by Peter Scherer

Mickleover FC boss John McGrath has made another loan signing to strengthen his squad, as Sports strive to escape the foot of the NPL table.

Winger Dexter Walters has arrived on an initial months loan from Tamworth and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s FA Trophy game at home to Grantham.

Walters returned to Tamworth in August 2020, after a two year spell at Coventry City, where he made one EFL Trophy appearance for the first team, but was a regular in the Sky Blues Under 23’s.

by Peter Scherer

It’s time to take a break from the NPL campaign to host Grantham Town in the FA Trophy this weekend.

Like Mickleover, Grantham have struggled again this season, and sit at the bottom of the league table, three points adrift.

They have only taken two points at home, one from our visit last month. But away they have had three wins and two draws, beating FC United 1-0 a few weeks ago. 

They played Warrington last weekend and went down again 1-2.

Goalkeeper Jim Pollard came to Grantham in July 2020 from Maltby, having previously had a season at Barrow.

James Williamson is an experienced defender and the club captain, who lists Tadcaster, Matlock and North Ferriby among his previous clubs.

Defender Tierry Latty-Fairweather has been on loan from Burton Albion, he’s an ex Nottingham Forest youth player too.

Central midfielder Shane Clarke is a recent signing from Spalding Utd. A former Lincoln City Academy player, he was briefly at Gateshead following his release, before his first spell at Boston Utd.

He then moved on to Gainsborough, Worksop and Tamworth, before returning to Boston in 2016. A second stay at Gainsborough preceded his move to Spalding in August 2020.

Henry Eze is another new signing. The centre back has played at Rushall Olympic, Romulus, Kings Lynn, Kettering, Solihull Borough, Quorn, Barwell and Stamford before arriving at Grantham.

Midfielder Finley Shrimpton is on loan from Scunthorpe until January, he has previously been loaned to Frickley Athletic too.

Ali Aydemir is primarily a winger, a long serving player who was previously at East Hull and Goole.

Midfielder Harvey Grice is on loan from Alfreton Town. The ex Nottingham Forest Academy player has come through Alfreton’s own youth scheme.

Ex Mickleover player striker Nathan Modest started his career at Sheffield Wednesday, making four first team appearances. 

After six years with the Owls and a loan at Darlington, he joined Sheffield FC. He moved on to Worksop, Rainworth MW, Lincoln Utd, Gloucester, Hednesford, Telford, Evesham and Goole before Bridlington Town preceded his move to Mickleover in 2019. 

He then moved to Barton Town and finally Pontefract, before coming to Grantham this summer.

Lee Shaw is another recent arrival from Alfreton. The striker was previously at Grantham in 2018, before moving to Chesterfield. A loan at Guiseley preceded his move to Alfreton just over a year ago.

Another of the new signings is Jake Wright, a young midfielder who has arrived from Ilkeston, having previously played for Quorn.

Former Mansfield and Chesterfield striker Mason Lee is another new arrival, he’s from Ilkeston too.

Attacking Midfielder Manasse Kianga arrived during the summer, he was previously at Rossington Main.

Michael Williams is a central midfielder, who came to Grantham from Alfreton. He was at Ilkeston for five years, before moving on to Matlock Town, Gainsborough and Sheffield FC.

Joe Parkin is another young midfielder stepping up from Handsworth Paramore, while Sisa Tuntulwana has also been a regular squad member this season.

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

by Peter Scherer

Following their first away win of the season at Atherton, hopes were high of returning to winning ways at home, but it was not to be.

Starting line-up 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 3-Jordan Gough 4-Mason Warren 5-Phil Watt 6-Joe Bateman 15-Pablo Mills 7-Andy Dales 8-Andrew Wright 9-Kemy Agustien 10 Stuart Beavon. Subs: Adam Haw, Bobby Battisson, Roger Lee, Dempsey Arlott-John, Dec Bacon.

Right from the kick off Stalybridge Celtic were on the attack, with Brogan firing high over the Mickleover bar from the edge of the box, after two minutes.

It was only three minutes later that Dackers went down in the box. The referee said no penalty, but then allowed his assistant to change his mind, allowing Dackers to score from the spot kick 0-1.

Hawkins was in action again after nine minutes saving from Brogan after a questionable free kick.

Dales was then pushing forward for Mickleover and his long range shot after 17 mins was well saved by Huffer in the visitors goal.

There were chances at both ends, with Johnson shooting wide for Stalybridge after 21 mins, before Hawkins had to tip over Brogan’s powerful effort, after a telling pass from Doyle.

