by Peter Scherer

It’s a local Derby for our Boxing Day football, as we face Long Eaton Utd at the Don Amott Arena.

Both Fin Delap and Andy Dales were missing from last Saturday’s draw at Hitchin, more now keeper Oliver Bosworth joins the list, with a second half thigh injury. With former deputy Jim Pollard having left the club, Academy players Josh Maher and Josh Bull are the only keepers at the club, so watch this space.

Newly promoted Long Eaton have had a tough time, with only two wins to their credit so far, as they sit firmly at the bottom of the table.

They beat Berkhamsted at home earlier this month, which ended a run of nine successive defeat. Earlier this season Mickleover hit five goals without reply at Grange Park. But they went down again last Saturday 1-2 at home to Halesown.

Manager Brad Munn took over as the season was about to start and has got through a huge number of players in their starting line-up. Initially he was co-manager with Lewis McGugan, who has recently left the club, but it now solo.

Munn was a midfielder, starting off at Burton Albion, before playing for Bedworth and Coalville and starting his partnership with McGugan at Loughborough.

Keeper Ross Durrant started out at Nottingham Forest and was loaned to Ilkeston, before spending a month at Mickleover in 2016.  He made a permanent move to Ilkeston on his release, before moving to Boston Utd, North Ferriby, Alfreton, Matlock and Belper. He came to Long Eaton in March.

Ed Cook is a centre back who arrived from Loughborough in pre-season. He started off at Burnley, before joining Hampton & Richmond. He was loaned to Farnborough, then joined Loughborough for his first spell. Kettering, Stamford and Grantham followed, spending a year with the Gingerbreads before returning to Loughborough at the beginning of last season.

Left back Cieron Keane is capped at Under 16 & 19 by the Republic of Ireland. He is an ex Wolves Junior and had a year at Notts Couty, making two first team appearances. He then moved on to Nuneaton, Worcester, Kidderminster, Alfreton, Boston Utd, Basford, Leamington, Bradford Park Avenue and Stafford, before spending two years at Gainsborough and was a pre-season arrival with our visitors.

Right back Callum Cocks came from Loughborough with the new management team. He has played for Royal Artillery and Army Reserve teams as well as Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Keiran Walker has been a key player in the Long Eaton defence, since his arrival in 2019 from Basford. He was previously at Boston Utd, Ilkeston, Matlock, Carlton and Rainworth MW.

Central defender or midfielder Riece Bertram was signed last December, having played for Basford, Belper Town, Carlton and Ilkeston.

Full back Larell King came from Mickleover early last season. He had previously been at Burton Albion and Mansfield Town.

Marley Fearon is a product of Long Eaton’s own youth scheme. A young centre back, he was loaned to Heanor Town last season too.

Cameron Philp played his early football at West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, before moving onto Tamworth. Moves to Stratford and Stourport Swifts followed for the wide midfielder, before signing for Long Eaton pre-season.

Kameron Campbell is an experienced striker. He returned to Long Eaton in pre-season, after playing at Basford. He was also at Notts County and has played for Anstey Nomads and Carlton too. He is currently dual registered with Basford too.

Micah Jebbison is another striker, in his third season at the club, having also had spells at Altrincham, Ilkeston and Quorn.

Former Welsh Under 19 International James Spruce came from Gresley Rovers in September. He was a Bristol Rovers Junior, who has also played for Gloucester City, Heather St.John and Sutton Coldfield.

Currently another player on a dual registration with Basford, is ex England Under 19 International Nathan Tyson. He has played in every division of the football league, making over 500 appearances with almost 90 goals. He started out at Reading  and was loaned to Maidenhead, Swansea and Cheltenham, before a permanent move to Wycombe.

He then had six years at Nottingham Forest, before moving on via Derby County, Millwall, Blackpool, Fleetwood, Notts County,  Doncaster, Kilmarnock, Chesterfield and Grantham. He started this season at Ilkeston and signed for Long Eaton in September.

Left back Ryan Campbell-Gordon was another September signing. An ex Port Vale Junior, he was loaned to Ilkeston, Kidsgrove, Hednesford and Gainsborough, before joining Hanley Town on his release.

Tom Hewlett is on a season long loan from Burton Albion. He has previously had spells at Rushall, Belper, Leamington, Hednesford and Hereford.

Midfielder Morgan Worsfold-Greg has recently arrived on loan from Lincoln City. He also spent time at Rushall earlier in the year.

Jamie Hanson is a former England Under 20 International, with both League One and Championship experience. He was a Derby County Junior, loaned to Wigan Athletic and Oxford Utd, before going Ilkeston on his release. He came to Long Eaton on a season long loan last month.

Former Mickleover Junior Lewis Belgrave has recently arrived from Gresley Rovers. The midfielder has also played for Sherwood Colliery.

Ex Derby County Academy striker Jack Rogers arrived at Grange Park last season, having played for Ilkeston Town and Shepshed Dynamo.

Ex Burton Albion winger Joe Nyahwema was a pre-season signing, having spent much of last season at Belper Town. Ryley Reynolds is a midfielder, currently on loan from Notts County.

Mickleover’s George Atwal has been on loan for most of this season, having come through Sports own Academy to the first team squad.

