by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

A goal in each half made sure that Mickleover retained the Keith Calladine Memorial Trophy, the annual pre-season fixture against Burton Albion.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Dwayne Wiley 6-Trialist A; 7-Kane Richards 8-Cieron Keane; 9 Manni Norkett; 10-Josh Carter; 11-Theo Rowe. Subs: Tyrell Waite; Stuart Beavon; Liam Carter; Josh Ashman; Trialist B.

Mickleover made their now customary pacey start, which soon led to the opening goal. Rowe outran the visiting defence on the left, fired in a cross which met Richards and goal number one was into the far corner, 1-0 after just four minutes.

From there Burton seemed to settle more and the play and possession were fairly even up to the completion of the first half hour. Norkett then shrugged off a challenge to break down the right wing. He then cut inside and fired in a shot just over the bar.

Mickleover continued to press down the wings and after 39 minutes Richards tried his luck cutting in from the right. The ball went across the face of the goal, but there was no one to tuck it home.

With just one minute on the clock before the half time whistle, Sports went close again, with Norkett getting on the end of another telling cross, to see his header agonisingly hit the post. So it stayed 1-0 as we reached the interval.

There were no half time changes but there was soon another goal for Mickleover. 50 minutes in and a Josh Carter strike brushed a Burton defender and had the keeper beaten 2-0.

Sports made their first change when Waite replaced Norkett after 62 minutes.

But the attacks continued to flow and six minutes later Keane almost crowned a starring role in midfield, sending in a cross that had the defence beaten, only for Waite’s shot to be well saved by the keeper.

Burton pulled one back with a 71st minute penalty, while further changes were made as Liam Carter replaced Rowe, and Wiley and Richards made way for Trialist B and Beavon.

And so the pre-season schedule came to an end with a 2-1 victory making it four wins out of six, as we now look forward to the FA Cup on Saturday, when we visit Winsford Utd.

 

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover headed for National League North Worksop Town for their penultimate pre-season game, going down 0-1 to a second half goal, in other an otherwise strong performance.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Kane Richards 8-Josh Ashman 9-Manni Norkett 10-Trialist A 11-Theo Rowe. Subs: Ty Waite; Jack McDowell; Josh Carter; Liam Carter; Trialist B; Cieron Keane.

It was a now customary lively start from Mickleover, with an early free kick after Norkett was fouled on his opening run. As at Matlock where he scored the opening goal, Richards stepped up to take the kick, curling goalwards but well taken by the home keeper Dearnley.

Four minutes in and Norkett outpaced the defence again on the left, but his Crossfield ball was just out of range for Richards’ pursuit.

Worksop had their first shot three minutes later when Whitman-Brown shot just wide, but it was end to end with both sides looking to attack.

Wiley put in a strong header just wide from a 13th minute corner, before Worksop earned a free kick, taken short and faded away.

Ashman and Atkinson were looking extremely solid in the middle for Sports, which allowed Richards and Rowe to attack down the wings to support the chasing Norkett. Their combination gave Richards the chance for a telling cross from the right after 17 minutes, but the home defence had it covered.

Gradually our hosts began to apply more pressure and after a 22nd minute corner, there was a further spell of sustained pressure, which Wilkinson, Bencherif, Wiley and Sanders not only soaked up but looked solid and comfortable.

28 minutes and Bencherif went close from a header after another corner, but it continued evenly matched as we reached half time 0-0.

Mickleover made one change for the second half with Keane on for Ashman, but three minutes into the restart it was Worksop that opened

the scoring. A break down the Mickleover left saw a deflected cross sent into the box. The deflection appeared to have wrong footed Chapman in the Mickleover goal and the ball fell nicely for Whitman-Brown who slotted it home 0-1.

Both Trialist A and Norkett then made way for Waite and Trialist C, but now in front Worksop were starting to look stronger and had another shot on goal deflected wide for a corner on the hour mark.

It was nearly a second for our hosts after 66 minutes. Chapman had made an initial save, the ball was fired back in but Wilkinson was on the goal line and headed it clear.

The next change was Josh Carter on for Richards and over the next few minutes Trialist B replaced Wiley, McDowell for Chapman and Liam Carter for Rowe as we were into the final 15 minutes.

Keane managed to make some space to try a shot from distance which was just past the post, but Worksop kept McDowell busy in the closing minutes. Firstly he held a close range shot and the made a diving save to his right and make sure it remained 0-1.

