by Peter Scherer

It’s another tough game for Mickleover this Saturday at the Don Amott Arena, when we face fifth in the table AFC Telford Utd, our first game of the New Year.

 Currently four points adrift of Mickleover, Needham Market and Redditch level on points at the top, Telford are unbeaten in their last 13 league matches.

Sports were 2-1 winners when we visited Telford in September and apart from Needham Market’s visit later in the same month, they are undefeated.

Manager Kevin Wilkin was a striker with Cambridge City, Northampton Town, Nuneaton and Grantham, before becoming Nuneaton’s manager in 2006.

After eight seasons he moved onto Wrexham, but after 18 months of his two-year contract he moved to Brackley Town, winning the 2018 FA Trophy. He has been in charge at Telford since October last year.

First choice keeper Brandon Hall started out at Charlton Athletic, before spending seven months at the Nike Academy. His next move was up to Scotland with St.Mirren, but returned south with Hayes & Yeading.

Ebbsfleet, Lewes, Woking, Kidderminster and Hereford were his next stops, with a loan spell at Banbury. He came to our visitors pre-season, after a year with Gloucester City and is an England C International too.

George Scott is Hall’s deputy, having returned to the club last month, after a year without a club.

Centre back Fraser Kerr started his career at Motherwell before moving South with Birmingham City. He spent two years with the Blues, before an initial loan back to Motherwell became permanent.

He moved on to Cowdenbeath and Stenhousemuir too, before going to Gateshead, with 54 Scottish Premiership appearances and 45 in League One, plus Europa League Qualifiers too.

Stops at Hartlepool, Torquay and Chesterfield followed, before spending last season at York City. He has represented Scotland at Under 16, 17,19 and 21 levels and was another pre-season arrival at Telford.

Jordan Piggott is another centre back. He started out at West Bromwich Albion before heading for Scotland too. He played for Dundee and East Fife, before heading to North Wales with Bangor City.

Halesowen was his next stop, moving to Solihull Moors after a year, spending another year before a move to Gloucester City on loan. He spent four months at Telford at the beginning of last year and then returned to our visitors permanently for the start of last season.

Pre-season signing Orrin Pendley is a centre back too. He started at Highgate before joining Redditch. He soon moved on to Kettering and Rushall Olympic, before spending a year at Tamworth and spent last season at Hereford.

Welsh teenager Steffan Jones is another centre back and pre-season signing too, having come through Bala Town’s youth scheme.

Nathan Fox is a left back who spent his junior career at both Notts County and Derby County. Following his Rams release he joined Corby Town, moving to Rugby Town after a four year stay. Only a month later he moved again, with a very short stay at Coalville, he briefly went back to Corby, before joining Sutton Coldfield.

Redditch, Hednesford, Kings Lynn and Alfreton Town followed by a year at Buxton, preceded starting last season at Peterborough Sports. He is another of Telford’s pre-season signings.

Club skipper Jared Hodgkiss played his early football at Wolves and West Bromwich Albion. Right back by choice, he was loaned to Aberdeen and played seven games in the Scottish Premiership. 

After a further loan at Northampton, he joined Forest Green Rovers on his release, staying almost five years, before spending another two years at Kidderminster, who also loaned him to Torquay. His next move was Macclesfield, before a four year-spell at Hereford preceded his pre-season move to Telford.

Right back Ellis Myles is another right back and pre-season signing from Kettering, who started off at Leicester City. He moved to Brackley Town on his release, before going to Rugby, Stamford, Corby and Boston Utd.

 He went back to Brackley in 2016 and stayed six years, before moving to Boston Utd and had eight months at Kettering before his Telford move.

Midfielder James McQuilkin is a Northern Ireland at Under 17, 19 and 21, but began his career in the Czech Republic, with Zlin B and Tescoma Zlin, before returning to the UK with Hereford in 2009.