Nicolas Aretzis is a recent signing, a centre back who has been playing Ireland with Larne and Bangor.

Midfielder Luke Martin has recently come in too, having made his debut at the beginning of last month. He has also ben playing for Belper Town.

Former Rams Academy player Aaron Cole has also been on the bench lately. He has played for Belper Town, Rochester and Worksop too and his manager Munn’s assistant. 

Prestyn Moore, Riley Phillips, Johnny Lees, Alfie Barker, Ben Bowers, Hugo Broughton, Ben Cassady, Breeyen Grainger,  Alans Voskresenskis and McKenzie have also been fringe players, with occasional substitute appearances, having come mainly from the clubs Academy. While fellow graduate Casey Johnson has made two recent starts.

Finally, former Mickleover vice-captain Andrew Wright has joined our visitors on a three-month loan. The powerful midfielder needs no introduction to the Sports faithful, having only let at the end of 21/22.

Kick off as usual 3pm, BE THERE!!

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover managed to break the run of four consecutive away defeats, with a tough 2-2 draw at Hitchin Town, having taken the lead twice.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Matt Bowman 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Wil Atkinson 5-Jake Bennett 6-Ethan Mann 7-Ben Sault 8-Will Trueman 9-Leon Clarke 10-Marcus Barnes 11-Oli Greaves. Subs: Fin Ryder, Stuart Beavon, Sam Tomlinson, Zach Sandhu, Brandon Ferron.

In the opening seconds of the game Hitchin had a shot wide of the post, but Mickleover were soon responding. Barnes had a great run down the right and his cross was met my Clarke, after just two minutes, scoring his first goal for the club 1-0.

In the melee for the goal, home keeper and captain Charlie Horlock needed lengthy treatment after a knock on the head, before play eventually continued.

Bosworth made his first save in the Sports goal after 10 minutes, when a good build up down the left saw Finley Wilkinson’s tame effort easily collected.

But two minutes later and it was level, when a ball in from the right was initially cleared, but Layne Eadie’s cross back into the box hit the far post and bounced into the goal 1-1.

Barnes and Greaves combined to test the home defence 17 minutes in, but the pace of the ball just beat the chase and Horlock collected.

It was still very much an end-to-end game, with both sides attempting to push forward.

Sault had his first attempt on goal after 22 minutes, it was blocked but the defence failed to clear, before Barnes picked up the rebound and shot wide.

Jack Snelus then crossed to find Eadie, but the following shot was blocked by Dolan and a corner won by Hitchin.

Greaves, Trueman and Sault were busying themselves in midfield and creating more breaks and as the half hour mark approached, Greaves jinked through on the left, the ball was aiming for Sault, but he completely missed the ball on the bounce.

Hitchin then got a break and Arnold Matshazi  charged in with a shot from the right, saved by Bosworth’s feet. From the following corner, Daniel Emovon tried a loop shot but it was straight into Bosworth’s hands.

Sault had the ball in the net after 33 minutes, but it was pulled back for a free kick to Hitchin. Only a minute late there was almost a repeat of the Mickleover goal, with Barnes again beating the defence on the right. His cross was perfection, but Clarke was maybe half a stride from connecting, which would have been a certain a second goal.

Dolan earned a 36^th minute free kick after he was hauled back by his shirt, but Greaves’ free kick was comfortably taken by Horlock.

Mickleover had a final push to conclude the first half, with both Trueman and Sault having shots blocked, so as the whistle blew it remained level pegging.

Both sides went on the attack from the start of the second half, with Barnes firing over the bar after 48 minutes, before a Hitchin strike went out of the ground a minute later.

Atkinson had been busy linking midfield and defence, but picked up a Greaves cross and had space for a shot, but it was straight into Horlock’s safe hands.

Despite the makeshift back four of Bowman, Bennett, Mann and Dolan, in the absence of Fin Delap, they had looked fairly solid. Bosworth made a fairly easy save from another Hitchin effort after 51, but a minute later a great solo effort from Sault on the left, saw him cut inside and fire it wide of Horlock’s left hand to make it 2-1. “I was determined that one was going into the back of the net,” he said.

For the next few minutes Mickleover had the upperhand and forced the Hitchin defence back into their own half. Greaves had a shot saved by Horlock’s feet and the danger was cleared.

Hitchin went close again after 54 minutes, with an effort just wide of Bosworth’s left-hand post, as another player just missed connecting as he slid in.

It had been a strong 15 minute spell for Mickleover, but it soon changed as Hitchin started to push forward again. After an initial 68^th minute attack had been beaten away, Eadie collected the ball outside the box. His path was clear and he sent into a powerful shot into the far corner to make it 2-2.

Hitchin were showing more keenness to shoot on sight than Mickleover, but there was another lengthy delay when Bosworth had gone down with a thigh injury.

After play restarted Barnes had a break in the 81^st minute but it came to nought. But Bosworth was visibly struggling and unable to take his kicks.

Barnes, Clarke and Greaves combined with four minutes left, they won a corner, but that was cleared. Greaves won a free kick after being tripped, but on the 90 minute mark Clarke missed a header by a whisker from Sault’s corner.

