Category: First Team

Bacon & Walshaw Depart from Sports

by Peter Scherer

Strikers Declan Bacon and Jordan Walshaw have both been recent departures from the Don Amott Arena.

Bacon was on his second spell at Mickleover, joining this time on loan from Gainsborough Trinity, originally until January but with a further option.

Both he and Walshaw debuted in the home friendly against Guiseley, before Bacon became a regular starter, scoring six goals from his 10 League and Cup appearances.

He made his return to the Trinity side in their 4-2 FA Trophy against Peterborough Sports and last weeks league defeat at home to South Shields.

Walshaw made one competitive start for Sports in home match against Witton and was on the bench for the rest of the first six games, but failed to make any real impression or earn a regular place.

He has now moved to Sheffield FC NPL South East Division and played in the 2-1 defeat to Kidsgrove and 2-0 defeat to Carlton.

We wish them well in their future career.

Sports Top The League After Nantwich Mauling: Match Report

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover extended their unbeaten run to seven as they tore the previously unbeaten Nantwich Town apart for a dominant 4-0 victory.

Hot of the back of the 5-0 FA Trophy win against Dereham, Mickleover made the short trip up the M6 to Nantwich Town.

Manager John McGrath went for his trusted line-up of 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 3-Alex Morris 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Goerge Milner 8-Andrew Wright 9-Paddy Webb 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Mason Warren. Subs: Anam Verma, Josh Satchwell, Ben Gowing, Pablo Mills, Joe Slinn.

Nantwich kicked off and strangely lobbed the ball straight towards goal and safely into Hawkins hands, before a more logical attack was intercepted by Milner.

The hosts could easily have gone one up in the third minute when Hawkins called for the ball, but Wright’s back pass fell short, was collected by Scott McGowan whose shot was just wide.

Webb had a half chance a couple of minutes later, when Morris put a dangerous cross into the box. The Nantwich defence had trouble clearing it and Sports fired it back in from the right, before it was eventually punched away by keeper Greg Hall.

McGowan then got a break for the home side, but his shot was saved by Hawkins, close to his left hand post.

But Sports were straight back into attack themselves, firstly with a Morris cross finding Beavon, whose shot from just outside the area was saved, and then Wright put Webb through, only to be flagged offside.

There was a weak appeal for a Nantwich penalty after Sean Cooke went down, then a Caspar Hughes free kick was chipped to Matty Devine, whose cross was easily taken by Hawkins.

On the 15 minute mark Bennett intercepted as Nantwich pushed forward, then Webb picked out Beavon on the left. His shot passed the face of the goal, before being pushed out for a corner.

But Sports only had to wait another minute, as following a well saved header from Beavon, sustained attacking and a crowded box combined for the ball to break left to Watt, who slid the ball passed Hall into the right hand corner 1-0.

Nantwich continued to try and push forward, after another attack was blocked, Webb got clear and Warren found space, but the striker tried himself to no avail.

Although the Dabbers had a number of free kicks, they created little from them, Watt and Morris had to join forces in the 23rd minute though to clear the danger.

Milner, Wright and Warren were continuing to find runs from midfield, with Agustien the calming influence of experience and skill. 

28 minutes in and one of Milner charges upfield picked out Beavon, whose shot was deflected onto the left hand post by Hall. Two minutes later Webb lobbed over, one on one with the keeper.

There could easily have been a second goal for Mickleover when Milner’s shot in the 32nd whistled across the front of the goal and out just wide of the right hand post.

With Nantwich pushing for an equaliser before half time, they left themselves wide open at the back and Beavon found space again on the left and had his shot saved, after a longer spell of Nantwich pressure.

Cooke then tried a shot from well out, which cleared the stadium wall and just before half time Mickleover skipper Warren had picked up an interception and had a go himself, which was well wide. So 1-0 at half time but could easily have been 4.

There were no changes for Sports at half-time, but within a minute of the restart Webb had a great chance in front of goal, but barely connected, as Hall picked the ball up.

But the second goal soon arrived with Milner again the creator. His strong run put Bennett through, who placed a firmly shot into the back of the net from the right. 2-0.

Only a minute later Wright spied an opening in the Dabbers defence, fired in one of his signature rockets, which was partially blocked on its way over the bar.

