by Peter Scherer

Two first half goals for Ashton Utd set the trend at the Don Amott Arena last night, when despite a second half recovery, Mickleover still went down 1-3.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Brandon Ferron 3-Kwaku Donkor 4-Kieran Brown 5-Stefan Galinski 6-Danny Benson 7-Ryan Wilson 8-Michael Hollingsworth 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Chris O’Grady. Subs: Marcus Barnes, Dylan Edwards, Samson Hewett, Toby Smith, Josh Carter.

The game started at a fairly lively pace, with Ferron breaking on the left for Mickleover, before his cross was taken by keeper Jordan Eastham.

For the first five minutes Sports showed their keenness to attack, keeping the visitors on their toes.

But only two minutes later a break by Ashton down the Mickleover left, Luke Burke fired in a cross after outpacing the defence, which was met with power and accuracy by Darius Osei, whose shot had Mersin beaten 0-1.

The complexity of the game had changed and it was Ashton pushing forward. Only three minutes later it was 0-2 when Dan Cowan beat the defence on the right. He found Jason Gilchrist almost unmarked in the middle, leaving an easy tap in from close range.

Despite the two-goal deficit Mickleover continued to play some good football and were quite creative, which limited Ashton’s attacks too.

Brown got his head to a 12^th minute corner, but Beavon’s final touch was easily taken by the keeper, before Ashton made another break, with the final shot well over the bar.

Donkor was showing pace on the right wing and his cross seven minutes later was heading for Hollingsworth, but a timely late tackle stopped his progress.

But the defence were almost caught out again after 22 minutes, looking flat footed in response to another Ashton break. But Mersin was well placed in the centre of his goal to make a good save.

Mickleover responded a minute later with Dales’ first real run at the visiting defence. After cutting in from his left-wing charge, he let fly and only keeper Eastham at full stretch denied him.

Wilson had a shot blocked by the keeper from an O’Grady pass a few minutes later, but Ashton continued to look dangerous on the break, with Donkor cutting out an attack on the left.

It was Donkor again to the rescue after 28 minutes, stifling another visitors attack, before Gilchrist headed over.

Sports had to make their first change  when Hollingsworth pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by debutant Hewett after 34 minutes.

Beavon had a shot blocked after 37 minutes, with Dales’ rebound saved by the keeper, Ferron then found O’Grady, but his shot or cross was too close to the keeper.

Beavon had another good run with four minutes of normal time left, but he was intercepted before he shot and he was then tripped after a positive run from Hewett. Dales free kick was straight into the wall and so it remained 0-2 at half time.

Overall Mickleover hadn’t played badly, but two defensive errors had cost them dearly again.

A change in tactics soon looked to be paying dividends for Sports. Ferron was first on the attack, cutting in from the left after a long run, he just missed getting a final shot in after 49 minutes, but earned a corner.

Dales’ ball came in to a crowded box and Galinski almost succeeded with a cheeky back heel that came off a defender.

52 minutes in and O’Grady suddenly struck, with a superb strike out of nowhere to make it 1-2, beating Eastham from the edge of the box.  “That’s what striker’s do,” said Sports boss Gareth Holmes.

Dales almost hit the equaliser just two minutes later, the keeper saw it late and did well to pull off a save again.

Ashton were being forced to defend hard and after 56 minutes another cross from Donkor just missed O’Grady’s head by inches. But three minutes later Mersin had to save the defences blushes again, when Ashton were gifted a one- on- one break, with the Mickleover keeper coming out on top.

It was close again for Sports after 62 minutes, earning a corner after a free kick had been cleared, O’Grady layed the ball off nicely, but no one followed up.

Brown had been attacking more too in the second half and his cross from the left tested the defence, but ran wide of the far post, before O’Grady found the side netting after a goal mouth scramble.

It had been all Mickleover for a while and Donkor had a shot tipped over after a solo run down the right.

But all the pressure and promise was dashed again after 67 minutes, when another defensive lapse on the left saw Osei pick up the pieces, firing home his second and Ashton’s third, 1-3.

Barnes came on for Beavon, but it was still Mickleover on the attack. Ferron put a cross in that just missed Barnes’ head after 71 minutes, followed by another telling cross from the other side by Donkor.

Dales and O’Grady teamed up before the keeper had to make a one handed save, but after taking a number of knocks, Dales had to limp off to be replaced by Edwards for the final minutes.