With six minutes added on Matshazi had a shot over for Hitchin and Sault had another blocked. Beavon came on for Clarke for the final couple of minutes, but it remained 1-1 s we now look to Boxing Day at home to Long Eaton, with concerns over the goalkeeping situation.

 

by Peter Scherer

The first of Mickleover’s Christmas game sees us head south to face fourth in the table Hitchin Town. They were 2-1 victors at neighbours St.Ives last Saturday, but they are looking to get back on form at home, having had three successive defeats, at the hands of Leiston, Leamington and Stamford.

It will a tough challenge for Mickleover though, with a few injuries at this critical period, and coming after a run of four successive away defeats.

Manager Mark Burke has been in charge of the Canaries for over nine years and retained much of his squad from last year, which saw the Canaries do the double over Sports, 1-4 on our visit to Top Field last November and 1-2 on the return in January. But when they came to the Don Amott Arena in August, it was Sports the victors 2-1.

Goalkeeper and captain Charlie Horlock has been at Top Field for four years, since signing from Hastings Utd. He started his junior football at Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage and was loaned to Hendon and Harrow, before coming to Hitchin on loan too in November 2014. He then made a permanent move to our hosts a year later, before moving to Eastbourne. But after a three-year absence he was back at Hitchin.

Josh Mollison is the second-choice keeper and Academy coach. A former Hitchin youth player he had loans at Biggleswade, Barton Rovers, Potton Utd and Eynesbury Rovers too.

Full back Stan Georgiou is a home- grown talent who has been a regular starter since the second half of 22/23 season. He captained the clubs Youth Cup team and also had a loan spell at Letchworth Garden City Eagles.

Kye Tearle is a defender or midfielder who came from the Pro Direct Academy in Baldock. He is in his fourth season with the first team squad. 

Fellow defender Lewis Barker arrived at the start of the 2019/20 season, after five years at Baldock Town.

Toby Syme is s full back in his second spell with the club. He came from one Canaries team to another, after leaving Norwich City in 2017. He moved on to Kings Langley a year later, before spells at Leverstock, Tring Athletic and Harpenden, were followed by his return to Top Field in August 2022.

Defender Layne Eadie came from Harlow Town. He started with Luton Town and Stevenage, moving on to Leighton, Barton Rovers and Biggleswade, before his first spell with St.Albans. In 2013 he joined Harlow and has played at Wingate too, before his first stop at Hitchin in 2019. He had further spells at St Albans and Harlow before coming back to Hitchin.

Irish midfielder Stephen Gleeson was spotted by Wolves when he was playing junior football for Cherry Orchard FC. He spent a few years on loan at Stockport County before a permanent move to Mk Dons. He then moved on to Birmingham City, Ipswich and Aberdeen, before coming back to England with Solihull Moors. He came to Hitchin in November 2021 after four months at Hemel.

He was capped by the Republic of Ireland at full, Under 17, 18, 19 and 21 levels and has played over 400 league games in the Championship, League One & Two and Scottish Premiership, scoring 27 goals.

Defender or midfielder Malaki Black came from MK Dons in July 2021, while fellow midfielder Bradley Bell arrived for his second spell in summer 2022, from Barton Rovers. He had initially left to join Biggleswade in 2020 and has also played for Royston and Cambridge City, having started at MK Dons.

Kavan Cotter is a defensive midfielder and a former Arsenal, QPR and Luton Town junior. He was loaned to Hitchin in 2017 and Oxford City, but after his release from the Hatters he joined Hemel. He moved on again after one season, joining Wealdstone for a two-year spell, arriving at our hosts in March from Wingate FC.

Left back Daniel Emovon was a pre-season signing, who came from Wingate. He had previously been at Hemel.

Isaac Galliford is another former Luton Town junior and England C International. He was loaned to St.Neots before his release, but then headed for the US, spending two years with Butler Bulldogs. On his return in 2018 he spent a year at Hitchin, before moving to Hemel, Royston, Hendon and Potters Bar. He came to our hosts pre-season from Kings Langley.

Pre-season signed centre back Ciaren Jones is an ex Luton Town and Norwich City Junior too. He started last season at Brackley, having joined them from Gloucester City in July 2022. He also played for South Shields and spent a week at Hitchin in 2020, before his move to Gloucester.

Striker Diogo Freitas-Gouveia originally came to Hitchin on loan from Colchester Utd in 2019/20. He was also loaned to Brightlingsea and Maldon & Tiptree, but made his move to Hitchin permanent following his release during summer 2022. 

Jack Snelus arrived from Rushden & Diamonds in September last year. A striker, he was another ex Luton Junior and has also played for Hemel and St.Ives Town.

Midfielder Finley Wilkinson was another summer2022 signing  from Histon, after coming through their Youth Scheme. 

Daniel Idiakhoa came to Hitchin on loan from Luton in  December 2022, having previously been at Newport Pagnell. The young midfielder has now returned permanenlty from the seasons start.

Striker Arnie Matshazi only arrived in October, having signed from Braintree. He was a Junior at MK Dons and Blackpool, before joining Wycombe Wanderers on his release. Loans at Slough and Hemel followed before he went to Braintree at the beginning of this season.

