by Peter Scherer,

It was certainly men against boys at the Moat ground last night, when Gresley Rovers inflicted a first defeat on Mickleover FC in the Don Amott Spring Cup, by 5-0.

The Mickleover side made up of a few of the first team squad, but mainly academy players, were up against it from the kick off, against a much bigger and stronger Gresley side.

The home sides first chance was as early as three minutes, when Munday’s shot from just outside the box, whistled past Fin Bowen’s post.

But Mickleover got a first shot in a few minutes later, when Bobby Battisson fired in just over the bar.

Gresley kept pressing and although Bailey managed to turn Will Robinson, his effort was just wide too.

Mickleover tried to break out of their own area, but it was proving difficult, but after 10 minutes Battisson had a good run down the right, and Josh Satchwell’s shot earned the first corner.

Marcus Calderone then had a header just wide from a Battisson cross, before a dangerous Gresley free kick ended with a spectacular but very wide overhead kick from Lansdowne.

Louis Pennington was next to push forward starting a good move from midfield, before Declan Bacon followed up with a shot straight into keeper Fryatt’s hands.

But 14 minutes and the first goal came for Gresley. A good cross from Munday on the right into a crowded box, saw Oli Bailey’s header heading past Bowen, 0-1.

Gresley were almost through again three minutes later, but the attempt was blocked, before Mickleover had their best chance so far.

Bacon was through but had his back to the line, before Josh Baker got a shot in. Fryatt saved well but from the resulting clearance, Satchwell’s header was just wide.

Bailey then hit the bar for Gresley in the 20^th minute and the attacks became ever more relentless. 

26 minutes and Bailey was on target again, after Bowen initially lost possession on his near post. But at the second attempt the ball was turned back in for the striker to head home for his second goal, 0-2.

It wasn’t long before there was a third, after Calderone lost possession. Bailey fumbled his first attempt, but had so much time he was able to jink into space again and fire home, for his hattrick 0-3!

Robinson had a good run for Mickleover, but Battisson was brought down on the edge of the box from the resulting cross. Bacon’s resulting free-kick was then saved by Fryatt.

Bowen saved well from Gresley’s Holmes after 39 minutes and Baker responded for Mickleover, with a promising cross to Battisson, finding Bacon who shot just wide.

As half time approached Gresley made it four after Phil Watt fouled, Ryan Seal had Bowen well beaten.

Maslen-Jones almost made it five at the break, when his wild volley went close.

Mickleover had more of the ball as the second half got underway, but possession wasn’t always leading to progress.

Gresley had an early shot wide and Bacon had a chance from a Baker cross, but the ball bobbled unkindly and was easily collected by Fryatt.

Both sides began to make changes and George Atwal was first on for Mickleover, replacing the hardworking Pennington.

Josh Waldram managed to find Battisson on the edge of the area, but he couldn’t connect, then Atwal put a good ball into the box which was cleared.

57 minutes in and another good build resulted in a Battisson shot being saved, but just after the hour Calderone was booked for an innocuous foul, forcing Bowen into an excellent save from the free kick.

Atwal managed to create space for his own shot in the 65^th minute, tipped just over and earning a corner.

But as Mickleover sought their first goal, Gresley continued to look dangerous on every attack. Bowen had to pull off a diving save after 70 minutes, when Calderone misjudged a bounce, which fell kindly for the striker.

Ben Lewin and Ethan Mann both came on for Jacob Edge-Lucas and Dec Bacon. Lewin tried an early shot just wide, and 75 minutes in Satchwell sent a great curling shot just wide of the post for a corner.

Satchwell went a close again a few minutes later and Atwal had a free kick on target but saved.

Robinson overlapped to cross for Battisson, but his 79^th effort was straight the keeper and with three minutes left Satchwell was almost there again, after a good build up from Robinson and Atwal.

But almost on full time Gresley got their fifth, when Keith Thomas picked up a rebound and was left with an empty net 0-5.

by Peter Scherer

First team regulars Phil Watt and Dec Bacon once again joined a mainly Academy based line-up at Borrowash last Friday, when Mickleover FC faced FC Ingles in the Don Amott Spring Cup.

