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.

The Sports Report is ready to view for today’s game. Click here

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.

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover will be looking for their fourth successive league win when they visit Derbyshire rivals Buxton on Tuesday evening.

Buxton have had a strong start to the season too and currently lie third in the table, one point ahead of Mickleover.

They have beaten Radcliffe and Scarborough at home so far and Stalybridge away, plus have drawn at home to Whitby and suffered one defeat so far, 2-1 away to Nantwich.

Strikers James Walshaw and Diego Di Girolamo have both been in prolific form, including FA Cup ties, Walshaw had six goals and De Girolamo seven.

Manager Gary Hayward and assistant Mark Ward have a fairly strong squad. Their goalkeepers are Mark Shenton and Tommy Taylor.

Shenton was signed last year from Chester FC. After a spell of reserves football at FC United of Manchester, he made his non-league name at Ramsbottom United, becoming the club’s leading appearance maker with 279 matches in a five-year stint from 2011. He’s also played for Ashton Utd in 2016, Stalybridge Celtic, and Trafford, moving to Chester in the summer of 2018, making 39 appearances in the truncated 2019/20 season and was voted ‘Players’ Player of the Season’.

Taylor was a junior at Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Garforth Town in 2011. He had stints at AFC Halifax and Brighouse, winning the EvoStik Division One North Young Player of the Year 2014/2015, before signing for Scarborough in 2017. He earned himself a trial period at Rotherham in 2019 and came to Buxton this July.

Left-back Stephen Brogan was another summer signing from Spennymoor Town. He made over 60 first-team appearances for Rotherham Utd, being linked with Premier League sides, before a horrific injury put him on the side-lines for 14 months. After a loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic he went to Alfreton Town in 2011 and earned a call up to the England ‘C’ squad in 2012. Since then he has played for Stalybridge (twice), Guiseley, Forest Green, Southport, Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby United, before Spennymoor Town in 2018 after a short period at Boston United.

Centre-back or right-back suits Connor O’Grady, he signed for Buxton in September last year. An ex Sheffield Wednesday youth player, he signed a pro extension in 2018, before joining Buxton. He was named captain for the first time against Witton Albion in late October 2019, where he turned in a man-of-the-match performance. 

Matt Curley singed in February in a ‘swap’ deal with Hednesford Town and made an immediate impact with a goal on debut against Gainsborough Trinity. Primarily as a right-back, he is a versatile player and has played in various positions for Romulus and Sutton Coldfield, before joining Tamworth in 2017 and then Hednesford Town.

Another summer signing Shane Killock was a Huddersfield Town youth player, but made his debut in non-league for Ossett Albion at a very young age before returning to Huddersfield. He made a couple of first team appearances for the Terriers, then went on loan to Hyde United, Harrogate Town and Oxford United before moving permanently to Oxford in 2009. Another loan at AFC Telford United, led to a move and three-year stint there becoming captain and seeing the club win promotion to the Conference National via the play-offs. He moved to Harrogate Town in 2012 for three seasons, then Hyde United, Guiseley, Bradford Park Avenue and Alfreton last year.

A powerful defender signed from Barrow this summer, Josh Granite started his career at Woodley Sports and played for Sheffield and Hallam Universities before signing for Mossley. He then joined Trafford, before moving on to Ashton United I and then Barrow, where he was made he was club captain as they regained their league status in 2020 as winners of the Conference National League.

Matthew Kilgallon is a vastly experienced centre-back with over 300 Premiership and Football League appearances. He was signed from Indian side Hyderabad in August, but played junior football at York City before signing for Leeds United aged 12, before making 80 first team league appearances at Elland Road A near 2-million-pound transfer took him to Sheffield United in 2007 then joined Sunderland in January 2010, where he was loaned to Middlesbrough and Doncaster Rovers before signing for Blackburn Rovers in 2013 and Bradford City in 2016. He moved to Hamilton Academicals in the summer of 2018 and Hyderabad in 2019. He also played for England from Under 18s to Under 21s.

James Hurst started at West Bromwich Albion, before moving to Portsmouth on a scholarship in 2008. After a loan in Iceland at iBV he went back to West Brom in 2010, making his first team debut in a League Cup quarter-final at Ipswich Town. He had loans at Blackpool, Shrewsbury (twice), Chesterfield and Birmingham City before returning to Valur in Iceland in May 2013. After a summer with Crawley Town he returned to Iceland again, followed by a loan at Northampton Town. The he played for Hednesford Town, Torquay United, AFC Telford, Guiseley, Dover, Wrexham, Nuneaton Borough, Relling United and, Sutton Coldfield Town with a return to Hednesford Town before signing for the Buxton this summer. He played for England at Under 16s, Under 17s and Under 18s.