Midfielder John Freeman is another recent signing, coming from Cambridge City in October. He has spent most of his career at MK Dons, with loans at Kempston Rovers, Wantage, St.Neots, Woking and Chelmsford, before spending last season with Cambridge City.

Defender Dempsey Thomas, Harry Dollimore and striker George Devine have been sharing their time between Hitchin and Baldock Town, Dollimore had previously played for Letchworth Eagles too.

Joel Jolly, Chris Khoo and Harry Silver have all joined the squad this season too, as products of the Canaries own youth scheme.

Finally Jermiah Luwero is a striker who played for Woodford Town and Staines before joining Hitchin.

Kick off at Top Field is 3pm and it’s an all ticket match.

by Peter Scherer

In the worst performance from Mickleover since they joined the Southern Premier League Central Division, three first half goals set the pattern for the rest of the game and an eventual 0-4 defeat.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Jake Bennett 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Dan Bradley 5-Finn Delap 6-Ethan Mann 7-Will Trueman 8-Ben Sault 9-Leon Clarke 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Oli Greaves, Subs: Fin Ryder, Matt Bowman, Marcus Barnes, Will Atkinson, Andy Dales.  

The opening few minutes were fairly even as both sides felt their feet on a softish grass pitch, with Mickleover winning the first corner after two minutes.

Dolan then had a strong run down the left five minutes later, but his cross was a little too pacey for Clarke. Mann then charged through the middle to find Beavon, whose effort was blocked.

Stamford were becoming quite physical in their challenges and relying on breaks from their defence, but it was Bennett and Dolan pushing Sports forward, with little possession through midfield.

Duffy outpaced Mann in a 10^th minute break for the hosts, but Morgan’s follow up shot was way off target. Burgess then found Duffy in the box again a couple of minutes later, but he was closed down before he was able to set up his shot.

A 17^th minute corner from the right caused panic in the Mickleover defence, but Stamford earned a free kick on the left, Bartle’s kick saw Chitiza head home and it was 0-1 to  the Dannies.

Mickleover were having difficulty breaking out of their own half, but they did manage a shot after 22 minutes with Bradley’s effort wide of the right hand post, after a Dolan Clarke one-two.

But the defence were coming under regular attack and the usually strong Delap and Mann combination in the middle, began to look very vulnerable.

Bartle put another ball around the back of the defence, before Chitiza set up Shaw, but on this occasion Bosworth had it covered, despite its close range.

25 minutes in and it was goal number two, another header from another set piece, with Duffy heading home from Bartle’s cross 0-2.

Barely had we kicked ff again and Vince broke clear, but fortunately for Sports his shot was wide. There had been a couple of ball’s into the Stamford half, but the whistle happy referee and an assistant who re-wrote the offside rules, did little to aid Mickleover’s cause.

Just after the half hour mark it was 0-3. Bartle’s long throw found Glennon, who picked out the unmarked Offler to put the ball home.

Mickleover managed to earn another corner after 37 minutes, but that was headed clear and Bennett found Clarke in the box, but his path was blocked.

Sault, Greaves and Trueman and been struggling to get into the game and it was 39 minutes before Sault tried a run only to find himself blocked before he crossed the half-way line.

Mann lost out in a chase with Duffy after he chased down a good through ball, but Bosworth was quick to reply and conceded a corner.

Trueman finally got some space on the left after 41 minutes, his cross rolled pass the goal, but there was no one to receive it. Stamford came straight back though, but Bennett headed away the cross for another corner.

Bosworth had to make another save from a tame Stamford effort, but the whistle soon followed to end a dire first half for Sports.

Barnes and Dales came on for Beavon and Clarke as the second half got underway. There was more pace and eagerness from Mickleover and Sault got as far as the Stamford box before his path was blocked after 50 minutes.

The confidence from their three goal advantage was still evident, despite Mickleover’s efforts to get back into the game.  They had some pressure still from the home strikers, but Mickleover’s midfield were still struggling to make an impression.

Dales had a run and beat the defence on the left, cutting in with a cracking shot, well saved by Duggan after 66 minutes, before Greaves chased the rebound.

But four minutes later it was another goal for Stamford, set up by Bartle again, Morgan turned and fired home from the edge of the box, with Bosworth well beaten. 0-4.

Duffy was almost through again after 76 minutes, but Bosworth was quick off his line and saved the situation, but then Mickleover suddenly began to win possession with both Barnes and Dales testing the defence.

Bennett found Greaves in the 89^th minute, he set up Sault but the effort was blocked. With six minutes added mainly for timewasting, Bennett burst through to have a shot blocked, before Bosworth had to make a diving save to his left, after another Stamford break.

Bowman had come on too for Sports, but was in the 96^th and 97^th minutes that Duggan faced his first real tests in the Stamford goal. Tipping over a Greaves lob and palming away a Sault effort.

Despite the second half transformation, Mickleover’s first half performance sealed the result, and probably flattered the Stamford side, who actually didn’t look that great.

It’s another grass pitch on Saturday when we visit Hitchin, as we try to break the run of defeats.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover will hoping for change in their recent away form in the Southern Premier league Central, when they visit Stamford on Tuesday night.

