by Peter Scherer

Tuesday evening sees a rare return to league action when we host Coleshill Town, following our ongoing FA Cup and FA Trophy successes.

Our visitors have just the one win under their belts so far and went down 1-3 at home to Rugby Borough last Saturday, leaving them 17th in the table after seven games.

We are already seeing the benefits of a large squad here at Mickleover, with injury enforced changes, particularly in defence.

It was good to see Charlie Hickingbottom finally make his seasonal debut as a second half sub last Saturday

In the equivalent fixture in January we shared a 1-1 draw with our visitors, thanks to a Manni Norkett goal, having gone down 1-3 earlier in the season away from home.

Manager Harry Harris took over as manager at the start of last season, having previously been in charge at Walsall Wood and briefly at Hednesford.

Goalkeeper Cameron Belford is vastly experienced, having played over 200 Leagues One and Two games in England and Scotland. He started at Coventry City and was loaned to Tamworth before moving to Bury. He was then loaned to Worcester City, Southend Utd and Accrington, before returning to Tamworth in July 2013.

Mansfield, Swindon, Stranraer and Forest Green are among his later stays and three years at Stafford Rangers before joining our visitors at the start of last season.

Alex Graham is currently Belford’s deputy, signed after a successful pre-season trial, he recently made his debut when Belford was suspended.

Right back Ben Usher-Shipway arrived from Boldmere St.Michael’s at the start of 24/25. He started at Boldmere before a spell at Solihull Moors, who then loaned him to Alvechurch, Sutton Coldfield and Stourbridge. He then returned to Boldmere September 2023 after a year at Leamington.

Defender Taylor Carter-Byrne is the club captain in his second spell with the club. He left to join Hednesford in June 2022, but returned after a few months.

Defender Dan Brookes arrived from Lye Town in July 2024 and took the Players Player of the Year, supporters and managers player of the season awards in his first season.

Left back Callum Witts is currently on loan from Hereford Utd. He’s a former Coventry City youngster.

Tyreace Brown started as a defender in the Northampton Academy. He moved on to play for Rushden & Diamonds, Alvechurch, Barwell, Highgate Utd, Lye Town, Romulus, Atherstone, Walsall Wood and Worcester City and joined our visitors in July last year.

Harry Sweeney is a defender that has become part of our visitors squad over the last two seasons.

Experienced centre back George Cleet was initially a West Bromwich Albion junior. After loans at Worcester and Hednesford, he went to Halesowen on his release. Sutton Coldfield was his next stop, followed by Highgate Utd and he joined our visitors in November 2025 from Boldmere.

Joe Fitzpatrick is a midfielder, who arrived in July last year. An ex Wolves youngster, he joined Mansfield Town on his release, where he made three first team appearances and was loaned to Sutton Coldfield. He then moved on to Worcester City, Telford, Boston Utd, Hednesford, Halesowen, Walsall Wood and Cradley Town.

Mason Rees is a midfielder signed from Stafford Rangers last February. He started out at Wolves, before joining Rushall following his release. He’s played for Boldmere too.

Midfielder Louie Webb was on loan from Walsall last season and has made his stay permanent this term.

Lewis Allison is a midfielder too, signed in October 2025 from Boldmere St.Michaels, while fellow midfielder Bassit Mandey joined the club in November 2024.

Daniel Gyasi is a former Stourbridge and Redditch striker in his third season at Coleshill. He has also played for Boldmere and Sutton Coldfield.

Currently on a dual registration with Alvechurch, Will Marshall arrived in pre-season and can play midfield or striker.

Callum Coyle is a recently arrived midfielder on dual registration with Racing Club Warwick. He has spent much of his career at Solihull Moors, which included loans with Sutton Coldfield, Romulus, Nuneaton, Halesowen and Grantham, before joining Stafford Rangers in 2020 following his release. Rushall, Stratford, and a return trip to Stafford followed, before joining Warwick in December 2024.

