by Peter Scherer

There was another disappointing one goal defeat for Mickleover as they travelled to Stratford Town.

Manager John McGrath made a number of changes to the side that lost to Alvechurch last Tuesday.

Starting line-up: 1- Jonathan Hedge 2-Ethan Mann 3-Rhys Dolan 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Will Trueman 8-George Atwal 9-Marcus Marshall 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Oli Greaves 15-Ryan Wilson. Subs: Pablo Mills, Oliver Bosworth, Andy Dales, Mason Warren, Fin Ryder.

Stratford were straight into attack mode as the game kicked off, with both Callum Ebanks and Jamie Molyneux testing the Mickleover defence.

The pressure final told after 13 minutes when Dan Lafferty found Molyneux on the Mickleover left. He rounded the defence to find Kyle Bennett in the middle, who fired home the opening goal at his second attempt 0-1.

Sports were forced to make an early change when Dales came on for Dolan after 28 minutes. But Mickleover’s game of trying to play out from the back was frustrated by the home strike force, keeping most of the play in the Mickleover half.

Mickleover’s one real chance came after 36 minutes when Trueman fired over, while both Lafferty and Molyneux put shots over the bar for our hosts too.

The second half continued in a similar vain, but apart from a Charlie Williams shot wide for the hosts, neither keeper were troubled.

56 minutes in and Mickleover finally tested keeper Liam O’Brien, but it was slack defending four minutes later that allowed Greaves to break clear and hit the equaliser, 1-1.

Warren had replaced Beavon after 70 minutes, but the hosts continued to push forward, with Bennett having a shot cleared off the line.

Lafferty went close too with a header, which he followed up with another shot, before Ebanks connected with him again and this time it was the winning goal after 80 minutes. 1-2.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover face the Bards of Stratford Town this Saturday, hoping for better fortunes than they had at Alvechurch on Tuesday night.

Our hosts are still not safe from relegation, currently 16^th and five points above the drop zone.

This will be their third successive home game, having beaten Redditch 2-0 on Tuesday after drawing 1-1 with Barwell last Saturday. They are also unbeaten in the last five home games.

Ex Forest Junior midfielder and Bromsgrove manager Gavin Hurren has been in sole charge since September last year, when co-manager and former Rams player and assistant manager Dean Holdsworth left the club.

Having starting the season using well over 30 players before Christmas, there has been little early stability in our hosts starting line-up. Liam O’Brien, loanee Luke Bell, Leon Phillips and Louis Beresford have all started in goal.

O’Brien has now become the regular number one, he is a former England Under 19 International, who made 62 League Two appearances. QPR signed him as junior from Ruislip, before he moved on to Portsmouth. After a loan at Eastbourne, he joined Barnet on his release, and after another loan at Eastbourne signed for Brentford.

He moved on to Dagenham & Redbridge, before going back to Portsmouth. Stays at Coventry City and Yeovil followed, before coming to Stratford in November 2020, while Beresford has come through the Bards own youth scheme,

Signed in August 2021, midfielder Dan Lafferty is a former Northern Ireland Under 17 International, who came through the ranks at Coventry City.

Sam Wilding is a defensive midfielder who was a junior at both West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland. After a loan at Leamington, he joined Hednesford on his release, joining Stratford last October.

Will Grocott is another midfielder and he started his career at Aston Villa. After spells at Tamworth and Loughborough he went to Canada, playing for Kitchener-Waterloo Utd and Toronto Lynx. He returned to the UK with Rugby and Tamworth before his first spell at Stratford. After a year at Stourbridge, he came back to our hosts in 2020 and has been club captain.

Centre back and current captain Paul McCone was a pre-season arrival from Halesowen. He started at Wolves and has also played for Stourbridge, Leamington, Hednesford, Telford and back to Stourbridge.

They have recently added the experienced defender Lee Vaughan to their squad. An ex Birmingham City and Portsmouth Junior, he was at Chelmsley before Walsall signed him. Then a loan at Willenhall preceded a move to Telford, moving onto Kidderminster, Cheltenham, Tranmere, Solihull and Barnet.  He came to Stratford after 18 months at Stourbridge.

Striker Andre Wright arrived in October last year from Kettering. As a West Bromwich Albion Junior, he was loaned out to Kidderminster, Torquay and Coventry, before a permanent move to Kidderminster. He moved to Nuneaton, back to Torquay, Gloucester and Halesowen, before going to the Republic of Ireland with Bohemians.

After spells at Ayr Utd and Sligo Rovers, he joined Telford in January, followed by a spell at Hereford before joining Kettering at the start of the season.

