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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 100^th 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 100^th 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.

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.

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 68^th 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.

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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 17^th 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.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover increased their unbeaten run to five games in the NPL with a solid 3-0 home victory against a struggling Grantham Town side.

There was one change to the team that came home from Buxton with a point last Tuesday, as Andrew Wright was back in for Josh Satchwell.

The full line-up was 1-Callum Hawkins 2-Jake Bennett 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, Joe Slinn, Bobby Battison, Pablo Mills, Ricky Ravenhill.

Grantham had a clear chance in the early minutes of the game when Hawkins had to make a point blank save from Ashley Worsfold, but overall the first 10 minutes remained fairly even.

Sports first real attack came when a good build up found Bacon, who’s long shot was deflected out for a corner.

But Grantham responded calling on Morris to head clear on 13 minutes, quickly followed by a last ditch tackle from Ryan Holland, stopping a clear run on goal from Webb.

Butler took a free kick from inside Sports half that went out for a goal kick, but Grantham were still dangerous on the break and Morris had a to clear another positive attack after 19 minutes.

It continued to and fro as Bennett played through to Wright whose cracking shot went just wide of the post, before Grantham’s response was a long lofted ball into the area easily dealt with by Butler.

On 28 minutes Mickleover had another free kick in a better position. Agustien placed the kick into the box, where Butler’s glancing header was just wide of the mark.

Agustien was quickly on the attack again, but this time his cross was easily taken by Grantham keeper Jan Budtz.

The pressure was beginning to build on the visitors and when Bacon was fouled on the half hour, Wright and Agustien plotted the free kick.

Three minutes later Milner put Bacon through in space inside the box. Budtz stayed on his line, but Bacon’s shot was just wide of the post.

Bacon was foiled again with 10 minutes left in the first half, but another Agustien/Wright combination proved to be too far out to cause a problem for the Grantham defence.

It was nearly all Mickleover as half time approached, with Webb firing across the goal face with the block coming just before Milner collected.

After Grantham’s Ben Middleton was booked for dangerous play, Beavon finally opened the scoring on 40 minutes, wrong footing Budtz before slotting home in the bottom left hand corner 1-0, with the half time whistle soon following.

Beavon was on the attack again immediately from the restart, forcing Budtz to clear hurriedly for a throw.

The visitors earned themselves a free kick which Holland sent high and wide, and Butler had to make a clearance for a corner.

After 53 minutes Mickleover made it 2-0, when a quick counter brought a classy one two between Agustien and Beavon, before a long ball was chested down by Bacon, who then cut inside and fired it in to the visitors net.

Bacon found himself in space again only three minutes later, his pass was timed to perfection again, with Webb missing contact at the far post by inches.

Webb was still chasing his first goal of the season, but after collecting a 59^th minute chip, his first time volley was easily taken by the Grantham keeper.

After a tame effort from Grantham was safely taken by Hawkins, Wright was the next to try his luck, with a shot from the edge of the box collected by Budtz.

Milner then took possession in the middle, found Webb, who played Wright through, but his first time shot cannoned off a defender for a corner.

Satchwell was the first change when he came on for Wright in the 65^th minute, before Beavon got another break and his shot deflected over for another corner.

After Agustien was yellow carded, Butler gave away a free kick just outside the box, but Watt cleared any threat, then Brad Abbott tried his luck from well out, but was wide of the mark again.

Mills came on for Bacon, but Sports continued to create chances. Butler got to a header in the 79^th minute, well held by Budtz, but after 82 minutes Satchwell was pulled back in the area and Webb buried the following penalty for 3-0.

Battison was the next sub on for Agustien and with three minutes left Butler and Milner combined giving the latter a run on goal with his shot blocked.

There was another penalty appeal too, but a free kick was awarded which Mills took just before the final whistle.

Another good all round solid performance from all quarters, which moves Mickleover back into sixth place in the NPL, with Hyde Utd the next visitors to the Don Amott Arena on Tuesday evening.

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by Peter Scherer

Grantham Town were a struggling team last season, going down 4-1 on their last visit to the Don Amott Arena.

They currently lie 20^th in the NPL, still seeking their first win, after an away point at Morpeth and home point against Stafford.

Their last match was a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Matlock Town, having been knocked out of the FA Cup by our Derbyshire neighbours a few weeks earlier.

Most of their squad have been singed over the summer, with four each coming in from Buxton and Rossington,

In charge since March this year, manager Martin McIntosh was a player with Scotland ‘B’ honours. He had spells at , St Mirren, Clydebank, Hamilton Academicals, Stockport County, Hibernian, Rotherham United, Huddersfield Town, Grimsby Town, Mansfield Town, Alfreton Town, Guiseley, Worksop Town and managed Worksop Town, Buxton and Ilkeston Town.

His 22 year career began in 1988, with just under 500 appearances in the Scottish Football League, the Scottish Premier League and the English Football League, getting on the scoresheet 50 times. 