Despite the result the second half had showed promise and hope for Mickleover, which hopefully will carry on into Saturday’s match at home to Bamber Bridge.

“The second half was really positive for us and Chris O’Grady gave us a quicker route to goal. That’s what we’ve been missing all season. We put them under some sustained pressure and we haven’t been doing that either and that’s against a team third in the table,” said Mickleover boss Gareth Holmes.

by Peter Scherer

It’s time to replay the abandoned Boxing Day game on Tuesday night, which came to halt in dense fog just after Ashton Utd had taken a three goal lead.

Since that day Mickleover have taken four points, while until Saturday’s shock 0-1 defeat at Prescot Cables, Ashton had not only won every game to net 12 points, they did it without conceding a single goal to hold third in the table. 

More importantly their starting line-up has shown just one change since Boxing Day, showing the regards for consistent line-up.

With the ins and outs of the Mickleover squad, it’s almost impossible to predict the line-up. While Jake Bennett is sidelined, Will Atkinson will be doubtful too, while other knocks and bruises from the disappointing defeat at Blyth last Saturday still have to be assessed.

Let’s take a look at our visitors, Steve Cunningham has been in charge at Hurst Cross since January last year, having previously managed Buxton, Curzon Ashton and Colne.

Our visitors have been unchanged in the last four matches and only made one change since they came to the Don Amott Arena. They have played five and won five since that day and not conceded a solitary goal.

Goalkeeper Jordan Eastham is on loan from Blackburn Rovers and also spent some time with Hyde Utd at the end of last season.

Assistant manager and left back Sean Newton came from Buxton in January 2023. He started his career at Chester and was loaned to Southport before a permanent move to Droylsden. After a short spell at Barrow he moved on to Telford, who also loaned him to Stockport.

Lincoln City was his next stop, followed by a loan at Notts County, before moving to Wrexham. After five years at York City he joined Buxton in July 2022 following an initial loan. He has played in Leagues One and Two and is an England C International.

Josh Doherty is a left back, who has played in League Two and the Northern Ireland Premiership. He started off at Watford, but after a loan at Leyton Orient, moved to Northern Ireland with Ards.

On his return to England he joined Crawley Town, who loaned him to Colchester before a move to Barnet. He then crossed the Irish Sea again to join Portadown, before making the return trip to join South Shields. After staying in the North East with Spennymoor, he was loaned to Hyde Utd, making it permanent in November 2023. He arrived at Hurst Cross during pre-season.

Right back Dan Cowan started out at Macclesfield and was loaned to Chorley, before joining Stockport County. Guiseley, Curzon Ashton, Chester and Buxton followed, before he returned to Macclesfield in July 2022. He then came to our visitors at the start of last season.

Defender Sam Baird is Ashton’s longest serving player, having just started his fifth season, since arriving from FC United.

Luke Burke is another right back who started out at Wigan Athletic. He made played in the Championship and was loaned to Barrow and Fylde, before making a permanent move to the latter. After further loans at Buxton and Telford, he came to Ashton at the start of last season too and is now team captain.

Trevon Bryan is a left back that has been on loan from Bolton Wanderers. He started in Burnley’s Academy and has also played for FC United.

Defensive midfielder Louis White arrived at the start of this season from Marine. A former Rochdale Junior, he has played for Radcliffe, Wythenshawe, Glossop North End and Halifax too.

Remi Effunuga came from Mossley just over a month ago. A midfielder, he played for Stalybridge and Matlock and spent last season in Croatia with Zmaj Makarska. 

Callum Rowe is on loan from Radcliffe. A central midfielder and graduate of Aston Villa’s Academy. He went out on loan to Hereford before joining Exeter City. After further loans at Chippenham and Bath City he joined Yeovil Town, before rejoining Hereford. Next stop was Stourbridge, followed by Rushall Olympic, Redditch and Radcliffe. He then joined our visitors last month.

Nathan Lowe is a central midfielder too, who started off at Burnley. He joined FC United following his release, moving onto Southport, who loaned him to Spennymoor. South Shields was next, who loaned him to Darlington, before signing for Kidderminster at the start of 22/23. After a loan to Macclesfield he made his first stop at Ashton, again on loan in January 2023. His move then became permanent in the September.

Attacking midfielder James Hardy spent his early career at Oldham Athletic and Manchester City. Following his release he joined Fylde, who loaned him to Halifax, before a permanent move to Walsall. 