Off the back of three consecutive away league defeats, they face a Stamford side, now seventh after a 2-2 draw at Berkhamsted last Saturday.

Stamford were 3-0 winners in their last home game against Halesowen but have a mixed season overall so far.

Graham Drury has managed the “Dannies” since November 2015, his third spell in charge of the club. After 2 ½ years he left initially to join Corby Town in 2008, came back for six months in 2012 and finally rejoined for his current spell  after three months at Boston Utd and three years out of the game.

First choice goalkeeper Michael Duggan was signed from Spalding Utd in September, after spending more than 10 years with the “Tulips.” 

Dan Wallis had been first choice, but has had back injury problems. He was a Junior at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, before moving to Matlock and Gainsborough. He same to Stamford in August 2021, but returned to Matlock a few months later. Then after a short stay at Macclesfield, he came to our hosts in March 2022.

Dan Haystead camE out of retirement to help the injury crisis. He left Stamford in July 2022 after five years service. An ex Sheffield Utd Junior, he played for Hinckley Utd, Sheffield FC, Ilkeston, Hucknall, Boston Utd and Belper Town too.

Centre back Ashton Offler started at Matlock Town, before joining Sheffield Utd. After a loan at Guiseley he returned to Matlock two years later, but moved again to Sheffield FC after three months. His next stop was Grantham, spending six months with the Gingerbreads, before signing for Stamford pre-season.

Joe Burgess was a Junior at Peterborough Utd. A right back, he joined Histon following his release, but quickly moved on to Ilkeston. After a loan at Fleetwood he moved to Boston Utd and first came to Stamford in August 2017. Two years later he moved to Corby and returned to Stamford in July 2020.

Left Back Connor Bartle came from Grantham in July 2020. He was a Notts County Junior and played for Carlton and Basford too.

Midfielder Harry Vince is in his fifth season with the club, having come from Matlock in July 2019. He started at Boston Utd and was loaned to Matlock and Grantham before his permanent move to the Gladiators in 2018.

Fellow midfielder Will Glennon came from Rushden & Diamonds in October. He has also played for AFC Hackleton and Bugbrooke St.Michaels.

Brad Munns is a midfielder too, who arrived from Grantham during the Summer. 

Centre back James Blunden arrived during pre-season for 2019/20, having previously been at Lincoln Utd, CGB Humbertherm and Grimsby.

Michael Armstrong is a defender too, he was signed from Belper Town for the 2017/18 season and played his Junior football at Long Eaton.

43 year old Jon Challinor has a vast amount of experience, having been with the “Dannies” since Mat 2014. He started out Stamford before joining Cambridge City in 2001. St.Albans, Aldershot, Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge Utd, Forest Green, Mansfield Town, Newport, Kettering and York City followed, before returning to Stamford in August 2013.

He left to join Halifax six months later, before rejoining our hosts for the third time. He has played in League Two of the EFL too.

Midfielder Jack Duffy came from Quorn in summer 2020. He previously had a spell at Long Eaton and represented English Universities, during his time at Nottingham Trent.

Striker Ollie Brown-Hill is in his third spell with the club, after returning from Ilkeston pre-season. He left initially to join Rushden & Diamonds in 2017, then had sixth months at Corby before returning in January 2018. 

He then went to Ilkeston, but returned on loan, before making it permanent last July.

Tendai Chitiza arrived in  August, after spending last season at Coalville. A striker, he started at Leicester Nirvana, before a spell at Gresley Rovers preceded a move to Serbia, with CSK Pivara Celarevo and TSC Backa Topola.

On his UK return he joined Stamford in July 2019, before moving on to Coalville three years later.

Lee Shaw is another striker who was signed pre-season from Grantham. He started at Grantham, but has also played for Guiseley, Chesterfield and Alfreton.

Ex Kings Lynn, Grantham and Sleaford striker Tom Siddons, returned to Stamford in the summer, having been in and out of the squad for the last five years.

Midfielder Rob Morgan first signed for our hosts in 2017/18. After a brief spell at Barwell he returned in 2019 and has been captain this season. He played for Corby Town too earlier in his career.

Billy Bennett is a fellow midfielder who came from Ilkeston in October last year. He also had a spell at Welling Utd.

Trey Charles came from Rushden pre-season after a spell  at  St.Neots too. A former Luton Town Junior, he had played for Arlesey Town, Bedford Town, Colney Heath, Leverstock, Hitchin,  Northwood, Braintree, Hendon, Biggleswade, Berkhamsted and Kempton Rovers too.

Winger Tiago Nassunculo only arrived at the Zeeco stadium, two weeks ago, after starting the season at St.Ives. He came through Grantham’s Academy, before joining Boston Utd. Peterborough Sports, Redditch, Spalding and Barwell were his next stops.

Kick off at the Zeeco Stadium is 7.45pm. 

by Peter Scherer (Image: Steve Ingers)

Following last weeks Cup Tie thriller at Oldham it was back to the league campaign for Mickleover, as they took on third placed Leamington at the Don Amott Arena.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Jake Bennett 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Will Atkinson 5-Finn Delap 6-Ethan Mann 8-Dan Bradley 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Will Trueman 11-Oli Greaves 14-Andy Dales. Subs: Ben Sault, Leon Clarke, Fin Ryder, Brandon Ferron, Sam Tomlinson.