Striker Tristan Dunkley was signed from Shepshed Dynamo in October 2025. A junior at Birmingham City, he moved onto Loughborough Dynamo, Hednesford and Halesowen, before arriving at Solihull Moors. He soon moved on again to Rushall, Tamworth, Alvechurch, Barwell, Corby and Bedworth, before joining Shepshed at the start of 24/25.

Fellow striker Joey Butlin signed from Chasetown in pre-season. An ex Walsall Junior, he was loaned to Solihull Moors before joining Hednesford on his release. Stays at Walsall Wood, Hereford and Rushall followed, before spending the two years at Chasetown, his third spell at the club.

Charlie Manners is another striker, signed on a couple of weeks ago from Boldmere St.Michaels.

Luke Benbow is a striker too, a pre-season signing dual registered with Rushall. He’s had a number of spells at Solihull and in between he’s played for Stourbridge, Hednesford and Nuneaton. He spent last season at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Kick off at the Vibrant Doors Arena is 7.45, so come and help us get three more points on the board, before returning to FACup action at Halesowen on Saturday.

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

A second-half strike from Kane Richards was enough to ensure Mickleover’s FA Trophy Campaign would live on as the Sports came from behind to defeat Sutton Coldfield Town.

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-Darryl Powell 3-Sam Sanders 4-Josh Ashman 5- Hamza Bencherif 6-George Wilkinson 7-Andy Dales 8-Cieron Keane 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Kane Richards 11-Theo Rowe

Subs: Manni Norkett, Charlie Hickingbottom, Jude Taylor, Josh Carter, Will Atkinson

It was the visitors who came out of the blocks the quicker of the two sides, as they looked to get on the front foot from the first whistle. Sutton Coldfield were looking particularly threatening down the wing as Luca Taylor, brother of Jude, looked to be causing some issues.

Down the other end of the pitch, Mickleover were struggling to remain on the ball for a prolonged period of time, not allowing them to create anything of genuine threat. The closest the hosts came in the opening 15 minutes was through a first-time effort from Cieron Keane that was struck with some force, but rose too quickly.

The Sports’ first effort on target came from Hamza Bencherif, heading the ball towards goal and forcing Brandon Ganley into action. Kane Richards picked up the rebound and rifled an effort that was deflected behind for a corner.

Whilst the backline was generally dealing with the Sutton Coldfield attacks well, the visitors were passing the ball around well; the opening goal did feel like it was on its way for the visitors.

The breakthrough was inches away from being made by Sutton Coldfield in the 24th minute as the bar was struck before Aaron Chapman was called into action, denying a long-range effort from James McGrady.

McGrady would have his say on proceedings in the 32nd minute, driving through the centre of the pitch before playing a beautifully weighted pass through to Kory Burke, who slotted calmly past Chapman to give the visitors the lead.

It was deserved for Sutton Coldfield, who had enjoyed the large majority of attacks in this first-half. However, this lead turned out to be an extremely short-lived one.

A venture forward from Mickleover led to Andy Dales being fouled in the box, as the referee pointed to the spot. It was Cieron Keane who stepped up to take the spot kick, making no mistake in his finish with a thunderbolt of an effort into the right side of goal.

The teams would enter the break deadlocked. Sutton Coldfield had enjoyed the better share of play, but ultimately Mickleover had held out and got their equaliser as the momentum may well have taken a turn at the Vibrant Doors Arena.

The Sports came out with much more attacking intent in the second half, looking to get forward from the first whistle. The first real chance for the hosts to take the lead came as Dales drove forward before laying the ball off to Theo Rowe. The effort looked destined for the far corner, but Ganley got low to tip the ball beyond the far post and out for a corner kick.

Mickleover were looking the more threatening of the two sides now and made good with this statement on the hour mark as they gained the ascendancy in this tie.

It was a brilliantly worked goal from the home side, with the ball eventually ending up at the feet of Rowe on the wing, who fizzed a wonderful pass across goal towards an onrushing Kane Richards.