Telford, Altrincham and Chester were next, before moves to Buxton and Macclesfield. He came to Ashton on loan in September last year and made the move permanent two months later.

Jak McCourt is a striking midfielder and a graduate of Leicester City’s Academy. After loans at Torquay and Port Vale he joined Barnsley, followed by stays at Northampton, Chesterfield, Swindon and Macclesfield. Warrington Rylands and Buxton followed, from where he joined our visitors in pre-season. He is currently on loan at Warrington.

Alex Byrne is an attacking midfielder too. Winsford was his starting point, before moving on to Northwich, Shaw Lane, Gainsborough Trinity, Warrington and Buxton. Prior to joining our visitors in July 2023, he spent three years at Matlock. 

Well-travelled left winger James Caton came from Bamber Bridge at the start of last season. He started off at Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool, before loans at Accrington and Chester, preceded a move to Shrewsbury. Further loans followed at Southport, Mansfield and Lincoln City, before a permanent move to Southport. 

Dover Athletic, Darlington, Nuneaton, Hereford and Nantwich followed, before going to Bamber Bridge in March ’23.

Darius Osei was a pre-season arrival from Stalybridge. A striker with league Two experience, he started his career at Stalybridge, before joining Oldham Athletic. After 18 months he moved to Maidstone, before returning to Stalybridge in 2019. Another move to South Shields preceded his first spell at Ashton, on loan for a month at the end of ’22. After a short spell at Marine he returned to Stalybridge again November last year.

Fellow striker Tom Denton was another pre-season signing. He spent most of his early career with Huddersfield Town, after they signed him from Wakefield. He was loaned to Woking, Cheltenham and back to Wakefield, before rejoining them permanently. 

Mossley, Alfreton, Worksop, North Ferriby, Halifax and a return to Alfreton followed. He then had four years at Chesterfield, before going back to Alfreton, but spent last season with Guiseley.

Jason Gilchrist is  another well-travelled striker, since starting out at Manchester City and Burnley. He had loan spells at Droylsden, Accrington and Chester, before a move to FC United. Southport was next, with a loan at Stockport, followed by South Shields and York City. He spent 18 months at Buxton before joining our visitors in January ’23.

George Chmiel is a younger striker, signed from Padiham in pre-season. He had started off with Blackburn Rovers and also played for Barnoldswick.

Ewan Catt is a striker too. He started at Buxton and has played for Litherland and Matlock, before joining Ashton in November last year.

Midfielder Leon Johnson is another pre-season signing, having spent last season at Bradford Park Avenue and has also played for City of Liverpool, Ramsbottom, Prescot Cables, Colne and Witton Albion, after starting out in QPR’s Academy. 

Sean Hogan is a young midfielder defender currently on loan from Bolton Wanderers, where he captains their Under 18’s.

Fellow midfielder Harry Rimmer is a recent arrival from Burscough. He was previously at Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.

Defender Bobby Bjork has recently returned from a loan spell at Atherton Collieries.

Kick off is 7.45  with all the usual bar of food facilities

by Peter Scherer (Images: Paul Lynch Photography)

On paper Blyth Spartans should have been a comfortable win for Mickleover, with only two wins under their belt all season and none at all since we beat them 4-0 at the Don Amott Arena in September, but it proved to be otherwise.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Brandon Ferron 3-Ryan Wilson 4-Curtis Weston 5-Stefan Galinski 6-Will Atkinson 7-Dylan Edwards 8-Michael Hollingsworth 9-Stuuart Beavon 10-Andy Dales 11-Marcus Barnes. Subs: Cieron Keane, Toby Smith, Kieran Cooney, Andrew Buah, Josh Carter.

It was a nothing to lose game for Blyth, but a six-pointer for Mickleover, but it was the hosts that posed a threat straight from the kick off.

Hodgson tested Mersin with a shot from the kick off, before Giraud jinked his way into the box on the Mickleover right, with his effort to the near post saved again by Mersin.

Only five minutes in and Mersin’s brilliance was the only thing between Blyth and an opening goal. Giraud once again had the defence tied in knots, sending a ball down the wing to Myers, he then found Hooper  who tested Mersin to the limit.