 

by Peter Scherer

It’s our penultimate pre-season game of the season and our toughest, as we head up the M1 to face National League North Worksop Town on Tuesday night. But Mickleover’s 4-1 at Matlock with an impressive all-round performance should make it an interesting encounter.

Our last meetings were back in October 2024 when we went down 0-4 at home and 0-6 away, having knocked them out of the FA Trophy a year earlier away 5-0, with Oli Greaves, now a Worksop player scoring two of our goals.

Under Craig Parry’s guidance they won promotion as NPL Division One East Champions in 22/23 and after finishing second in the Northern Premier in 24/25 they were promoted again via the play-offs.

They have played six pre-season games, the last being a 4-0 home win over Garforth last Saturday. They have also beaten Hallam, Retford, Ilkeston and South Normanton and drawn at home to a Barnsley XI.

Parry has been in charge for six years, with Luke Jeffs his assistant and were 16th in last years National League North standings, their first season at step 2.

Goalkeeper Max Dearnley has just arrived from Macclesfield. He started his career at Penistone and Ossett Utd, before signing for Huddersfield Town. His next stop was Farsley Celtic, before spending a year at Buxton, which included a loan spell at Chorley.

Deegan Atherton is a right back who is starting his sixth season at the club, since arriving from Rotherham Utd.

Former Sheffield Wednesday junior Josh Wilde is a left back, who joined Buxton following his Owls release. Gainsborough, North Ferriby Utd, Halifax and Alfreton were his next stops, before joining our hosts in July 2022. He spent part of last season in loan at Cleethorpes.

Mason O’Malley is left back to and a Republic of Ireland Under 21 International, with League Two experience. Huddersfield Town signed him from Hunslet Boys, before he spent four years at Scunthorpe Utd. After a loan at Ilkeston he joined Bradford Park Avenue and came to Worksop in September 2024.

Centre back Andrew Boyce is another new signing, recently arrived from Scunthorpe. He started at Doncaster Rovers and was loaned out to Worksop and Mansfield before a permanent move to Kings Lynn. After spells at Gainsborough and Lincoln City he joined Scunthorpe in 2014. Loans at Grimsby, Hartlepool and Notts County followed, before he went back to Grimsby. He’ played for Eastleigh too before spending the last four years back at Scunthorpe.

Jay Abudu has just arrived too. A defensive midfielder who spent the second half of last season at Ilkeston. He started out at Chesterfield, but had spent the last couple of seasons in Portugal, with Nogueirense and Leixoes.

Central midfielder Liam Waldock is currently on a season long loan from Boston Utd. He started at Sheffield Wednesday and joined Gainsborough following his release. After two years at Alfreton he moved to Boston July 2025 and spent the latter part of last season on loan at Worksop too.

Sam Wedgbury is a midfielder and part of the coaching staff. He’s had League One and Two experience, having started at Worcester City. He spent four years at Sheffield Utd, including loans at Mansfield and Ferencvaros in Hungary, before returning to the UK with Macclesfield. Altrincham, Stevenage, Forest Green, Wrexham, Chesterfield and Buxton are on his CV too, before he arrived at Worksop in July 2022 from Stalybridge.

Central midfielder Sam Essien has recently arrived from Ilkeston. His career started at Halifax and was loaned to Golcar Utd before going to Boston Utd following his release. He also spent eight months at Matlock Town before joining Ilkeston in March 2025.

Vaughan Redford is another central midfielder who has been with our visitors for a second spell since 2020, playing over 200 games and scoring over 50 goals since arriving from Pontefract Collieries. He started out at Liversedge.

Attacking midfielder Oli Greaves is well-known to Mickleover, as part of our play -off team from 23/24. He started out at Sheffield Utd and was loaned to Barrow before a full time move to Dover Athletic. Spells at Matlock and Gainsborough then preceded a seven month stay in Spain with Almunecar. After a short spell at Buxton he joined Mickleover on October 2022 and was an immediate success. He then moved onto League Two Newport County and had five months back a Buxton, before joining our hosts last February.

Alex Starcenko is another long server and another attacking midfielder. He came from Pontefract in October 2020.

Primarily left winger, Lewis Witham came from Guiseley at the start of last season. He started his career with Stocksbridge and has also played for Alfreton and Liversedge.

Chae Whitman-Brown is a right winger, who came to Worksop at the start of last season, following his release from Mansfield Town. He’s also had a loan spell at Hucknall Town.