In 2010, Martin stepped into management with Worksop Town after a short spell as first team coach at Rotherham United. He then led Buxton to a series of top ten finishes in the Northern Premier League in a six year spell and has also been in charge at Ilkeston Town and Frickley Athletic.

His assistant is Tim Ryan, a former Scunthorpe United, Buxton, Doncaster Rovers, Altrincham, Southport, Peterborough United, Boston United, Darlington, Harrogate Town, Chester City, Stalybridge Celtic and Bradford Park Avenue player.

He joined the Gingerbreads as Assistant Manager with McIntosh in March 2020, having previously worked together at Buxton.

York City Youth team manager Ryan had an 18 year playing career including over four hundred senior appearances, mostly in the football league, and also turned out for England C. In September 2009 he was appointed as caretaker-manager of Chester, then became assistant to new boss Jim Harvey , before they  moved on to Stalybridge Celtic. Tim spent five years as the assistant to McIntosh at Buxton.

Danish born goalkeeper Jan Budtz was a summer signing from Rossington. He played for B1909 and Nordsjaelland in Norway before coming to England, playing league football for Doncaster, Wolves, Hartlepool and Oldham, as well as non league at Eastwood, Stalybridge, Worksop and Gainsborough. His twin brother is a pro footballer too.

Will Biggs is coach and the reserve goalkeeper. He joined in pre season having previously held a similar role at Buxton. He’s also sports lecturer at Club Doncaster Foundation. 

Jason Law was an Academy player at both Burton Albion and Derby County, before joining Mansfield Town from Carlton Town in 2015. A regular in Academy and Under 23 sides, the defender spent loan time at Sutton Coldfield Town and Gresley before he making his first team debut for Mansfield in  EFL Trophy. Further loans at Hednesford Town, Leek Town and Kettering Town followed before joining Grantham on the eve of the 2020-21 season and making his debut at Morpeth Town.

Centre back Tom Ward returned to Grantham in the summer, having previously moved on to Kings Lynn. He also been in action for Sleaford Town, Boston United, St Neots, and Gainsborough Trinity.

Ryan Holland is a former Grantham under 16’s and under 18’s player who had a spell of football in the USA, playing for Orange County. The defender was at Kettering Town earlier this year, before returning to Grantham for the start of this season.

A product of the Doncaster Rovers Academy, defender Ben Middleton was signed from Boston Utd this summer, but has also been at North Ferriby United, Scarborough Athletic, Harrogate Town, and Buxton (loan).

Adam Watson is another newcomer to the Grantham line-up. The defender was picked up from Rossington Main just before the season start,

No introduction is needed for Greg Young, having spent last season as the mainstay of the Mickleover defence. After starting his career at Grimsby Town, he moved on to Halifax Town, Altrincham, Alfreton, Gainsborough, York City and Frickley.

Ben Turner is also well known to us too. A dependable left back, he was a regular last season in the Mickleover line-up. He began his career at Mansfield before a spell playing at Worksop, preceded his time at Mickleover.

Preferably a central midfielder, Brad Abbott is another summer signing from Boston United. He started off at Barnsley before loan spells at Harrogate, Chester and Barrow. He then joined Buxton in 2016 before moving to Boston the following year.

Another new signing and returnee, midfielder James Berrett was a Huddersfield junior, before making 170 appearances for Carlisle. He also played at Yeovil, York, Grimsby and Halifax and been capped at under18, under 19 and under 21 level for the Republic of Ireland. He was at the club last season but left to join Buxton, returning prior to the start of this season.

Midfielder Niall Doran is another ex Mickleover player in the Grantham squad. A summer signing from Rossington Main, he started out as a youngster at Hull City before going on to play at Boston United, Buxton and Matlock, plus his spell at the Don Amott Arena.

Nathan Dyer had spent his whole career at York City until joining Grantham this summer. The young wide playing midfielder made nine first team appearances for the Minstermen last season.

Michael Hollingsworth is another midfielder, who was part of the clubs play off final side in 2017/2018. He had spells at Matlock, Pickering and Frickley before rejoining in the summer, having come from the Nottingham Forest Academy, before moving to Boston United.

Another pre-season singing from Rossington, midfielder Manasse Kianga, is more of an attacking player.

A left sided midfielder Jack Stobbs recently signed after being at Sheffield Wednesday from the age of six. He made five senior appearances for Wednesday, making his debut against Bolton Wanderers in April 2014. An ankle ligament injury kept him out until the final day of the 2015-16 campaign. He has been on loan at  Port Vale and it the SPL at Livingstone last year before injury cut his time north of the border short, returning to Hillsbrough.

Alastair Taylor came from Buxton this summer, after graduated as a Barnsley Junior. He’s played for Worksop, Alfreton and Gainsborough too.

Central striker Remaye Campbell spent most of last season in loan from Notts County, but made the permanent in the summer.