Two minutes later and Hodgson was heading goalwards again, but Galinski managed to intercept. But then a low free kick from Blyth’s Briggs after 14 minutes was saved once more by Mersin, before Hodgson’s second attempt was intercepted again.

There had been little in the way of attacks or creativity from Mickleover and after 20 minutes there was another blow when Atkinson and Hodgson collided and both had to be substituted, Brown coming on for Atkinson and Richardson for Hodgson.

It was 25 minutes before Mickleover really had a shot, when Dales attempt from outside the box was easily saved by Basey.

Three minutes later Dales was pressing again, but his effort went across the face of the Blyth goal and was deflected out for a corner, with a following header ending the brief attack with a goal kick.

Barnes then tried a run at the defence, earned another corner which was taken short and resulted in a break for Blyth again.

Mickleover had begun to show some urgency that had been completely lacking, and Dales had another effort just wide, which was then followed by another Mickleover corner.

Blyth were still on top possession wise, with Myers shooting well over the bar after another break. But Dales picked up another interception only to find his way blocked by Oliver.

36 minutes in and Dales led another counter attack following a Blyth free kick. He battled through the defence and found Edwards in the middle, who made no mistake in planting the ball firmly passed Basey to make in 1-0.

Following the goal Ferron, Barnes, Dales and Wilson started a nice move, only for the final pass aimed for Edwards to out of play.

Dales and Ferron had started working well together, but Blyth continued to be a threat on the break, with Giraud again the dangerman, heading just wide from a Doherty cross.

Barnes then led another counter after working with Ferron and Beavon, but that ended with a free kick to our hosts.

Dales then collected a nice flick from Barnes, but the defence had it covered and made another break. They earned another corner headed clear by Galinski, before Mersin was forced to punch away the follow up.

Dales had two more shots before the half time whistle, one saved by Basey and one over the bar, but Mickleover could count themselves lucky to going in 1-0 up after the first 45.

Whereas Blyth came out of the blocks fighting in the second half, Mickleover seemed half asleep and it soon cost them dearly again. 

Just two minutes into the half Giraud cut in from the right and beat Mersin on his far post 1-1. There was nearly a second for the hosts just two minutes further on, when Giraud cut inside to find sub Aitken, but his final shot was just wide.

Every time Giraud had the ball Sports looked vulnerable, but after 51 minutes it was Briggs testing Mersin again. His distance shot was heading for the top corner, until the Mickleover keeper tipped it over at full stretch.

Aitken was close again after 55 minutes, but he just failed to connect with a Doherty cross as it passed the face of the goal.

With Mickleover still struggling to get in the game it came as no surprise that three minutes later Blyth finally had the lead they had threatened throughout. It was Aitken again charging in from the right, taking his chance well and leaving little chance for Mersin, 1-2.

On the hour mark Edwards and Hollingsworth showed possible signs of a move which came to nought and then Buah and Smith came on for Edwards and Ferron.

Having gone a goal down Mickleover started to wake-up into the final 30 minutes. They won a free kick, worked well initially by Wilson and Dales, finding Weston and Beavon close in, but that soon fizzled out before a shot was made.

But despite looking for only their third win of the season, Blyth continued to seek to increase their lead. Richardson managed to slice through the defence after 68 minutes to find Doherty, but his shot was well over the bar.

Barnes had a shot deflected for a corner after 71 minutes and then three minutes later his shot was saved by Basey off the bar.

The hosts were packing the defence and had all 11 players back for a Mickleover free kick. Wilson’s kick beat the wall, but was wide of the goal too.

Sports made their final substitution after 78 minutes when Carter came on for Beavon, but in the final 15 minutes the home defence, despite looking shaky at times, held on for the win, with Mickleover’s efforts once again proving to be too little too late.

 

by Peter Scherer

On Saturday Mickleover face the long trip to Blyth Spartans for a must win game. Blyth have struggled from the word go this season, with just two wins under their belt away at Stockton and at home to Workington for their efforts.

Behind the scenes turmoil for the famous club haven’t helped their on field performances. Their Cup runs are legendary having reached the FA Cup fifth round in 1977/78 beating Enfield, Chesterfield and Stoke City, before eventually losing to Wrexham in a replay at St.James’ Park.

When our hosts came to the Don Amott Arena earlier this season, we were 4-0 winners, with goals from Stuart Beavon, Dylan Edwards, Marcus Barnes and Jahvan Davidson-Miller.