Milner was then booked for bringing down Mwasile, but the free kick was wasted yet again, with Cooke’s effort well wide.

Nantwich were in the game more, but still unable to create much, as Watt and Butler stayed solid in the centre of defence, with Bennett and Morris covering the wings.

Just after the hour mark another good run from Wright found Beavon, and his cross from the right found Webb unmarked and with time, before firing passed Hall 3-0.

Wright fired another opportune shot over from well out, just before Mickleover made their first substitution, Verma for Agustien.

Sports attack was firing on all cylinders and after 74 minutes a Warren chip was easily saved, before Webb broke, with Milner and Morris waiting in the box, but put in a weak shot himself, easily saved.

Even with chances Nantwich were off target, with shots both wide and over. 

Cooke was in the referee’s book after hacking down Morris and the following free kick had Hall at full stretch again.

Ben Harrison then had to clear another attempt off the line, before Gowing came on for Wright.

Then came number four, Milner had placed another telling through ball to Verma on the left, who made no mistake for 4-0. “I had to put that one in,” he said.

Satchwell was a late sub for Milner, but after two minutes add on, the whistle blew for a totally convincing win, which takes Mickleover to the top of the NPL before Lockdown but leaves us with an uncertain future.

So what did the gaffer think of the nights performance?  “Superb, from the first minute to the 92nd. Four great goals and the work rate was phenomenal. 

Real quality football and with that amount of work rate, you have to be in with a chance every time.

George Milner was my stand out player, just exceptional tonight, but really good team performance,” John McGrath.

Sports Visit Dabbers Before Lockdown: Nantwich Town (A) Preview

by Peter Scherer

For Tuesday nights NPL match it’s another North Western visit, with Nantwich Town hosting.

They opened their home League season strongly, with two successive home wins, 3-0 against Stalybridge Celtic and 2-1 against Buxton, having drawn 1-1 at FC United on the opening day.

Since then they have had two further draws 1-1 at Scarborough and 2-2 at Warrington, leaving 13th in the table, still undefeated.

In the FA Cup they knocked out Tividale 4-1 and Barwell 1-0, before going down 4-1 away to Marine.

Last Saturday they visited Redditch Utd in the FA Trophy and returned home 3-2 victors.

First choice goalkeeper Greg Hall is a four-time North West Counties League Goalkeeper of the Year. He was signed in summer of 2019 from Witton Albion, after keeping nineteen clean sheets in forty appearances. He has also played for 1874 Northwich and Glossop North End, the latter of which saw him make an appearance at Wembley in the FA Vase final.

Right back Mike Koral came from Winsford United midway through the 2018/19 season. Originally a striker, he successfully converted to right-back during last season. He has also played for Congleton Town.

Defender Matty Devine was another summer 2019 signing, an attacking full-back, he started out at Marine in a role further forward. He then joined Evo-Stik Division One side Burscough, impressed and was picked up by Witton Albion. Three successful seasons at Witton preceded his move to Nantwich.

Joel Stair is another versatile defender who came from Hanley Town in September 2016.He can play at either right-back or at centre-half, being equally comfortable at both positions. In 2017 he was voted the Player of Year and now in his fifth season at the club.

Defender Josh Langley started his career as a Wigan Junior, before coming to Nantwich via Fylde, Southport, Altrincham and Guiseley in July 2019.

Ben Harrison is in his second spell at Nantwich. The defender was first signed in August 2015 from Telford, but after three years he moved to Altrincham, returning in June last year.

Ghanian born midfielder Prince Haywood Prince joined the club early into 2020 from Radcliffe, a player who can play both in the centre of midfield and at right-back. He previously played in Italy and has had spells with Stalybridge Celtic, Colwyn Bay and Witton Albion.

Caspar Hughes came from Fylde AFC before the start of the 2017/18 season, for his second spell with the Dabbers having played for them in the 2012/13 season.

Having started with Crewe Alexandra, making a few first team appearances, he was loaned to Chasetown and Nantwich, before his release from Crewe at the end of the 2011/12 season. He joined Nantwich on a permanent basis, moving on to Fylde at the start of the 2013/14 season, he helped them achieve promotion from the Evo-Stik Premier League. He could well make his 200th appearance for the club by the end of the season.