Striker Kian Haratt is our hosts newest arrival having signed from Oldham Athletic just over a week ago. He has played 72 times in the Championship and League Two and scored seven goals, since starting out in Barnsley and Huddersfield’s Academies. He had loans with Harrogate, Guiseley, Port Vale and Bradford City, before a permanent move to Fleetwood. He joined Oldham in March 2025 and was also loaned to Brackley.

Ben Tomlinson is a striker and part of the coaching staff. He started out at Worksop 18 years ago, before moving on to Macclesfield, Alfreton, Lincoln City and Barnet. He was then loaned to Grimsby, Tranmere and Barrow, before a move to Carlisle Utd. Halifax and a return to Alfreton were his next stops, before a short stop at Frickley Athletic preceded his Worksop move in November 2020.

Kick off at the KC Sofa’s Stadium is 7.45. Parking is limited and the railway station is a 10 minute walk from the ground.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover’s pre-season build up took a huge leap forward, with a convincing 4-1 win at Matlock Town last night.

Starting line-up: 1-Jack McDowell 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Theo Rowe 8-Josh Ashman 9-Manni Norkett 10-Jude Taylor 11-Kane Richards. Subs: Archie White, Callum Minkley, Liam Carter, Josh Carter, Tyrell Waite, Cieron Keane, Trialist A, Trialist B.

It was another lively start for Mickleover when after four minutes Rowe whipped in a cross from the left, which Taylor just headed over.

A couple of minutes later Sports won a free kick, but Richards’ effort was punched away by the home keeper. Wiley then put a long ball out of defence for Taylor to run onto, but the keeper was quick rush out to intercept.

Matlock had the first corner of the game after 11 minutes, it was taken short and came to nought, before a Matlock striker tried a random shot from distance, well wide of the target.

Richards then set up a half chance for Rowe, but his shot was blocked. Both Rowe and Taylor were taking on the home defence at every opportunity and when SportS were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after 26 minutes, Richards stepped up to send a curling shot into the right-hand top corner, with the keeper well beaten, 1-0.

Just a minute later it was another Rowe cross from the left that had the defence beaten. Norkett connected but his flick was just over the bar.

There was another free kick for Mickleover on the half hour, when a long clearance from McDowell was heading in Richards direction until he was fouled.

But four minutes later Matlock made a break and another distance shot was well saved by McDowell, making a diving save to his right.

Another free kick soon followed in Mickleover’s favour when Norkett was fouled. Richards free kick found Bencherif’s head, but a deflection sent Sports skippers head out for a corner.

Matlock continued to have chances too, none more so than when the Matlock number nine broke through. McDowell was quick to react and dashed off his line to block. But the ball was still free until Bencherif and Sanders covered the line and cleared the danger.

Ashman and Atkinson had both looked strong in midfield, ahead of Wilkinson, Bencherif, Wiley and Sanders making a solid back four.

Rowe then completed an outstanding first half with a solo run down the left, cutting in he fired a perfect shot towards the bottom right-hand corner, but the keeper managed to tip it around the post at full stretch.

So it remained 1-0 at half time but Mickleover had shown the promise that we had seen glimpses of, but this time it had been for the whole 45 minutes.

There were no immediate changes for the second half, but as expected Matlock came out with all guns blazing. There was an early scramble in the Mickleover box, but the defence held firm. Our hosts then had their best chance of the game, when one of the strikers headed wide from close range on the 50 minute mark.

Matlock had put other chances over the bar, when Rowe picked the ball up, cut through the defence for solo effort to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute.

Both Norkett and Richards had efforts blocked, before the first substitutions were made, with Trialist A and Minkley on for Atkinson and Wiley.

61 minutes and Richards broke free but his shot was saved by the keeper, before he then made way for Josh Carter. Taylor then came off, replaced by Keane but Mickleover were dominating.

Rowe tried his luck again after 70 minutes, but the keeper had it covered. He was then sent scurrying back to his goal line to make a diving save from his own number five, who made a bizarre headed back pass, which was heading goalwards.

McDowell made light of another Matlock shot in the 75th minute, just before Liam Carter came on for Rowe, who had a magnificent game.

But Mickleover weren’t done yet, as Josh Carter emerged from a midfield melee, making a solo run, before placing it past the keeper for his third goal in three games, 3-0.

More changes were made with Bencherif, Norkett and Sanders going off, replaced by Waite and more trialists.

