missed a number of recent games though through injury.

He is joined in the centre by pre-season signing Drew Baker. A former Manchester City, Crewe and Oldham youngster, Baker joined FC United on his release, but soon moved onto Fleetwood Town and has been loaned to Bohemians and Waterford in the Republic of Ireland. 

He has played in League One and the League of Ireland, and following his release from Fleetwood, he finished last season at Macclesfield.

Left back Lewis Thompson is a former Northern Ireland International at Under 16 and 21, having started his career at Manchester Utd. He moved on to Blackburn Rovers and made a number of league two appearances. He was also loaned to FC Utd and Fylde, before joining Scunthorpe on his release.

He has also played for Spennymoor and Bamber Bridge, before joining Atherton Collieries at the start of this season. He came to Hyde at the end of last month.

Midfielder Jordan Scanlon was a pre-season arrival from Atherton Collieries. He started at Rochdale, but after loans at Ashton Utd and Ramsbottom, he started last season at Atherton following his release.

English born midfielder Matt Fearnley has spent most of his recent past in the USA, where he played for Flint City Bucks and Georgia State Panthers. He joined our visitors in January last year on his return to the UK.

Sonny Whittingham is a midfielder and a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy, after they picked him up from Bradford City. He had already been loaned to Bury, when he first came to Hyde as a loanee in October 2022. He returned permanently at the start of last season.

Winger, striker or midfielder Harry Bunn is vastly experienced with over 200 league games under his belt, through the Championship, leagues one and two and the Scottish Premiership.

He started off with Manchester City and was loaned out to Rochdale, Preston, Oldham, Crewe, Sheffield Utd and Huddersfield, before being sold to Bury in 2017. After a loan at Southend he was released and headed  to Scotland with Kilmarnock, before moving on via York City, Scunthorpe, Buxton and Ashton Utd, moving to Hyde at the start of last season. 

Striker Jack Redshaw is another long server, having come from Ashton Utd in July 2022. He is another ex Manchester City youngster, who made a successful career through leagues one and two. His first move was Rochdale, followed by stays at Salford, Altrincham and Morecambe, and then Blackpool, who loaned him back to Rochdale.

Salford, Halifax and York City followed, before he arrived at Ashton Utd. He was then loaned to Chester before joining our visitors.

Fellow striker Connor Heath arrived pre-season from Southport. After starting at Crewe, he had loans at Witton Albion and Colwyn Bay, before joining Nantwich on his release. After a  loan at Farsley he joined Southport in October 2022 and was loaned back to Nantwich and Stafford Rangers too, where he ended last season.

Joe Amado is a defender who came from Atherton at the start of last season. He played for Warrington, Trafford and Irlam too.

Midfielder Jake Maltby was another new arrival this season, having spent last season at Silsden. He was previously at Bradford Park Avenue.

Ben Kershaw is a midfielder too and former Stoke City Junior, who started out in Rochdale’s Academy.

Midfielder Ayo Quadri was at Hyde on a dual registration with Halifax at the end of last season and has now made the move permanent.

Fellow midfielder Shakeel Jones-Griffiths was on a dual registration too last season with Prestwich Heys. An ex Bolton Junior, he has played for Glossop North, Congleton and Bury.

Jay Glover only arrived from Matlock at the end of last month. Another midfielder, he started out at Sheffield Wednesday and was loaned to Belper Town, Gainsborough and Spennymoor, before starting this season at Matlock following his release.

Former Oldham Athletic junior striker Collins Kagame was only signed last week, following his release.

Experienced striker Ewan Bange has arrived only his week, on loan from Radcliffe. The former Blackpool Junior had loans at Bamber Bridge, Telford, FC United and Queen of the South, before going to Radcliffe in January 2023 following his release.

Finally defenders Joe Ashton and Joe O’Toole are also recent arrivals, on loan from Burnley and Bolton Wanderers respectively.

Kick off is 3pm at the Don Amott Arena and remember, “WHEN THE RAMS ARE AWAY…………”

by Peter Scherer (Images by Steve Ingers)

For the second time this season Mickleover left Leek Town as winners, this time in the FA Trophy.

Starting line-up: 1.Yusuf Mersin 2.Jake Bennett 3.Ryan Wilson 4.Curtis Weston 5.Danny Benson 6.Will Atkinson 7.Dylan Edwards 8.Charlie Hickinbottom 9.Stuart Beavon 10.Ceiron Keane 11.Marcus Barnes. Subs: Fin Ryder, Callum Moore, Brandon Ferron, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, George Taft.