It was five minutes into the game when Mickleover went ahead. Bobby Battisson picked the ball up and played it to Jacob Edge-Lucas, playing at wing back, his cross was met by Bacon 1-0,

Three minutes later it was George Atwal scoring his first senior goal. Having seen the Ingles keeper off his line, he placed a 40 yard chip over his head into the empty and welcoming net.  2-0.

It wasn’t all Mickleover though and  Sports Keeper Fin Bowen had to pull off a great save to deny an Ingles striker in the 13^th minute, before the visitors had another chance but wasted a free kick.

Battisson then earned a free kick for Sports after 22 minutes, but Bacon’s effort was just wide of the post.

Watt and Will Robinson had stayed solid at the back, which freed up Edge-Lucas and Satchwell on the wings. But Ingles managed to pull one back to go into half time 2-1.

Into the second half Louis Pennington added a third for Mickleover over 55 mins and was later subbed to give Ethan Mann a run out.

The next game is May 5^th at Gresley Rovers.

by Peter Scherer

Young striker Will Monteiro joined Mickleover last July and has been part of the first team squad throughout last season.

Did he always want to be a footballer?

From a very young age, football was a massive part of my life, from playing at school with friends, to playing competitively on a Sunday.Ever since then, I have strived to keep to keep on improving as a footballer, to give myself the best opportunity to get to the highest levels possible.

He started at Rotherham Utd but then won sports scholarship.

I was at Rotherham from 12 to 16 before being released. My former coach Tom Newey spoke to me about an opportunity at a school who were offering sports scholarships to high level sports people, and after seeing the facilities and the standard of sports there, I decided it was the best place for me to go and develop my football.

He’s played in a few different positions, but how did he settle as a striker?

Playing different positions helped me understand the game from many different aspects and also allowed me to improve my own game. It was the decision of Tom Newey that I went to Queen Ethelburgas, and he decided he wanted me to lead the line for the team, and this was the best decision he could have made for me. It massively improved me as a footballer.

So how did he come from a private school in Yorkshire to sign for Mickleover?

The gaffer saw me playing for Queen Ethelburgas and approached me about coming to play for Mickleover. Once I had spoken to him about his plans with me and I had seen the standard of the players there and the teams we play against, it was a no brainer that it would be the best place for to develop my football.

Having scored on his debut at Clipstone, that must have helped him settle in?

It was a really nice moment for me and yes it did help me settle in massively. The support and the buzz of the lads when it happened, really made me feel welcome and part of the team.

As a striker does he prefer playing as a holding target man or running at defenders?

I think it’s important to have an all round game, so I’m unpredictable to play against. I think I need to be able to hold the ball up so the team can build attacks off me, but also run the channels and stretch the pitch.

Is he hoping to progress in his career or is he happy playing at his current level?

I’m always striving to improve to try and get to the next level. I think if you don’t have the hunger to try and get to the best level you can, then your performances and attitude will drop, which will affect the team.

He’s been doing the zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, so has it helped team spirit?

Even though they are really tough, they are really good for the team spirit and keeping us engaged with each other. It’s also allowed us as a team to come back as fit as possible and maintain the high standards we set before Lockdown.

But what does he do away from football?

Not a lot to be honest, if I am not playing I’m watching. I do like a bit of gaming and I try and make time to be with family and friends.

What would he normally do before a match?

The day before is when I really start to prepare for a game. I like to eat pasta the night before and I also do a little foam rolling and stretching. I’ll always make sure I’m in bed at a reasonable time too.

We know it was a short season, but was he surprised how well it went?

I wasn’t really surprised because training with the lads you see the quality of the team and standards that are set from the Gaffer and senior lads. Once the train started, I don’t think there was any stopping it as a team, we didn’t fear anyone.

So when you heard the season was declared null and void, what was your first reaction?

I was really gutted to be honest. Being top of the league, we were flying and it felt like the hard work we had put in had gone to waste. However with the group of players we have, I know we will go into next season with as much drive and determination as we had this season.