Former Wales under 21 international Chris Dawson was Leeds United Academy product, making a number of First team appearances, before joining Rotherham United in 2016. He went on loan to Viking FK in Norway, but following serious injury he signed for Scarborough, helping them win promotion to the Northern Premier League before spending the 2018/19 season at Bradford Park Avenue. He was then loaned to Grantham Town, before returning to Scarborough and was one of three players to make the move from ‘Borough to Buxton in July 2020.

Reece King came from Hednesford Town at the start of the year. He started at Malvern, making over 100 appearances before moving to Gloucester City in 2017. After an initial loan he moved to permanently to Hednesford that same year, after an initial loan, and after a short-spell at Leamington FC returned to Hednesford in August 2019.

Young midfielder signed September last year, Warren Clarke was a Sheffield Wednesday youth product, signing pro with the Owls in 2017, where he stayed for 2 seasons. 

Tom Elliot is another midfielder singed from Hednesford Town in early December 2019. He started at Worksop Town before signing for Nuneaton Town in 2016, moving to Darlington where he made over 40 appearances for ‘The Quakers’ before signing for Hednesford in the summer of 2019. He was the first signing made by Gary Hayward when he joined the Bucks as manager.

A vastly experienced midfielder, Sam Wedgbury was a youngster at Worcester City before a scout took him to Sheffield United in 2006. He had two loan spells, first at Mansfield Town and then in Hungary with Ferencvaros. From Budapest his next stop was Macclesfield Town and after 100 appearances, including earning an England ‘C’ cap, he moved to Stevenage in 2013 and then onto Forest Green Rovers making 76 league appearances and helping the club win promotion to the Football League. He had a season at Wrexham, before joining Chesterfield in 2018 from where the Bucks signed him this summer.

Reece Styche has had an impressive goalscoring record since he started his career at Hednesford in 2006. After a loan period at Bromsgrove he joined Grantham Town, Coalville Town and Shepshed Dynamo. Forest Green Rovers spotted his goal scoring prowess at Chasetown and signed him in 2010. Despite injury he netted 35 times in 107 games for Forest Green before a loan move into the Football League with Wycombe Wanderers. He joined Kidderminster Harrier, then Tamworth, Macclesfield Town, Gateshead, Nuneaton Town, rejoined Tamworth gain, Darlington, followed by Alfreton, Hereford and Bromsgrove before Buxton signed him this summer. He has one England ‘C’ cap but is now a full international with Gibraltar with 7 caps, scoring a goal against Switzerland in a Euro-qualifier in November 2019.

There’s more continental flavour with Diego Girolamo. A former Italian Under 18s, Under 19s and Under 20s international and Sheffield United junior, he came to Buxton in July 2018. After several first team matches for the Blades, his career at Bramall Lane was hindered by an injury picked up on Under 18 International, which ruled him out for nine months in 2013. He was loaned to York City before returning to Sheffield where he scored his first goal for the Blades in a FA Cup tie against Preston North End. Two further loan at York and Northampton Town preceded a move to Bristol City in 2016. He was loaned again to Cheltenham in January 2017, scoring a hat-trick in the EFL Trophy against Leicester City Under 23’s. Then loaned to Chesterfield and Macclesfield Town, where his prolific goal scoring became the highlight of his game.

Another reliable goalscorer, James Walshaw was signed from Scarborough in July. He’s played at Ossett Town, Leek Town, Farsley Celtic, FC Wakefield and Guiseley, gaining England ‘C’ recognition and then a transfer to Darlington. After a spell at Halifax he returned to Guiseley in 2012, moving on to Altrincham, and Harrogate Town before returning to Farsley Celtic and finally Scarborough in November 2017.

Nigerian born Godwin Abadaki was a Rochdale junior who made a few first team appearances, before being loaned to Hyde United, Southport, Stalybridge Celtic and Workington. He also had a youth loan at Huddersfield Town and has played for Northwich Victoria (twice), Ashton United, Nantwich Town, Shaw Lane, and Mossley twice, from where the Bucks signed him this summer.

by Peter Scherer
(Photo by John and Luke Porter taken from Ashton United’s Twitter)

Mickleover secured their first away win of the season in the Northern Premier League, with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ashton United.

Gaffer John McGrath had to make one change from the team that started at the St Albans Cup tie, due to Mason Warren’s suspension.