As early as the second minute Dales tested keeper Callum Hawkins with a powerful shot, that had to be tipped over the bar.

Dolan then had the first of his long runs down the left, cutting inside to try his luck, which was blocked by the defence, with the rebound similarly.

Leamington had their first attempt on goal when right back Dan Meredith shot from outside the box. His shot was blocked, but it earned the visitors their first corner, eight minutes in.

After a brief rally from the Leamington strike force, Hawkins again denied Dales the opening goal after 12 minutes. Bennett and Greaves had worked together on the right and as the ball came over the ex Mickleover keeper made a diving save at point blank range.

Sports were dominating the possession, but had to face a packed defence, with Leamington looking somewhat reluctant to break from their own half at times.

A long ball out defence almost saw Beavon clear, but the pace of the ball proved just too much for last weeks double goal scorer.

Bosworth had barely had a touch in the home goal, but after 14 minutes a Henry Landers cross found Meredith again, but his shot was blocked again, before Mann cleared any danger.

10 minutes later Dales’ shot was blocked again, after Bradley and Dolan had combined to set him up, but Bradley then had a crack himself, just wide of the left-hand post.

Bennett had a dangerous cross headed away then the  combined pace of Dales, Greaves and Trueman continued to trouble the visitors.

Just after the half hour Leamington had a free kick just wide, before Beavon sent Dales on a run, but the advancing Hawkins just managed to beat him to the ball.

Trueman showed his pace again with a 36^th minute charge, but Dales pursuit just ran out on him, as Mickleover did everything but score.

But Hawkins came to Leamington’s rescue yet again, when Dales got hold of a Greaves cross from the right, once again saving at point blank range.

Greaves then put a free kick well off target, before another Dolan run from the left, earned a corner as the cross was headed away with half time approaching. Leamington had another corner too just before the whistle blew, but it remained a frustrating 0-0.

Into the second half and Dales combined with Greaves again, before Hawkins narrowed the angle to force the effort just wide.

The possession was still in Mickleover’s favour, but Jack Edwards and Theo Streete began to look more controlling in the middle of the visitors defence, while at the other end Delap and Mann had been virtually untroubled in the entire match.

Greaves was close to setting up Beavon as the hour mark approached, but then Beavon was fouled and Hawkins punched away Greaves’ free kick.

Bennett went down in the box after chasing a Greaves pass, but penalty shouts were waved away and after 68 minutes. Hawkins then made another save, as Beavon managed to get a shot through a crowded box.

Mickleover made their first change when Clarke came on for Beavon after 72 minutes. Shortly afterwards Ewan Williams had a golden chance for the visitors, almost unmarked facing goal, but his tame effort failed to trouble Bosworth.

Bradley and Atkinson had been playing similar roles, as defensive midfielders, but having already been yellow carded, Bradley received a red, leaving Mickleover with 10 men for the final 17 minutes.

Sault then came on for Trueman, but Sports continued to dominate, despite being a man down. A long ball from Bennett on the right in the 75^th minute, left Sault chasing, but Hawkins just beat him to the ball.

Bennett followed up again a minute later, with his cross just inches from finding Clarke on the left of the box. Clarke then went close again following a Greaves free kick.

78 minutes down and a nice lay off to Clarke again, but the shot was saved by Hawkins, before Dales made a run, but Clarke’s final flick was just behind him.

There were shouts for another penalty after 87 minutes, when Dales was tripped in the box. He stumbled but stayed on his feet and the referee again waved the appeals away.

Leamington had one more chance before the final whistle when sub Jiah Medrano intercepted a cross field ball and was clear, but failed to maximise the opportunity.

There was one final twist in time added on, when Dales was taken out by Edwards. It was a third penalty appeal, and a third to be ignored, with two out of the three looking a clear cut in Sports favour.

So 0-0 it remained, but with top of the table Needham Market drawing 0-0 too, the one point gap at the top remains, as we visit Stamford on Tuesday night.

“It was two points lost, but 100% a penalty when Dalesy was fouled,” said Sports boss John McGrath.

“We knew they would beat us on possession, but the defence did well and it’s not many teams that come to Mickleover and keep a clean sheet. I was surprised they still dominated so much after the red card though,” added Leamington managed Paul Holleran.

by Peter Scherer

Following last weekends outstanding Cup Tie at Oldham, it’s back to league action at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday, when we face third in the table Leamington.

We are now one point off table toppers Needham Market in second place, with a three-point cushion over Leamington and three games in hand.

Leon Clarke and Matty Bowman will both be back after missing last weekend being cup tied. But there are a few other concerns too. “Marcus Barnes is away for a few days and Ben Sault picked up a slight calf strain, but should be fit,” said gaffer John McGrath.

“Longer term we will be without Andre Wright for the rest of the season and both Ryan Wilson and Joe Bateman need operations and will be out for three months and six weeks each,” he added.

The Brakes were relegated from the National League North last season and have only suffered one defeat in their last 10 matches, going down 1-2 at Needham Market in the last away trip. They drew at home with Barwell last weekend.