He joined Walsall in July 2013 and after a year moved onto Hednesford. But he was soon on the move again to Torquay, before a stay at Kidderminster, preceded his first spell at Telford for the start of the 2017/18 season.

After just over two years he returned to Hereford, before stops at Stourbridge and Hednesford were followed by his Telford return in July.

Central midfielder George Forsyth has spent almost his whole career in the West Midlands. Having started at Kidderminster, he was loaned to Halesowen before joining Gloucester City.

Worcester and Stourbridge were followed by a return to Halesowen and Hereford followed by another return visit to Stourbridge and Bromsgrove, who loaned him to Kettering, from where he joined Telford pre-season. He is currently back at Kettering again on loan.

Midfielder Remi Walker continues the list of new pre-season signings, having arrived following his release from Birmingham City. He spent the last few months of last season on loan at Alvechurch.

Ty Webster is a midfielder too, who arrived in August, after being released by Crewe Alexandra.

Right midfielder Byron Moore is one of the select retained players, having joined Telford from Torquay February last year. He has over 400 league appearances to his name in Leagues One and Two, having started out at Crewe.

He was loaned to Kidsgrove Athletic but joined Port Vale on his release. After two years he moved on to Bristol Rovers and Bury, before spending two years at Plymouth Argyle.

Striker Montel Gibson has been a regular goalscorer since his pre-season arrival from Ilkeston. He was a Notts County Junior and was loaned out to Romulus, Barwell, Hednesford and Sutton Coldfield, before going to Ilkeston after his release in 2017, having made 24 League Two appearances, scoring two goals.

Spells at Redditch, Bedworth and Halesowen followed, before joining Grimsby Town. He was the loaned to Altrincham, before a permanent move to Stourbridge, but started 2022 back at Ilkeston. He spent six months on loan at Telford at the end of last season and returned again on a permanent basis pre-season.

Striker Ricardo Dinanga started out at Cork City, before Coventry City brought him across the Irish Sea. He had loans at Hereford and Nuneaton last season, but came to Telford following his release in July.

Tre Mitford is another early seasonigning, having come from Boston Utd. The striker started off at Aylesbury Utd, and has played at Bedford, Kettering, Brackley and Gloucester City too.

Twariq Yusuf came from Brackley earlier this season and can play as a striker or midfielder. He has also played for FC Kidlington and Ardley Utd.

Reece Styche is both an England C and current Gibraltarian International, having scored three goals in 27 games for the latter.

He came from Telford in October from Matlock Town, having played for a huge raft of clubs in his 14 year career, including Buxton, Alfreton, Darlington, Macclesfield and Wycombe, having started out at Hednesford.

Centre back Sam Whittall came from Rushall in October. He is an ex Wolves Junior and played at Cambridge Utd and Brackley, before his seven year spell at Rushall.

Having graduated through Telford’s own youth scheme, left back Brad Blood is now in his third season with the first team squad. Also Billy West captained our visitors under 18 side, following his release from Shrewsbury Town and in his third season with the first team too.

Midfielder James McQuilkin is a Northern Ireland at Under 17, 19 and 21, but began his career in the Czech Republic, with Zlin B and Tescoma Zlin, before returning to the UK with Hereford in 2009.

He joined Walsall in July 2013 and after a year moved onto Hednesford. But he was soon on the move again to Torquay, before a stay at Kidderminster, preceded his first spell at Telford for the start of the 2017/18 season.

After just over two years he returned to Hereford, before stops at Stourbridge and Hednesford were followed by his Telford return in July.

Midfielder Ellis Brown was signed a couple of weeks ago. He has been without a club for a while, after a year in Scotland with Hamilton Academicals. He started out at Boreham Wood.

Striker Harvey Solley made his debut earlier this season, having come through the clubs youth scheme.

Kick off is 3pm as usual, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT & BE THERE!!

by Peter Scherer

It may not have started well for Mickleover, going a goal down to bottom of the table Long Eaton Utd. But a second half goal surge secured a 5-1 win and takes them back to the top of of the Southern Premier League Central Division.