Mickleover’s number ten on the day fired the ball into the back of the net, making it two goals in two games for himself and completing the turnaround for his side.

The home side were the team firmly in control now as the central areas were being covered well by the likes of Cieron Keane and Josh Ashman, who was enjoying a brilliant performance in this one following his return to midfield against Stamford last week.

There was another return for Sports fans to be happy about in the 70th minute as Charlie Hickingbottom entered the field to help Mickleover see out what was left of the game.

As the game progressed, more players were introduced off the bench, including Will Atkinson and Jude Taylor, ready to face his brother.

Both teams had chances in the latter stages; Chapman was on form in this one, ensuring the result was not going to fall out of the Sports’ favour. The hosts even had the chance to wrap it up late on, but the effort was fired over the bar by Norkett.

But Richards’ goal was once again enough to ensure the victory for Mickleover as the Sports will now enter the hat for the third qualifying round of the competition. But now it is all eyes on Tuesday when they play host to Coleshill Town in the NPL Midlands Division.

 

by Peter Scherer

From FA Cup success at Stamford last Saturday it’s now back to FA Trophy action, as we welcome Sutton Coldfield Town to the Vibrant doors Arena.

It was good to have our first choice back four together again with both Hamza Bencherif and Dwayne Wiley back from injury, but there are still a number of players on out casualty list.

Our visitors are second in the league on goal difference, having won all five of their matches so far. Their only defeat was in the FA Cup, going down 1-3 at home to Coventry Utd. In the opening round of the FA Trophy they travelled to Worcester Raiders for a 2-1 victory.

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’s deputy is teenager Joe Bisseker, who has comes through the clubs own youth scheme.

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 visitors.

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 visitors.

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 visitors in July 2025 after spending last 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 visitors.

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 off is at 3pm, let’s give the lads loads of support and see them into the next round.

by Harry Day (Images: Steve Ingers)

A late strike from Kane Richards ensured Mickleover’s FA Cup journey lived in a much-improved performance after Monday’s grounding defeat against Loughborough Students

Starting line-up: 1-Aaron Chapman 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders 4-Will Atkinson 5-Hamza Bencherif 6-Dwayne Wiley 7-Andy Dales 8-Josh Ashman 9-Manni Norkett 10-Jude Taylor 11-Theo Rowe Subs: Kane Richards, Jack McDowell, Darryl Powell, Yerim Zoko, Stuart Beavon.

It was fair to say that the Sports got on top of possession from the first whistle, as they had their first opportunity just five minutes in through Andy Dales. The ball fell invitingly on the edge of the box for the winger to strike first time, his effort curling away from the goal and drifting narrowly wide of the top right corner.

Stamford were struggling to create anything of note in the opening stages as any long ball was dealt with by a tall Mickleover backline, boosted by the return of Dwayne Wiley, who slotted back into the starting lineup nicely after a period on the sidelines.

A lot of Mickleover’s attacking play in the first half came down the left side of the pitch as Andy Dales continued to be at the heart of the offence. Stamford were allowing him to cut inside at will in the early stages.

The winger came particularly close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute, cutting inside and curling an effort from the edge of the box towards the bottom right corner. It certainly had John Swales in the Stamford goal concerned, but it bounced just past the far post.

The momentum was certainly in the Sports’ favour come the half-hour mark as their opponents had generated very little of any threat and the deeper midfield duo of Will Atkinson and Josh Ashman were putting in a solid display in the central areas.

Five minutes before the break, Mickleover had their best chance of the game so far once again falling in the path of Andy Dales. Having spent much of the opening 45 minutes in Stamford’s half, Mickleover were camped in the final third.

George Wilkinson floated an inviting cross from the right over towards the back post where Dales was lurking. The winger was gifted some space due to some poor marking from Stamford but could not guide his headed effort on target.

It had been a good half from the Sports, a much improved performance from Bank Holiday Monday, but ultimately, the teams would enter the break level as the deadlock remained to be broken.