Former West Bromwich Albion Junior left back Taylor Morrison arrived from Littleton in August 2022. He first joined Stratford in 2018, having gone to Alvechurch following his West Brom release. He returned to Alvechurch after a couple of months, before moving on via Evesham, Redditch, Worcester City and another Alvechurch return, then a five-month spell at Littleton followed a short stop at Tamworth.

Josh Hawker is a central midfielder and former Birmingham City Junior. He was signed from Halesowen in July last year and played for Redditch too.

Former Brentford Junior midfielder Jesse Akubuine spent much of his career in Scotland. From Brentford he joined Queen of the South, who loaned him to Dalbeattie Star and Broomhill Glasgow, before moving to Cumbernauld. On his return to England, he joined Rushden & Diamonds, from where Stratford signed him last October.

Teenaged midfielder Felix Miles arrived last October. A former Cheltenham Junior, he was loaned to Tuffley Rovers and Evesham before joining the Bards on his release. He is on the fringe of the first team and is currently on loan at Cinderford.

Right back Patrick Zito arrived last August on his release from Aston Villa, but hasn’t broken into the first team.

Lewis Ison is a defender signed from Hednesford earlier this season. He was picked up by Bristol Rovers from Coventry Utd, but then moved to Nuneaton before returning to Coventry.

Kieron Dawes is another right back, signed from Bromsgrove at the beginning of the year. While he was at Birmingham City he had loans at Sutton Coldfield and Hednesford, before joining Coleshill on release. He was then at Redditch before his six month stay at Bromsgrove.

Dan Vann is a centre back too, having been at the club for three years since arriving from Walsall. He was also loaned to Stafford, Matlock and Chasetown during his time with the Saddlers.

James Mace is another centre back signed last November, from Leamington. He started at Hinckley Utd before joining Leamington, who also loaned him out to Bromsgrove.

Former West Brom and Walsall Junior Striker Jamie Molyneux arrived from Bromsgrove in May 2023, having previously played for Halesowen, Redditch, Hereford, Highgate and Westfields.

Centre back Jack Turner was Bristol City Junior, signed from Kettering part way through last season. He has recently returned from a loan spell at Corby.

Right back Aksum White came from Coleshill last August. Another former West Brom Junior, he has played for Tamworth, Khalsa and Worcester Raiders too.

Striker Callum Ebanks is currently on loan from Cheltenham and over the last two years he has also been loaned to Evesham, Bromsgrove, Eastleigh and Bath City.

Winger Kyle Bennett was signed from Hednesford on Valentine’s Day this year. He started out at Wolves, before moving on to Bury on Doncaster, from where he was loaned to Crawley Town.

After another loan at Bradford he joined Portsmouth, but continued his travel via Bristol Rovers, Swindon, Grimsby and Telford, before a year at Hednesford. He has well over 300 league games under his belt.

Midfielder Charlie Williams was signed last month after being released by Burton Albion. He was previously loaned to Leamington, Banbury and Redditch.

Josh Waite is a striker who came to the club in February, he had previously been at Telford for six months, following his release from Stoke City.

Kick off as usual is 3pm if you are making the trip.

by Peter Scherer

With two minutes left on the clock Mickleover had a 1-0 lead, but a stunning double blow from Alvechurch into injury time, left them returning home pointless.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Jake Bennett 3-Ryan Wilson 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Andy Dales 8-Mason Warren 9-Marcus Marshall 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Oli Greaves. Subs: Pablo Mills, George Atwal, Jonathan Hedge, Rhys Dolan, Will Trueman.

Greaves led Mickleover’s first attack in the opening minute to earn a corner, before Dales found Warren who sent in a curling lob to stretch home keeper Dan Jezeph a minute later.

It was even closer five minutes in when Bennett was fouled and the free kick fell to Watt, after an attempted clearance by Jezeph. But Harry Williams was on the line and came between Mickleover and an opening goal.

It was all Mickleover at this stage as Bennett went on another run, found Wilson and his pass was picked up by Beavon in the box again. Not only was his shot blocked, but Marshall’s rebound too.

The hosts had their first telling shot nine minutes in, when Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton’s effort was blocked. Mickleover were soon breaking again though with a Dales cross after Warren and Wilson had advanced, but there was no one in the middle to receive.

Jed Abbey then forced a save from Bosworth in the Mickleover goal, diving to his left as the game became much more even.

Mann had worked himself into space down the right, and sent a Crossfield ball to Dales. His curling cross was tight into the keeper, but Jezeph managed to hold it under pressure from Greaves on the 15 minute mark.

Wilson then sent in a long ball, which Jezeph appeared to handle outside the area, but the referee failed to react to the appeals.

But Alvechurch were quick to break again and after a series passes, Abbey tried a long range shot well over the bar. The hosts continued to push forward, with slow but gradual build up’s very much like Mickleover’s own approach.