Waite had only been on the field just over a minute when he was fouled in the box. He stepped up to take the penalty to make it 4-0, going in off the keepers hands.

Conor Washington scored a late consolation for Matlock to make the final score 4-1 on a very impressive night for Mickleover. “This is now the standard,” said assistant manager Billy Heath.

 

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover continue their pre-season build up with a Tuesday evening visit to Matlock Town.

Our hosts have played four games so far, all at home, with draws against Belper Town and last Saturday hosting Rotherham, and have lost to Barnsley and Quorn.

Ryan Cresswell is the Gladiators manager, assisted by former Sports player and assistant manager Ricky Ravenhill.

In our last meeting we lost 2-0 at home last season at home in the FA Cup, having both been relegated from the Northern Premier League in 24/25. Our last league meetings were a 2-0 win at home and a 0-2 defeat in the return game.

Matlock were pushing hard for promotion back to the NPL Premier last season, they finished second in the East Division but lost out in the play-offs.

Goalkeeper Alfie Roberts recently arrived from Ilkeston Town, having previously spent two years with Belper Utd. He was a youngster at both Nottingham Forest and Derby County, during which time he was loaned to Barwell and Newcastle Town.

Centre back Jo Cummings is a new signing from Halifax, where he spent the last three years, including a three-month loan at Alfreton last season. He started out at Sheffield Utd before heading south with Charlton Athletic. After a loan at Guiseley he joined Scunthorpe and has also played for Radcliffe, Sheffield FC, Spennymoor and Boston Utd too.

Pierce Bird is a centre back too with League Two experience. Notts County originally signed him from Dunkirk, during this time he had loans at Leek Town, Alfreton and Grantham, before joining Eastleigh on his release. After a loan at Boston Utd his next stop was Kings Lynn, followed by a loan at Halifax before moving to Fylde. He’s played for Buxton and Eastbourne too and spent last season at Kidderminster.

Left back Jeremie Milambo was a Bradford City youngster, who went to Farsley Celtic following his release. After a loan at Ossett Utd he played for Albion Sports and Whyteleafe, before going to the Republic of Ireland with Waterford. Since returning to England he has played for Bowers & Pitsea and Ossett and came to Matlock in November 2024 after 10 months at Liversedge.

Joe Leesley is a midfielder or left back too and returned to Causeway Lane a few weeks ago after leaving for Alfreton 11 ½ years ago. He then moved to Harrogate and was loaned to Stockport, Stevenage and Boston Utd, who he then joined on a permanent basis. He moved on to Darlington, Kidderminster, Scunthorpe and Worksop, where he spent the whole of last season.

Defensive midfielder Fouad Bachirou came to our hosts in October 2024, with masses of international experience. From a youngster with Paris St.Germain, he played for Morton in Scotland, Ostersund and Malmo in Sweden and then had a year with Nottingham Forest before going to Cyprus with Omonia Nicosia. He is also a full international having played 41 times for Comoros.

Declan Eratt-Thomspon can play centre back or central midfield. He arrived from Ilkeston at the of last season, having played his junior football at Sheffield Wednesday and Stocksbridge.

Defender Tom Senior is graduate of Barnsley’s Academy. He previously had loans at Guiseley and Grantham and also had a spell at Mickleover.

Central midfielder Jed Abbey started out in the Wolves Academy, before joining Telford following his release. Alvechurch and South Shields followed before an 18 month stay at Alfreton. He started this year at Marine and came to Matlock a couple of weeks ago.

Midfielder Ben Sault is well-remembered at Mickleover as one of our 23/24 play off team members. He came to us from Kettering, having previously been at Boston Utd, Oadby and Lincoln City and joined the Gladiators at the start of last season, after a year at Buxton.

Brandon Bradbury has recently arrived from Hallam, where he spent the last six years after leaving Chesterfield.

Left sided midfielder Tom Elliott came from Buxton at the start of last season. He started at Worksop and has also played for Nuneaton, Darlington and Hednesford.

Experienced midfielder Josh Waldram has recently arrived too from Brighouse Town, where he had been captain during his two-year stay.

Ryan McLean is a winger recently arrived from Buxton. From Shrewsbury Town’s youth team he moved to Newcastle Town and Hereford, before joining AFC Wimbledon, where he played in league two. He was loaned to Kidderminster and Yeovil before going to Buxton at the start of last season and has also been loaned to Harborough Town.