Whilst Stamford began the second half with a bit more of a spring in their step, the Sports’ defence remained solid. The full-backs were quick to dispose of any threat whilst Wiley remained switched on and always seemed to be in the right areas.

Another man experiencing a much more enjoyable afternoon was Josh Ashman, back in midfield having filled in at the backline throughout the absences of Wiley and Bencherif. He looked comfortable on the ball and added a strong presence in the centre of the pitch.

Just prior to the hour mark, the Sports introduced their first change of the afternoon as Manni Norkett made way for Stuart Beavon as Mickleover continued to hunt for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Beavon did cause some issues going forward, throwing himself into every aerial duel with that relentlessness that serves him so well, winning the ball on multiple occasions in advanced areas.

Sam Sanders came close in the 65th minute as the ball fell to him following a scramble in the box. It was a tough effort for the left-back, who had to strike the ball on the swivel; the effort rose over the bar.

Cieron Keane was the next substitute to be introduced for Mickleover as Will Atkinson made way.

Some neat passes were being played and very nearly led to the first goal of the afternoon as Dales and Beavon linked up wonderfully before the ball was eventually played across to Jude Taylor, who could not guide the ball towards the goal.

The Sports did ride their luck at times in the game, none more so than when Aaron Chapman failed to clear the ball after coming off his line, leaving Stamford with an open goal to fire at; the effort was off target as Mickleover were off the hook.

Kane Richards came on for Jude Taylor with fifteen minutes left to play and very nearly scored the opener five minutes later. Keane fired a low free kick into the box; Richards stretched to get to it, but his effort went over the bar.

This game looked to be heading for a replay, but Richards was determined to leave his mark on this tie. In the 88th minute, a long ball over the top caused issues as the substitute snuck in front of his defender and remained strong before confidently slotting into the bottom left corner to give his side a late lead.

It was enough to secure Mickleover a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup as the Sports will now prepare for an FA Trophy clash against Sutton Coldfield.

 

by Peter Scherer

Having already beaten Winsford Town and Barwell in this years FA Cup campaign, Mickleover travel to Southern Premier league Stamford on Saturday for their next encounter.

Sports will be determined to get back to winning ways after Monday’s home defeat to Loughborough Students. But it’s been a terrible start for our hosts who have played six, lost six and only scored one goal, leaving them at the bottom of the table.

It was good to see Hamza Bencherif back in action last Monday and Dwayne Wiley is also now fit to resume. Harvey Smith will be out for a couple of weeks after concussion following our win at Grantham. AaronChapman is back in training too and hopefully Andy Dales will be OK, despite being kicked on the head and in the face in the last two games.

Callum Minkley is getting closer to making his return too, while we still await debuts for Charlie Hickingbottom and Luca Alonzi.

We last faced Stamford back in 23/24, losing 0-4 away and 3-0 at home in our play-off conclusion to our stay in the Southern Premier League.

Ant Fenton has been our hosts manager since May, when Graham Drury stepped down after 12 years of service. But so far this season they have lost every game and scored just the one goal in the 1-2 home defeat to Racing Club Warwick.

Current first choice goalkeeper James Goff came from St.Neots in pre-season. He was a Northampton Town youngster and went on loan to Banbury before a permanent move to Wisbech. He played for Spalding, Lincoln Utd and St.Ives, before spending the last three years at St.Neots.

Jamie Morrison kept goal in the opening matches, a Northampton Town Academy player, who started off at Rugby Borough.

Left back Kieran Wallace has made over 100 appearances in Leagues One and Two. He was a Nottingham Forest junior, who had a spell at Ilkeston following his release, before joining Sheffield Utd. After a loan at Fleetwood he joined Matlock, moving on to Burton Albion, York City, Mansfield Town and Hartlepool. Further loans at Tamworth and Peterborough Sports followed, before joining Alfreton last December, he came to Stamford in pre-season.

