by Peter Scherer

It’s been a difficult season for Gainsborough Trinity and the 11 starters from our home win against them back in August, shows little resemblance to their current line-up.

They have only suffered two home defeats however, but are without a win since they beat Lancaster at home 3-1 in February. Currently 19^th in the NPL they are still desperate for points to secured their survival, having drawn 1-1 at home last time out against  South Shields, 

Goalkeeper Matt Yates was released by Derby County and after loan spells at Gloucester, Hereford and Telford, joined Gainsborough last summer.

Lewis Carr is an experienced defender signed at the beginning of the season from Basford, but he’s played at Grantham too. 

Teenaged student Prosper Keto is a young full back recently signed from Clifton FC. Since his arrival at Gainsborough in February, he has been a regular first choice.

Cieron Keane is an Irish Under 19 international left back who had League One experience during his graduation at Notts County. After leaving the Magpies he has played for Nuneaton, Worcester, Kidderminster, Alfreton, Boston Utd and Leamington and was at Basford last season.

Centre back Stefan Galinski started his career at Derby County, but then joined Stoke City after a brief loan at Corby. He was released six months later to join Boston Utd initially. Further moves have taken him to Stalybridge, Alfreton, Grantham and Hednesford, before joining Gainsborough from Basford in February.

Isaac Rice is another centre back that arrived from Newark Flowserve at the start of the season. He has previously been part of the Sheffield Wednesday Academy.

Charlie Jemson, son of Forest legend Nigel, is another central defender, a pre-season signing from Worksop. He had a spell on Forest’s books and also played for Ilkeston, Tamworth and Peterborough Sports.

Derby County’s Academy was the starting point for central defender Callum Minkley, while wing back Joe Wilson, recently back from an injury spell, started out at Reading. He was signed from Ilkeston early season, but has played for Hayes & Yeading and Fleet Town too.

Experience in coaching and playing make Neal Bishop a valuable member of the Gainsborough squad. A former Middlesbrough Academy player, he made his league debut for Barnet in League two. The reliable midfielder had already played at Billingham, Spennymoor, Whitby, Scarborough and York, before making 95 appearances for Barnet.

168 games at Notts County and a spell with Blackpool in the Premiership followed, before another four years at Scunthorpe. His league career ended at Mansfield and he was at Scarborough last season, before joining Gainsborough as player coach.

Midfielder Alex Wollerton was  another summer signing. The ex Manchester Utd and Leeds junior also had a spell at the Barnsley Academy, before joining York City in September 2020.

Midfielder Joe Parkin is an ex Grantham player, who started out Handsworth FC. He has been part of the first team squad since signing in December.

Ex Nottingham Forest junior midfielder Elicha Ahui is currently one of a number of Lincoln City loanees along with striker Jovon Makama, who also spent time in Derby County’s Academy, ex Arsenal Academy midfielder Morgan Worsfold-Gregg and striker Freddie Draper, another ex Rams junior.

George Hornshaw made 12 first team appearances for Scunthorpe last season. He joined the Irons back in 2011 aged 12, making his first team in 2017. He had a loan spell at Farsley and came to Gainsborough initially in 2019, before joining permanently in July last year. He plays full back of midfield.

Striker Cameron Johnson was a New Year signing from Stamford. He started out with Rossington Main, before moving on to Boston Utd, Matlock, Deeping, Boston Town. Tamworth, Peterborough Sports and Spalding

Josh Hinds is another on loan striker from Hull City. He started out at West Ham before heading for Humberside and has also been loaned to Spalding.

Ex QPR and Fulham winger Toby Gould and former Chester Junior Jack Gibson have been on the sidelines of late, the latter coming in from Carlton in May last year.

Former Grimsby Town midfielder Jock Curran started at Doncaster Rovers and has also played at Spalding and Lincoln Utd, while striker Ben Morris started at Derby County, before coming to Gainsborough via Bedworth, Matlock and Ilkeston 

Gianluca Bucci is an ex Lincoln City Junior who is at home in defence or midfield. He has played at Spalding too, but has returned to Gainsborough after a spell at Frickley. 

Kick off as usual is at 3pm.

by Peter Scherer

It was three more points for Mickleover on the road last Saturday, when a late goalkeeping error handed Stuart Beavon an early Easter gift at Warrington.

Starting line-up: 1–Jonathan Hedge 2-Elliott Walker 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Phil Watt 5-Ethan Mann 6-Kemy Agustien 7-Ben Radcliffe 8-Liam Ravenhill 9-Kai Moore 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andy Dales. Subs: Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Andrew Wright, Pablo Mills, Shaquille McDonald, George Milner.

The hosts were first on the attack with Hedge comfortably saving from, a Grivosti effort after six minutes.

Only three minutes later the same player took the first corner of the game, before Regan’s header found the side netting.

As in recent games Dales’ pace again troubled the Warrington defence and after 10 minutes he cut in from a run on the left, forcing keeper Atherton to make his first save.

Hedge was soon in action again too, pulling out all the stops to tip a Mols free kick over the bar, before Mickleover began to push forward again.

16 minutes in and Dales won the ball in midfield and found Moore in space. The young striker picked his spot but the final shot was deflected away by Duggan.

Although it remained 0-0 Mickleover were beginning to have more and more possession, but after 20 minutes there was another chance for Warrington, when Harris got his head to a Grivosti corner, but it was safely into Hedge’s hands.