Sports kept coming back though as the defence stayed strong and Bennett fed Dales down the right after 23 minutes, only to find Beavon’s path blocked in the box.

Danny Waldron then had a shot blocked for the hosts, earning another corner, from which Mickleover went on another charge.

Dales, Warren and Marshal combined, with a nice lay-off aiming for Dales, which was just short of its target.

With both sides trying to break the deadlock, Alvechurch went left to right, before a cross on the half hour, saw Skeen-Hamilton’s effort just wide.

Waldron had another good chance for our hosts after 39 minutes, when his charge upfield, saw his final shot just inches wide of Bosworth’s left hand post.

With two minutes left in the first half Abbey had a great chance again, following a cross from his left, but the shot  was blocked and earned a corner, which came to nothing.

Dales ended the half with a tame shot straight at the keeper, to send the teams in level, which was probably a fair score.

Both teams were playing a similar style, which saw the second half kick off in a similar vain to the first.

Mickleover had an early free kick cleared and then after 54 minutes Warren put a strong long ball through the middle for Marshall chase, but the home keeper was just off his line in time to intercept.

Alvechurch had a free kick on the hour after Waldron was fouled, but Mickleover made  break from the interception, sending Greaves on a long run. He was pursued by the Alvechurch number six, who pushed him to the ground and the referee had hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Warren stepped up and calmy hit the back of the net, to finally break the deadlock, 1-0 after 62 minutes.

Marshall then became the second Sports player in the ref’s book after Butler was cautioned earlier, but his clash Carter looked more as if he was the victim.

Trueman then came on for Beavon as Mickleover started to take control for a while, with Greaves on another charge in the 70^th minute, crossing from the right  and almost finding Marshall.

A few minutes later Marshall charged through the defence to send Dales clear, before Warren was fouled on the edge of the box.

There was no messing from the home defence, as they booted Wilson’s free kick out of the ground to earn a corner.

Wilson then sent a crossfield ball to Bennett and layed on a lovely ball for Marshall, but the striker lost his footing at the critical moment.

Mickleover were still on top but Alvechurch continued to look very dangerous on the break, and Waldron got on the end of  one, before Watt and Bosworth combined to block the shot.

Bosworth was then added to the refs yellow card collection, before Greaves was on the end of another attack, with  a shot just wide on 78 minutes.

Trueman then split the defence and was heading for goal two minutes later, before a critical tackle from Remi Walker cleared the danger.

Watt was next in the ref’s book, but time was running out, and despite a number of substitutions by the hosts, Mickleover were starting to look home and dry.

With one minute on the clock, there was a cross from the Alvechurch left into a crowded box, the defence was packed tight but no one connected to hoof it clear, and Skeen-Hamilton fired it home at close range, 1-1.

Greaves almost responded from the kick off, but Jezeph bravely dived at his feet to intercept.

Time was almost up when another mass attack from the hosts bore fruit, with sub Ben Cassidy beating the whole of the defence to the ball, to hit home a close range winner 1-2 in the fifth minute of injury time!

There was barely time to kick off before the final whistle, but in those final minutes a secure three points turned to unbelievable defeat.

by Peter Scherer

Hopefully the thrice postponed match at Alvechurch will go ahead tonight, with Mickleover hoping to complete the double, following our 1-0 win at the Don Amott Arena in February.

Currently 12^th in the table, our hosts are finally catching up on their catalogue of postponed games, which suffered earlier in the season following their FA Cup success.

They beat Ilkeston Town 2-1 last Saturday and won five of their last eight games.

Alvechurch manager Ian Long came back to the club in February 2020, having previously been there for four years, before joining Stourbridge.

First choice goalkeeper Dan Jezeph was a Walsall Junior, who was at Tamworth and Worcester City before joining Alvechurch in July 2021.

Ashley Carter is a centre back that came from Halesowen in May 2021. He was a Wolves Academy player and was loaned to Chesterfield and Tamworth before joining Kidderminster on his release.

He then came to Alvechurch in July 2017, joining Nuneaton a year later. November 2018 he was back at Alvechurch, before moves to Stourbridge and Halesowen preceded his third and current spell with our visitors.

Ex Aston Villa Junior right back Brad Burton has established himself in the starting line-up in the six months, after joining our hosts in October 2021.

Josh Dugmore is a young right back who was with the Walsall and Everton football Academies before joining Birmingham City on a scholarship. Following his release from the Blues he joined Bromsgrove for the start of last season and was a virtual ever present for them throughout the season, making a total of 47 appearances.

He then joined AFC Telford United last July, but moved to Banbury in September and signed for Alvechurch in January on a dual contract.

Jed Abbey can play midfield or right back and started his career with Wolves. He went to Telford after his release and came to Alvechurch pre-season.