What is his personal aim for next season?

To keep on improving and hopefully become a regular starter for the team.

What has been his fondest footballing memory so far?

I have got many memories, but one of the fondest was scoring in a semi-final for Queen Ethelburgas, sending my team to the final at MK Dons.

by Peter Scherer

Elliot Murray is one of the younger members of the first team squad having graduated from the Academy.

Did he always hope to become a footballer though?

Yes my aspirations from a very early age were to be a footballer. My Mum always believed I would play at a higher level when I was older and here I am enjoying my football at Mickleover.

So where did his footballing start?

I played local grassroots matches from the age of five and was then scouted by Aston Villa for a short spell, until I was offered an opportunity with Derby County.

I was at Derby for five years and then at 16 I came to Mickleover in the NPL Academy.

Has he always played a defender?

No, at an early age I played right midfield and striker. It was during my time at Derby I played in defence and this is where I have grown and developed my defensive skills and experience.

Is he still hoping to progress up the footballing ladder career wise, or happy to play at his current level?

My passion for football will always be with me, whether playing or participating in some other form, like coaching, but I will always strive to do my best.

He had nasty injury after a few games, so did that make the seasons disruption even more frustrating?

Because we were in Lockdown I didn’t feel I missed out as much as I would if times had been normal. To some degree this helped me keep the correct state of mind.

Have you have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown. Does it help with team spirit?

I wasn’t able to join in the zoom sessions due to my injury, but I think it was a great way to keep the players motivated, and helped on a social level as well.

So what does he do away from football?

I enjoy socialising with my friends, gaming, spending time outdoors and at the golfing range.

What would he normally on the day before a match?

I’d attend the gym and work on strengthening and conditioning exercises. Then in the evening chill and relax in readiness for the match.

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

Disappointing the season was cut short, but no I wasn’t surprised as the team had worked extra hard day in day out to put themselves in the fully deserved position they were in.

When you heard it confirmed that the season was null and void, what was your first reaction?

Personally as I was injured and the football being cancelled, I just focused on my recovery and rehabilitation in anticipation of returning to football.

What is his personal aim for next season?

To make a full recovery, which allows me to return to playing at full strength and back to a high standard.

What has been your fondest footballing memory?

Travelling abroad with Derby County Academy and winning the overseas tournament as captain.

by Peter Scherer

Another one of our home grown talents, midfielder Louis made his first team debut this season, after coming  through the Mickleover  Youth scheme.

Local lad Louis had always wanted to be a footballer, but how did he get spotted to sign up?

I entered a two day trial put on by the first team and a few weeks later I was involved in a pre season game against Borrowash Victoria with the first team, where I performed well. Then I signed with the first team and have been part of the squad all season.

He’s normally played as a midfielder, but is that his favourite position?

Yes I’m usually in midfield, whether attacking or defending. However I also enjoyed playing both full backs on occasions. But my favourite position would be central midfield.

Have you had any schoolboy favourites from football, who you either feel inspired by or wish to emulate?

I’ve always had an association with Paul Scholes wherever I’ve played, and have recently been influenced by him after watching many videos, but my favourite player is David Silva as I’m a city fan.

Away from football what does he like doing?

I usually play footie with my mates and recently I’ve been getting massive into the gym routine.

You have been doing zoom sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, does that help keep the team spirit going?

Yes I’ve had so much fun doing all the squats and burpees put on by Watty, but it’s been good keeping the squad together through lockdown.

What would you normally before a match?

Early wake up to eat a good meal, then stretch and listen to music mostly.

We know it’s been a short season again, but are you surprised how well it went?

Yeah the team played really well in the season and ended top of the league, so it was a good season to be part of.

What have you missed most during these Lockdown’s?

Mostly playing games every weekend and not being able to socialise with mates.

What was your first reaction when you heard the season had been declared null and void?

I was quite disappointed, as we had a good chance of being promoted this season, but I’m confident we’ll repeat ourselves next season.

What has been your fondest footballing memory?