Connor Heath is another former Crewe junior. The teenage midfielder has had loans at Witton and Colwyn Bay before his release, and joined Nantwich in August this year.

Sean Cooke is the clubs longest serving player, who began his career at Crewe Alex too. After trials at Blackburn and Wigan he came to Nantwich for the 2011/12 season, before joining AFC Fylde in 2013. He was NPL Premier Division Player of the Year award and then joined AFC Telford.

Returning to Nantwich on loan in late February 2015, he then joined FC United at the start of the 2015/16 season, but after being released returned to the Dabbers under former boss Phil Parkinson.

Yet another ex Crewe junior, Striker Callum Saunders has returned to Nantwich from Curzon Ashton. He had signed professional at Crewe in June 2014, making his Football League debut in the August. Moving to Notts County after Crewe released him in 2017, he then came to Nantwich on the eve of the 2018/19 season. 

He is also a Welsh international having played for both the country’s U19 and U21 sides. He is the son of former Welsh International Dean Saunders.

Reserve keeper James Hawkins is a graduate of Nantwich’s own Academy, having also spent time with Newcastle Town, where he won the Sentinel Cup in 2015-16 and 2016-17. He made his first start for the first team in 2019-20 away at Basford United.

Irish midfielder James Lawrie started as a Port Vale youth player. He moved to Telford in 2010 after a loan at Kidderminster, then spent almost six years at Altrincham. In 2016/17 he was at Hednesford, where he stayed until signing for Nantwich summer of 2018. He has played twice for Northern Ireland too in 2009/10.

Zambian midfielder and winger Joe Mwasile began his career at Morecambe, making 30 first team appearances in a three-year, which included loans at Workington, Altrincham and Barrow.

After going to Workington permanently, he moved to Burscough, Salford City and Marine, before his first spell at Nantwich in 2016/17. A brief spell at Warrington followed, before returning for his second spell with the club at the beginning of October 2017. 

David Webb is another midfielder who started at the club in 2019-20’s pre-season series, having left Spennymoor at the end of the previous season. He has also played for Marine and the Royal Air Force’s side.

Oliver Pope is another striker who has come through the teams reserve side.

Striker Scott McGowan was signed from 1874 Northwich last month, the 33-year-old striker arrives at Nantwich having scored a club record 128 goals in just 189 appearances in just over four seasons with the Mid Cheshire club. He previously played for Congleton Town.

Luke Walsh is another striker, who came from Eccleshall in the North-West Counties Football League in 2018/19. He is another product of the Crewe Alex Academy and also played in the Manchester City youth set-up.

Kick-off is 7.45 and it could well be the last game for a while due to the National Lockdown.

Sports Hit Five In Trophy Victory! Dereham Town (H) Match Report

by Peter Scherer

After a cautious start, four second half goals secured Mickleover’s place in the First Round draw of the FA Trophy.

Gaffer John McGrath made four changes from last Tuesdays line-up, as Isthmian League North side Dereham Town visited the Don Amott Arena.

The full starting line-up was 1-Joe Slinn 2-Jake Bennett 3-Alex Morris 4-Kemy Agustien 5-Pablo Mills 6- James Butler 7-George Milner 8-Mason Warren 9-Paddy Webb 10- Stuart Beavon 11-Aman Verma. Subs: Josh Satchwell, Ben Gowing, Andrew Wright, Phil Watt, Callum Hawkins.

The game had barely kicked off when Mickleover got off to flying start. A great through ball split the visitors defence wide open, leaving Webb with a shot just inside the box, which he buried in the bottom right hand corner, opening the scoring after three minutes 1-0.

There was almost a second for Mickleover after 12 minutes to, before the attacking stepped back a pace and Dereham began to settle.

But 20 minutes in and there was another chance, when Bennett put another dangerous ball into the box, but a Dereham defender managed to intercept before Webb was able to collect.

Webb’s pace continued to cause problems and he just missed out again in a one on one with Elliot Pride in the Dereham goal.

After a 10 minute lull in the pace, Webb was in again, shooting from inside the box, his effort was just wide of the right hand corner.

Three minutes later a Morris cross was deflected in the box, just out of Webb’s reach.