Only two minutes in and Beavon went close to opening the scoring for Mickleover, with a close range shot just wide of the left hand post. 10 minutes later Barnes went close too, collecting a long through ball from Beavon, his looping shot was just wide of the left hand post. Sports were looking far more dominant than in their August visit and continued to keep the hosts on the defensive.

A Wilson free kick was comfortably collected by keeper Visser as it rebounded off the wall after 14 minutes, but Mickleover were forced to make an early change. Beavon had taken an earlier knock and was replaced by Davidson-Miller after 28 minutes.

Visser was in action again with a 31st minute tip over, following an excellent distance shot from Keane. Bennett then found Wilson, but his fairly tame shot was easily taken by Visser.

Mickleover were continuing to dominate and Keane’s charge down the left found Edwards in space after 35 minutes, but his effort failed to trouble Visser too and was cleared.

Barnes tried to test the keeper again three minutes later, but the final effort was straight at him and it remained 0-0 as the half time whistle went.
The second half started in a similar vain after Edwards sent Barnes on a run into the box 55 minutes in. His effort was blocked though but earned a corner.
Mickleover finally got the break two minutes later, when Edwards was brought down in the box his namesake Liam. The penalty was buried in the bottom corner well out if Visser’s reach 1-0.

Davidson-Miller then led a break down the left, finding Edwards as he cut inside, but the final shot was saved again. Onyeka led a rare attack for Leek after 67 minutes, but his shot was well held by Mersin.

Ferron and Taft came on for Davidson-Miller and Weston, before Barnes almost snatched a second for Mickleover. He had run on to a long ball over the top, beat the centre back but fired just wide of the right hand post.

Mersin made a decisive block from a late Leek attack, but the 1-0 win was secure as we look forward to the FA Trophy first round proper draw.

by Peter Scherer

For the second time this season, Mickleover will be visiting Leek Town on Saturday, but this time in the FA Trophy.

Memories of last years victory at Spennymoor and penalty shoot out defeat come flooding back, as Sports to make similar progress in this years competition.

Since our victory at Leek back in August, our hosts have only had one league victory, 2-1 at Matlock and, until they beat Lancaster City 2-0 last Tuesday’s, leaving them 18thin the table.

Mickleover have been close to two recent away wins andare currently sixth, following Tuesday’s draw at Warrington Rylands.

Manager Josh Brehaut took over at Leek at the beginning of last season, having previously been joint assistant. He has worked in Stoke City and Port Vale’s Academies and been assistant manager at Kidsgrove.

First choice goalkeeper Dino Visser started his career in his native South Africa, with Platinum Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, Back Leopards, Polokwane City, Santos and Cape Umoya, before coming to the UK with Exeter City in 2019 at the age of 30.

He quickly moved on via Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale, before joining Hereford in September 2022 and came to Leek last November.

His deputy is Xander Parke, a St.Kitts & Nevis International, who started out at Stoke City’s Academy. He joined Shrewsbury Town on his release and came to our hosts last October.

Conor Robson is a keeper too, a pre-signing Tranmere Rovers. He was a Stoke Junior and has also played for Trafford and Cammell

Right back Liam Buckley was signed from 1874 Northwich at the beginning of last season. Originally a Chester Junior, he has also played for Welsh Premiership side Cefn Druids.

Olly Harrison is a burly defender who started out at Crewe Alexandra. He went to Sweden with IKF Ostersund an first came to Leek in 2019.

Midfielder Tom Scully unusually played for both Liverpool and Everton at youth level, before a two year stay at Norwich City.  He then moved to Accrington, before crossing the Irish sea on loan at Carrick Rangers. Following his release from Accrington he joined Nantwich, before switching to Leek at the start of last season.

Winger Alex Hurst started at Crewe Alexandra too, and joined Matlock Town following his release. He moved on to Bradford Park Avenue and Port Vale, before loaned back to Bradford. Next stop was York City, before ending last season at Macclesfield. He has league two experience and came to Leek pre-season.

Midfielder Brendon Daniels s a former England C player, who has played in leagues one and two. He was another player to start out at Crewe, before playing at Under 21 level with both Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers.

He was to Chester following his release, moving on to Tamworth, Harrogate Town, Fylde, Alfreton and Port Vale, with loans at Altrincham and Telford before joining Stourbridge on his release. He had a brief loan at Mickleover last season and was a pre-season signing for Leek.