I played in a very successful youth team at Mickleover winning the MJPL three years in a row along with many cups and competitions around the country, including the Barcelona Cup. One of my fondest memories in football would be representing Coerver UK in Madrid for an international tournament playing against other countries from all around the world.

Although my most fondest memory in football was making my debut for Mickleover at home in the FA Cup this year.

by Peter Scherer

Bobby Battisson is a midfielder who began his football in Spain, before coming to the Mickleover FC Academy at the beginning of last season.

Has he always wanted to be a footballer though?

Since I was about four or five I always knew I wanted to be a footballer. It was a dream and when I moved to England from Spain it was a different experience though, with the style and tempo of the game.

So how did he come to be at Mickleover?

I played for Malaga in Spain, so when I came to England I had quite a lot of interest from English clubs, Wolves, Derby County and a few others.

He then signed for Burton Albion and played in their Academy.

They were quick to offer me a contract. I was 12 years old and played there for three years, until I was 15 and got released. Then I started to play for Mickleover under 18’s.

He is best down for his darting runs as an attacking midfielder, but is that he favoured position?

My preferred position is definitely central attacking midfielder. I had always played in the centre until the last couple of years, from where I have gone more attacking to rack up the goals.

Has he got a role model, or someone he wished to emulate?

Growing up I have always been a fan of Messi and sometimes love jumping onto YouTube and watching clips of him and his movement, because there’s so much to learn from him.

What does he do when he’s not playing football?

I like to spend some time with mates and go down to the local park for kick about.

He’s been doing zoom training session with the rest of the squad during Lockdown. Has that helped?

Yes it helps maintain our fitness and keep the spirit going within the team.

So what does he like doing before a game?

I tend to listen to music, this helps me focus and prepare for the game. I also try to eat a good amount of carbs, so that I have energy to get around the pitch and put in a shift.

Was he surprised how well the team had done last season?

I had been a short season, however we technically finished top on an unstoppable streak of winning and I believe 100% that if the league wasn’t declared null and void, we would would have secured promotion.

by Peter Scherer

Josh Satchwell has become a member of the Mickleover FC first team squad over the last two seasons, having graduated from the teams Academy and reserve sides.

Has he always wanted to be a footballer?

Yes indeed, since the age of seven or eight it has always been my passion.

Although he is a local Derby lad, how did he get onto Mickleover’s books?

I joined the under 16 team first of all, but was also offered a scholarship with Tamworth. But I wanted to play local football and Mickleover is local to me.

He usually plays as a striker, but has he played any other positions so far?

Throughout the teams I have been mainly a striker as a youngster, but as I have got older I got moved around a lot. Striker is still my preferred position though.

As he has made his progress in football has there been any player he has particularly followed or tried to emulate?

The main player I have looked up to throughout has been Derby County manager Wayne Rooney.

He has joined in the zoom sessions with the rest of the first team squad, does he feel that helps with team morale?

Yes it’s helped the team keep fit and stay to together as a team through the Pandemic.

So how does he prepare himself before a match?

I would usually eat early on, then listen to some music to get me in the mood before the game.

He had a trial last year at Coventry City, so what did he learn from that?

It made me see clearly that the opportunity is there for me to progress in my career and it certainly helped me gain a lot more confidence.

Was he surprised how successful the team were up until this last Lockdown?

The season we had just went so quickly and the team were getting stronger and stronger each week.

So what has he missed most during the Lockdown?

The thing I have missed most is playing the matches, but also the training and being able to socialise.

So what was his first reaction then when he heard the season had been declared null and void?

Firstly I did expect it. But I was gutted still as we were top of the league and the lads were flying.

So what has been his fondest memory so far in his growing football career?

It was scoring my first goal for the Mickleover first team. But I just wish I had celebrated the moment a little bit more maybe.

by Peter Scherer

Ben Gowing was another close season signing for Mickleover FC. But the central midfielder had played for Sports Under 19’s before moving on.

To become a footballer was and has always been the dream! Growing up I lived and breathed football and travelled far and wide to try to make it happen. At 28 now I will continue to push to play as high a level as I can!