The Mickleover back four of Walker, Watt, Mann and Dolan were looking pretty solid, and apart from a couple of long range efforts, Warrington had little shooting opportunity as time approachedand it remained 0-0.

The creative midfield combination of Ravenhill, Radcliffe and Agustien hadn’t managed to give Mickleover the edge, so after 58 minutes Milner came on for Radcliffe.

The next change was up front with McDonald replacing Moore after 69 minutes and four minutes later the deadlock was broken.

McDonald was in a dangerous attacking position which brough Atherton out of his goal to clear. But his clearance went straight to Beavon who was left with an unguarded goal to slot home for 1-0.

As Mickleover strengthened their defence for the final minutes, Mills came on for Ravenhill and as Warrington pushed forward to seek the equaliser, Atherton was forced to save again as McDonald latched onto a Mickleover counter attack.

So now were up to 13th in the NPL with four games left, starting with our penultimate away game of the season at Gainsborough on Saturday.

by Peter Scherer

Following our 2-2 draw at Bamber Bridge on Tuesday night, Mickleover are heading back up the M6 for Saturday afternoons game at Warrington.

Our Hosts on Saturday are just inside the play off’s , but currently lack consistency with two defeats in the last four games, before returning to winning way at Radcliffe last Saturday.

Warrington are captained by 6ft+ defender Mark Roberts, who started his career at Crewe Alexandra. He made seven first team appearances at Gresty Road and also had loans at Leek, Vauxhall Motors, Southport, Chester and Halifax, before joining Northwich after another initial loan.

In 2007 he joined league two Accrington Stanley and played 37 games before moving on again. After a brief return to Northwich, he was back to the Football League action with Stevenage, Fleetwood, Cambridge Utd and Forest Green Rovers, making almost 350 appearances and is now in his fourth season at Warrington.

Goalkeeper Daniel Atherton was signed during the summer. A former Liverpool junior, he also had a spell on loan at Marine last year and spent some time at Warrington last year too, before a brief foray in the US. 

James Baillie is a right back and another former Crewe Junior. He had a loan at Nantwich before being released, from where he moved onto Curzon Ashton. He joined Warrington in September last year.

Central midfielder Jay Harris was a summer signing. Starting out at Everton, he had a couple of seasons at Accrington, before moving onto Chester City. He then spent five years at Wrexham, scoring 20 goals in over 200 appearances.

He was with Tranmere Rovers when they regained their league status and then had a season at Macclesfield before rejoining Wrexham in January 2020.

Mitch Duggan is a defensive midfielder. A Tranmere Junior he had loans at Marine and Warrington, before joining our hosts permanently in July 2018. 

He has been out on loan at Flint and Southport, but is now back at Warrington and part of their first team squad.

Left back Eddie Clarke is another former Tranmere junior, but is currently on the injured list. He joined Fleetwood in July 2018, and after loans at Macclesfield and Stockport, was released to join Warrington in November last year. Like Duggan he also had a loan spell at Flint earlier this year too.

On loan from Preston, young left back Lewis Coulton also had a loan spell at Bamber Bridge before coming to Warrington in January. He is also in the Scotland Under 19 squad.

Winger Jack Mackreth came from Bala Town in the summer. He is yet another former Tranmere junior. He had a brief spell at Hyde, before longer spells at Barrow, Macclesfield and Grimsby. 

Then return trips to Tranmere and Macclesfield followed, with a short stay at Bury and he spent most 0f 2017/18 at Wrexham, before coming to Warrington in 2018. He went to Bala in February and was back at Warrington to start this season.

Striker Jordan Buckley was another one of a number of Warrington players who spent the early months of last year in Welsh football. Previously at Irlam, he signed from FC United in January 2020, and then went to Flint in February before heading back to Warrington in July.

Bohan Dixon is a midfielder who started out in the Welsh League with Connah’s Quay. He quickly moved on to Buckley Town, before dropping back into local football in Liverpool.

He was then signed by Hednesford Town in August 2011, moving to Burscough before dropping back to local league level. But a year later he was spotted by Accrington and his career was on the rise again.

After a loan at Marine he joined Lincoln City, but quickly moved on via Northwich, Salford City, Stalybridge Celtic, AFC Fylde, Halifax, Stockport and Ashton, before finally arriving at Warrington in September 2018.

Striker Dom Reid is a returnee, after played for Warrington a couple of seasons ago. An ex Rochdale youth player, he has also played for Bootle, AFC Fylde, Prescot Cables and Marine before coming to Warrington in 2018. He then moved to City of Liverpool and made his return pre-season.

Josh Amis is yet another Warrington player who had a spell in the Welsh League with Flint, before returning in the summer. Originally a Preston junior, he had loans at Stockport and Northwich, before the latter became permanent. 

The young striker then returned to Stockport and after spells at Altrincham and Marine signed initially for Warrington in July 2018.

Midfielder Ben Hough was picked up from Oldham Athletic in the summer, after he had signed for the Latics as a 10 year old from Runcorn Linnets.

Sean Williams is a well-travelled and experienced midfielder who started out at Stockport County. Stops at Vauxhall Motors, Hyde, Colwyn Bay, Halifax, Altrincham, Hinckley, Hednesford and Telford preceded his first stop at Warrington in 2016. He then went back to Altrincham, before returning to Warrington last November.