Another winger is Jesurun Uchegbulam. He played youth football at AC Milan, before starting his UK career with Stockport Town. He first came to Matlock in July 2021 from Mossley and moved on a year later to Chesterfield. Rochdale, Oldham, Eastleigh and Eastbourne followed before moving to Chelmsford City in November 2025. After a loan at Buxton he joined The New Saints in Wales at the beginning of this month, but never played a game, before quickly moving to our hosts.

Striker Keke Jeffers is another new arrival. Stoke City signed him from Bradford City and loaned him to Torquay and Ashton Utd, before he went to Carrick Rangers in Northern Ireland following his release.

Fellow striker Conor Washington came from Derby County at the beginning of last season. He has made over 350 senior appearances before gong non-league, scoring over 70 goals. After starting at St.Ives Town, his CV reads Newport County, Peterborough, QPR, Sheffield Utd, Heart of Midlothian, Charlton Athletic and Rotherham, before his two year stay at Pride Park.

Kick off is at 7.45 and remember it’s street parking with restrictions.

by Gareth Holmes (Images courtesy of Retford FC taken by Jon Knight)

It was an excellent day for football as Mickleover FC travelled to take on Retford FC on a superb playing surface. Fresh from their successful promotion campaign last season, Retford arrived full of confidence, having already tested themselves against the likes of Worksop Town and Heanor Town during pre-season. The contest promised to be a strong examination for both sides, and it certainly delivered.

Starting line-up: Aaron Chapman; George Wilkinson; Sam Sanders; Hamza Bencherif; Callum Minkley; Will Atkinson; Josh Ashman; Kane Richards; Jude Taylor; Andy Dales; Manni Norkett.

Second half subs: Jack McDowell; Liam Carter; Dwayne Wiley; Archie White; Trialist A, Cieron Keane; Theo Rowe; Tyrell Waite; Trialist B; Josh Carter.

The opening exchanges were competitive, with neither team willing to give an inch as they battled to earn the right to play. Both sides approached the game with intensity and purpose, making for an entertaining start.

After 10 to 15 minutes, Mickleover began to find their rhythm. Dales, Taylor and Norkett looked particularly dangerous in attacking areas, combining well and causing problems for the Retford back line. A composed piece of play from Atkinson released Dales down the left flank, and after cutting inside onto his right foot, he produced the first meaningful effort of the game, forcing a smart save from the Retford goalkeeper.

Despite Mickleover’s growing influence, it was Retford who struck first. A ball played over the top was chased aggressively by Nsiah, whose determination and bravery drew a foul on the edge of the Mickleover penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, Retford produced a moment of real quality, expertly curling the ball into the goalkeeper’s top-right corner to take an early lead. 0-1.

Mickleover’s response was immediate and impressive. A corner delivered from the right-hand side caused problems in the Retford box, and after Mickleover won the initial contact, Taylor reacted quickest to produce an outstanding overhead kick which flew into the bottom-right corner. It was a goal worthy of any occasion and brought Mickleover level. 1-1.

The equaliser injected confidence into the visitors, who began to control the game with greater authority. Dales continued to be a constant threat down the left-wing, using his pace and trickery to repeatedly get the better of his marker. One such run resulted in a superb low cross into the six-yard area, where Richards arrived perfectly to convert and score his second goal of pre-season, giving Mickleover a deserved 2-1 lead.

With several new faces within the squad, pre-season provides an important opportunity for players to develop relationships and understanding on the pitch. It was therefore particularly pleasing to see Mickleover’s work rate, togetherness and team spirit on display throughout the first half. At the back, Bencherif and Callum Minkley provided a commanding presence, helping to establish a solid defensive foundation from which the team could build.
Mickleover went into the break leading 2-1.

Mickleover started the second half exactly as they had finished the first, continuing to work hard, play with purpose and look forward whenever opportunities arose. As is often the case in pre-season, several changes were made at the interval, with Wiley, Keane and Rowe among those introduced, but the intensity and commitment remained unchanged as players looked to make their mark.

The game was effectively put beyond doubt after 75 minutes. Rowe picked up possession, drove infield and unleashed a superb strike from distance that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance, extending Mickleover’s lead to 3-1.

With confidence flowing, Mickleover continued to pose a threat in attacking areas, particularly through their pace out wide. In the 81st minute, Trialist B played an excellent pass to release Josh Carter, who sprinted clear before calmly slotting the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-1 and cap off an impressive performance.