Midfielder Nathan Okome is fairly new arrival. He started at Knutsford, before moving to 1874 Northwich, Hanley Town and Chorley, followed by loans at Witton Albion, Matlock and Glossop, before starting last season at Nantwich.

Fellow midfielder Ty Webster came from Crewe too, he played for Telford last season and was another pre-season arrival for our hosts.

Central midfielder Adam Porter is another Stoke City Junior, who arrived at the end of August from Truro City. He was on loan at Leek back in 2019 and Altrincham, before going to Salford City following his release. He was then loaned to Truro City and Ashton, before a permanent move to Truro, where he spent the whole of last season.

Lucas Weir is another midfielder. His junior football was spent at Chester and Wigan before going to 1874 Northwich. He spent some time in the US with Evansville Purple Aces, before returning to Northwich. After spending 22/23 at Marine, he returned to Northwich for a third time last season, and was another pre-season arrival at Leek.

Central midfielder Ollie Shenton is a former Stoke City Junior. He was loaned to Wrexham and Kidderminster before going to Chorley on his release. He was then loaned to Warrington Rylands, before joining the pre-season newcomers at Leek.

Defender Liam Edwards is another pre-season signing. A former Stoke City youngster, he moved to Bolton on his release and captained their Under 21 side. He was then loaned to Southport and made six first team appearances at Bolton, before going to Chester after his release.

Midfielder Billy Reeves returned to our hosts for a second time, when he signed pre-season from Bury. A former Port Vale youngster, he originally came from Stafford Rangers in September 2018, but moved to Bootle last summer, before making the move to Bury.

Striker Tim Grice came from Stoke City’s Academy, before joining Wolstanton Utd and Alsager Town. He is the clubs longest serving player have signed from Eccleshall in 2011.

Striker Joe Woolley came in pre-season from Kidsgrove Athletic. He had joined them at the start of last season after eight seasons at 1874 Northwich and has also played for Bootle.

Tyreece Onyeka is another new arrival, from Stafford Rangers. Another Crewe Junior, he was loaned to Matlock and Stalybridge, before going to Staford on his release.

Tom Curl is a right back and another former Stoke City Junior. A fairly new arrival, who has become established in the starting line-up.

Defender Taylor McMahon is on a dual registration with Irlam Town. He started off at Stoke City and moved on to Stafford Rangers, before joining Stockport County. He also had a loan spell at Staybridge last season.

Left back Ollie Heywood has recently returned to Leek on loan from Chester. He has spent most of his career at Chester and came to our hosts on loan last December, after an earlier loan at Northwich, but started this season on loan at Hanley Town.

Striker Dara McGuinness is a Republic of Ireland Under 16, 18 and 19 International, currently on loan from Stoke City. He started out with St.Patrick’s Athletic, before a two year spell at Shamrock Rovers.

Join us at the F.Ball Community Stadium, kick off 3.00pm

YOUR SUPPORT WOULD BE WELCOMED to see Sports in the hat for the next round.

by Peter Scherer (Photo: John Hopkins)

Despite being two goals up at Warrington Rylands last night, Mickleover came away with a 2-2 draw.

Starting line-up: 1.Yusuf Mersin 2.Jake Bennett 3.Ryan Wilson 4.Charlie Hickinbottom 5.Danny Benson 6.George Taft 7.Dylan Edwards 8.Will Atkinson 9.Stuart Beavon 10.Andy Dales 11.Marcus Barnes. Subs. Justin Iwobi, Fin Ryder, Brandon Ferron, Jahvan Davidson-Miller.

Mersin hada busy night in the Mickleover goal, starting after just six minutes, with a save from Hardcastle, before Smith’s rebound was just wide of the left hand post.

But three minutes later Sports went 1-0 up, with Beavon latching on to a long ball over the top, to lob keeper Hurst into the left hand top corner.

It got even better when Dales cut inside to bury goal number two into the bottom right corner at close range. 2-0.
But from the 20 minute mark the hosts began a forceful fightback, with Mersin saving from Hardcastle again, following a corner.

It was Hardcastle threatening again after 26 minutes. His powerful strike from the right was held by Mersin at the second attempt.

The pressure continued to build when Daniel cut inside five minutes later, but his clear chance went high and wide.
Daniel fired another shot over the bar, before Mersin’s diving save after 35 minutes, kept out Hardcastle’s long range effort.