1-Joe Slinn, 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, John McGrath, Pablo Mills, Jordan Walshaw, Joe Slinn.

Mickleover went into full attack mode from the kick off, with Webb’s left foot cross almost finding Beavon in the box in the first two minutes. Three minutes later the roles were reversed, as Beavon put Webb through, but his shot was easily taken by Ashton’s keeper Dan Eccles.

Six minutes in and Sports had a corner from which Butler rose above the home sides defence to head in for 1-0 to Mickleover.

Bennett was the next to go close, with another header from a testing cross after 11 minutes, before play suddenly changed ends and Ashton had a great chance to equalise, when centre back Joel Bembo Leta was alone on the far post and failed to make contact with the ball.

They soon rued their missed chance as after Bacon played Webb through and his shot was again saved by Eccles, Beavon made it 2-0 on 16 minutes, with a giant leap to send his header deep into the left hand corner of the Ashton net.

After further two minutes Milner almost got a third goal, when his attempt found its way through a host of legs to go just wide of the post.

Mickleover keeper Hawkins had a rare touch when he saved a tame free kick from Millenic Alli, before Sports were back on the attack. Milner and Beavon shared a one two, but on the return Milner was caught in possession.

Into the final third of the first half Ashton had managed a few breaks, but overall it was all Mickleover. Wright had his first crack at goal after 33 minutes, just wide of the top left hand corner, but then Ashton’s Chris Rowney sent a powerful shot just wide of Hawkins top left hand corner five minutes later.

Webb had another half chance before half time and Beavon tried another pass to Webb before the whistle, but that was cut out before it reached its destination, so it remained 2-0 to Mickleover.

Into the second half and it was more of the same, Bacon scuffed an early shot after a pass from Webb and Eccles found himself tested again after 48 minutes by another effort from Webb.

Just after Milner had been yellow carded for a push, Sports were actively seeking a third goal and Bennett provided it with a jinking run into to the heart of the Ashton defence, crashing the ball home from an ever tightening angle after 61 minutes for 3-0.

Three minutes later there was almost a fourth when a poor clearance from Eccles rebounded to Beavon, who then hit the post with his reflex shot.

After Sports keeper had to tip an Ashton shot over, Sports began substitutions, with Satchwell, and McGrath on for Wright and Milner for the last 23 minutes.

Walshaw then came on for Beavon and the final seven minutes and just missed out on a fourth goal for Mickleover when he failed to connect with a Webb cross with four minutes left.

So the whistle went for a positive 3-0 win, which moves them into sixth place in the table, with Tuesday nights visit to Buxton to look forward too.

by Peter Scherer

Hopefully this Saturday’s match at Ashton won’t have the farcical refereeing that ruined the last visit in March, when a stand in referee filled his book with red and yellow cards and handed out one-sided penalty decisions.

The home team have had one win from their five matches, 1-0 at Stafford. They drew at home to South Shields in the League 0-0, before losing 4-0 in the FA Cup and also got a point with a 0-0 at home to Bamber Bridge.

So far they have had four goalkeepers in the squad, but first choice seems to be Greg Hartley. He previously played for Lindsey Wilson, Belhaven University, Chattanooga, Colne, Atherton Collieries, Tadcaster Albion AFC and Oldham Athletic (goalkeeping coach)

Born in Manchester, Hartley progressed through the Manchester City Academy, winning the FA Youth Cup playing alongside Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart during his time there. He spent ten years at City before moving to the US at Georgia Gwinnett and Chattanooga for a further seven. 

Then back to England, joining Oldham Athletic in 2017 where he worked with the Academy and as a goalkeeping coach. He played for Tadcaster Albion and Atherton where he worked under Ashton United manager, Michael Clegg.

Dan Eccles if a former Carlisle junior, who has been at Barrow, Bradford PA, Kendal, Congleton and Chorley, joining Ashton from Ramsbottom last month.

Josh Ollerenshaw started at Oldham, but has visited Mossley, Northwich, Colwyn Bay, Fleetwood, Hyde, Stalybridge, FC United and Altrincham. He’s been at Ashton for two years.

Finally Chris Cheetham, ex Skelmersdale, Burscough, Nantwich, Atherton and Radcliffe, as well as being a qualified coach.

John Lufudu is a versatile defender, previously with Tadcaster Albion, Sheffield FC, and Charlton Town.  He joined Ashton after impressing against the Robins in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round for Tadcaster. He can play on the wing or at the back.