Speaking after the game, Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes said:

Thank you to Retford FC for hosting the game. Today’s been an excellent test for the group and a chance for players to get to know each other a little bit more on the field.

I thought we looked more cohesive than we did on Tuesday night. The balance of the team looked good and it was a good step forward. It’s always nice to win because winning breeds confidence, but the most pleasing thing today was the performance.

There’s still an awful lot of things that we want to work on, but the players did well and implemented the things we had spoken about on Thursday in training. Thanks again to Retford FC and we would like to wish them all the very best for the coming season.

By Peter Scherer

Mickleover continue their pre-season build up with a visit to newly promoted Retford.

Formed in 2015 they were Central Midlands League North Champions in 2018/19 and just missed out on promotion in 24/25 after losing in the United Counties Division One Championship play-off final.

But last season they were crowned Champions by just two points over local rivals Retford Utd, who they used to ground share with.

Home for Retford FC is the Rail Stadium, it’s grass pitch aptly named as it’s parallel with the east coast railway line.

Manager Chris Woodhead is also one of clubs founders and they have already beaten Hucknall Town 2-0 at home, with goals from defender Liam Bennett and Harworth Colliery away 4-2, with Bennett on the scoresheet again, along with ex Sports striker Bernard Nsiah, but lost 3-0 at Worksop.

Mickleover used 17 players in Tuesday nights defeat to Belper Utd, including three trialists, as manager Gareth and Billy continue search for those telling combinations as the season start approaches.

Our hosts will now be in the same league as Pinxton, who we played last Saturday. Kick of is 3pm

by Peter Scherer

Sports first home game in pre-season pitched us against our ground sharing tenants Belper Utd. Belper were in their fourth pre-season game and took charge late into the first half to take a 2-1 victory.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2- Josh Ashman 3-Sam Sanders 4-Cieron Keane 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-George Wilkinson 7-Kane Richards 8-Andy Dales 9- Trialist A 10-Jude Taylor 11-Rheo Rowe, Subs: Jack McDowell; Trialist B; Callum Minkley; Archie White; Trialist C; Josh Carter; Manni Norkett; Liam Carter; Tyrell Waite.

It was a fairly lively start with Mickleover pushing forward at every opportunity. Dales cut in from the left after eight minutes, taking the ball almost to the line before keeper Fryatt intercepted.

Two minutes later Rowe cut in from the same side but his final shot was blocked. Belper then had a break but a rushed shot was well wide of Chapman’s goal.

Rowe continued to taunt the visitors defence and went close after 15 minutes, cutting in again from a tight angle, the keeper was forced into his first real save low to his right.

Trialist A then had a shot just wide, before he was replaced by Norkett, who became Mickleover’s target man.

After August had another shot wide for Belper, the game began to settle with possession more even between the two sides, after Mickleover’s hectic start.

After a 25th minute corner had come to nought Dales and Norkett combined after latching onto a Sanders clearance, but the Belper defence rallied and were able to stifle any chance of shooting.

A few minutes later Bencherif cut out a dangerous run from August, but the Mickleover defence were starting to be tested.

Just after the half hour Richards put a lovely cross into the box but Norkett couldn’t connect.It but what was now end went in Belper’s favour after 40 minutes. Chapman had already made a close range reflex save from August, but had no chance when Bruce fired in the opening goal 0-1.

Barely two minutes later Bruce nearly made it two for Belper, but his shot was blocked before Mickleover responded with another threatening cross from Richards. Norkett managed to collect, but was unable to get pace or direction on his shot.

With half time approaching Rowe went on another solo run until his path was blocked on the edge of the box, and with the whistle poised Dales fired in a low drive comfortably collected by Fryatt.

There was one change for the second half with Minkley on for Rowe, taking over at right back as Ashman moved into midfield.

After Belper had wasted a 48th minute free kick, Dales got a break and crossed into the box but found no one to receive. A corner soon followed, Ashman got his head to it but it was out for a goal kick.

The change in formation had been looking more solid, but after 50 minutes the defence were caught out again, when a cross from the Belper right found Nassor almost unmarked. He slotted it past Chapman and it 0-2.

Trialist C then came on for Keane as Mickleover continued to push forward. Dales picked up a loose ball from the Belper defence, got his cross in to find Norkett, but again the defence blocked his turn and the chance was gone.