Mersin saved again from Hardcastle after 43 minutes, before Adeokya finally netted for Rylands 2-1.
There were appeals for a Mickleover penalty in time added on, after Edwards went down. These were ignored and so it stayed 2-1 at half time.

Sports made changes with Ferron and Davidson-Miller on for Edwards and Beavon, but Mersin was soon busy again.
He had already made multiple saves before Daniel went close again after 54 minutes.

Ryder came on for Taft and Wilson had a random shot after 63 minutes, well off target.

The equaliser finally came from Lonsdale after 66 minutes, but the hosts went close again with two minutes of normal time left, when Adekoya’s shot was deflected for a corner.

A solid away point, but for the second successive game it could have been three.

 

by Peter Scherer

Following the disappointment of last Saturday’s draw at Bamber Bridge, Mickleover will be hoping to add to their away successes when they visit struggling Warrington Rylands on Tuesday night. 

With just one win so far away at Morpeth back in August, they recently parted company with manager Mark Duffy and have appointed ex FC United boss Neil Reynolds.

Fresh from their FA Cup defeat at home to Scarborough last Saturday, our hosts will be looking to add to the solitary home point gained so far this season, in a 1-1 draw with FC United.

Goalkeeper Luke Pilling has played for Wales at Under 17,19,20 and 21 and arrived from Telford in January 2023. He started out at Tranmere, who loaned him to Ashton Utd, before going to Notts County on his release. His next stop was Stafford Rangers, before spending a year at Telford.

Centre back and captain James Neild started off at Curzon Ashton, before moving on to Hyde Utd and New Mills. He came to Rylands in January 2022, after 16 months at Trafford.

Fellow centre back Matty Regan played for England at Under 16,17& 18 levels. A former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest youngster, he joined Tamworth on his release, who loaned him to Hednesford and Worcester City before he moved on to Stalybridge.

Next stop was Curzon Ashton, followed by Ashton Utd, Farsley Celtic and Warrington. He then spent a year at Ashton Utd, before joining our hosts at the start of last season.

Left back Dylan Dwyer was a pre-season signing, following his release from Wigan Athletic. He also played for Fleetwood, The New Saints and Tranmere, before joining Wigan in August 2022.

Clive Smith is a right back capped at under 17 & 19 levels for Wales. He started at Preston North, who loaned him to St.Johnstone, before a permanent move to Southport. Droylsden, Atherton and FC United followed, he returned to Atherton in September 2022. He has been with our hosts since July last year.

Right back James Baillie played his junior football at Crewe Alexandra, who loaned to Nantwich, before joining Curzon Ashton. He has played for Warrington too and joined our hosts at the start of last season from Ashton Utd.

Midfielder Cameron Rooney was a pre-season signing, following his release from Morecambe. During his time with the Shrimps, he was loaned to Runcorn Linnets, Nantwich and Lower Breck.

Dean Furman has 55 caps for South Africa under his belt. A central midfielder, he started at Radlett before joining Chelsea. He was loaned to Glasgow Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers, before going back to South Africa with SuperSport Utd

After returning to the UK with Carlisle, he was at Altrincham, before joining Rylands in August 2022 and has well over 400 senior games under his belt.

Ben Hough is another central midfielder. He started at Oldham Athletic and played Warrington and Ashton too, before joining our hosts in July 2023.

Striker Ntumba Masanka was a pre-season arrival. He played junior football with both Manchester United and City, before a move to Burnley. Loans at York City, Morecambe, Wrexham, Dover Athletic and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium, before going to Chorley following his release.

He then moved to ASD Angelana in Italy, before joining South Shields on his UK return. More loans at Stalybridge, Boston Utd and Stafford followed, before he signed for Macclesfield. Six months with Digenis Akritas Morfou in Cyprus followed, before ending last season back at Stalybridge.

Striker Sam Burns came through Blackburn Rovers youth scheme. He made 15 league starts and was loaned to FC United and Scunthorpe, before joining Panachaiki GE in Greece. Back in the UK he was at Bootle and Bury, before coming to Rylands last March.

Midfielder Ben Hardcastle signed from Atherton Collieries in summer of 2023. He originally signed for Colls in 2014 from neighbours Atherton LR before joining Ashton United in December 2019. 

Centre back Aaron Pickles had league two experience. He started at Accrington and was loaned to Glossop a couple of season ago, before starting another with Rylands at the start of the season.

Striker Jake Daniels is on loan from Blackpool, and has also had spells at Bamber Bridge and Bradford Park Avenue.

Luke Porter, Liam Morris and Dana Amaral have also been starters recently.