Since that date Blyth have been winless, while Mickleover have managed to take three points from Macclesfield and Basford, with both clubs having a fairly constant turnover of players as they seek a winning a blend.

Their third manager this season, Mick Connor has been in charge at Croft Park since November, after spending 16 years managing neighbours Blyth Town, during which time they gained six promotions.

Having used at least four goalkeepers this season, it’s not sure who will between the sticks this weekend. Ollie Basey came from Gateshead on loan, but now is dual registered. An ex Sunderland and Birmingham City youngster, he was loaned to Barwell, Hednesford and Welsh Aberystwyth Town, before going to Gateshead on his release in August 2024.

Adam Richardson is also on loan from Sunderland, having also had spells at Guiseley and Hebburn. He’s a former England Under 15,17 and 18 International too.

But Matt Bancroft has been the most recent choice, having arrived on a dual registration from Scarborough earlier this month. He has also played for Billingham and Ossett Utd.

Centre back Greg Halford is a former England Under 20 International, with well over 500 league appearances under his belt in every division, having played throughout England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

He arrived at Croft Park in September, having started his career at Braintree, before joining Colchester Utd. After a spell at Reading he moved to Sunderland, who loaned him to Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Utd, before a move to Wolves in 2009.

Portsmouth was his next stop after an initial loan, before a move to Nottingham Forest in 2012. He spent three years at Forest, including a loan at Brighton, before moving onto Rotherham, Cardiff and Aberdeen.

Southend Utd and Waterford followed, before joining Billericay. It was then two years at Hashtag Utd, before starting this season at Bishop Stortford.

Fellow centre back Ben Milburn was a pre-season arrival, but it’s his second spell with our hosts. Chester Le Street and Carlisle Utd Park View were his junior clubs, before coming to Blyth in August 2021. After a loans at Whickham and North Shields he joined Consett in August 2022, before returning to Blyth.

Joe Oliver is a right back and former Newcastle Utd Junior, who is in his third season with our hosts, after arriving in August 2023.

Former Middlesbrough and Rotherham Junior Joel Holvey made one league appearance before coming to our hosts pre-season. A left back he went out on loan to Gainsborough Trinity too last season.

Paddy Almond only arrived from Ashington on New Years Day. A former Sunderland Junior centre back he was loaned to Blyth in 2022, but joined Shildon on his release. After a further loan at Darlington he joined Whitley Bay, before joining Ashington at the start of this season.

Dan Myers is a centre back on loan from Spennymoor Town. Having started his youth football at Spennymoor, he moved around the North East, with spells at Crook Town, Newton Aycliffe and Marske Utd. He then made the return trip to Spennymoor January last year.

Another loanee and another centre back, Brian Fell came out of Sunderland’s Academy. He spent nearly three years at AFC Blyth before joining Gateshead and after starting the season on loan at Workington, he joined our hosts in November until the end of the season.

Club captain Nicky Deverdics is in his fourth season at the club, since arriving from Gateshead in July 2021. A central midfielder, he has played in League Two, Scotland and Europe, after starting out at Newcastle Utd.

He was at Bedlington Terriers before heading to Gretna and Barnet, before his first spell at Blyth in 2010. After nine months he went to Iceland, returning to the UK with Alfreton after two seasons.

He then moved to TB Tvoroyri in the Faroe Islands for a short stay, before moving back to the UK again with Tadcaster. Dover Athletic was his next stop, before going to Hartlepool, who loaned him to back to Dover, before a move to Wrexham, preceded his Gateshead stay.

Matt Ridley has been captaining the side in Deverdics absence. A centre back who started at Darlington and played for Billingham and Chester Le Street before crossing the Atlantic.

During a 3 ½ year stay he played for Lander Bearcats, Richard Bland College and University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels, before joining Whitby Town on his return to the Uk. He was then loaned to Consett and Guisborough before a move to Sutton Utd. They also loaned him to Chesham Utd, before coming to Blyth last month following his release.

Billy Gordon is a central midfielder, having arrived from York City at the beginning of last season. His is the clubs leading scorer this season with five.

Alfie Doherty is a midfielder too, on loan from Whitby. He was previously at Middlesbrough’s Academy.

Hartlepool loanee midfielder Max Storey came on a season long loan back in August, his first spell away from his host club.

Will Constantin also came on loan from Gateshead in November and is now on a dual registration. A midfielder, he has also played for Consett, West Auckland and Ashington.