A succession of corner’s followed but after 58 minutes a ball. through the middle found Norkett. This time he got the shot in but it was agonisingly wide of the right-hand post.

A flurry of activity on the subs bench around the hour mark saw White on for Taylor and the Carter twins for Richards and Dales, which saw a sudden upsurge of pace from Mickleover.

Sanders had a header just wide after 65 minutes and then Trialist B replaced Bencherif and Waite came on for Sanders. Waite had become the new target man for Norkett to run on to, but he had barely been on the field more than a few minutes, when the referee gave him a yellow card for a tackle which to onlookers seemed OK. But as Waite questioned the decision he was shown a red, with the over officious referee refusing to restart play until the player was back in the changing room.

Mickleover had been down to 10 men for just four minutes when Josh Carter pulled a goal back with a fine solo run 1-2. Two minutes later he had outpaced the defence again, crossed and almost connected with brother Liam.

Josh’s pace on the left wing saw him whip in more crosses as an equaliser almost seemed imminent, chances continued to come and go, but Chapman was called into action again after 80 minutes, when Goddard got on the end of a Belper break, forcing a fine save.

Time was running out though, but with just two minutes left a long ball from Minkley found Josh Carter, he found Norkett who set up Liam, but his effort was just off target.

So 19 players got valuable game time, different strategies and game plans were tried, some worked, some didn’t. But that’s what pre-season is about as we now look to our visit to Retford on Saturday.

 

by Peter Scherer

Following our 4-1 win at Pinxton in last Saturday’s opening pre-season match, it’s time for or first home game. It’s hardly a welcome to Mickleover for Belper Utd on Tuesday evening, as they are our new tenants and have already lost 2-4 to Ilkeston and won 4-1 against Long Eaton at the Don Amott Arena.

Belper just lost out on promotion last season, after losing in the United Counties League Premier North Division play-offs. They are in step 5 and were promoted in 22/23.

Under Alex Steadman’s guidance they have improved year by year, from 13th in 23/24, to 8th in 24/25 and fourth last season.

They have retained many of the players from last years successful season, including goalkeeper Joe Fryatt. An ex Derby County junior, he’s played in the US for Boston Eagles, as well as Rushall Olympic, Lye Town, Gresley Rovers, Selston and Loughborough. He joined our visitors in January 2024 and was briefly loaned to Belper Town too.

Striker Diego Edwards is a full International for St.Kitts & Nevis. He arrived midway through last season from Belper Town, having started out Notts County and Mansfield, he has also played for Basford, Ossett, Nuneaton, Leek and Carlton.

Centre back Ben Price was last years players player of the year and rarely missed a match.

Central midfielder Micah Edwards started off at Derby County too. He began last season at Belper Town, before joining Utd, and has played for Ilkeston, Gresley Rovers, Barwell and Rugby Town too.

Keaton August is a winger who was signed from Belper Town. He was previously at Anstey Nomads, but spent his early career in the south with Chalfont St.Peter, Walton Casuals and Windsor & Eton.

Signed at the end of last season from Chasetown, Devante Ramsey is also a winger and has played for Derby University too.

Jade Ferron is striker and has Rushden & Diamonds, Littleton FC, Redditch and Worcester Raiders on his CV.

Defender Kyle Bryant was signed from Quorn at the beginning of last season, where he previously been captain. He also played for Coalville.

Midfielder Jay Bruce starts his second full season with the club since signing from Wellingborough.

Tyrel Francis is in his third year at the club and plays in defence or defensive midfield.

Striker Kieran O’Connell is on of many former Mickleover players in the squad. He’s played for Gresley Rovers, Belper Town, Ilkeston, South Normanton Athletic and Ilkeston and is one of the longest serving players.

Fraser Corden and Brandon Ferron are both well known to Sports fans too. Midfielder Corden came from Rushden & Diamonds at the start of last season, before initially going on loan to Belper. He’s and England Futsal International too.

Left back Ferron had just started to break through in the first team at Mickleover, when he opted to take a step down.

Larrel King is another full back who came to Mickleover from Mansfield in 2021. He then moved on to Long Eaton Utd and Belper Town before his current stop.

Josh Powell is a midfielder who came through Academy at Mickleover. He had a speel at Granthan last season too, and is the son of former Sports reserve team manager Steve, who is also on the Belper coaching, Grandson of ex Rams Star Steve and Great Grandson of Tommy another ex Rams favourite.

Kick off as usual is 7.45 with all the usual facilities available.