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

Dales and Delap were back in the starting line-up and there was a debut for Derby County Under 21 goalkeeper Lewis Ridd, with his loan deal only completed a couple of hours before kick-off.

It was a lively start for Mickleover, when a Barnes cross after two minutes, found Dales who jinked clear, setting up Greaves whose shot was just over the bar.

Dales had another shot a minute later, straight at keeper Ross Durrant, before Ridd was called into action for the first time. It was good positive run by Jack Rogers down the left, but Ridd had it covered and conceded the first corner.

There was a foul on Dales after six minutes, but the free kick came to nought and then Greaves had an attempt just wide of the post after a telling run down the right from Sault.

Durrant saved a low shot from Barnes after nine minutes, but the keeper’s kicks were tending to go awry and put his own defence under pressure.

Although Mickleover were dominating possession, the final pass was sometimes missing and Durrant wasn’t being really tested in the Long Eaton goal.

12 minutes in and there was a long build up, before Trueman fired over. Delap then put a positive ball into the box, with both Dales and Clarke challenging, but Durrant’s hands kept the threat away.

Trueman then had a run from the left, Greaves got on the end of it, but the shot was over again. Then totally against the run of play, the defence was split down the middle, leaving Rogers clear, who beat Ridd from distance to make it 0-1 after 16 minutes.

Dolan began to attack more down the Mickleover left, but his 22^nd minute shot was straight at the keeper, before his cross two minutes later found Dales. But he wasn’t able to turn enough to get any accuracy on his shot.

Greaves set up the overlapping Sault who cut in and shot just over the bar after a deflection, before Barnes put another shot over, from the following corner.

Long Eaton still looked dangerous on the occasional break, but after 31 minutes Mickleover finally got the equaliser, with Mann heading home after some nice interplay on the wing between Barnes and Dales.

For the rest of the first half it was all Mickleover, with a nice combination on the right setting up Trueman, who shot just wide of the right hand post after 34 minutes. Three minutes later Dales cut in to shoot over the bar again and then Barnes slid in and almost connected with a low cross from the left.

Durrant had to save a 42nd minutes power shot from Barnes after a Sault cross from the right and with the half time whistle poised, Mann headed just wide from a corner, so it remained 1-1.

It took a while for Mickleover to get up to pace again as the second half got underway. Barnes almost latched on to a long ball from Delap, but Durrant beat him to it and then Nyahema had a promising run down the right for the visitors, but his cross was straight out for a goal kick.

56 minutes in and a Greaves corner was the start of a resurgence from Sports. Both Delap and Mann began to push forward more along with the overlapping Sault and Dolan, while Atkinson seemed to be marshalling midfield with consummate ease.

Mickleover had taken control and after 59 minutes Barnes received on the left and fired home to make it 2-1. Barnes pace was causing problems for the flagging Long Eaton defence and his attack down the right, forced another good save from Durrant and a corner.

Former Mickleover player Lewis Belgrave then fouled Barnes in the box and Greaves stepped up to take the penalty. Durrant saved it initially, but Greaves was quick off the mark and tapped in the rebound, 3-1 after 62 minutes.

Beavon was the first sub to come on, as Clarke made way, before Durrant’s legs stopped Greaves from adding a fourth goal.

Sault then hit the post after 68 minutes after another long build up and final pass from Greaves.

Two minutes later though it was 4-1, when Barnes hit his second after a lay-off from Beavon, creating his own space with the keeper well beaten.

Bradley, Bowman and Ryder all came on as subs too, but 76 minutes and it was goal number five with Mann heading home again, 5-1.

Bradley had a long shot just wide, but it continued to be all Mickleover until the final whistle, with the 5-1 taking us back to the top of the league.

Going a goal down wasn’t part of our plan, but we knew we would be on top and create the chances, which we did. There were some strong performances from our players

said Mickleover manager John McGrath.

 

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.