Midfielder Tom Edge was a pre-season signing too. He played junior football at Telford and Walsall before heading for the US, where he had four years at Campbellsville University in Kentucky.

Jack Concannon was another one of the pre-season signings. An ex Birmingham City Junior, he was loaned to Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth, before going to Tamworth on his release.

Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton is a young striker in his third spell at the club. After being at Birmingham City, he had two years with Bournemouth, which included loans at Salisbury and Gosport.

He came to Alvechurch in July 2020 after his Bournemouth release, moving to Telford a year later. He was then loaned back to Alvechurch, before making his stay permanent earlier last year.

Former West Bromwich Albion defender Ben Cassidy holds the record of being the youngest Alvechurch debutant, when he first appeared for the first team in 2018 aged 16.

Striker Danny Waldron arrived from Leamington in July last 2021 and he’s also played for Rushall Olympic.

Former Coventry Academy defender or midfielder Jamie Spiers was signed at the end of last summer. He moved to Stratford Town at 14 and was at Shrewsbury Town until the end of last season.

Joining the plethora of ex West Brom Juniors is Angolan born midfielder Aurio Neto Teixeira. He joined our hosts last September, after a summer release from the Baggies.

Striker Manny Olakoko arrived in July from Leamington, but was almost immediately sent out on a three month loan to Heather St John.

Jeremy Abbey had made one appearance since his arrival. He has spent most of his career at Telford, with loans at Markey Drayton, Barwell and Rushall.

Left back Jamie Melbourne was a new year signing, after being released from Stoke City. He spent time at West Bromwich Albion too.

Midfielder Maxwell Ngbeken was a pre-season signing from Darlaston.

Midfielder Aiden Finnegan is on loan from Coventry City, having started his career at Birmingham, while Remi Walker is another midfielder on loan from Birmingham.

Finally Jamie Soule was signed only about a month ago from Dover Athletic. Yet another West Brom junior striker, he had loans at Barrow, Cheltenham and Lincoln before his release. He made his debut in the recent defeat at St Ives and is capped by England at Under 16 and 17 levels.

Kick off is 7.45pm.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover managed to reclaim sixth place in the Southern Premier League Central Division, after Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Royston Town.

A goal in the 10^th minute by Sports leading scorer Andy Dales was all that separated the teams at the end of the 90 minutes, despite the Mickleover dominance.

With neighbours Ilkeston going down 1-2 at Alvechurch, Mickleover retook sixth and are two points clear with two games in hand.

This is how Royston manager Steve Castle viewed the game.

“A very disappointing result after a few very positive weeks especially at home but on Saturday we just didn’t turn up!

Why was that? I’m not sure.  Was it possibly the fact that to get into playoffs was an extremely tough ask? Having said that there are still loads of points to play for so the incentive should always be there to win.

For me, too many of us just didn’t compete and we can’t and won’t stand for that! We should have got something out of the game but in truth had we  got anywhere near our previous performance levels, we would have won that game at a canter. Yes, we had a few players missing but still, we had enough to get maximum points.

It’s often said that football is all about reactions – how you react to things on the pitch, off the pitch, how you react to results and setbacks and now we need to make sure we react properly to this disappointing performance and result. We need to bounce back and bounce back quickly. We’ve got the perfect opportunity in another home game to come this weekend. I sincerely believe that we owe it to ourselves to perform how we should.”

Sports Chairman Don Amott gave his view too, “We played so well. Could have been three or four up at half time.  We hit the woodwork twice. Their goalie made some great saves too . The back four were fantastic,  James Butler in particular. Disappointing attendance of 197, but all in all a great performance.”

by Peter Scherer

Having slipped to seventh in the Southern Premier League Central Division behind Ilkeston Town, Mickleover will be looking to regain their top six place this weekend, when they host 10^th placed Royston Town at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Back in January we drew 1-1 with our visitors, thanks to an Oli Greaves goal. Since then they have had six home wins, but only one point from their three away games, with a 3-3 draw at Ilkeston.

Royston lost at home to Tamworth last Saturday, but were due to have played at Alvechurch on Tuesday, but became another victim of the Alvechurch pitch.

Joe Bateman is the only doubt in the home squad, having missed last weeks win at Bromsgrove.

Royston manager Steve Castle was a midfielder who started as a Tottenham junior, but also played for Leyton Orient, Birmingham and Plymouth among others, before retiring in 2004. He has been in charge at Garden Walk since 2013 and previously managed Takeley and St Albans and was assistant at Cambridge Utd.

Dimitrios Kyriatzis has been first choice keeper for most of the season. He was with Brentford after they picked him up at Henley Utd. But after a loan at Stevenage, he joined Inter Leipzig in Germany on his release. After almost two years he returned to the UK with Bedfont Sports and came to Royston in November 2021.