Prolific scorer Liam Hardy was another pre-season from Buxton. He played for Armthorpe Welfare and both Harrogate Town and Railway before joining Buxton in 2014, winning the NPL Golden Boot that season. He joined Darlington in 2016 returning to Buxton again winning the Golden Boot in 2017/2018.

Ashley Worsfold arrived this summer too. The former Sheffield Wednesday junior was signed from Basford, also having played att Parkgate, Sheffield FC, Alfreton and Gainsborough.

Striker Rodrigo Concalves is one of the few players still in the squad from last season, where he made 10 appearances.

by Peter Scherer

Confidence was high for Mickleover as they travelled to the north of county to face third placed Buxton, following three successive Northern Premier League victories.

With Andrew Wright nursing a niggling hamstring, he dropped to the bench and gave Josh Satchwell a start.

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

In the first five minutes from kick off Webb found himself through, but his first attempt was wide of the mark, before Buxton wing back Steve Brogan was flagged offside in their first attack of the night.

It was obvious from the start that Buxton were looking to catch the Sports defence on the break and when a Bennett free kick was intercepted, Tommy Elliott found his run comfortably intercepted.

Beavon managed to squeeze a good ball through to Milner after eight minutes, but as he tried to collect, Buxton keeper Grant Shenton was there first.

There was a good chance for Buxton in the box shortly afterwards, but Brogan missed out, before Hawkins had to pull out all the stops to make a brilliant diving save from Clarke, following a poor clearance from the Mickleover defence.

Clarke wasted a good chance after being set up by Di Girolamo after 17 minutes and four minutes later a glancing header from King was easily taken by Hawkins.

Mickleover were then given a free kick which was placed into the box with perfection by Agustien, leaving to Watt to rise above the home defence and send a powerful header into the roof of the net for 1-0 after 22 minutes.

Agustien had a try for a second himself, with a powerful long range shot, before Buxton retaliated with a long shot well over the bar.

It was still end to end with both sides having a share of the attack. Beavon’s 31^st minute shot was just wide of the post, but a minute later the referee gave the first of his dubious penalty decisions, after a combined Butler and Watt airborne challenge, was deemed to have fouled the Buxton striker.

Di Girolamo made no mistake from the spot kick and it was 1-1.

Buxton’s King was lucky to stay on the pitch after a horrendous tackle on Morris, left the Sports wing back in need of treatment.

There was already a feeling that the referee was favouring the home side, missing niggling, sometimes cynical trips and taps and the pressure started to tell.

Sam Wedgbury put a shot just over the Mickleover bar from a long throw and Hawkins was at full stretch again from a 42^nd minute Buxton free kick.

But Beavon made the most of another break to send Webb clear. The striker sent a precise pass into the box, where Bacon was on hand to make it 2-1 to Mickleover with a minute left to half time.

Unbelievably only a minute later Mr Riley from Manchester deemed a tap from Bennett to be another penalty, which Di Girolamo struck for 2-2.

Into the second half and Webb put an early ball across the face of the goal, but there was no one to connect.

Buxton could easily have gone a goal up on 50 mins when Butler was dispossessed on the edge of the box and a Buxton striker was left one on one with Hawkins, but he decided to pass and the chance was lost.

There were a number of long clearance’s sending Webb on runs, he had two shots within a couple of minutes, but both wide of the mark.

There was a Mickleover penalty appeal in the 56^th minute, when Bacon’s shot was blocked by what appeared to be a defender’s arm. Unlike his other dubious awards, Mr Riley ignored this.

Webb continued to try his luck and sent a shot cannoning off the post on the hour, as the luckless striker still seeks his first goal of the season.

Continuing a slow and gradual build up Buxton tried again, but the end result was King firing high and wide, only for a quick switch of play to leave Webb with just the keeper to beat, but he failed to connect.

Beavon went close again after 64 minutes, but shortly afterwards was flattened by a wild challenge from Brogan. It could easily have been another red card, but like the first it was yellow.

Sensing the decisions continuing to go their way, Buxton piled the pressure on, with a header just wide from a free kick, followed by an incredible diving save from Hawkins following a shot from James Walshaw.

Watt then had to clear off the line in a goal mouth scramble, before both teams started to make late substitutions, with Chris Dawson on for Wedgbury for Buxton, and Mills replacing Agustien for Mickleover, after the Curacao international had taken a knock.

Three minutes of added time finally brought the game to a conclusion, with a very hard fought point to return home with. The high points were two terrific goals for Sports, some brilliant saves from Hawkins, solid defending from Butler and Watt and a classy show in midfield from Agustien.

The low points were obvious, two appalling penalty decisions, two possible red cards and a number of lesser incidents totally missed by the officials. In particular Buxton’s James Hurst spent much of the second half pulling Satchwell’s shirt, elbowing and pushing him.

We now look forward to our next home game on Saturday, when Grantham Town are the visitors.