Matty Regan is an ex England under 16, 17 and 18 international who started out at Liverpool’s Academy. He then joined Nottingham Forest, before going to Tamworth on his release.

The centre back had more loans at Hednesford and Worcester City, before joining Stalybridge in 2014. Further moves to Colwyn Bay, Curzon Ashton and Farsley Celtic, preceded his arrival at Warrington. He is however, currently out injured.

Evan Gumbs is another centre back who started out at Tranmere. He went to Bradford PA on loan and his first spell at Warrington was on loan too. After his release from Tranmere in August 2020, he had six more months at Warrington before joining Flint Town.

He was back again after a few months and after a loan at Runcorn, he has stayed at Warrington since November last year.

Spanish midfielder Stefan Mols was a new signing for this season, having been released by Blackburn Rovers in July.

Luke Duffy is another attacking midfielder, who was signed in September 2020 from Lower Breck FC, he has also been part of Salford City’s development side.

Striker or winger Isaac Buckley-Ricketts is currently on loan from Southport. An ex Manchester City Junior he was loaned to Oxford United and FC Twente in the Netherlands.

On his release he had a year with Peterborough United, before joining Southport last year after two years out of the game.

Matt Grivosti was another young striker found in local football, before being signed up pre-season. 

In the last week our hosts have signed goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw and striker Michael Howard.

Former Oldham Junior Ollerenshaw had loans at Mossley and Northwich before joining Colwyn Bay on his release.

Spells at Hyde, Altrincham, Ashton and Avro FC followed, before rejoining Ashton in January, from where Warrington have signed him.

Striker Michael Howard started at Preston, with loans at Cork City, Hednesford and Stalybridge. Following his release he went to Morecambe, before moving on to Marine, Skelmersdale and finally Warrington.

Kick off as usual will be 3pm.

by Peter Scherer

It was back on the road for Mickleover following last following Saturday’s home draw, with a visit to Bamber Bridge.

Starting line-up: 1-Jonathan Hedge 2-Elliott Walker 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Ethan Mann 5-Phil Watt 6-George Atwal 7-Ben Radcliffe 8-George Milner 9-Shaquille McDonald 10-Callum Niven 11-Andrew Wright. Subs: Kai Moore, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Kemy Agustien, Andy Dales, Will Robinson.

As in last Saturday’s game Sports conceded an early goal when Nathan Pond headed, home following a free kick after Walker had fouled. 0-1.

Mickleover were favouring the long ball leaving McDonald and Niven to chase. But the home defence had it covered most of the time, until McDonald got a shot in after 10 minutes following a run from Radcliffe.

Radcliffe then had a shot himself from outside the box just wide.

The hosts were being given far too much time on the ball unchallenged, but alternatively harassed Mickleover whenever they had possession.

There was more pressure from Bamber but Atwal played the ball well out of defence, which sent McDonald on another run.

But keeper Hudson came out to intercept and there was a defensive mix-up, which almost handed the ball back to McDonald.

But Bamber were soon on the attack again with Spinelli firing a long shot well over the bar after 28 minutes.

Only a couple of minutes later Spinelli was on the ball again with far too much space. He picked his spot and buried the ball in Hedge’s right-hand corner, 0-2.

Bamber were in control and seeking to extend their lead further, with Pond heading just wide.

But after 36 minutes the fightback was on, McDonald ran onto a long ball from Wright, and placed his shot out of Hudson’s reach 1-2.

Martin had another try for Bamber but was well wide, before Sinclair’s cross found Strawn, whose shot found the side netting. So it remained 1-2 into the half-time break.

Mickleover made two changes for the second half, with Davidson-Miller and Moore on for McDonald and Niven.

Radcliffe had another strong run after 47 minutes, with a shot just wide again, after his charge from the halfway line.

Moore then joined Mann in referee’s book for an innocuous challenge, but was then able to fire in a cracking shot after a Dolan run, but it was straight at keeper Hudson.

Atwal began to bring the ball out more as his confidence grew, only for his progress to be thwarted by a trip.

But hosts were firing more random shots, which Watt and Mann were able to block, apart from one shot over the bar.

Dales came on for Milner on the hour, but after 61 minutes Yeates almost broke through the defence, before Watt came to the rescue.

Mickleover got close to equalising 72 minutes in, when a telling run from Davidson-Miller found Dales, whose shot was saved by Hudson, before Radcliffe’s rebound shot was saved too.

During the second half the referee became somewhat whistle happy as a couple of the hosts hit the deck somewhat easily, which resulted in Dolan being booked too.

Hedge made a great diving save after 65 minutes to keep Yeates shot out, before Dales got a break with Davidson-Miller on another positive run, but his cross from the right was blocked.

A minute later Spinelli shot straight at Hedge as it continued end to end, with Skinner next to try, before seeing his shot saved.

Dales was causing more and more problems for our hosts and on 76 minutes he was on the end of another clearance. His shot went across the face of the goal, before being deflected out, but the referee awarded a goal kick?

Only a minute later Dales was at it again, finding Radcliffe, whose shot was tipped away by Hudson.

Mickleover continued to build the pressure on the home defence, doing everything but score. But 80 minutes in and it finally came. 