But just after the first half hour it was almost level when a Mills header was cleared off the line following a free kick.

After some positive Mickleover attacking, Dackers was on the receiving end of a long cross, placing his header passed Hawkins after 36 mins, 0-2.

Only a minute later Burton made it 0-3 to the visitors when he played through to connect with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

With Mickleover continuing to push forward, Warren managed to find Wright in a crowded box, who made no mistake in smashing past Huffer, to make it 1-3 after 40 mins.

As the teams re-appeared for the second half there were two changes in the Mickleover line-up, with Bacon and Haw on for Agustien and Gough.

Only two minutes into the half, the ball landed at Bacon’s feet from a corner, but the defence managed to clear.

Dales then won a free kick, which was given on the edge of the box, which was again thought to have been inside by some of the Mickleover players.

Wright’s free kick was over the bar and four mins later Bacon fired over again, after some casual Stalybridge defending.

Warren went into referee’s book after a foul on the dramatic Dackers, before Sports brought on Arlott-John for goal scorer Wright.

Luck continued to desert Mickleover and after 77 mins Dales tried a long shot, saved at full stretch by Huffer, before Arlott-John’s attempt to collect the rebound was thwarted by the visitors defence.

Hawkins had to pull off another save to keep Johnson out and with eight minutes left, Haw was on the end of a cross from Arlott-John but the keeper collected his effort.

With time almost up Haw hit the post with another header, but time ran out and it was another home defeat 1-3.

Sports are now in 19^th place, only a point away from relegation, with two of the teams below us having two games in hand.

by Peter Scherer

Following last Saturday’s first away win at Atherton Collieries, Mickleover will be looking to return to winning form at home too, with the visit of Stalybridge Celtic to the Don Amott Arena.

Like so many NPL teams, including ourselves, Stalybridge have had mixed fortunes this season. Having lost their first two matches they had a home win against Morpeth, before suffering two successive away defeats at Lancaster and Buxton.

A home win against Ashton, preceded defeats against Basford and Matlock, followed by the first of two away wins at Scarborough.

It was after a 1-0 defeat at Gainsborough that they had a run of four successive wins, beating FC United 5-2, Whitby away, Stafford at home and a 5-0 hammering of Grantham at home.

But the tide has turned again and they have lost their last two games against Warrington and Bamber Bridge and are currently 11^th in the table with seven wins and nine defeats, on 21 points, five ahead of Mickleover.

So let’s take a look at their team. Current first choice goalkeeper is former Leeds United Academy player Will Huffer. He made one first appearance at Elland Road and two more league starts while on loan at Barnet. But following his release last summer after 13 years, he initially joined Bradford PA, before moving onto Bradford City, where he stayed until June this year.

He joined Stalybridge earlier this month and played for England at Under 17, 18 and 20 levels.

Second choice keeper Jahquil Hill was only signed this month too. The Bermudan international started out at FC United before joining Mansfield Town in 2013. He moved on to Ilkeston, Stafford Rangers and Rushall Olympic and was due to play for Oakville Blue Devils in Canada, before opting to stay in the UK with Hereford. 

After going back to Stafford for a season, he returned to Bermuda with Robin Hood, and then came back to the UK during the summer.

Right back Dougie Nyaupembe was a Bury youth team player, who made the first team twice. He was loaned to Hyde and Stalybridge, before a short stay at Prescot and a permanent move to Atherton 2019. He joined Radcliffe in January 2020 and came to Stalybridge in pre-season.

Ashley Smith-Brown is another full back who had 17 years on Manchester City’s books. He never made the first team, but gained valuable experience on loan at NAC Breda where he played 30 games, Hearts and Oxford. 

He moved to Plymouth in 2018 playing 36 matches, but after a loan at Oldham he was released and signed for Farsley Celtic. He was also capped by England at under 16,17,18,19 and 20 levels.

Defender or midfielder Sam Wedgbury was signed by Sheffield United a teenager, having been spotted playing for Worcester City. He didn’t get a first team start but was loaned to Mansfield and Ferencvaros, where he played 17 games and scored two goals for the Hungarian side.

After his release from the Blades he joined Macclesfield, then in league two and after three years and 100 games plus a loan at Altrincham, he was on the move again to Stevenage for one season.

Further spells Forest Green Rovers, Wrexham, Chesterfield and Buxton preceded his pre-season move to Stalybridge. He is also capped at England C level.