So apart from playing at Mickleover in the reserves and under 19’s, where else have his footballing travels taken him?

Things started to get serious around 15 or 16 when I began being scouted by pro clubs. I went to Leicester, Derby, Forest and Burton to name a few, but it never worked out.

I signed for Belper Town making my debut in men’s football at 16, which was good experience. Following that I had a trial at Coventry City, where I played for 18 months.”

He has played for Long Eaton, Dunkirk, Belper Utd and Eastwood too.

I started to get serious again a couple of years ago when I decided to focus on getting back up the football pyramid. 

I’ve always trusted in my ability, but maybe lost focus or motivation, getting myself fit and shifting 10KG has certainly helped restore that.

You played with Paddy Webb at Eastwood, so did that help having an ex-team mate in the squad when you came to Mickleover?

Me and Paddy were good mates at Eastwood and it was no surprise to anyone when he signed for Mickleover. We continued to speak after he left, so I heard good things before I got a call from the gaffer too.

Paddy, Wrighty and myself trained together throughout pre-season, which helped make it easier coming into the squad. Then the gaffer brought together a class group of lads, so I don’t think anyone with the right attitude would struggle coming into our changing room.

Has he always played in midfield?

I’ve always played centre midfield and but been more attacking. I have had short spells playing on the right side and the left, but I didn’t have any pace for that. They are my best options though.

So as a midfielder has he had a role model or someone to emulate?

Growing up I always idolised Paul Scholes, but I was mad for the likes of Zidane, Iniesta and Pirlo. I’ll watch any football and find myself studying players and games. I didn’t think I consciously tried to emulate anyone though.

You have been doing zoom training sessions with the rest of the players during Lockdown, how’s that been?

Definitely Phil Sq-Watt has been killing us with his sessions. He is stuck on page one of the PT manual however and dread to think how many squats, lunges and burpees we’ve done! But the session keeps the banter flying, keeps morale high and the togetherness, but turn the page Sq-Watty.

Away from football what does he like doing?

I’m massively into my fitness, so I would usually find myself in the gym for a fair bit. But with Lockdown’s I’ve really got into running, cycling and hiking. I’m thinking of doing a marathon in the near future.

Away from that the girlfriend and I recently got a puppy, so he is keeping us busy!

I’ve also found myself really into reading and cooking, I would never have imagined that a year ago. We would normally be planning our next city break or holiday, getting out for plenty of food, watching any live sport and spending time with friends and family.

How does he prepare on the eve of a match?

I try to be as professional as I can in my preparation. I will go to the gym for a light session, a swim and stretch the day before. Then on the morning of a match I will go for a short walk and a light stretch, before chilling out and relaxing as much as I can.

I always focus on eating well, even more so the day before and on the day of a game. A pre-match Jam Bagel has become a strange superstition.

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

Stepping up to this level I personally didn’t know what to expect, but there was a real buzz around the squad from day one of pre-season. When you look at the players we have in our side it’s full of quality! But losing our first two games could have crushed any optimism or confidence, but it showed our character that we got stronger with every game from thereon.

Inside the changing room we always knew what we had and I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone at the club that season ended with us top of the league.

When you heard the season was null and void again, what was your first reaction?

Obviously gutted, but knowing how the previous season had ended, I think there was a realistic expectation that it would happen the same way.

We stayed optimistic that we would be able to finish what we’d started and achieve our goal of getting promotion.

As a squad I think the decision has left us hungry to come back stronger next season and get the train back in motion.

What have been your fondest footballing memories so far?

At any level of sport there’s no greater feeling than winning. When I played for Dunkirk I won the League and League Cup and then the League Cup at Long Eaton, so they’re great memories.

I played away at Hereford in their first season after reforming at lower levels of the football pyramid. Playing there in front of 3500 home fans and getting clapped off the pitch despite losing 1-0 was something I’ll always remember.

But signing for Mickleover has to be up there too. I’m a local lad and followed the team since playing in the under 19’w and reserves. Returning now for unfinished business so it’s good to be back!

by Peter Scherer

The vastly experienced Pablo Mills is Mickleover FC’s longest serving player, now into his fifth year at the club.