Another Dales break found Wright, whose initial shot was blocked, before Radcliffe fired in the rebound and was deflected passed Hudson by Moore, for his first senior goal, 2-2.

With seven minutes left Dolan went into a tackle, which left the Bamber player seeking a late Oscar nomination. The referee fell for it and a second yellow card became a red, the second time in the last month that Dolan has been the victim of bad refereeing.

The final minutes were very scrappy as Bamber still sought the three points. But Mickleover stood firm and headed home down the M6 with their point secured.

by Peter Scherer

Tonight we visit Bamber Bridge in the previously postponed game. Our hosts are currently ninth in the table following their 1-0 victory at Basford last Saturday.

Back in September we went down 0-1 to Bamber when they visited the Don Amott Arena, so with the recent return to form and the point hard earned point against FC United last Saturday, hopes will be high for further success.

Our hosts at the Tom Finney Stadium started the season well but have dropped out of the play-off places during the second half of the season.

Unusually they have secured more points away from home than at home and have only secured eight points since New Year.

They have used over 20 players so far this season and have rarely fielded an unchanged team.

Let’s take a look at their squad.

Matthew Hudson is currently first choice goalkeeper, a loan signing from Preston North End. He has previously been loaned out to Bury and spent a month a Bamber Bridge back in 2020.

James Cottam is second choice keeper, a former Preston North End junior too, who was signed from Barnoldswick last October.

Former Blackpool junior left back Luke Higham made one first team appearance for the Seasiders. He had loans at Nuneaton and Telford before his release, after which he was at Fleetwood, with a further loan at FC United. He came to Bamber Bridge October 2020 from Lancaster and has recently had a spell at Marine.

Nathan Pond is a vastly experienced central defender, whose career began at Lancaster City in 2003. He then had seven years at Fleetwood including loans at Kendal Town and Grimsby, before joining Salford City in 2018.

After two years he moved on to Fylde and joined our hosts from Telford last October.

 Midfielder Craig Carney was signed from Matlock in September. He started out at Lancaster, and has journeyed via Stockport, Marine, FC United and Warrington.

Chris Churchman is a midfielder who started out at Stockport. After a loan at Buxton he briefly joined Macclesfield, before stops at Connah’s Quay and Clitheroe and arrived at Bamber in July 2018 from Hyde.

Irish born winger Mark Yeates has a wealth of experience behind him, since starting out at Tottenham Hotspur in 2002.

Four first team games for Spurs and loans at Brighton, Swindon, Colchester, Hull and Leicester, preceded his release in 2007 and a permanent move to Championship/League One Colchester, scoring 21 goals in 81 games.

He played in the Championship with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Utd and Watford, before moving to Bradford City, Oldham, Blackpool and Notts County, finally going non league with Eastleigh in 2017, after 500 senior appearances and over 50 goals. He came to Bamber from Fylde in September 2020 and is also a Republic of Ireland Under 21 International.

Left midfielder Isaac Sinclair is the son of well know ex Pro Trevor. He joined Bamber from Curzon Ashton in September 2020, and has also played for AFC Blackpool, Squires Gate and Longridge.

Danny Forbes has been at Bamber since 2017, when the midfielder arrived from Kendal Town. He served his apprenticeship at Preston North End.

Winger Finley Sinclair-Smith is another Blackpool graduate. He had loan spells at Marine and Widnes before his release, moving on to Longridge Town. After almost two years at FC United, he signed for Bamber last September.

Defender Macauley Wilson was a junior at both Manchester Utd and Blackpool. He was first loaned to Bamber in 2016 and also to Fylde, until his release June 2017, when he became a permanent Bamber Bridge player. He also captains the side.

Right back Callum Spooner spent his earlier career with Bolton Wanderers. He was loaned to Stalybridge and joined Atherton on his release in in 2017 and has been with our hosts since October 2018.

Matty Thomson had five years at Chester before joining Bamber in October 2020. Primarily a right back, he started out at Tranmere.

Aaron Skinner arrived in November last year after a couple of years at Tottenham Hotspur. A centre back or midfielder he was also at Bury and Bolton Academies earlier in his career.

Sheldon Green is a striker who has alternated between Bamber and Fylde over the last few seasons. But last August he became a permanent Bamber Bridge player.

Jake Thompson is a recent signing from Ramsbottom. The striker started out at Huddersfield Town and has also played for Liversedge and scored on his Bamber Bridge.

Rhys Turner is a recent signing. He started out at Preston and Lancaster’s Academies before Oldham signed him from Stockport’s Academy and loaned him to York City, and Macclesfield, before he joined Morecambe on his release.

He was loaned to Stockport, moving on to Barrow and Stockport Town, before Bamber signed him from Lancaster. He scored six goals in his 66 appearances in leagues one and two.

Jacob Holland-Wilkinson is coming to the end of his loan from Preston North End. The young striker had also been loaned to Fylde.

Adam Dawson is a well-travelled winger who started at Bury, before moving to Wigan in 2012. He was loaned to Accrington and was with FC United and Barrow, before Leicester City signed him 2013.

After loans at Notts County, Nuneaton and Bristol Rovers, his release then found him at Kidderminster. Moving on to a loan at Tranmere, then Eastleigh and back to Tranmere. He was loaned to Darlington and then played at Telford and Macclesfield before a year in Cyprus with Achyronas Liopetriou. He then had a short stay at Radcliffe before arriving at Bamber Bridge in December.