When Kyriatzis has been out injured, Louis Chadwick has taken over the number one spot. He is a loanee from Cambridge Utd, who has also been loaned out to St.Neots, Cambridge City and Brentwood.

Right back Cole Da Silva has represented Wales at every level from Under 16 to Under 21. Originally a Luton Town junior, he passed through Chelsea, Brentford and Leicester City’s youth scheme’s too, before going to Croatia with HNK Sibenik. He returned to the UK after six months and played for Oxford City and Hemel, before coming to Royston last September.

Ronnie Henry was a Tottenham youth team player, who was loaned to Southend before making a permanent move to Dublin City in 2004.He then spent seven years at Stevenage, before joining Luton Town, only to return again two years later. Another five years on he joined Billericay, from where Royston signed him in May ’21. He is also Grandson of ex Tottenham double winning defender Ron Henry.

Striker Matt Bateman is in his second spell at Garden Walk. He arrived originally from Berkhamsted in 2019, but moved onto Hemel after one year, before making the return trip again in August ’21.

Striker Fredrik Hinds arrived just before Christmas, after spending a year at Wingate. He had League Two and Championship experience, after starting off at Luton Town. He then joined Bristol City, who also loaned him to Cheltenham, Wrexham and Colchester and a three-month spell at Hemel before joining Wingate.

Right back Shaun Keane came to the club pre-season, from Peterborough Sports. He was previously at Bedford, having started out with Peterborough Utd.

Ed Asafu-Adjaye is a right back too and an ex Luton Town youngster. He was loaned to Salisbury and Histon before joining Forest Green on his release.

Left back James Brighton is an ex Birmingham City Junior. He joined Cambridge Utd on his release, and was loaned to Hemel and Cambridge City before a permanent move to the latter. He joined our visitors in November 2019 after four years at Kettering.

He was then at Hemel before his first stop at Royston in July 2017, staying one year before moving to Hayes & Yeading. He returned to our visitors in July 2019.

Joel Nakatani-Brown is another left back and a pre-season arrival too, from Westfield. He has also played for Hillingdon, Cockfosters and FC Romania.

Former Cambridge Utd midfielder Fernando Bell-Toxtle was signed in September from Rushden & Diamonds. He was loaned to St.Neots and joined Rushden following his release, but moved to Basford while studying in Nottingham, before returning to Rushden.

Midfielder Alfie Williams is on loan from Stevenage until the end of the season. He started at Tottenham’s Academy Under 12’s but since joining Stevenage he has been loaned to Biggleswade, Kings Langley, Hemel and Hayes & Yeading.

Pre-season signing Nathan Tshikuna is an attacking midfielder too who started out at MK Dons. His path took him on to Aylesbury, New Bradwell St Peter, Buckingham, Bedford, Kempston Rovers, MK Gallacticos, Barton Rovers and was at Rushden last season.

Home produced striker Kian Harness came into the first team squad last season, but scored a hattrick earlier this season in the home win over Hitchin Town.

Midfielder Spyros Mentis has spent most of his career at Royston. He first arrived from Takeley in 2014, having previously been at St Albans. He has had spells at Soham and Hayes & Yeading too, but has been back at Royston for the last three years.

Young defender Will Hall was signed in October. He’s an ex Watford junior and had a loan spell at Kings Langley last season too.

Experienced defender and captain Adam Murray had played for Cambridge City before arriving at Royston, but well over 200 hundred appearances later he is still a main stay of the side.

6ft 6in striker Shomari Barnwell arrived in November from Hanwell Town. He started out with Bowers & Pitsea before joining Dagenham & Redbridge. A loan at Bishop Stortford followed, before he moved to Solihull Moors. After a further loan at Lewes he joined Barking, moving on again to Brentwood, Grays, Great Wakering Rovers, Bishop Stortford again, Maldon & Tiptree and started this season at Hanwell.

Centre back Mackye Townsend-West has recently arrived on loan too from Stevenage, having previously been to St.Albans.

Tom Newman is a striker or midfielder who has also spent time at Soham on a dual registration, during his five year stay at Royston.

Former England C International Kye Marsh-Brown was a January arrival from Peterborough Sports. The midfielder started out at Brentford, before joining Bedford on his release. Further moves have taken him to Egham, Whitehawk, Welling, Biggleswade, Dartford, Hemel and St Neots, before joining Peterborough in February last year.

Defender or midfielder Jay Rolfe made the switch from Welwyn Garden City to Royston in July last year. He joined them from Cockfosters four years ago, and has also played for Hatfield Town and Colney Heath.

Midfielder George Hoddle is currently on loan from Cambridge Utd, having been on loan at St Neots earlier in the season too.

Matthew Crowther, Freddie Brown, Harry Forde, Archie Cane, Isa Rotimi and Charlie Castle, son of manager Steve,  have also been in the squad this season, having come through the clubs own junior scheme.