Kick off 7.45.

by Peter Scherer (Photography: Steve Ingers)

Just as Mickleover looked to be cruising to a comfortable 2-0 win at Bamber Bridge, two late goals from Lucas Weaver salvaged a point for the hosts.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Charlie Hickingbottom 5-Danny Benson 6- George Taft 7-Dylan Edwards 8- Cieron Keane 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Fin Ryder, Kieren Flavell, Justin Iwobi, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Callum Moore.

It was flying start for the hosts, going close twice in the first five minutes. Firstly Baxter was left in space, but his shot struck the right hand post, before Potts shot wide after three minutes.

Then only two minutes later Weaver fired in a low shot after getting around the back of the defence, but his effort was just wide of the left-hand post.

Sports came into the game with Wilson having a crack after 13 minutes, closely followed Edwards firing over, after a through ball from Beavon.

Beavon then went close himself 25 minutes in, beating the offside trap, his shot was palmed away by keeper Pradic. Only a minute later Dales went 1 on 1, trying to chip the keeper, his shot was just beyond the right-hand post.

But Bamber Bridge came back fighting too, with Danny Edwards firing over the bar, before Barnes charged free and tried to lob Pradic. It was just wide to, but then Edwards fired inn another shot just over.

31 minutes and Potts looked set to open the scoring for the hosts after a great ball from Churchman, until a fumble left his tamer than expected effort firmly in Sports keeper Mersin’s hands.

Dales tried a long shot after 43 minutes, deflected for a corner by Grand and so the half time whistle blew and remained 0-0.

Bamber Bridge started the second half on the attack, with Potts finding Edwards. He picked out Baxter in space, who fed Weaver, but the result was a corner.

Finally the deadlock was broken after 54 minutes when a Beavon header came back off the bar, and Barnes was on hand to slot it home, 1-0.

Two minutes later Keane nearly made it two, but Pradic saved and set up a Bamber counter attack, which ended with Weaver overrunning the ball.

Churchman shot wide for the hosts after a 58th minute free kick, but on the hour Sports skipper Wilson made it 2-0, beating Pradic to fire home his free kick into the top left-hand corner.

Wilson went close again with another free kick only five minutes later, before Edwards’ follow up header went over. Hasler-Creg tried a shot easily taken by Mersin, just before Iwobi came on for Edwards after 74 minutes.

Mersin was in action again after 79 minutes with a terrific save from Potts’ close range effort and the Iwobi had a good chance of a Mickleover third, but shot over from close range.

Into the last 10 minutes Mickleover were on the defensive with Potts making a header only just off target after 88 minutes. 

Sports defence weren’t so fortunate at the end of the 90 minutes, when Weaver outpaced the defence and placed his shot over Mersin, 2-1.

Five minutes into time added on and it got worse, when a great cross from Broadbank found Weaver unmarked on the back post, and from 2-0 and was 2-2 with final whistle blowing. 

“They had the first 10 minutes and hit the post, but from then it was all us. I’m angry and frustrate, as we deserved a lot more. Then two sloppy errors costs us another win on the run,” said manager Gareth Holmes.

 

by Peter Scherer

This weekend Mickleover face another in form team, as we head up the M6 to Bamber Bridge.

Sports have a few injury niggles to sort out before the weekend, but should hopefully have virtually a full squad to choose from, as they go for a second successive win.

After a win at Whitby on the opening day of the season, our hosts went six games without a repeat, but have now won their last three, at home to Prescot and away to Workington and Warrington Rylands.

They also went out of the FA Cup to Newton Aycliffe after a replay and penalties.

Teenager Nicholas Michalski had been first choice goalkeeper for Jamie Milligan’s side, until the recent arrival of fellow teen James Pradic. 

Michalski is an Under 16 and 17 International on loan from Blackburn Rovers, whereas Pradic is a loanee too from Preston North End, and capped by Wales at Under 16,17,18 and 19 levels.

Pradic started out at Charlton Athletic and his current loan is his third with our hosts.

Simon Grand is a vastly experienced centre back, having played in Leagues One and Two. He started out with Rochdale, before moving on to Carlisle Utd, Grimsby Town, Morecambe, Northwich and Fleetwood.

After loans at Mansfield and Aldershot, he made a permanent move to Southport, but was soon on the move again via Telford, Barrow, Salford, Fylde, Chester and Charnock Richard. He started last season with Lancaster City and joined our hosts last January.