Midfielder Paul Dawson arrived from Lancaster City in November, having previously been at Bamber Bridge a few years earlier after coming in from Kendal Town.

Dan Martin is another young loanee. The midfielder has been a regular starter during his time away from Accrington and has recently had his loan extended.

Sam Billington was a Liverpool, Junior before arriving at Bamber in 2020. 

Bamber Bridge have recently taken three loanees. Kevin Spinelli is from Accrington, who also has a pre-Christmas spell at Radcliffe and on deadline day they took winger Jake Daniels and midfielder Joe Strawn from Blackpool’s youth team squad.

Kick off is at 7.45pm.

by Peter Scherer

Having returned to winning ways after victories over Matlock and Stalybridge, hopes were high for a home result against visitors FC United too, with a seasons best attendance of 802.

Starting line-up: 1-Jonathan Hedge 2-Elliott Walker 3-Rhys Dolan 4-Phil Watt 5-Pablo Mills 6-Kemy Agustien 7-Andy Dales 8-George Milner 9-Shaquille McDonald 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Ben Radcliffe. Subs: George Atwal, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Kai Moore, Callum Niven.

It didn’t start well for Mickleover when after only three minutes Regan Linney opened the scoring for the visitors. The defence seemed to freeze on the right following a free kick, giving Linney both time and space to fire into Hedge’s left hand top corner, 0-1.

Three minutes later Mickleover had a chance which was to be their last for over 30 minutes. McDonald had found Dales but the resulting shot was an easy catch for keeper Dan Lavercombe.

FC United began to dictate the game, with Mickleover early venturing over the half-way line, apart from an attempted break from Dales which ended with a tackle just inside the FC United half.

A string of corners and free kicks failed to see a telling finish from the visitors however, before McDonald managed to break into the visitors box, only for the defence to clean up.

Agustien fired a long distance shot over the bar after 32 minutes, following a nice build up between Walker, Beavon and McDonald.

But as Mickleover finally started to break out, Milner put a nice ball through, which just failed to connect with Beavon and McDonald.

FC United had failed to maximise their supremacy over the first 30 minutes and were soon made to regret it, when Dales was tripped just inside the area and three referee pointed straight to the spot after 37 minutes.

McDonald stepped up to hit the ball and buried  it in the bottom left-hand corner of Lavercombe’s net, 1-1.

Now it was Mickleover pushing forward and only two minutes later McDonald had another shot blocked from close range, before Beavon layed off a perfect ball to Dales on the edge of the box, sending a perfect shot beyond Lavercombe’s reach to give Sports the lead after 42 minutes, 2-1.

FC had one more chance before the half time whistle, when a ball from Ennis crossed the face of the Mickleover goal and out for a goal kick.

But as in the first half the second didn’t get off to good start either. FC wasted a free kick and Agustien had received a yellow card, before Walker found Beavon, and Radcliffe had a weak shot saved.

But after 49 minutes Linney was fouled in the box by Mills, and Ennis made it 2-2 from the spot.

It could have been a third for the visitors three minutes later, but Hedge managed to tip over a Morris effort following a corner.

The pressure had begun to build again, but overall the Mickleover defence of Watt and Mills were looking solid, while Walker and Dolan were finding the space to push forward more.

After 54 minutes Beavon did well to take possession of a loose ball and played it out to Dales on his right. McDonald hadn’t been picked up by the defence, but Dales spotted him and the striker fired in his second of the game, before celebrating in his traditional acrobatic style, 3-2.

McDonald was looking for his hattrick but his 58^th minute shot was blocked after being set up by Radcliffe. Linney then got a break for FC before the chasing Walker came to the rescue.

Agustien was having a much better second half and similarly Milner, as they were both able to push forward, with a much better feed to the strikers.

But a 59^th minute corner caught out the home defence and Curtis Jones was able send a volley beyond Hedge’s reach 3-3.

It was still fairly even but Linney continued to look dangerous for FC. He outran the defence after 66 minutes, but Hedge saved his shot and three minutes later the Mickleover keeper was the saviour again, scrambling away Bange’s effort after a free kick.

The visitors went close again a after a further minute, before a  charge from Dolan found Milner, before Beavon had a shot blocked.

Davidson-Miller came on for McDonald but it was FC United’s sub Agnew trying his luck, with a cracking long distance shot just wide.

Fellow sub Galloway got space after 79 minutes but his shot was high and wide and then Milner had a good run blocked, before Radcliffe got a shot in.

It was so nearly a fourth for Mickleover too after 84 minutes, when Dolan floated in a ball from the left. It almost caught Lavercombe out, as at full stretch he fell backwards and landed on the line with the ball no more than inches from going over. It would have gone to VAR?

Three minutes and Milner broke through, but his shot was blocked and it was a late corner. Beavon got the ball in the net, but referee blew for a dubious foul.

Atwal came on for Radcliffe for the final shout and he was able to block and attempted break from FC’s Agnew.

But Mickleover were making the most of time added on and when Dales got another cross in, both Davidson-Miller and Milner were almost on the receiving end.

Atwal put in a late cross which almost found Dales head, before Beavon had a shot blocked from the resulting corner.

