by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have been in the transfer market again during the last couple of weeks, making two signings.

Striker Marvellous Onanbirekhanlen is a former Walsall junior that comes to us on a dual registration from Rushall Olympic, while midfielder Charlie Knowles has come on a similar arrangement from Redditch, after he was released by Huddersfield Town during the summer.

“Having spoken to the gaffer I liked the environment here at Mickleover and felt there could be more opportunity to further my career,” said Onanbirekhanlen.

“I am local from Little Eaton and trained here in pre-season. It suits me and hope it helps in my career too,” Knowles added.

Both players made their debuts as second half substitutes last Saturday in the FA Trophy win over Malvern Town.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover’s hopes of victory on their return to league action, were dashed by a deflected second half goal for the hosts, and chances in front of goal wasted by Sports.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman; 2-Darryl Powell; 3-Sam Sanders; 4-Will Atkinson; 5-Hamza Bencherif; 6-George Wilkinson; 7-Theo Rowe; 8-Josh Ashman; 9-Harvey Smith; 10-Jude Taylor; 11-Kane Richards. Subs: Manni Norkett, Marvellous Onabirekhanlen, Andy Dales, Charlie Knowles.

It wasn’t the best of starts for Mickleover when after just four minutes Sutton attacked down the left and Jayden Campbell was able to tap in the rebound, after Chapman had saved the initial shot, 0-1.

Sports response was fairly swift and after Rowe went on a charge down the left, he won a corner two minutes later, from which Ashman hit the rebound, but a strange bounce took the sting out of it and it was an easy catch for keeper Wren.

Taylor then shot just wide from close range, before he combined with Richards and Smith to create a half chance, which was comfortably dealt with by the home defence.

Sutton were quick on the break and Campbell had another telling run after 18 minutes, but Powell chased back to intercept.

Two minutes later Birch had to make a timely interception to stop Smith connecting, with an almost open goal at his mercy and seven minutes later another crossfield ball from Smith was met by Rowe, but his shot was over the bar.

But the equaliser finally came on the half hour. Ashman had been hacked down on the halfway line, but after the initial free kick had broken down, Richards made an interception and timely pass met by Taylor who tapped it home 1-1.

Just minutes later Chapman was forced into a reflex save from a header at close range, but on the whole Powell, Bencherif, Wilkinson and Sanders continued to look strong at the back for Sports.

With five minutes left Campbell tried a random shot from distance on he right, just wide of the left-hand post, but it remained 1-1 as the half time whistle went.

Our hosts made a pacey start to the second half, but once again Sports soon responded, with Smith sending Taylor on a run which earned a corner.

The pressure began to build on the home defence as Mickleover began to push forward more, with Atkinson and Ashman orchestrating midfield.

55 minutes in and Rowe charged down the left, cutting into to shot from the edge of the box, but it was just over the bar again. Three minutes later Smith sent the ball into box but Richards’ final shot was blocked.

Wren had to react quickly too to block Richards on the hour, before a 66th minute break from Sutton saw Chapman’s response.

The first change for Mickleover came after 66 minutes when Onabirekhanlen replaced Smith and within five minutes he had a half chance, which was cleared before he could shoot.

Rowe then made an outstanding run to cut in from the left. His pass landed right at Onabirekhanlen’s feet, but the striker managed to lift his shot over the bar in Sports best chance of the half.

Just a minute later the ball fell to Onabirekhanlen again, but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Another break for Sutton followed and it proved to be the decider. After a tame initial shot came back to McGrady, whose effort was deflected by Wilkinson and out of Chapman’s reach 1-2.

With just over five minutes left, Norkett came on for Rowe and was immediately in the thick of it, almost taking on the home defence single handed on one run.

With Carter on for Taylor and Knowles for Atkinson, Sports continued to push to the final whistle, which included over seven minutes of added time.

Chapman had to make a couple more saves and Richards set up Onabirekhanlen who headed wide, before he hit the bar himself following a corner, before it ended 1-2.

 

by Peter Scherer

Tomorrow night we are back in league action, visiting top of the table Sutton Coldfield Town. It’s less than a month since we knocked our hosts out of the FA Trophy, but they have remained unbeaten since that date.

With almost the whole Mickleover squad now injury free, Gareth and Billy will have plenty to choose from as we seek to claw back the points from our games in hand.

Last Saturday they visited Carlton ad came away 2-1 winners, having beaten Coleshill 2-0 the previous Tuesday.