Centre back Will Squires was a pre-season arrival, having started his career with Blackpool. He spent part of last season on loan at Bamber Bridge, as well as spells with Southport and Hyde., before being released by the Seasiders in the summer.

Finlay Wallbank is another young centre back. He started at Preston, but spent last season with Workington, before joining the pre-season signings at Bamber Bridge.

Adam Dodd is a left back with experience in the Scottish League. He is another former Blackpool Junior who was loaned to Altrincham and Ayr Utd, before joining Chorley on his release. He first joined our hosts in January 2016, but after 3 ½ years moved onto FC United, but returned four years later to start last season.

Fellow left back Liam Brockbank was a pre-season signing from Altrincham. He was a junior at Carlisle, before joining Workington. Lancaster and Altrincham were his next stops, with loans at Gloucester City and Warrington Rylands.

Defensive midfielder Alex Kenyon made over 250 senior league two appearances, after starting his career with Everton. He joined Chorley following his release, before a three year stay with Stockport County. 

After moves to Morecambe and Scunthorpe, he went to Scotland with Ayr Utd, returning to England with Chester. He was at Curzon Ashton last season, before his pre-season move to our hosts.

Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews is a young midfielder on loan from Blackburn Rovers, while central midfielder Alex-Ray Harvey was a pre-season signing from Stafford Rangers.

Harvey was a Burnley Junior who was loaned to Fleetwood, before a permanent move to Barrow following his release. He played for Guiseley and Hednesford too, before his five year stay at Stafford.

Central midfielder Jack Baxter has spent most of his career at Preston North End. He was loaned out to Clitheroe, Chorley, Stalybridge, Cork City and Radcliffe, before joining Stafford on his release in July 2022. He came to Bamber at the start of last season.

Michael Potts is an experienced central midfielder too, after starting out with Manchester Utd and Blackburn Rovers. Following his release he moved to York City and Guiseley, before a loan at Stalybridge.

Next stops were Bradford Park Avenue and Curzon Ashton, before his first spell at Bamber Bridge in 2016. After two years he moved to FC United and returned to our hosts at the beginning of last season.

Chris Churchman is a long serving central midfielder, having signed from Hyde Utd in July 2018. He started out at Stockport and was loaned to Buxton, before a permanent move to Macclesfield. The next stop was Welsh League side Connahs Quay, followed by a year at Clitheroe before he joined Hyde.

Midfielder Danny Edwards came from Fleetwood at the beginning of last season, having started his career at Preston North End. He also had loan spells at Kendal and Colne.

Lewis Hey is another midfielder who arrived from Bradford Park Avenue pre-season, having previously played for Guiseley. 

Right winger Lucas Weaver is on loan from Altrincham, who he joined pre-season from Colne. He previously played for Fulwood.

Striker Mark Cullen has played in the Premiership and all three EFL Divisions. He spent much of his career at Hull City during which time he was loaned to Bradford City, Bury and Stockport, before moving to Luton Town.

Two years at Kenilworth Road were followed by a move to Blackpool, who also loaned him to Carlisle, before a permanent move to Port Vale. His next stop was Hartlepool, before our hosts signed him from Fylde at the start of last season.

Striker Nathan Caine came from Atherton Collieries pre-season. He came through the youth ranks at Mansfield Town, with loans at Ilkeston and Sutton Coldfield, before going to Stafford Rangers. Stalybridge was his next stop, before spending last season at Atherton.

Olly Molloy was another pre-season signing, a striker from Runcorn Linnets. He previously played for Charnock Richard and Fulwood.

Right back Macauley Wilson has just rejoined our hosts from Bury, having only moved at the start of the season. He started off at Lytham before Manchester Utd signed him. He was also a junior at Blackpool and was first loaned to Bamber Bridge in 2016. After a loan at Fylde he came to Bamber permanently in July 2017, following his release from Blackpool and s a former club captain.

Attacking midfielder Billy Hasler-Creg arrived in pre-season from Colne. As a Rochdale Junior he was loaned to Droylsden, before going to Altrincham on his release. Stops at Stalybridge and Congleton followed, before joining Colne. He then had a short stay at Ramsbottom before returning Colne at the start of last season.

Midfielder Jarma Mohammed has come from Wigan Athletic, but has also played junior football at Liverpool, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

Jeff Adubofour is a midfielder too and has played Champions League Futsal for Manchester, while fellow midfielder Billy Bould is now a regular in the squad too.

Kick off as usual is 3pm, with easy access to the ground from the M6.