Niven made a late appearance for Beavon, but the final dramas came at the Mickleover end, when Watt deflected onto his post only for Walker to follow suit, as it remained 3-3.

It’s Bamber Bridge next away on Tuesday evening, with only six games left in the NPL season.

by Archie Brown, Junior Journo

The glamorous weather attracted 802 spectators to the Don Amott arena for this enthralling game in the Northern Premier League between two sides who have mixed runs of form.Mickelover have displayed 2 wins,2 losses and 1 draw in their last 5 games whereas FC United Of Manchester have only 1 win,2 draws and 2 losses so it is the home side going into this that have collected more points in the last 5 games.

The game started with the Sports looking for attacking opportunities via long passes to the attackers but every attempt they made was frustratingly shut down.

FC United Of Manchester then took full advantage of the gifted possession as centre-forward Regan Linney picked up the ball up on the left-hand side and after a wonderful darting run curled an absolute beauty of a shot past a stranded Jonathan Hedge in goal.

Mickelover Sports 0-1 FC United Of Manchester 

In the 6^th Minute,Andy Dales had a shot comfortably saved by Dan Lavercombe after a frustrating period for the home side.It became apparent early on that both teams were relying on long passes forward to their attackers early on rather than keeping the ball grounded .

After 13 minutes,the away side won a promising free kick but the resulting kick was deflected wide after a shot weak shot from Adam Dodd.The corner was originally caught by Sports’ keeper Jonathan Hedge but then spilt behind for a second consecutive corner.The following corner was taken short but FC United Of Manchester failed to create anything from it.

Sports were displaying poor positioning in the opening 15 minutes with their midfielders and full-backs being out-run and caught in possession numerous times.The away sides’ Captain Michael Potts was a clear standout in the opening quarter of the half,receiving passes from deep and driving forward to create attacking chances.

A massive chance for the away side in the 26^th minute with Michael Donohue shooting wide after a lovely passing move…it was like they were taking notes from the blue side of Manchester with this move!

3 minutes after this brilliant move,down the other end Sports striker Shaquille McDonald had a very inviting cross blocked by FC United Of Manchester Defender,Aaron Morris.

Then in the 32^nd minute,an overly ambitious shot from sports defensive midfielder Germaine Augustien sails way over the bar.Then in the 37^th minute,after a wonderful driving run from Andy Dales,he wins a penalty for the home side!

Shaquille McDonald to take…And score! Sports are level just before half time,a cool and composed finish in the bottom-left corner sent the keeper the wrong way and restored hope for sports.

Mickelover Sports 1-1 FC United Of Manchester 

A shot by the goalscorer in the 40^th minute was charged down after a impressive driving run.Then 2 minutes later,Andy Dales drove from deep and curled and absolutely fantastic shot past Dan Lavercombe and into the left corner to complete the Mickelover comeback before half time!

Mickelover Sports 2-1 FC United Of Manchester 

In the 44^th minute,a very inviting run from FC United Of Manchester Right-Back Adam Dodd results in his shot trickling wide after a promising run.Then shortly after a very nasty looking challenge from Luke Griffiths causes the referee to reach to his pocket for the first time in the game to produce the first yellow card.

HALF TIME:

Mickelover Sports 2-1 FC United Of Manchester 

Play resumes and it was the away side replicating their first half looking to score early into it but after they won a free-kick in the 47^th minute,the resulting header was way over the bar with no concern for goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge.

What followed was a lovely bit of play between Stuart Beavon and William Radcliffe with the former lending it to the latter who’s shot was comfortably saved by Dan Lavercombe.

After both sides created strong chances early into the second half it was the away side who won a penalty in the 48^th minute after a lazy foul from Germaine Augustien.The penalty is comfortably put away by Paul Ennis who smashed it into the top right corner to lift the confidence of FC United Of Manchester.

Mickelover Sports 2-2 FC United Of Manchester 

The first substitution of the afternoon was made by FC United Of Manchester,with Josh Askew replacing Chris Taylor.

In the 51^st minute,a massive chance for the away side saw a header firmly headed onto the crossbar with the assistance of Mickelover goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge.

The well-driven corner resorted in a cheeky back heel attempt from Alistair Waddecar which ultimately span wide.

Oh and what a goal that was for Mickelover! In the 56^th minute it was the second of the afternoon for Shaquille McDonald who finishes off a brilliant passing move between himself,Stuart Beavon and then a fantastic assist by William Radcliffe.

Mickelover Sports 3-2 FC United Of Manchester 

The second substitution of the afternoon was made for the away side as Josh Galloway replaced Alistair Waddecar.After a good run from the away side,a fantastic tackle from Rhys Dolan puts an end to the attacking move.

What a game this has been! An great side-footed equaliser from FC United Of Manchester  Centre-Half Curtis Jones in the 61^st minute after a fantastic corner delivery from Paul Ennis.

Mickelover Sports 3-3 FC United Of Manchester 

Shaquille McDonald has been a real bright spark in this second half for sports after failing to get off the starting blocks in the opening 15 of the first half.A driving run from Regan Linney in the 67^th minute forced a good save from Sports keeper Jonathan Hedge.

A third substitution for the away side took place as Ewan Bange replaces Luke Griffiths.Shortly after in the 70^th minute,a short range shot by FC United Of Manchester was saved,spilled and cleared away.