Striker Mitch Curry came through the junior ranks at Middlesbrough. He had loans at Harrogate, Inverness Caledonian and Gateshead before moving to Sunderland.

He then went to the US in 2021, firstly with Fort Lauderdale, then Inter Miami and Hartford, before returning to the UK two years later with Darlington. He was another pre-season signing for our hosts.

Fellow striker Harry Gardiner started out at South Shields before moving to Sunderland. He was then loaned back to South Shields, before his loan spell at Blyth at the end last season, became permanent during pre-season.

Midfielder Charlie Aitken is the son of former goalkeeping coach Ian. He has come through the junior ranks and joined the first team squad at the start of last season and has spent time at Whickham on a dual registration too.

Zach Simpson is another home-grown talent. A midfielder too, he has played at New Hartley Juniors and Newcastle Blue Star.

Central midfielder Dean Briggs came from Bishop Auckland in early December. He started out with Gateshead, before moving to Australia with Holland Park Hawks and Peninsula Power. He came back to the UK in July 2020 with Ashington and was at Hebburn Town last season, before starting this term at Bishop Auckland.

Midfielder Shay Richardson arrived in November too, from Heaton Stannington. He was previously at Consett and has played for Whickham too.

Striker Sam Hodgson came from South Shields in January 2023, initially on loan. But returned last November on a permanent move.

With over a 100 League One and Two games under his belt, striker JJ Hooper has recently returned to our hosts. A former England C International, he moved from Cray Wanderers to Newcastle Utd, who then loaned him out to Darlington and Workington. 

He then went to Northampton Town, with loans at Alfreton and Farnborough following, before a year at Waterlooville preceded two years at Port Vale, playing 51 games and scoring 10 goals.

A brief spell back at Northampton was followed by Grimsby, Bromley, Wrexham, Barnet, South Shields and Gloucester City, before joining Blyth at the end of last season. He started this season at Spennymoor but returned to Blyth again in November.

French striker Cyril Giraud arrived in November, after spending a couple of months at Bishop Auckland. He also played for Ashington, West Allotment Celtic, Thornaby, Consett and Newcastle Benfield, after leaving French League Two side Chateauroux to study in the North East.

Joe Dixon is another striker that arrived from Northallerton in November too., and finally Joe Thompson is another young striker, arriving just last week from Heaton Stannington, he made his first start in their defeat to Ashton last Tuesday.

Kick off is 3pm and sometimes there is a live commentary via the clubs website, but this is not guaranteed.

by Peter Scherer (Images: Steve Ingers)

A double strike from the visiting Warrington Rylands in the first half, ended any hopes Mickleover had of extending their unbeaten run. Finally gong down 1-1 after a late penalty from Dylan Edwards.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusuf Mersin 2-Kieran Brown 3-Jake Bennett 4-Ryan Wilson 5-Will Atkinson 6-Danny Benson 7-Andy Dales 8-Curtis Weston 9-Wealth Da Silva 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Brandon Ferron. Subs: Dylan Edwards, Stefan Galinski, Josh Carter, Michael Hollingsworth, Gabby Adebambo.

In a fairly lively start, Rylands were the first to get a shot in, when Ben Hardcastle shot wide from a Jake Daniels cross after five minutes. 

Four minutes later Ferron made ground on the wing in Sports first real attack, but as he fired his cross in, Matty Regan intercepted. But Alex Kiwomya then broke for the visitors, but his cross was intercepted too as Weston and Benson combined to halt any threat.

Ferron continued to progress, but as he was poised to shoot 11 minutes in, his path was cut off as he earned a corner.

Mickleover then a few minutes of more positivity in attack. On the 15^th minute mark Dales successfully dummied the defence and had a nice one-two with Beavon, before Beavon earned a corner. The it was Beavon again two minutes later, finding Brown on the edge of the box. His first time shot however was just wide of the right-hand post.

The visitors quickly responded again and when Daniels crossed after 20 minutes, but Ferron intercepted. Just a minute Hardcastle’s swinging cross found Regan at the far post and his low header had Mersin beaten, 0-1.

Bennett then went down injured and had to be replaced by Edwards.

There was another chance for the visitors on the half hour, but Brown made sure Kiwomya’s progress was ended as he looked to the far post too.