 He became a footballer almost by accident, as in his teens it wasn’t his preferred sport.

It was never my first choice sport when I was young, it was always Basketball for me. However thanks to my older brother, he got me playing and watching football and from that moment really, I wanted nothing else.

Although he’s from Birmingham, he came to Derby County as a 14 year old.

I was playing for my Sunday team in Birmingham called Romulus, where some of the players had already been picked up by professional clubs. I had trials at Aston Villa, West Brom and Kidderminster Harriers, but I guess they didn’t see the potential at that point.

I didn’t give up then one day a man named Les Dolphin, who was a scout for Derby, tapped me on the shoulder after a game and said he would like to take me to Derby County for a trial. One of the happiest days of my life.

He’s played in quite a few a few positions in his career, but is best known as a defender.

My main position is a central defender. I love the art of defending and it really gave me a good challenge mentally. It isn’t for everyone and we all know that scoring goals is what most want to do, but trying to stop someone for 90 minutes is also satisfying. It’s being comfortable on the ball that brought a different dimension to my play.

Which managers of players have influenced his career the most?

I’ve played under a few great managers, but I would say John Gregory and Steve Evans were probably the best influences. JG gave me my first team debut, believed in me and my talents, even though I was very young at the time. With Steve we accomplished many great things together. He brought the winner out of me, but I owe a lot those two.

A special shout out for Macca as well. Although young as a manager, I’ve learned a lot from him too in terms of coaching.

In players then it’s Ian Taylor, Michael Johnson, Marvin Robinson and Ian Evatt, all played their part and had great influence on me.

After his years in top flight football, what motivates him to continue playing for Mickleover?

It’s just still having that competitive edge in football and it’s been my life and there’s nothing better than training, then having the reward of going into battle with your team mates on a Saturday.

Plus I’m a serial winner, I like to win even though I know it’s not possible every week. The feeling you get after a hard earned win just cannot be replaced.

As coach to Mickleover Academy, does he get the same satisfaction from success in coaching as he does in playing?

I do now, but at first it was difficult as you want to just go and play or help the lads. So you’re on the sidelines with your feet twitching, but it’s great and there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you have worked a specific plan or pattern of play and then watched it come to fruition.

You have been doing zoom session with the rest of the players during Lockdown. Does help with team spirit?

Team morale is a big part in football, the whole team this year has been fantastic, with it mostly new lads, we have all gelled very quickly, and it’s shown with results this season.

Also constantly being in contact via zoom just keeps everybody together socially, so there’s still that sense of togetherness. It’s probably one of the best changing rooms I’ve seen since I have been at Mickleover for sure.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

That’s rare as it takes up a lot of my time and thoughts. But I like listening to music and play Call of Duty.

So what does he normally do before a match?

That day is crucial in my preparation. I’m pretty much a perfectionist when it comes to getting my stuff ready, so I tend to keep everything pretty much the same every week.

I have the same meals, I organise my kit in the same way, lay it out exactly the same and make sure my socks are matching with no holes in them. Boots have got to be clean and then after all of that’s out of the way I just like to go for a quick stroll 20-30 minutes. Then it’s relax and picture what I’m going to do in the game,

We know it’s been a short season again, but were you surprised how well it went?

I wasn’t really surprised because I knew the type of character and players we had recruited. Like I said the team having gelled so quickly, it all helped on the pitch because everyone was fighting for the same cause. I was proud of the lads and their work.

When you heard it confirmed that the season was null and void, what was your first reaction?

Disappointed, as momentum was on our side and we  were having a really great run of results. I thought something special would have happened this year, but I guess we couldn’t control the outcome. This will give us more fire though when we play again.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

Making my first team debut for Derby County and winning the Young Player of the Year award the same season. Being selected to represent England and play against loads of team from around the world.

Achieving three promotion medals, winning the Man of the Match award against the team I support, Manchester Utd at Old Trafford, in front of 75,000 fans.

I’ve got a lot of great memories, probably too many to mention, but they all meat the same to me in some capacity.