A nasty fall for Shaquille McDonald in the 71^st minute drew a stoppage in play.Looks like the fall might have winded the Mickelover striker as well as a possible re-aggravation of his left wrist injury but after a check-up by the physio,he was deemed fit to continue for the time being.

A few minutes after this,Sports manager John McGrath decided to replace the undoubtable Man Of The Match,Shaquille McDonald is taken off for Jahvan Davidson-Miller.

Shortly after,a good run by Josh Askew ended in a shot that fizzes wide.After a run and subsequent tangle of legs resulting in a penalty claim from Regan Linney,the referee decides to go against the claims and award a free-kick to Mickelover for obstruction.

With desperate attempts coming more from the away side,a shot from Josh Galloway in the 80^th minute sails way over the bar for a goal kick.

Mickelover pile on the pressure with 3 minutes remaining of normal time and a shot from Jahvan Davidson-Miller was blocked behind for a corner.

The corner comes in and it’s into the net! But the referee ruled the goal out for unapparent reasons.This is getting to the nitty gritty of it now as the away side come agonisingly close to sealing the win.A layoff from Adam Dodd was fizzed into a crowd of bodies but not one of his teammates could force it over the line.It remains 3-3.

Mickelover get a late corner which unfortunately they cannot utilise to their advantage as they can’t create anything from it.A huge chance for the away side as the cross comes in and Elliot Walker stears it onto the post in what nearly was a match winning Own Goal in the favour of FC United Of Manchester.

Into late injury time,Mickelover make their Third substitution as Stuart Beavon is replaced by Callum Niven.*

*George Atwal came on for Mickelover also during the second half but I could unfortunately not make out who he replaced but the youngster looked impressive with his first few chances as he looked to carve out attacking opportunities for Sports.

Callum Niven immediately won a throw-in for sports after coming onto the pitch.The resulting throw-in was disappointing as Mickelover failed to create any late chances.

And the referee blows the whistle for Full-Time.It has been a fantastic game at the Don Amott Arena with both sides sharing the points in a deserved outcome for both.

Mickelover Sports 3-3 FC United Of Manchester 

by Peter Scherer

Following their excellent away win at Stalybridge on Tuesday night, Mickleover face FC United this weekend at the Don Amott Arena.

By their own usually high standards FC United have had a poor season, currently eighth in the NPL with only one win in the last six and their last game an away defeat at Basford.

First choice goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe played his youth football with Exeter City and Torquay United. He joined Wigan Athletic in January 2016, but was loaned back to Torquay for a couple of spells, as well as Welsh League Club Rhyl.

He was released by Wigan in the summer of 2019 and joined Fylde, from where FC United signed him in September 2020.

Michael Donohue is a defensive midfielder, who started out at Everton’s Academy. After a loan at Barrow he joined Fleetwood, but was sent out on loan again to Tamworth. In September 2018 he was loaned to FC United, before the move became permanent the following January.

Luke Griffiths is a central midfielder who came back to FC United in October from Warrington, having only left a few months earlier. He was another Bolton Wanderers junior and has also played for Runcorn Linnets, Marine and Prescot Cables.

Playing either centre back or defensive midfield, Curtis Jones is well travelled. From Stockport County’s Youth Team, he joined Glasgow Celtic and Bristol City, before his first senior transfer to Livingstone.

His spell back in Scotland was shortlived and he joined Welsh League’s The New Saints. Quickly moving on again he had a year at Nantwich and then played for Southport and Ashton Athletic, before coming to FC United in July 2019.

Aaron Morris is another centre back who started out at St Helens Town. He came to FC United in summer 2020 from Runcorn Linnet’s, where he played for three years, and has tended to play at right back.

Centre back Jorge Sikora came to FC in February, after being released by Bradford City. He also had a loan spell at Spennymoor at the end of last year.

A midfielder with mainly League Two and National League experience, Jonathan Smith was signed during last summer. He was a youth player at Morecambe.

After loans at Fleetwood and Bamber Bridge, he signed for Forest Green Rovers in 2010, and spent three years there pre their league status.

A spell at York City followed before joining Swindon Town, where he played 48 games and scored three goals, before returning to League Two rivals York.

Moving onto Luton Town where he played 150 games, he was at Stevenage too, before a couple of seasons at Chesterfield preceded his current move.

Paul Ennis is an experienced midfielder with a long list of clubs throughout a lengthy career. After starting at Stockport County, he had a loan at Salford City, then quickly moved on to Stalybridge Celtic, Bala Town, Witton Albion, Northwich Victoria, Colwyn Bay and Guiseley, before a two year stay on a return trip to Stalybridge.

Curzon Ashton, Matlock, Shaw Lane, Buxton, Skelmersdale, Southport and Ashton Utd also joined his long list of travels, before arriving at FC United in May 2019.

Regan Linney is a striker who was signed from Bamber Bridge in July 2019, having developed through their own Academy.

Midfielder or left back Adam Dodd was a Blackpool junior, who made the first team bench but didn’t get to play. He had loans at Altrincham and Scottish First Division’s Ayr Utd, before joining Chorley on his release. He then had just over three years at Bamber Bridge before being signed in May 2019.

Ali Waddecar moved to FC United after an 11 year spell at Bamber Bridge having made over 450 appearances. The striker had joined Bamber from local football, having previously been at Preston North End.