Mickleover were struggling to be creative, as Rylands continued to hold the upperhand, but after 34 minutes Edwards did manage to get another cross into the box, but there was no one there to receive it.

Edwards had another shot blocked by Smith, before the visitors had the ball in the net again 40 minutes, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Mersin.

It wasn’t long before the visitors did get their second in time added on. Mersin had saved well from a Hardcastle fee kick, but Kiwomya was quickest off the mark, picked up the free ball and fired it home as we reached half time 0-2.

“We need to get the basics right and we were nowhere near that, very frustrating,” said Manager Gareth Holmes.

Rylands started the second half the stronger too, when Kiwomya’s pace sent in a dangerous cross after 49 minutes , but Waring fired his shot well over the bar.

Daniels then had another effort just wide for Rylands five minutes later, before Mersin tipped a  following effort around the post.

Just before the hour mark Galinski and Adebambo came on for Ferron and Da Silva, before Burton tried his luck for the visitors only to be cut out by Atkinson.

Adebambo had added some pace to midfield and 65 minutes in his powerful shot whistled just wide of the left-hand post, but Mersin then had to be quick off his line too, to save a close range shot from Kiwomya.

Over the final 20 minutes Mickleover began to improve, starting with Dales effort palmed down by visiting keeper Luke Pilling.

Adebambo then squared the ball to Edwards, although the striker was able to turn and shoot, it was still just wide and one the best chances for Mickleover. After Adebambo took a knock, he was then replaced by Hollingsworth with 11 minutes left on the clock.

A long clearance then found Burton the clear, and he forced Mersin into another save. But time was running out when Dales was brought down by Harrison Hopper and a penalty awarded. Edwards stepped up to make it 1-2, but the final whistle soon followed and ended Mickleover’s hopes of climbing the table.

The damage was done in the first half, I wanted a reaction in the second half and the lads gave me that. We had more energy and a more competitive nature, but it was too little too late

Holmes concluded.

by Peter Scherer

It’s NPL league action on Saturday, when 14th in the table Warrington Rylands visit the Don Amott Arena.

Mickleover will be hoping to add to the form which has left them with four points from the last six, having added both Michael Hollingsworth and Amarn Robinson to the squad since our home win over Basford on January 7th.

Manager Neil Reynolds has been in charge at Rylands since September, having previously managed FC United of Manchester for six years and Bamber Bridge.

They have the privilege of fielding an unchanged side for the last five games and have drawn five of their last 10 games. Their last win was at home to Hyde Utd on Boxing Day, but have been undefeated since losing 0-1 to Ilkeston at the end of November.

Back in early October Sports visited Warrington and came home with a 2-2 draw with goals from Stuart Beavon and Andy Dales.

Goalkeeper Luke Pilling has played for Wales at Under 17,19,20 and 21 and arrived from Telford in January 2023. He started out at Tranmere, who loaned him to Ashton Utd, before going to Notts County on his release. His next stop was Stafford Rangers, before spending a year at Telford.

Centre back and captain James Neild started off at Curzon Ashton, before moving on to Hyde Utd and New Mills. He came to Rylands in January 2022, after 16 months at Trafford.

Fellow centre back Matty Regan played for England at Under 16,17& 18 levels. A former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest youngster, he joined Tamworth on his release, who loaned him to Hednesford and Worcester City before he moved on to Stalybridge.

Next stop was Curzon Ashton, followed by Ashton Utd, Farsley Celtic and Warrington. He then spent another year at Ashton Utd, before joining our visitors at the start of last season.

Left back Dylan Dwyer was a pre-season signing, following his release from Wigan Athletic. He also played for Fleetwood, The New Saints and Tranmere, before joining Wigan in August 2022.

Clive Smith is a right back capped at under 17 & 19 levels for Wales. He started at Preston North, who loaned him to St.Johnstone, before a permanent move to Southport. Droylsden, Atherton and FC United followed, before he returned to Atherton in September 2022. He has been with our visitors since July 2023.

Right back James Baillie played his junior football at Crewe Alexandra, who loaned him to Nantwich, before joining Curzon Ashton. He has played for Warrington too and joined Rylands at the start of last season from Ashton Utd.

Dean Furman has 55 caps for South Africa under his belt. A central midfielder, he started at Radlett before joining Chelsea. He was loaned to Glasgow Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers, before going back to South Africa with SuperSport Utd

After returning to the UK with Carlisle, he was at Altrincham, before joining Rylands in August 2022 and has well over 400 senior games under his belt.