Right back Ellis Perry-Burdett came from Newark & Sherwood in pre-season. He was in Boston Utd’s Academy and played for Wisbech and Lincoln Utd too.

Ethan Young is a centre back and another pre-season arrival from Peterborough Sports. He started off at Scunthorpe and made appearances in League Two. After a loan at Yaxley, he joined Warrington Rylands following his release. He then joined Alvechurch which preceded his first spell at Stamford in July 2024. But after two months he made his move to Peterborough at the beginning of last season and was also loaned to Quorn.

Left or centre back Sam Warburton is loanee from Boston Utd.

Aaron Addy is another defender, who started off at Raunds Town. North Leigh, Stotfold, Kempston and Dunstable followed.

Defender Ryan Thomas played in both Cambridge Utd and Peterborough Utd Academies, before moving to St.Neots and Kings Lynn. He’s had a spell in the US too with Florida and came to our hosts in pre-season on his UK return.

Aaron Cashmore is another pre-season signing and another centre back. He’s come from Doncaster Rovers Academy and spent the end of last season on loan to our hosts.

Kobe Sundar-Linton has played at both Northampton Town and MK Dons Academies. He plays right of centre back.

Central midfielder Sam Bayly has been captaining the side since his arrival from Peterborough Sports in pre-season. He’s previously spent the whole of his career in the US, with Eastern Florida State Titans, CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves, Mars Hill Lions and Appalachian FC.

Midfielder Cameron Steiner had come through the ranks at Stamford, but been in the first team squad for the last three years.

Jon Challinor is an attacking midfielder who started his career at Stamford 25 years ago. Cambridge City, St.Albans City, Aldershot, Exeter City, Rushden & Diamonds and Cambridge Utd then followed, before being loaned to Forest Green.

He made a permanent move to Mansfield in 2010, but soon moved on again to Newport County, Kettering and York City. After returning to Stamford in 2013, he has stayed ever since, apart from a brief loan at Halifax.

Another pre-season signing and attacking midfielder is Giovanni Loureiro, who came from VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands. He was a junior at both Backburn Rovers and Leicester City before joining Bolton Wanderers. He also had a short spell with Nantwich Town before going to the Netherlands.

Striker Trey Charles came to our hosts in pre-season too. From youth football at Luton Town he moved on to St.Albans City, Arlesey Town, Bedford Town, Colney Heath and Leverstock. Hitchin Town, Northwood, Braintree, Hendon, Biggleswade, Berkhamsted, Kempston Rovers, Barwell, Cambridge City, Rugby Town and Wellingborough followed, before ending last season at St.Neots.

Theo Hudson is a striker too and a pre-season arrival from Bourne Town. He previously played for Kings Lynn, Wisbech and Sudbury.

Cheyenne Loureiro is another striker currently on loan from Tamworth. He started at Leicester City with brother Giovanni and then followed him to VVV-Vento after a spell at Nantwich. He returned to the UK pre-season to join Tamworth.

Former Peterborough Utd striker Tyler Winters came to our hosts in pre-season too from Rushden & Diamonds. He’s played for Spalding, Peterborough Sports, Bedford Town and Wellingborough too.

Pa Sulley Njie returned to Stamford about a year ago. The former Worcester City and Halesowen striker is also a Gambian Under 20 International. He started in the Stoke and Coventry City Academies and has also played for Stratford, Kettering, Corby and Alvechurch.

Striker Jake Walton and midfielders Maksymilian Jarzabeck and Maxwell Wilkins have also been in the squad this season.

Kick off at the Zeeco Stadium is 3pm and as much travelling support as possible is wanted and there’s a supporters bus available.

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

It’s been a brilliant start to the season in both league and cups, but a defeat was bound to come at some time and today was the day.

With three goals in each half it was a comfortable first win of the season for Loughborough Students, 0-6.