Dereham had the ball in the net just before half time, but was ruled out. Slinn had saved initially, but the ball ran into Toby Hilliard’s path in an offside position.

So half time 1-0, Mickleover had been in charge throughout, but could have more than one.

Wright was an early second half sub coming on for Agustien, before Rhys Logan had a run on goal for Dereham after 51 minutes but couldn’t finish.

Beavon was next to try his luck, with a 55th minute half volley well over. But as Mickleover stepped up another gear, Wright lofted the ball to Webb and with just the keeper to beat, the striker placed it home from close range 2-0 after 57 mins.

Wright’s runs from midfield continued to cause havoc for the Dereham defence, and his cross into the box on the hour found Beavon at the far post, who despatched it into the roof of the net 3-0!

Back from injury Gowing came on for Milner and the Mickleover push continued. Webb had a chance of a hattrick when he fired the ball over from a tightening angle, but five minutes later Pride failed to deal with a low cross, leaving the ball at Beavon’s feet for an easy tap in the 77th minute 4-0.

With Webb and Beavon both scoring two each, Beavon went off and Satchwell came on for the last nine minutes.

The teenage striker rewarded with his first senior goal on the 90 minute mark, after receiving from a corner.

It’s now back to NPL action at Nantwich on Tuesday, with one eye on the FA Trophy draw too, but all dependant on any decision over the lockdown restrictions.

Dereham Town (H): FA Trophy Match Preview

by Peter Scherer

This Saturday’s visitors to the Don Amott Arena in the FA Challenge Trophy are Dereham Town from the Isthmian League North.

Adam Gusterson and his assistant Olly Wills team are currently ninth in the table, with two wins and two draws from seven games.

They kicked off their season with a 3-2 FA Cup win against Whitton Utd in the Preliminary, before going down 2-0 at home to Canvey Island in the first qualifier.

Prior to drawing Mickleover in the FA Trophy, they visited Sutton Coldfield and returned home 3-2 victors.

After two defeats in their first two league games, they beat Cambridge City 1-0 at home and followed it with their first away win at Heybridge Swifts.

They have picked up points from home draws against Histon and Coggleshall Town, but lost 1-0 at Bury Town.

First choice goalkeeper is Elliot Pride, now in his fourth season with the club, having signed from Wroxham. He has also played for Great Yarmouth, Diss and Gorleston, but is nearing his 100th start for Dereham.

Newcomers Ross Bilham and Joe Rider have made one start this season each. Bilham has played for a number of East Anglian teams, including Long Stratton, Spixworth Utd, Harleston and Thetford and is also a keen cricketer.

Although Matthew Castellan is a defender, he has scored seven goals in his 64 appearances, now into his fourth season. From a 12 year old at East Lynn he was a Cambridge Utd youth player, before moving to Downham Town.

Moving on to Swaffham, he then moved up to Kings Lynn. After injury, the Linnets loaned him to Dereham, making it permanent in 2019.

Charlie Dickerson has been part of the squad since 2018/19, having come through the teams Academy. He’s an England u/18 International defender too.

Rodrigo Ferreira and Dion Frary are also defenders. Frary is a long serving player with five seasons behind him before this campaign, totting up over 100 games, with eight goals. He also had a spell at Kings Lynn in between his time at Dereham.

The defensive line-up is completed by Jake Imrie, Thomas Matthews and assistant manager Olly Wills.

Imrie was a regular last season, having signed in June 2019 from Harleston. Matthews spent time in the Norwich City and QPR Academy, before playing for the New Saints and Airbus UK in the Welsh League. He came to Dereham part way through last season.

Wills has played a few games a year recently, becoming assistant manager in January 2019. He was a Norwich City Academy player but first came to Dereham for the 2005/6 season.

He later joined Harleston managing with Gusterson, before they both came back to Dereham.

Robbie Linford is a centre back or midfielder, and came through the clubs under 18 side, making his first team debut in 2015/16. He has also played for Stowmarket Town.

Tomas Snapkauskas debuted in October last year. A central defender/midfielder he played most of his football in Lithuania, but had a spell at Heart of Midlothian in 2010/11.

Team captain David Hinton is another one of the long serving players. He came from Wroxham in 2016 and made his debut against his former club, before becoming a first team regular over the last two seasons, with 13 goals in 85 games.