Kick off as usual is 3pm at the Don Amott Arena.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover returned to winning ways last Saturday, with a comfortable win over Bromsgrove Sporting.

But manager John McGrath was forced to make a late reshuffle of his starting line-up, when Rhys Dolan picked up a groin strain during the pre-match warm-up.

Line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Jake Bennett 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Andy Dales 8-Rhys Wilson 9-Elliott Reeves 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Mason Warren 14-Oli Greaves 15-Ethan Mann. Subs: Pablo Mills, Marcus Marshall, Jonathan Hedge, Rhys Dolan, Will Trueman.

After a little early pressure from the hosts, Mickleover soon began to take charge and after just three minutes, Warren tested Ollie Taylor in the Bromsgrove goal, following a Dales cross from the left.

A minute later Prince Henry got a break for Bromsgrove, but Bosworth was quickly off his line to intercept. Sports keeper was soon in action again when Butler lost out in a touchline duel.

Greaves and Bennett had already started to look dangerous on the right wing and a quick one-two preceded a cross into the box from Bennett, which was met precisely by Dales and is was 1-0 after 16 minutes with a rare headed goal from the Mickleover ace.

Reeves then got a break a minute later on the right again, but his cross or shot was well off the mark and out for a throw.

Greaves and Bennett combined again after 20 minutes and found Reeves in the middle, this time his effort was just wide of the right-hand post. 

The hosts had been pegged back in their own half with the midfield of Greaves, Mann and Warren in charge, allowing both Bennett and Wilson to work well on the overlaps.

There were a few minutes of sustained attack from Bromsgrove, but they came to nought and ended with a Mickleover break after 23 minutes. Beavon received the ball in the box, but couldn’t get his shot in, but it fell to Bennett who’s blocked effort earned a corner.

Mann set up the next attack sending Beavon one on one against the advancing keeper. The luck was on Bromsgrove’s side as his shot hit the keeper.

It was all Sports as the half hour approached, with Beavon sending Dales on another positive run. His cross from the left was met with a powerful shot from Greaves, well saved by the keeper for another corner.

Both Butler and Watt came up for the corner, but the final header was just over the bar.

Reeves was next to have a chance, although he had plenty of time to prepare for his shot, his effort was blocked on the line, before Dales earned another corner and his continuing torment of the home defence.

For some  reason unbeknown to the rest of us Mann was booked after 42 minutes after a shoulder to shoulder lean with Adam Smalley, but two minutes on and there was a rare mishandle from Bosworth, which he soon recovered with inches to spare.

Beavon had a quick one-two with Dales again before the latter’s shot was fired over, but into time added on Reeves was through again after a jinking run, then lost his footing at the critical moment.

But with the half time whistle poised Watt was outpaced by Henry, who the found Smalley in space. What could easily have been a 3-0 lead into the half time break had suddenly become a 1-1 draw, after the visitors only shot of the half!

Only minutes into second half Dales needed treatment after being flattened by Dawkins. But he soon recovered and out sprinted Kabeya to earn another corner.

Although hosts restarted more positively, Mickleover continued to outplay them. There was another shot fired in from Beavon, although the shot was blocked initially it broke loose, where  Dales then swung his leg at the bouncing ball and it was 2-1 as it hit the roof of the net after 51 minutes.

Kabeya then got a dangerous break on the Bromsgrove right, his cross was on target, before Mo Sebbah-Njie sent his shot sky high.

Njie almost made amends a couple of minutes later, with a powerful shot from his right punched away by Bosworth after 57 minutes.

After Bennett had found Beavon on the hour, there was another Mickleover corner, with Reeves follow up header just wide.

Keeper Taylor then made a poor clearance straight at Beavon, but it was both a surprise and a little too close for the striker to control.

Sports made their first change when Trueman came on for Mann after 64 minutes, but a third goal was still looking imminent, despite Bromsgrove gaining more possession.

Bosworth comfortably held another another Bromsgrove effort and then Kabeya ran almost half of the pitch, before firing his shot over the bar.

The hosts managed to put another effort into the side netting, but when Dales crossed from the right after a 73^rd minute free kick, Beavon again found his shot blocked.

At 2-1 and almost dominance, the game still didn’t look 100% safe and after 78 minutes, Henry’s shot was just wide of Bosworth’’s left hand post.

But Dales the intercepted another poor clearance by the keeper, shot down the left to find Beavon in the middle, but the danger was cleared.

Greaves then tried his luck with an 80th minute pile driver just over the bar, which was followed by the second change as Marshall came on for Beavon.

Smalley had two attempts on goal in the final 10 minutes, the first was wide of the left-hand post following a free kick and the second on 85 minutes was just over.