On loan from Leeds United, winger or midfielder Josh Galloway went to Elland Road from Carlisle in August 2019.

Ewan Bange is a young striker on loan from Blackpool until the end of the season. He has also bee loaned out to Bamber bridge and Telford Utd.

Toby Humphries is a product of FC United’s own youth scheme. The young midfielder has only recently become part of the first team squad.

Mike Potts is another midfielder who started out with Manchester United. After he was released he was at Blackburn Rovers for year, before signing for York City. 

Midfielder Chris Taylor started his career at Oldham Athletic. After spells at Millwall, Blackburn and Bolton he was loaned back to Oldham, before signing for Blackpool in 2018.

Further moves have taken him to Bradford and Barrow before he arrived at FC United from Radcliffe last month. He has made over 500 football league appearances and scored 50+ goals.

He has moved on each season spending time with Guiseley, AFC Fylde, Stalybridge on loan, Bradford Park Avenue, Shaw Lane on loan and Curzon Ashton. He was signed from Bamber Bridge in October 2018 and the club captain.

Harry McGee is a recent loan signing from Wigan., but he started his career with Tranmere Rovers.

Striker Joe Duckworth started out with Barnton Under 21’s before joining Winsford. He is a fairly recent signing from Northwich.

Both Lenny Fieldhouse and Josh Brooks are reserve keepers who have been on the bench mainly this season.

Kick off is 3pm so BE THERE!!

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC added another away win to their tally with a 1-0 win over an uncompromising Stalybridge Celtic last night, with a first half header from Stuart Beavon.

Starting line-up: 1-Jonathan Hedge 2-Elliott Walker 3-Rhys Dolan 4-James Butler 5-Phil Watt 6-Kemy Agustien 7-Andy Dales 8-George Milner 9-Shaquille McDonald 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Andrew Wright. Subs: George Atwal, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Pablo Mills, Kai Moore, Callum Niven.

With the initial Stalybridge attacks repelled, Dolan led the first Mickleover foray with a good run strong run down the left.

After three minutes the hosts earned their first free kick after a foul by Milner, but it came to nought.

Hedge then made a long clearance which found Beavon in space on the right. His cross went across the face of the goal, but there was no one on the receiving end.

Mickleover won a free kick when Dales was tripped and after eight minutes he had the first shot, wide of the left-hand post.

But Stalybridge went close after 14 minutes with a combination from Killock and Quanseh, forcing Hedge to tip it away for a corner.

A couple of minutes later some nice play between Dales and Wright went one pass to far to prove positive, but Dales pace was causing problems for some cumbersome Stalybridge defending.

An unusually poor kick from Hedge found a Stalybridge striker after 20 minutes, but the keeper redeemed himself with a dive to the feet of the oncoming striker.

Dales then put a telling cross into the middle on the 25 minute mark, but it just missed connecting with the oncoming McDonald.

A minute later however it was 1-0 to Mickleover, after Dales held the ball well, before the final cross found Beavon’s head and the right corner of the Stalybridge net.

Two minutes later Dales fired in another shot after a one two with Wright, but it was an easy save for keeper Shenton. McDonald then had a shot blocked after a Beavon cross, earning a corner.

Mickleover were in the ascendancy but Stalybridge fought back with a cross from Brogan finding Doyle, whose shot was tipped over the bay by Hedge.

But Sports were soon back on the attack with a Beavon, McDonald build up sending Dales on a run, only to be fouled midway into the Stalybridge half.

Agustien took a short free kick to Dolan, who headed for goal but was fouled as he prepared to shoot. No free kick was given but the left back needed treatment.

With the half time whistle blown Mickleover had looked more of a team than the hosts, who managed to argue among themselves and lacked cohesion.

As the second half kicked off Stalybridge were far more positive, but the aerial superiority of Watt and Butler kept any danger under control.

Dales and Beavon led a strong attack after 52 minutes, but once again it was a step too far. But after Watt was pushed off the ball a minute later, Stalybridge got a good cross in from the right, across the face of Hedge’s goal and almost caught the keeper out.

Hosts sub McLintock had a chance after 66 minutes but pulled his shot wide to the left, before Mickleover made their first change with Niven on for Beavon.

McLintock had another chance after a long kick from Shenton, but that went and over and in the next few minutes both Correia and Brogan had shots from long range but failed to trouble Hedge.

Milner was moving forward more than in the first half and was on the receiving end of some good possession from Agustien, but after 73 minutes it was almost a second goal. 

Niven had a great run and found McDonald. The striker sent in a rocket shot which was well saved by the diving Shenton. The rebound found Niven but it was going away from goal.

Davidson-Miller then came on for McDonald for the last 15 minutes and was straight in the action. His holding play set up Wright, whose shot was blocked.

Shenton then made an easy save from a weak Davidson-Miller shot, before Agustien made way for Atwal.

Walker and Dolan both began to stay back more as the clocked ticked down, but after 79 minutes Hedge was in action as a shot from Doyle was just passed the post.

Dales was fouled on another charge with two minutes left, but as Mickleover tried to clear their lines, Stalybridge pushed everything forward including keeper Shenton.

They went close with a free kick which was saved by Hedge to earn a corner before another attempt settled on the roof of the Mickleover net.

In timing added on Ubah had a header cleared off the line, but it was another well-earned three points which moves them to 15^th in the table.