Starting line-up: 1-Jack McDowell 2-George Wilkinson 3-Sam Sanders; 4-Will Atkison 5-Hamza Bencherif; 6 Josh Ashman; 7-Andy Dales; 8-Cieron Keane; 9-Manni Norkett; 10-Theo Rowe; 11-Kane Richards. Subs: Jude Taylor; Yerim Zoko; Dwayne Wiley; Stuart Beavon; Darryl Powell.

It took the first 10 minutes for both teams to settle down in blustery conditions, but Sports went close in the 11th minute when Dales sent a through ball down the middle for Norkett to chase, but keeper James managed to intercept with a fraction to spare.

Three minutes later Richards sprinted past the left back, cut inside and was heading goalwards only to have his left foot taken from under him. A clear-cut penalty, but the referee looked for confirmation to his assistant who failed to communicate and it was play-on.

The pressure was continuing to build on the visitors defence, but the tide turned after 20 minutes, when a cross from the right found Ikewuonu who fired home

the opening goal, Loughborough’s first shot of the game. 0-1.

Three minutes later Richards had broken through again, straight down the middle and into the box, before being hauled back by a defender, with more penalty appeals waved away.

Cracks had started to show in both defence and midfield for Mickleover and in the 27th minute possession was lost in midfield, the defence were outpaced and as McDowell came out to try and narrow the angle, Kasukumya slotted in number two for the visitors, 0-2.

Mickleover still weren’t out of it and after a throw from Wilkinson, a Keane cross found Norkett. But he was unable to get any power behind his effort and it was an easy stop for James.

Richards had another dangerous cross cleared on the half hour and few minutes later Norkett fired a shot into the side netting on the left, after a ball from Dales.

Apart from the two goals Loughborough had also lacked creativity and failed to have any other shots on goal.

Dales received treatment after a being kicked on the head for second consecutive game, but Keane’s following free kick came to nought.

The home defence had become to look evermore vulnerable and none more so than in the 44th minute.

Wilkinson was out of position on the right and as the left winger was left with a clear run, Ashman tried to charge from the middle to intercept. But it was too late, the cross came in and Ikegwuono scored his second and Loughborough’s third, 0-3 as the half time whistle soon followed.

Mickleover made three changes for the second half, with Beavon, Taylor and Powell on for Richards, Dales and Rowe.

The back four was now Powell, Wilkinson, Bencherif and Sanders, but they were soon tested again. Almost from the kick off Bencherif had a header cleared off the line, but Roddy was then given a free header on the right of the box for the visitors, which fortunately he put wide.

57 minutes in and Powell raced back to intercept another break from Loughborough.

Although there was more creativity from Sports at the start of the second half, Loughborough were still controlling the pace of the game. But Mickleover won a corner on the left after 62 minutes and Keane curler fell to Bencherif, whose shot was straight into the keepers hands.

Instead of playing into wind as they did in the first half, Sports were now with it, and another long ball out of defence a minute later from Keane, proved too long for Norkett to catch.

Norkett was tripped on the edge of the box after 65 minutes, and Keane’s free kick was palmed away for corner as it was heading for the top right-hand corner.

Zoko replaced Atkinson after 68 minutes as Mickleover went for more fire power, but the next chance fell to Loughborough again, but the shot was miles off target.

A third penalty appeal in the 72nd minute went the way of the other two, after Norkett was flattened.

Loughborough then earned a free kick after 75 minutes, which Kasukumya fired to the right of the wall and straight into the top left-hand corner. 0-4.

Four minutes later it was 0-5 with Kasukumya catching out a flat-footed defence to secure his hattrick, before hitting his fourth to make it 0-6 in the 83rd minute.

With two minutes of normal time left Beavon put through Norkett through again, but James was quickly out of his goal to snatch it from the strikers boot.

Beavon had a header from a Keane cross almost on time, but after their brilliant start to the season, Mickleover were soundly beaten by the better team on the day.

We now press the reset button as we head to Stamford in the FA Cup next Saturday, before resuming league action next Tuesday at the top of the table Wellingborough.

 

by Peter Scherer

It’s back on home turf this Bank Holiday for league action, when we host Loughborough Students at the Vibrant Doors Arena on Monday.