Another midfielder close to his 100th game for the club is midfielder Rhys Logan. He came from Long Stratton in August 2015.

Former Norwich City Youth player Adam Smith first came to Dereham in 2005. By contrast to the midfielder’s long commitment to the club, Jerry Desaolu is a new signing from Wroxham. The attacking midfielder and Loughborough University graduate has similar pace to his brother James, the second fastest UK 100m runner in history and European Champion!

Adam Hipperson, Luke Johnson and Jacob Lay are all forward thinking midfielders too. Hipperson plays more on the wing, and having started at Norwich City, he has played for Norwich United and Acle United before joining Dereham. He scored 19 goals last season from 31 appearances.

Johnson and Lay are new signings for this season. Johnson came from Kings Lynn and has one goal from his nine starts this year. Lay was an Ipswich Junior, trained with West Ham and then joined Preston North End. More recently he has been in action at Braintree, Witham and Felixstowe.

They have two out and out strikers in their squad, Harry Gagen and Toby Hilliard. Gagen played in pre-season after signing from Mattishall, but hasn’t made a league start.

Hilliard has already scored four goals in eight games this season. The prolific striker came from Kings Lynn in July last year.

Kick off as usual is 3pm, weather permitting.

Tvaroh Moving On With Sparta

by Peter Scherer

After some impressive performances for Mickleover last season, young full back Karel Tvaroh’s career has taken another step forward at home in the Czech Republic.

Before arriving in Derby to study at the University, Karel was part of the Sparta Prague Academy.

He was a regular member of Sports first team squad and was on the scoresheet too in the 4-1 win at home to Grantham in January, as his attacking prowess came to the fore with his Northern Premier league experiences.

I appreciate the passion for Mickleover from such a lovely club. Thanks to the circumstances it was better for me stay in my homeland unfortunately at the moment. Hopefully things will get better and one day perhaps I will be back.

he said.

His progress at Sparta has now earned him a place in their Europa Cup squad.

I haven’t made a start yet, but hopefully that will change soon.

Another amazing for our football club.

added Gaffer John McGrath.

Milner Goal Keeps Sports At The Top: Hyde United (H) Match Report

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover extended their unbeaten run to six games with a hard fought win against a robust defending Hyde United.

The starting line-up was the same as last Saturday’s win over Grantham, but it was a welcome back for Mason Warren and Aman Verma on the bench.

The full line-up was 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Benett 3-Alex Morris 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-George Milner 8-Andrew Wright 9-Paddy Webb 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Declan Bacon, Subs: Josh Satchwell, Mason Warren, Pablo Mills, Anam Verma, and Joe Slinn.

Mickleover were on the attack from the opening minutes, with Milner the integral part of a build-up including most of the team.

An early Agustien free-kick was cleared and after six minutes a Beavon cross was headed out for the first corner of the game. It came to nothing and after the clearance there was a free-kick to Hyde.

Four minutes later and Agustien was busy with another free kick after Wright was fouled, but the initial clearance ran loose, was picked up by Milner, whose shot was just over.

Beavon was the next to be fouled, so it was another Agustien free kick, before the Curacao midfielder played a nice ball through the middle, for Milner to flick on a header which wasn’t picked up.

Hyde then started to come out more and after a Tom Pratt effort was easily blocked by Watt, Liam Tongue shot straight at Hawkins, with his shot comfortably held. 

Sports then broke out again with a strong running overlap from Morris, but his cross was too near to keeper Joe Green.

Tongue had a good effort again for Hyde on 15 minutes, but Hawkins dived to his left and had it covered. 

Then Watt was first in the book for Sports and yet another free kick and Hyde’s effort was straight into the wall, before Morris went in the book for a late challenge too.

The next free kick was Hyde’s again and nearly got through the Mickleover defence, before being put out for a corner.

The book was out again for Paddy Lane’s late challenge on Morris, only two minutes later Tom Pratt was in there too after a challenge on Butler and Bradley Roscoe followed after taking down Beavon, as the referee’s whistle began to dominate the game.

In between the stoppages Hyde managed a weak shot easily taken by Hawkins, and another effort from Tongue was blocked.