Watt then appeared to be shown the yellow card after returning to the pitch after treatment, but a third goal followed for Mickleover. The Bromsgrove defence seemed to freeze, as if waiting for a stoppage. But it was play on after a slight hesitation Reeves went for goal and slotted it past the advancing keeper to finally make it 3-1. 

by Peter Scherer

Our hosts this Saturday at Bromsgrove Sporting have had a very mixed season with a fairly large turnover of players. Back in October we beat them 4-1, but had George Nunn sent off for retaliating against an unpunished foul from player manager Michael McGrath.

They are currently 13^th in the table, following their 1-1 draw at home to Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday night. They have had two wins in the last 10 games, having lost out to promotion hopefuls Leiston and Coalville away from home recently.

Mickleover will hopefully have Joe Bateman and Will Trueman fit to rejoin the squad, following the disappointment of last Saturday’s home defeat.

With Michael McGrath becoming the Bromsgrove Sporting player/manager he handed over his captaincy to Tom Taylor. Centre back McGrath arrived in March 2022, having been without a club since leave Kettering in June 2021.

He has along list of former clubs from a long career, including Redditch, Kidderminster, Worcester, Sligo Rovers and Galway Utd, plus lengthier stays in the Midlands with Rushall, Stratford and Hereford. His first spell at Bromsgrove was 2018, for three months, before moving on again to Redditch, Stourbridge and Evesham.

Taylor is a former striker who became a defender. An ex Shrewsbury junior, he has played much of his football in Wales, with Porthmadog, Caernarfon Town, Pentraeth, Glantraeth, Holyhead Hotspur and Llangefni Town.

He left Bromsgrove in April 2021 to join Stourbridge, but returned in the December.

First choice goalkeeper Ollie Taylor was signed from Alvechurch in December 2021 and has also played for Redditch. He is the son of former Birmingham City keeper Maik.

Goalkeeping coach Adam Marusiak is his deputy. He started out at Worcester City, before joining Bromsgrove initially. He also played for Tividale before spending a couple of seasons with Wolves Academy, then went coaching in the US for four years.

He returned to the UK with Alvechurch and Redditch and had brief spell with Bromsgrove last season, before returning this year to a similar role.

Gambian born midfielder Mo Sebbeh-Njie started out at Kettering, before spending a year with Stafford Rangers. He joined Alfreton in July 2021, before arriving at Bromsgrove last October.

Midfielder Tristan Dunkley started in the Birmingham City Youth team, before joining Loughborough in 2014. He joined Hednesford two years later and then Worcester City, before being loaned to Halesowen, and a permanent move to Solihull Moors.

Stops at Rushall, Tamworth, Alvechurch, Barwell and Corby followed, before Bromsgrove signed him from Bedworth Utd earlier this month.

Midfielder Conor Tee was signed from Rushden last month. He is an ex Leicester City Junior, who joined Brackley Town following his release. He then spent a year at South Shields before moving to Rushden at the beginning of this season.

Defender Ammar Dyer is an ex Port Vale Junior who was released in July 2021 and is a regular in the Bromsgrove starting line-up, after arriving from Leek Town.

Brandon Smalley is a striker who began his career in the US with Florida Tech and Ocean City. On his return to the UK in 2021 he signed for Yorkshire Amateurs, before moving to Evesham Town. He joined our hosts last November from Yate Town.

Dewain Sewell is a striker too, he came to Bromsgrove in January, after six months without a club, following his release from Aston Villa.

Midfielder Jack Tolley is an ex Shrewsbury Town Junior on an extended loan from Kidderminster. He initially arrived for a month back in November.

Miro Pais is a young winger and has been at Bromsgrove for two years, having come through their own youth scheme.

Defender Lewis Wright also lists Redditch as a former club, along with Alvechurch, Tamworth and Halesowen.

Kartell Dawkins is a young midfielder who came to our hosts in January on his release from Leicester City. He also had loan spell at Rushden & Diamonds before Christmas.

Demi Akinwe is another new arrival only two weeks ago. A midfielder and ex West Bromwich Albion Junior, he left Shrewsbury Town last summer and has more recently been at Hednesford and Gresley Rovers.

Blake Kindred is another striker in the squad and has been out on a dual registration and has made one appearance this season.

Another new signing this month is Mikel Brown, a 6ft plus centre back.

Ayo Lekuti is a Northampton Town loanee. He came to our hosts in January and can play defence or midfield.

Nathan Kabeya is also on loan from Lincoln City, having started as a Wolves Junior.

Centre back Darryl Powell has recently arrived on loan from Lincoln City. He is the son of the former Rams and Jamaica star of the same name and made his debut against Leiston last Saturday. He also made one appearance for Mickleover Reserves last month.