It’s been a great start in both league and cup so far, with some strong performances both home and way. It’s also been a test of the new squad assembled by Gareth and Billy, as a few knocks and injuries have already seen most players play their part.

Striker Harvey Smith should be making his home debut, along with Brad Lathall, both debuting at Coventry last Tuesday. Hopefully some of our casualties will be on the road to recovery too.

Our visitors haven’t got into their stride yet, still seeking their first win after three defeats and one draw, going down 2-4 at home to Grantham Town last Tuesday.

Manager Jamie Clapham has been in charge since May 2021, following coaching roles at Middlesbrough, Coventry City, Barnsley and Leeds Utd, after making over 500 appearances in his playing career. He played in the Premiership for Tottenham Hotspur, Ipswich Town, Birmingham City, Wolves, Leicester City, Leeds Utd and Notts County, before retiring in 2011.

Henry Upsell is currently the first- choice goalkeeper. He started out at Fulham and Southampton’s Academy, before moving to Slough Town. He’s had loan spells at Langley FC, Risborough, Hayes & Yeading and Flackwell Heath, before arriving at Loughborough in pre-season.

Second choice keeper Dan James is a former Crystal Palace junior and an England Futsal international.

Rob March is a defender who’s returned to Loughborough in pre-season, after two years with Al Jazira.

Right back Joe Akinsanmi arrived in pre-season, He has also played for Concorder Rangers and Frenford among other teams.

A former Woking defender, Stanley Kyle had loan spells at Sandhurst Town and Camberley before joining our visitors.

Matty Bowman needs no introduction to Mickleover fans, after joining us from Basford in 23/24. A former Repton School pupil, he was junior at Middlesborough and Hull City, before joining Scarborough following his release. He’s played for Dunfermline Athletic too and since leaving Sports, he’s been at Bridlington, Pickering and Coventry Sphinx. He came to our visitors in pre-season from Belper Town as player coach.

Nat Salsby is another ex Repton School pupil. He’s centre back and has also captained the side.

Jozef Baxter was signed in pre-season. He’s a defender and was previously at Northampton Town.

Midfielder Josh Roddy started out at Reading and Bristol Rovers, before joining Bradford Town on his release. He’s also played for Corsham Town and Hartpury and is in his second season at Loughborough.

Defensive midfielder Alfie Lee started out at Harrogate, before moving to the US for a couple of years with LSU Alexandria Generals. He’s another pre-season arrival for our visitors.

Fellow midfielder Alfie Lee was at Coventry Utd before spending five years in the US. After playing for Indiana Tech Warriors and Lubbock Matadors, he joined AFC Hinckley on his UK return, where he spent two years before joining Loughborough.

Marcus Gilpin is a midfielder that started his journey in his native Zambia. He also spent time at the Barcelona Academy and played for Bradfield College before coming to Loughborough three years ago.

Striker Sonny Albert was at Florida Southern College and Alabama Huntsville in the US before coming to our visitors on his UK return. He has has also played for Dorking Town.

Matt Rennie is a striker signed last season. He’s an England IFSA Under 18 international and was a versatile sportsman at Repton School.

Winger, wing back or striker Alexandre Bertholen started his footballing journey in Singapore. He played for Balastier Khalsa and Tampines Rovers under 21’s before coming to the UK.

Kash Kasukumya was a junior at Bournemouth. He joined Bognor Regis following his release and ended last season at Littlehampton. Tobenna Ikegwuono is another striker, in his second year at Loughborough.

Archie Underwood is striker too, who came through Stowmarket Town’s junior sides, before making his first team debut.

Defender Munya Myogo and Brian McGovern have also been part of the squad this season.

Kick off is 3pm, but it’s also our Family Fun Day, it starts at 1pm and parking is free before 1pm.

be Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

Mickleover made it six league and cup wins out of seven, after a comfortable 3-1 at Grantham Town in the FA Trophy.