With 10 minutes to go in the first half Beavon almost found space in the box, before a Bacon cross was cleared by the visitors defence.

There was another Mickleover free kick after Milner was taken down just outside the box, Agustien’s shot was then just tipped over by Green.

Hyde then got a break through Chinedu Uche, and although it got very busy in the box, Hawkins ran out and cleared the threat before the referee finally brought a very scrappy first half to a conclusion.

There was an early corner for Hyde as the second half kicked off, but no one connected with Tongue’s effort 

But it was soon evident that Sports were beginning to flow, aided by the fact the referee wasn’t stopping play every five minutes.

Butler put a testing ball over the centre of the Hyde goal, almost connecting with a charging Bennett before it was intercepted.

Webb almost put Wright in the clear but a combination of keeper and defender saved the visitors again. Beavon was next, chasing a long ball that just ran out on him.

Lane had a great chance to give the visitors the lead, but put it wide and was soon to regret his miss. 

Morris to Bacon, a cross to Bennett who had made a long and forceful run towards goal. He could have shot but played it to Milner, who placed it cleanly in the bottom corner. 1-0 after 55 minutes.

“That goal was so important,” said a delighted Milner. “I played my part in that goal, as we just don’t score enough,” Bennett added.

Only a couple of minutes later Webb was almost through again, then Bacon had his cross put out for a corner.

The pressure continued with Bacon fouled on the edge of the box. The initial Beavon free kick was put out for a corner, from where Butler’s header was put out for another corner too.

Beavon was busy again with a 68th minute cross, Webb was tripped in the area, but Wright sent a cracking shot inches over the bar.

With less stoppages the game had flowed much better in the second half, which suited Sports tactics and another promising run from Webb earned another corner.

72 minutes in and Warren came on for Bacon and Hawkins had a bit of work to do, which was all dealt with routinely.

Sports were still pushing and had most of the play when Webb had a chance of number two from a Morris cross, but he just failed to make proper contact and the chance had gone.

Back from injury Verma was on for Wright, but after 80 minutes Hyde had a great chance for an equaliser, when a telling cross across the goal face, was just missed at the far post.

Hyde pushed everything forward, including keeper Green, who had been putting up with some friendly banter from Sports fans about his shiny boots.

Hawkins had a couple of late saves to make and Warren created his own space and shot just wide. Mills subbed for Webb in the final minutes, but the whistle blew after five minutes added time, and it was another well-deserved win for Mickleover.

Hyde United (H): Match Preview

by Peter Scherer

Hyde United are the visitors tomorrow night at the Don Amott Arena. Their game at Nantwich was postponed last Saturday, and they currently lie 17th in the table.

Four of their five points have come from away games, a 2-0 win at Stafford Rangers, and well earned points at both FC United and South Shields.

Manager David McGurk is a former Hyde player, who started off as a Sunderland Academy player, before making 63 League appearances for Darlington. After playing in the Hyde team he took charge from May last year, having previously played for York City and Harrogate before joining Hyde as a player/assistant manager  in 2016.

First choice goalkeeper Joe Green started in the Sheffield United youth setup, before going to play for a college in New York.  On his return to the UK he had trials at Barnsley and Chesterfield and eventually signed for Newport County. Moving on to Guiseley, where he spent a couple of seasons playing in the Conference, and also went on loan to Gainsborough Trinity.

Craig Ellison is the reserve keeper, he was at Runcorn Linnets last season and will add competition for the number 1 spot with Joe Green.

Riccardo Longato is also a goalkeeper, coming in last season, after signing on from the Academy.

A new signing from Congleton Town, defender Tom Morris started as a Port Vale Youth player and had spells at Stafford Rangers and Kidsgrove Athletic.

Defender Andy Hollins came from Colne FC. After playing for Southport he went on loan to Colne in May 2016 and joined them  permanently in the July.

Bradley Roscoe returned to Hyde last season from Buxton. He was a Preston North End graduate before moving to Fleetwood Town in 2015. After a loan at AFC Fylde he returned to Fleetwood Town, but has also played fort Ramsbottom United and Glossop North End before. 

Kyle Brownhill has had several spells at Hyde. His fitness is up there with the best and was part of the formidable defence who only conceded 35 goals and were unbeaten at home all during the 2017/18 season. He seems to improve with every season. 