Ben Hough is another central midfielder. He started at Oldham Athletic and played for Warrington and Ashton too, before joining our visitors in July 2023.

Striker Ntumba Masanka was a pre-season arrival. He played junior football with both Manchester United and City, before a move to Burnley. Loans at York City, Morecambe, Wrexham, Dover Athletic and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium followed, before going to Chorley following his release.

He then moved to ASD Angelana in Italy, before joining South Shields on his UK return. He had more loans at Stalybridge, Boston Utd and Stafford, before he signed for Macclesfield. Six months with Digenis Akritas Morfou in Cyprus followed, before ending last season back at Stalybridge.

Midfielder Ben Hardcastle signed from Atherton Collieries in summer of 2023. He originally joined Colls in 2014 from neighbours Atherton LR before going Ashton United in December 2019.

Harrison Hopper is a central midfielder, who played his junior football at Leeds United and Barnsley. He then moved on to Rochdale and was loaned out to Colne, before joining York City following his release. His next stop was Bradford Park Avenue, from where he joined Rylands in October.

Right back Scott Holding arrived in October too from Macclesfield. A former Manchester Utd and Stockport County Academy player, he moved to Watford in July 2022. After loans at Stalybridge and Dover Athletic, he started this season at Macclesfield, but moved to Rylands after another loan spell at Wythenshawe.

George Waring is a striker that started out at Everton. He then spent four years with Stoke City, who loaned him to Barnsley, Oxford Utd, Shrewsbury and Carlisle Utd, before he joined Tranmere Rovers following his release. Further loans at Halifax and Kidderminster followed, before a permanent move to Chester. Curzon Ashton was his next stop, but after initial loan with our visitors, he made his stay permanent in November.

Jake Burton is another striker, signed at the start of this season from Chester. He started at Tranmere, who loaned him to Stalybridge and Marine, before moving to Chester in July 2023. After loans back at Marine and Bootle, he made his move to Rylands.

Former Bolton Wanderers Junior left back Cole Lonsdale was another October signing from Nantwich. He started out with Bolton Wanderers and joined FC United when he was released. After spells at Workington and Clitheroe, he joined Ashton Utd, who loaned him to Stalybridge. He moved to Nantwich at the start of this season.

Left winger Jake Daniels is on loan from Blackpool. He has also been loaned out to Bamber Bridge and Bradford Park Avenue.

Alex Kiwomya is a winger capped by England at Under16,17,18 and 19 levels. Chelsea signed him from Rotherham in 2015 and loaned him to Barnsley, Fleetwood and Crewe Alexandra, where he played 39 games in Leagues One and Two scoring seven goals.

He joined Doncaster Rovers after his release, and was loaned to Chesterfield and Chorley, before making his Chesterfield move permanent after a trial with Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey. After a spell at Kings Lynn he went to Gibraltar with Bruno’s Magpies, but returned to the UK with Macclesfield and played for Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge and Farsley Celtic before joining Rylands in October.

Scott Bakkor is a well-travelled striker, after starting out at Skelmersdale. Colwyn Bay, Warrington, Curzon Ashton, Marine, Witton Albion and Stalybrdge were all on his CV before he first joined our visitors in February 2022.

After spells at Atherton Collieries and Guiseley he returned in July 2023, but soon moved on again to St.Albans City and Western Suburbs in Australia and returned to Rylands once more in November.

Fellow striker Jack Hindle is well-travelled too. He arrived from Werribee City in Australia, after starting his career at Radcliffe. After a spell at Colwyn Bay he spent three years at Barrow, including loans at Gateshead and South Shields. Kelantan in Malaysia was his next port of call.

After a year away he made his UK return with Matlock and returned to Radcliffe and Flint Town before coming to Rylands in March 2023. Peninsula Power in Australia were next, before a spell in Italy with Gioiese and his latest stint back in Australia.

Midfielder Ashley Leather made his debut in November, having signed from Alsager Town. He was previously dual registered with Stalybidge Celtic.

Also debutants in their recent Liverpool Senior Cup win over South Liverpool, Charlie Martin, defender Joshua Davies and Blackpool loanee striker Taylor Bowen made their debuts. Bowen previously had a loan at Runcorn Linnets.

Kick off is 3pm, with the usual refreshments facilities available.