Starting line-up: 1-Jack McDowell 2-Darryl Powell 3-Sam Sanders 4-Brad Lathall 5-Josh Ashman 6-George Wilkinson 7-Andy Dales 8-Cieron Keane 9-Harvey Smith 10-Manni Norkett 11-Kane Richards. Subs: Josh Carter; Yerim Zoko; Theo Rowe; Jude Taylor; Will Atkinson.

It was the hosts that had the first chance of the game, when McDowell had to race of his goal to save the strikers effort with his legs after five minutes.

But Mickleover soon settled and began to take charge, with Keane firing over the bar from distance, after Lathall had initiated the move a couple of minutes later.

11 minutes in and a McDowell clearance was headed on by Smith, for Norkett to shoot, but a deflection sent it wide for the first corner.

Richards had started to torment the left-hand side of the defence, cutting in from the right after 17 minutes, his shot was blocked and earned another corner.

But Sports were forced to make their first change following the resulting corner, when Smith took a knock and was replaced by Rowe.

It was Richards that opened the scoring too, chasing a ball from Dales in from the right, he chipped the keeper and the ball just rolled into net 1-0 after 20 minutes.

Just a minute later, he outpaced the defence again, but found his path blocked as he cut inside.

Grantham were opting for a long ball out of defence to chase, which hadn’t been looking too successful. But Shaw latched onto a clearance from keeper Steggles and forced McDowell into another save after 23 minutes.

Mickleover still had the majority of the possession and as on Wednesday night at Coventry, Powell, Ashman, Wilkinson and Sanders continued to look a solid back four, with Keane and Lathall directing from midfield.

Richards floated in another lovely 25th minute cross into the box again, but on this occasion the keeper just beat Norkett’s head to the ball.

Pressure was rewarded two minutes later though when Rowe’s trickery on the left saw him place a perfect cross onto Norkett’s head and it was 2-0.

Grantham hadn’t given up and continued with their original game plan, seeing Shaw test McDowell again close in and from a tight angle, but the Mickleover keeper took it with relative ease.

With Keane and Lathall in the centre of midfield, Dales appeared to have a more roaming role and 33 minutes gone and he earned a corner after his curling cross from the left was deflected.

Rowe and Dales then combined again on the left, but the final cross curled out for a goal kick.

Grantham went for a late push to try and get back into contention before half time, they successfully pegged Mickleover back in their own half, but failed to test the defence to any consequence.

It was Mickleover who had the final chance of the half though in time added on, when Norkett went solo and cut in from the right, to have his shot saved by the keepers feet, and so it remained 2-0 as the half time whistle blew.

Grantham started the livelier of the two sides initially as the second half got underway, when Langford had a shot blocked from the edge of the box just two minutes into the restart.

It didn’t take long for Mickleover to regain their momentum, but Norkett’s run down the left wing after 50 minutes came to an end when he was hacked down on touchline.

Rowe continued to outpace the defence on the left but his shot after receiving a cross-field ball from the right was covered by the keeper.

Further changes were made on the hour as Atkinson and Taylor came on for Rowe and Keane.

Sports had another half chance after 70 minutes when Norkett put a ball through for Taylor to chase. He got the shot in but it was still rising as it reached the goal and sailed well over the bar.

Only a minute later Grantham broke again, forcing McDowell to save with his knees, which triggered a succession of corners before the ball was finally cleared.

Carter then replaced Richards after 76 minutes, but a few minutes later Dales was kicked on the head, our hosts were down to 10 men and Zoko came on for Taylor for the final seven minutes.

Zoko had only been on the field just over a minute, when Steggles called for the ball to be left, only to miss it himself. Zoko was then on hand to stab the ball home and it was 3-0.

There was a consolation though for Grantham when they were awarded a very soft penalty. Former Mickleover midfielder Andrew Wright stepped up to make it 3-1 with virtually the last kick of the game, but it was another dominant performance that sees Sports go into the hat for the next round.