Matthew Thompson was signed from Chester FC after playing inn pre-season friendlies. A strong reliable defender, comfortable on the ball and experienced.

Now in his third season at Hyde, Jordan Fagbola came in 18/19 from FC United where he spent a season and half. A regular in the centre of defence, he hardly missed a game in the previous two seasons, making 89 appearances. He started his career as a Rochdale youngster and has had spells at Stockport, Colwyn and Solihull Moors

Assistant manager John McCombe joined the Tigers from Boston Untied in 2018/19.He graduated through the Huddersfield Town Academy, making his first team debut in 2003.After a year at Hereford he spent five years with Port Vale and had spells at Mansfield Town, York City, Macclesfield, Chester and Harrogate Town. He became assistant to Dave McGurk in the 2019/20 season and continues that role again this season, and will no doubt make a few appearances this season.

Adejuwon Hamzah is a young centre back / left back who impressed in pre-season matches. He was at Cheadle Town last season, winning their young player of the season award..

Another pre-season signing Chinedu Uche  started as an Oldham Athletic U18 player before stepping up to the first team. The young midfielder then moved on to Glossop North End during the 2019/20 season.

Midfiedler Kingsley James came from Gainsborough at the beginning of last season,  

It’s Jack Dyche’s’s second season with Hyde. A left-sided player or striker, he joined Scunthorpe Academy in 2014-15 season after leaving Leeds United. He turned pro at Scunthorpe, but was released in 2018 after numerous loan spells. He’s also played for Ashton United, Bradford Park Avenue, Boston United and more recently Guiseley.

Ashley Young has rejoined Hyde this season from FC United.. He was previously at Buxton having played for Hyde back in the 2010/11 season. He’s played for Ashton and Mossley and with Welsh League sides Bangor City, Rhyl and Aberystwyth.

In his second year at the club Jack Sherratt can play anywhere along the front line and even fill in at left back. He has joined from Stafford Rangers, but been at Leyton Orient, Kidgrove Athletic, Stalybridge Celtic and Northwich Victoria. 

Liam Tongue is the clubs resident DJ as well as a strong midfielder.  He  started  at Stockport Georgians, before joining Cheadle Town, winning  Players Player of the year in 2016. He had spells with Mossley, Marine and Stalybridge Celtic.

A new signing for this season Theo Bailey-Jones was at  Stafford Rangers for the previous two seasons. A tricky winger, he missed most of last season after rupturing his ACL in a 4-0 defeat at Ewen Fields at the end of August against Hyde.

Darius Palma  is a new signing. The midfielder was at Altrincham  for two years, joining Trafford in January 2018, scoring 13 goals in 37 games. He initially signed for Curzon in August this year, but has now made the switch to Hyde.

Joel Logan made only a few appearances last season, having become injured early on. He hopes to be back to his potential this year. The midfielder had come from the Rochdale youth system and joined the first as youth team player. He has had loan spells at Stalybridge, Southport, Wrexham, Guiseley, Halifax Town, and joined Hyde from FC United

After making a promising start to the 2019/20 season, Harry Benns picked up an injury in December that kept him out for the rest of the season. He can play anywhere behind the strikers and is an intelligent player goal provider. He started his playing career at Port Vale and had a loan spell with Stafford Ranges.

Janni Lipka is back at Hyde for a second spell, having taken a year out last season to travel. He was a regular in the team after signing towards the end of the 2016/17 season. During his time with the Tigers the midfield powerhouse picked up a number of awards at the annual awards night and also featured in the leagues  team of the year a couple of seasons back.

Tom Pratt was signed from Trafford at the start of the 2017/18 season and this will be his fourth season at Hyde.  Able to play anywhere across the front line, he knows where the net is, finishing the 2017/18 season as top scorer, running Chib Chilaka close for top scorer in the 2018/19 season and before last season was ruled null and void, was he was the leading scorer.

Fellow striker Paddy Lane is a product of the Hyde United Academy and this will be his third season as a Tiger. He is still improving his game and has a bright future, having already been watched by a number of football clubs.

Louis Myers signed from FC United who he joined at the backend of the 2018/19 season from Radcliffe. He had set backs last season with injuries but has been impressing in training, showing his ability.