Connor O’Grady is a defender who started his career at Sheffield Wednesday. He made two appearances for the Owls before his release in 2019, from where he joined Buxton and came to Stalybridge in June this year.

Keenan Quansah is a defender or midfielder who came through the ranks at Accrington Stanley. Following his release he spent three months with Burscough, moving on to Mossley and Hyde Utd. He came to Stalybridge pre-season after nearly three years at Glossop North End.

Winger Jay Fitzmartin is currently on loan from Bolton Wanderers, who he joined from local football as an 11 year old. He has made one team appearance at Bolton.

Charley Doyle is a midfielder or centre back who came to Stalybridge September last year, after 13 years coming through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers.

Midfielder Marcus Dackers is the clubs leading scorer with five goals. The Welsh Youth International played his youth football at Manchester City and Brighton. He was released from Brighton in July after a loan spell at Lancing, joining Salford City from where he is currently on loan.

Ethan Padden is a midfielder who came to Stalybridge from Buxton during the summer. He was a youth player at Chesterfield, before a move to Glossop North End preceded his stay at Buxton.

Justin Johnson is a well travelled winger who joined Stalybridge in September. In his youth he started at Sparta Rotterdam, before joining Manchester Utd. Moving on to FC United he then joined Dundee Utd, from where he had a short loan spell at York City.

Othellos Athienou in Cyprus was his next stop, plus a loan at Akritas Chlorakas. Back in Scotland he was at Hamilton Academicals, before coming to Stalybridge from Greenock Morton.

Right back Josh Dawodu is currently on loan from Sheffield Wednesday until November. He joined the Owls in 2017, after playing his earlier youth football at Arsenal.

Shane Killock is a defender who started out at Osset, before joining Huddersfield Town. He made one first team appearance for the Terriers, before being loaned to Hyde and Harrogate. He then had another loan at Oxford before a permanent move in 2009. He then moved on to Telford, where he made over 130 appearances and captained the side. Harrogate, Guiseley on loan, Hyde, Bradford PA and Boston Utd followed, and after spending a season at Alfreton he signed for Buxton, then came to Stalybridge in June.

Stephen Brogan is both experienced and a play anywhere utility player, capped by England as a C International. He made 76 appearances for Rotherham Utd in Leagues One and two, before joining Stalybridge on loan in 2007. 

After a short spell at Alfreton he came back to Stalybridge, then moved to Guiseley, Forest Green Rovers and Southport. A brief return to Stalybridge in 2015 then preceded spells at Gainsborough, North Ferriby, Boston Utd and Spennymoor, before a fourth spell at Stalybridge after he was signed from Buxton.

Jake Burton is a young striker currently on loan from Tranmere Rovers. He had made five appearances for Tranmere and returns to his host after this weekend.

Scott Bakkor is a striker signed from Skelmersdale in 2018. He has also played for Colwyn Bay. Marine, Witton Albion and Curzon Ashton.

Republic of Ireland International Stephen O’Halloran is also the clubs assistant manager. A massively experienced player who started out at Aston Villa, then Wycombe, Southampton, Leeds Utd, Swansea, Coventry and Carlisle, before moving into no league with Nuneaton in 2012.

Further moves have taken him to Stockport, Salford and FC United, before arriving at Stalybridge in July 2019.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover have been adding to the squad again with the signing of Guiseley’s highly rated teenaged striker Adam Haw.

A graduate of Guiseley’s own youth programme, Haw has made 14 appearances for the first team, scoring two goals, but has also loaned out to Emley, where he scored twice in eight games.

I am delighted to get Adam on loan. He’s a young player with a great talent and I am looking forward to seeing his progression whilst he is with us.

said Sports’ manager, John McGrath.

He was on the bench for Mickleover at last Saturday away win at Atherton Collieries.

Report from Atherton Collieries FC media with additional words by Peter Scherer

Goals from Andy Dales and the returning Stuart Beavon gave a Mickleover their first away win of the season and their first win since the end of August, returning home 2-1 victors at Atherton Collieries.

Starting line-up 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 3-Jordan Gough 4-Joe Bateman 5-Phil Watt 20-Pablo Mills 6-Liam Ravenhill 7-Andy Dales 8-Andrew Wright 10=Stuart Beavon 15-Kemy Agustien, Subs: Adam Haw, Mason Warren, Bobby Battisson, Roger Lee, Dec Bacon.