Manager Paul Holleran has been in charge for 14 years. An ex Birmingham City Junior, he also played for Alvechurch and Solihull Borough and was manager for Kings Norton Town and Rushall Olympic before joining our visitors.

Goalkeeper Callum Hawkins is well known to Mickleover fans after two lengthy loan spells at the Don Amott Arena, during his time with Burton Albion.

He was also loaned to Gresley Rovers before his first spell at Mickleover in 2018. He returned in August 2021 and was initially loaned to Leamington too, but picked up an ACL injury and was out of action for the second half of last season.

Following his recovery he made a permanent move to the Brakes and has been first choice since his arrival.

Deputy keeper Luke Slater is a product of the clubs own youth scheme.

Right back Dan Meredith is in his fourth season with Leamington since arriving from West Bromwich Albion in September 2020. He was initially on loan at the end of the 2019/20 season and also had a loan spell at Maidstone.

Midfielder Josh Quaynor was a pre-season signing from Halesowen. He started out at Cheltenham and moved onto Stourbridge and Coleshill Town, before a five year stay at Bromsgrove. He spent all last season at Halesowen.

Theo Streete is an ex Derby County centre back. During his time with the Rams he was loaned to Doncaster Rovers, before joining Rotherham on his release. Solihull, Alfreton and Nuneaton were his next stops and he came to Leamington in July 2022 after four years at Telford. He could well be missing this weekend, as he serves a red card suspension.

Jack Lane is another centre back, who started out at Macclesfield Town. After loans at Newcastle Town and Stockport Sports, he went to Hinckley Utd, before crossing the Atlantic to play for Ventura County and Sacramento FC in the US. 

Having returned to the UK with Ilkeston in 2014, he moved on to Nuneaton, before a two-year spell at Tamworth and a month at Alfreton preceding his Leamington arrival in August 2018.

Left back Jiah Medrano came from Shepshed Dynamo pre-season. He was previously at Yeovil and Kirby Muxloe. 

Junior English is another right back who started out as a  youngster with Moor Green, Walsall and Coventry City. Then after more than 12 years at Solihull, he spent a further three with Worcester City and has just started his seventh season with Leamington.

Central midfielder Adam Walker was a Coventry City youngster, who joined Nuneaton after his release, following an earlier loan spell. Solihull and Brackley were his next stops, before a 2 ½ year stint with Telford preceded his January 2022 move to the Brakes.

Captain Joe Clarke is another long serving player, having arrived from Tamworth in July 2017. He started at Redditch, but soon moved on via Solihull and Darlington, before a four-year spell at Wrexham. Next stop was Kidderminster, who also loaned him to Brackley, before spending a year at Tamworth prior to his Leamington move.

Jack Edwards is yet another long server, in his second spell with the club. Having started out at Studley, he played for Coventry Sphinx and Barwell before his first arrival at Leamington in July 2014. Three years later he moved to Solihull, but after just two months he was back with the Brakes.

Will Shorrock is a former Walsall Junior midfielder, who was only signed in October from Rushall Olympic. He had four years at Bromsgrove prior to his Rushall move.

Striker Tyrone Barnet has over 300 league appearances and nearly a 100 goals under his belt, in a long and well-travelled career. He started at West Bromwich Albion and joined Rushall on his release, back in 2003.

Telford, Willenhall, Hednesford, Macclesfield, Crawley Town and Peterborough Utd were his next stops, with loans at  Ipswich Town,  Bristol City and Oxford Utd, before going to Shrewsbury on his release.

After another loan at Southend, he joined AFC Wimbledon, with moves to Port Vale, Cheltenham and Eastleigh following, before spending last season with Hereford Utd, moving to Leamington pre-season. He also coaches the clubs under 18’s.

Striker Henry Landers was another pre-season signing from Banbury, having been there for three years. He also played for North Leigh and Maidenhead Utd.

Connor Taylor is a striker too. Aston Villa picked him up from Coventry Spinx and loaned him to Tamworth, before he joined Walsall on his release. 

After a loan at Nuneaton, he made a permanent move to Tamworth, but after four years made his first move to Leamington in July 2018. After three years he left for Bromsgrove, but came back in March 2022.

Striker Cally Stewart was a summer signing from Coventry Sphinx, having scored 40 goals in the United Counties League for Sphinx last season.

Ewan Williams is a midfielder, signed from Coleshill Town a couple of weeks ago. He previously had a spell at Atherstone.

Midfielders Dan Baldwin, Zac Taylor and Toby Nicholl have also become part of the first team squad, after graduating through the Brakes own Youth Scheme and Reserve team.

LET’S HAVE THE SAME SUPPORT AS WE HAD AT OLDHAM LAST WEEK, KICK OFF 3PM AT THE DON AMOTT ARENA.

by Peter Scherer

It was a true old style cup tie at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park, with underdogs Mickleover the dominant force for the majority of the 90 minutes. Heroic performances from the whole team, just falling short in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Ben Sault 3-Jake Bennett 4-Will Atkinson 5-Fin Delap 6-Ethan Mann 7-Andy Dales 8-Dan Bradley 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Will Trueman 11-Oli Greaves. Subs: Rhys Dolan, Sam Tomlinson, Toby Smith, Harry Atwal, Zac Sandhu, Brandon Ferron.