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

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

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

Wren has two deputies, teenager Joe Bisseker, who has comes through the clubs own youth scheme and Brandon Ganley. Ganley isa former Coventry City and Walsall junior, who spent six years at Shepshed Dynamo after his release. He’s played for Sporting Khalsa, Wellingborough and came to our hosts in August last year from Rugby Borough.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midfielder Romehl Critchlow was signed in November 2025. He stated out at Hednesford, where he came through their academy and has played for Solihull Moors and Bromsgrove too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winger Luca Taylor made his debut last season, before leaving on US Scholarship. However he has now returned to our hosts.He’s the brother of Mickleover’s Jude Taylor, sons of former Aston Villa legend Ian.

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

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

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

Kick of is at 7.45pm, hope to see as many fans as possible make the journey down the A38.

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

From 0-1 down at half time, Mickleover secured a second half equaliser through Kane Richards to make it 1-1 at full time. But with no extra time in the FA Trophy it was straight to penalties and with Aaron Chapman making two saves and one shot wide, Hamza Bencherif stepped up to make it 4-3 and guarantee Mickleover a place in the first round proper.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Josh Ashman 7-Andy Dales 8-Charlie Knowles 9-Harvey Smith 10-Jude Taylor 11-Josh Carter. Subs: Kane Richards, Marvellous Onabirekhanlen, Manni Norkett, Darryl Powell.

There was a corner for Mickleover in the opening minute, but that came to nought as it was turned into a break in Malvern’s favour. Fortunately keeper Chapman was quick off his line to allay any danger.

Two minutes later the action was in the Malvern box. Following a scramble in defence, the ball was half cleared but only as far as Ashman. But he couldn’t quite get a full connection with the ball and his shot failed to trouble Kilroy in the visitors goal.

It was end to end and after nine minutes and after a Johnson throw, a Malvern striker tried his luck through a crowded box, shooting just wide of the left-hand post.

A minute later Dales cut in from the left and his cross was met by Taylor, whose header was just wide of the left-hand post too.

Chong then got another break for our visitors, he got through the defence, but once again Chapman was quick to react and blocked with his feet.

Taylor was then on the end of another Dales cross after 13 minutes, but his header was just over, before Malshankyj and Chong combined again for Malvern, with the final shot just wide.

Smith almost sent Carter on a clear run after 22 minutes and a few minutes later Carter managed to hold the ball to set up Dales, but his shot continued to rise as it headed goalwards and was well over the bar.

Debutant Knowles was next to have a crack on goal, with a powerful shot from outside the box tipped over for a corner by Kilroy on the half hour.

It continued to be fairly even until Malvern broke the deadlock after 36 mins. Malshankyj’s initial shot was blocked, but Tumelty was on hand to pick up the rebound, beating Chapman at close range 0-1.

Mickleover continued to push hard for an equaliser and after a good build up between Dales and Taylor, it became one pass too many and any chance was lost, after Bencherif had set the move in motion.

Carter had looked particular dangerous on the break for Mickleover and with three minutes left on the clock, he let loose with a tremendous shot from distance, beat the keeper and rattled the woodwork, with Kilroy just reacting to snatch the ball as Dales ran in to try and intercept.

Despite being a goal down at half time there were no immediate changes, but Dales almost grabbed the equaliser jus five minutes into the second half, only to watch his effort roll agonisingly wide of the right-hand post.

Malshankskyj had another shot just wide for our visitors after 53 minutes, before a charging run from Taylor saw him break into the box before being intercepted for a corner.

Around the hour mark Mickleover began to make changes, with Keane on for Knowles, Richards for Dales and Onabirekhanlen for Carter.

Chapman had to react quickly to a short back pass as Samuels closed in though, just before Smith made way for Norkett.

79 minutes and we were finally level again when Richards picked up the ball in another goalmouth melee and scored from close range 1-1.

Suddenly it was all Mickleover and 83 minutes in Norkett was chasing a long ball. He had outrun the defence but Kilroy raced well outside his box to foul the Mickleover striker. The visiting keeper was lucky to escape a yellow card or worse.

Powell came on for Taylor for the last few minutes, but with just two minutes left Onabirekhanlen had a double effort saved by Kilroy, finally tipping the rebound over the bar.

Right on the 90 minute mark Sanders headed against the post from a Keane corner and then Onabirekhanlen and Norkett forced Kilroy into another double save.

At 1-1 it was into the penalty shootout, with Chapman saving Malvern’s first effort, only for Kilroy to save Norkett’s shot too.

Both Malvern and Mickleover scored their second and third, with Keane and Richards success, but Malvern’s fourth was wide and then Onabirekhanlen’s effort was saved.

Penalty five was successful for both, Atkinson obliging for Mickleover and so it was sudden death. Chapman again pulled off a great save and so Bencherif stepped to score the clincher, so Mickleover go through 4-3. That was a cup tie!!

 

by Peter Scherer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

By Peter Scherer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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