Chances proved hard to come by in the first half for both teams, Marcus Cusani going close for the hosts and Luke Hutchinson making a good save from a Mickleover attack. Both defences were well and truly on top as their attacking colleagues struggled to break through.

The game could only improve in the second half and it did significantly. It was Mickleover who seized the advantage on the hour mark, Andy Dales evading unscathed from some tepid defending and firing a speculative low drive which got the better of Atherton keeper Hutchinson 1-0..

In their search for a response, Atherton created a couple of good openings. Danny Lambert and Matty Gillam both found themselves denied in the penalty box. However, the hosts luck turned with ten minutes left on the clock, when full back Gareth Peet was tripped in the box. The referee pointing straight to the spot and Gillam tucked the penalty home with confidence to level the scores. 1-1.

Hawkins saved well as Peet tried a close range shot, but it was still deadlock with time running out, but it was Stuart Beavon that struck late on for Mickleover, taking a chance well at the near post to send the Sports  on their return home jubilant with a 2-1 victory.

 

by Peter Scherer

After the two games at home it’s back on the road for Mickleover this weekend, with a visit to Atherton Collieries.

Our hosts are 11^th in the NPL having won their last two games away at Bamber Bridge and at home to Championship leaders Matlock.  They have had six wins and a draw so far. 

First choice keeper Danny Taberner made his first team debut for Rochdale as a 16 year old. He moved on to Stockport Sports and Salford City, before his first spell at Atherton in 2014. After 94 games he moved on again to Prestwich and Ramsbottom, before spending two years at Northwich Victoria. He came back to Atherton in March 2020 from Cheadle Town.

Clive Smith is a right back who started out at Preston North End. He had loans at Bamber Bridge and St.Johnstone, but never made the Preston first team and was released in December 2017. After six months at Southport he joined Droylsden and has been at Atherton since December 2018.

Wing back Gareth Peet is an Atherton legend, having joined the club back in 2010. He has also played at Ashton, Skelmersdale and Nelson.

US born Luca De Freitas-Hansen was a pre-season signing from Ashton. The young centre back played for Weston Academy and Portland Pilots in the States, before joining Ashton Athletic in August 2018.His brother plays for Swansea City.

Centre back and skipper Danny Lafferty is another long serving player, having joined Atherton 13 years ago. He has also played for Oldham Borough and Radcliffe Borough. 

Joel Amado came from Trafford FC at the end of last season. The young defender has also played at Curzon Ashton and Irlam and represented England Universities.

Attacking midfielder Ben Conway has returned to Atherton in July 2018 after playing in the US with IW Cardinals, OKC Energy and Corpus Christi.

Danny Lambert is another long serving player. The winger started out at Wigan, before moving on to Darlington and is now in his fifth year at Atherton. He has also played at Ashton, Radcliffe and Trafford.

Another player in his second spell with our hosts is striker Marcus Cusani. Currently the leading scorer with four goals. He came back to Atherton last season after a spell at Warrington and has also played for Ashton.

Central midfielder Jack Lenehan is a former Rochdale junior. He was loaned to Prescott Cables before joining Chorley and came to Atherton last year after a season with FC United.

Scott Sephton started out with Leigh Genesis. Prior to joining Atherton in May, the midfielder was captain of Stalybridge Celtic. He has also played for Matlock, Warrington, Buxton, Ashton, Trafford, Porthmadog and Prescott Cables.

Striker Elliot Rokka has come from the Tranmere Academy. He arrived at Atherton in March last year from Radcliffe.

Dylan Glass is another striker, who came from Ashton, having started his career at Warrington.

Young defender Niall Battersby was spotted playing in the local Manchester League and signed for Atherton. While Luke Hutchinson is second choice keeper and is on loan until January from Bolton Wanderers.

Lewis Doyle is another young midfielder, who was signed from Accrington in July last year. He was previously at Southport, having started out in the Preston North End Academy.

Ethan Kershaw was a Burnley junior before joining Longridge. He moved to Mossley in July last year and came to Atherton pre-season.

Matty Gillam was another new pre-season signing. The young striker was with Rochdale until August last year and had loan spells at Stalybridge and Cork City, before joining Guiseley on his release.

Aaron Smith was only signed in the last week and made his debut this week with a goal in the 2-1 win at Bamber Bridge. He started as a Nottingham Forest junior, before spending a year in Scotland with Hamilton Academicals.  From there he moved to Ashton Utd, before joining Northwich 1874. He went back to Ashton and then moved to Curzon Ashton, before his return to Northwich preceded his arrival at Atherton.