Finally another new arrival is due to make his debut on Saturday. Striker Prince Henry is on loan from Bristol City, having already had spells at Taunton Town, Yate Town, Alvechurch and Tiverton this season, having been at Weston Super Mare and Hungerford last season.

Kick off is at 3pm and travelling time via the A38 and M42 is just over an hour.

by Peter Scherer

Something had to give with both Mickleover and Barwell Town on winning streaks, but unfortunately it was Sports who ended the game pointless.

Starting line-up: 1-Oliver Bosworth 2-Ethan Mann 3-Rhys Dolan 5 James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Andy Dales 8-Mason Warren 9-Elliott Reeves 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Oliver Greaves; 15- Ryan Wilson. Subs: Pablo Mills, Marcus Marshall Jonathan Hedge; Jake Bennett, George Atwal.

Right from the kick off Mickleover were on the attack, with a Wilson cross into the box almost connecting with Dales in the opening minute, before Sports earned their first corner two minutes later.

The visiting defence continued to face an early barrage and a crossfield ball from Mann on the right, split them, but although it connected with Reeves, he lost his footing.

It was all Mickleover until Barwell got a break in the seventh minute. Skipper Brad Hickey put the ball through into the box after outpacing Watt and Beck-Ray Enoru lashed it past Bosworth into the left hand corner of the net, 0-1.

Dales was almost through again but his path was blocked, as was Beavon’s rebound shot, before Greaves strike was straight at keeper Andy Wycherley.

Barwell had an attempt wide following a corner, but despite being a goal down, Mickleover continued to have more of the possession, albeit restricted to the left wing.

Much of the reliance in Sports attacks came from Dolan and Dales and after 15 minutes Dales earned another corner after cutting in from the left.

Two minutes later Wilson lined up to take a free kick just outside the box, following a handball. His curling shot struck the bar before going clear, just inches from an equaliser.

Barwell continued to rely on tight defence and looking for a break. Reeves was a couple of inches shy of connecting with a Warren cross after a long series of passes and possession 22 minutes in, but a lack of pace in the home defence once again brought success for Barwell.

Despite the run of play Enoru tore through on the Mickleover right, found Josh Flanagan in the clear by the far post and it was 0-2 after 26 minutes.

Watt was yellow carded on the half hour, but with the right wing almost redundant, Dolan again attacked down the left wing, but his cross missed both Beavon and Reeves after a deflection.

Flanagan had a header straight into Bosworth’s hands after 37 minutes and Hickey had a random shot for the visitors a few minutes later, but was well off target.

As half time approached, Dales and Beavon led a further bombardment of the Barwell defence, but each attempt was blocked.

Jahvan Davidson-Miller then picked up a loose ball and fed it straight through the middle, with Enoru on the end of it he outpaced the defence again for his second of the match and Barwell’s third, 0-3.

Davidson-Miller had another half chance but fired over, while on possession Mickleover had the advantage, but still went in 0-3 down.

With Bennett on for Watt as the teams re-appeared, Mann moved into the middle of the defence alongside Butler, and the balance across the back line brought almost immediate results.

48 minutes down and Dales got a cross in, Beavon’s shot was blocked , but ran loose to his right, where Reeves slid in to pull one goal back, 1-3.

Kyle Rowley headed  over from corner, but there were Barwell appeals for a penalty when Enoru hit the deck, but they were waved away.

Mickleover began to look stronger on both wings and the whole team began to show more drive and confidence, pegging the visitors back in their own half.

Warren floated in a corner after 57 minutes which was headed away and on the hour Dolan was felled in the box, but neither the referee nor his assistant saw it and no penalty was awarded.

Marshall came on for Beavon after 63 minutes, but some telling crosses were starting to come in from Bennett on the right, as Reeves slid in again to see his deflected shot pushed inches the wrong side of the post for a corner.

Butler hit the bar with the following header, but Barwell still looked dangerous when they were able to make a break, though less often in the second half.

Dolan battled through to have a 73^rd shot straight at the keeper and a minute later Reeves was through on goal before being a tripped in the box again, resulting in a second clear penalty appeal being ignored.

Dolan had another shot tipped away by the keeper, before Enoru broke clear. His pace put him clear but fortunately on this occasion his aim let him down.

Time was beginning to run out but hope of salvaging a point came closer when Dales cut in from the left again, sending a lovely curling shot out of Wycherley’s reach into the far corner 2-3 with 12 minutes left.

Mann had an attempt into the side netting and  after some good work between Bennett and Dales on the right, Reeves was through but his final shot was just painfully inches wide of the left hand post.

Warren tried to chip the keeper after 87 minutes, but he was able to catch the effort at full stretch. A couple of late corners followed, but the elusive equaliser failed to materialise and Barwell went home with all three points.