Mickleover were quick out of the blocks and soon had the home defence on the back foot. Dales went close in the first minute following a free kick, keeper Hudson made a diving save, before Dales’ follow up was blocked.

Two minutes later it was Bennett bursting through on the left, Greaves got a shot in, but again it was blocked as the Latics were struggling to break out of their own half.

Seven minutes in and Bradley tried a long shot, tipped over by Hudson as it headed goalwards, before Oldham finally made a break, with Norwood’s cross finding no one waiting to receive.

It had been all in Mickleover’s favour until the 13^th minute, when totally against the run of play, Kitching managed to get clear on the Mickleover right, his cross found Fondop’s head  and it was 0-1 after the hosts first real effort.

The goal gave Oldham the confidence to move out more and Hope had a shot well wide after 16 minutes, after a Fondop handball wasn’t given.

But Mickleover continued to fight back and a lovely crossfield ball from Mann found Bennett on the left. He cut inside and piled in a great shot, palmed away by the keeper, before Beavon’s follow up earned a corner.

Sault had looked unsettled a couple of times at right back and was beaten by Hope after 24 minutes. The shot was heading for the top corner, but with Bosworth at full stretch, he pulled off another magnificent save.

The home keeper almost gifted Dales a shot, with a poor clearance. But the defence managed to rally and block his progress, before Trueman charged forward a couple of minutes later and shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Just after the half hour Bosworth had to perform heroics again, when Fondop appeared to be offside by was allowed to continue unchallenged.

Into the final 10 minutes of the first half Dales and Bennett combined on the left and got a cross in, but no one was able to connect. But Mickleover were bombarding the home defence again as they sought an equaliser.

After a couple of corners, it finally came in the 43^rd minute. Greaves had picked the ball up on the left and although the defence were back, there was scramble as Hudson edged towards his near post. Greaves continued and chipped the keeper, but with a defender on the line he appeared to be in position to clear. But the ball rolled into the net and it was a well-deserved 1-1.

Sports pressure continued to the half-time whistle, with Greaves sending in a cracking shot just wide, before a Sault attack earned a late corner, but it remained 1-1.

Bosworth was straight into action from the kick off of the second half, after Hope had broken through the ranks. But Beavon was almost one on one with Hudson at the other end, as the pace of the game picked up again.

50 minutes gone though and Oldham got the break again. Sports defence lost out on the left and sub Willoughby met the cross with a powerful shot out of Bosworth’s reach, 1-2.

Sports were still not down, but the hosts went close again with a 55^th minute header just over, before Sault and Dales combined again to earn a corner.

Both Bradley and Atkinson had continued to push forward from midfield and the pressure began to build and build again in Mickleover’s favour. A terrific run by Greaves down the right found Dales in the middle, but the keeper tipped his shot just wide and out for a corner.

Dales battled through again to shoot just wide after 63 minutes, with Greaves then having another try. 

Oldham had a 10 man defence as the runs and shots continued, but after 67 minutes they finally cracked, Bennett battled through on the left again and his precise cross was met with an instinctive flick from Beavon and it was 2-2.

Barely had the game kicked off again when Oldham got a break. The defence seemed to freeze and Hope was left with time to spare, picking his spot to beat Bosworth at close range. 2-3.

Dolan then came on for Sault, which allowed Bennett to return to his more familiar right back position.

Mann and Delap were pushing forward more too, as it was almost becoming a 10 man strike force for Mickleover.

Dolan had a strong run down the left after 75 minutes, cut in but his shot was blocked and then Dales shot just wide after having the defence well beaten.

There were seven minutes of normal time left when Bennett, now on the right, outpaced the defence yet again, and found Beavon. There was no hesitation as he fired in his second and it was back level pegging at 3-3.

Oldham had a rare shot again but almost hit the stand roof, before Beavon came off and was replaced by Ryder, with the referee indicating seven minutes to add on.

“I thought my days of scoring goals at this level were over, but had that great understanding with “Benno” again, similar to what “Dalesy” and I have. One of the best cup ties I have ever played in,” said two goal Beavon.

Dales was fouled on a 94^th minute run goalwards, but the pressure from Sports continued right to the full-time whistle.

3-3 still at the end of normal time and being the FA Trophy, there is no extra time or replay, so it was straight to penalties.

Oldham went first and scored, before Greaves made it level. Oldham scored their second and Mann made it level again, But after it had gone 2-3 in the Latics favour, Dales shot was saved.

Bosworth got his hand to Oldham’s fourth, but couldn’t stop it, but fate was finally sealed when Atkinson’s shot was saved too and the dream was over.

Absolutely brilliant, we were the better team and deserved the victory. We are now setting standards for where we are as a team. We beat Spennymoor and outplayed Oldham, both from leagues above us. The support too, was just fantastic

said Sports gaffer John McGrath.

Well over 200 travelling supporters made the trip and the reward was one of the most outstanding performances from a Mickleover team, against a team two leagues higher, who for much of the game were made to luck very much second best.

Let’s have the same support at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday, when we face Leamington and get us back on the top of the table.