Australian born defender midfielder Stavros Tserpes was at Clitheroe, Radcliffe FC and Newcastle Town, Altrincham, Droylsden, AFC Bournemouth, Accrington and Tranmere Rovers. He has joined the Robins to help increase the defensive numbers and to gain experience off Non-League veteran Michael Raynes.

Experienced defender and coach Michael Raynes was signed in July 2020 after a two-season spell with National League side Hartlepool United, as a 32-year-old journeyman of professional football he joins Ashton with a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as sensational talent. With 497 professional games under his belt including matches in the FA Cup and Championship, is a welcomed addition to both the first team and the coaching staff of Ashton United. He has also played for Stockport County, Scunthorpe United, Rotherham United, Oxford United, Mansfield Town, Carlisle United, Crewe Alexandra and Hartlepool United.

Sam Baird joined the Robins this summer after a successful trial at the club. Defender Sam who won player of the season at Trafford FC last season and has also played for FC United.

Centre back Joel Bembo Leta hails from Burundi, he joined Ashton from Cefn Druids in January, but after starting as an Oldham youth player, he has seen action at Stalybridge, FC United, Altrincham, Mossley, Colwyn Bay, Marine, Buxton, Droylsden, Bangor City and Glossop North End.

An energetic midfielder, Chris Rowney has been an instrumental part of successive promotions at local rivals, Curzon Ashton. He originally debuted for Oldham Athletic during the 2009/10 season, and after stints at Mossley and Woodley Sports, Rowney joined Curzon in the 2012/13 season, where he went on to reach the Final of the Doodson Sports Cup. During his time, the midfield man made 296 appearances at Curzon, scoring 13 goals during that period.

John Pritchard is another midfielder, he returned to Ashton United after his first stint during the 2017/18 season. In his first season with the Robins, he showed his talent from dead-ball situations, even winning the club’s Goal of the Season award following an audacious 30-yard strike against Warrington Town. He joined Ashton following his time at Chester, where he scored 2 goals in 13 appearances, having also played for Oldham Athletic, FC United, Trafford, New Mills and Ramsbottom.

Liam Tomsett began his career with Blackpool. The midfielder made his first-team debut in the third round of the 2010–11 FA Cup, against Southampton in 2011 and made an impression that season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year. After multiple loan and permanent moves, he signed for Ashton United in 2017 after leaving local rivals Curzon Ashton. He scored 5 goals in 38 games during Ashton United’s 2018/19 Vanarama National League North campaign.

Former Burnley junior Harvey Macadam joined the Robins in February 2019 from Nelson FC. He began his career with Premier League side Burnley but left Clarets to join AFC Fylde’s under 18s moving again to Northwich Victoria. He then joined Nelson FC where the midfielder made a name for himself with his energy and goal scoring ability.

Jake Cottrell came from Chorley in June after six seasons with them.  His experience in midfield is a useful addition to Ashton wealth of midfield players.

Having made his way through Morecambe’s youth ranks Ben Hardcastle was signed by manager Michael Clegg at Pennington and after following him to Atherton LR, he signed for Atherton Collieries for playing over 250 games for and was an essential player for the Colliers, especially in there promotion winning season, being named Division One West Player of the year in his last term. He was Clegg’s first signing under his regime at Ashton.

Sam Sheridan, a veteran of non-league football, joined Ashton United in January 2018 and has been an integral part of the Robin’s midfielder ever since, providing energy and experience. Football is a major part of the Sheridan family, with his uncles being former footballer and current Chesterfield manager John Sheridan and former footballer Darren Sheridan, who played for teams such as Oldham and Wigan Athletic. Sam has also played at New Mills, Buxton, Ashton United, Hyde United, Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic, Stockport County, AFC Telford United.

Yet another midfielder, Michael Brewster signed for Ashton after a short spell with Atherton Colliers making 12 appearances for Atherton.  He has extensive experiences in non-league football with Atherton Colliers, Droylsden FC, Marine, Southport, Northwich Victoria and Shaw Lane.is Almond

Forward

Tom Bentham

Forward

Brad Lynch, another midfielder, joined the Robins this summer after a successful trial. He impressed  at Colne FC where he scored 17 goals in 47 games, having played for Atherton Collieries and been a Blackburn Rovers youth player.

Midfield or striker suits Josh Wilson, he started his career with Northwich, but having played a key role in Chorley’s National League North play-off success, joined Ashton after scoring 14 goals in 33 games for the Magpies. He also played for Vauxhall Motors, Guiseley, Halifax, AFC Fylde and Telford.

Having signed this summer from fellow Northern Premier League Side South Shields striker Millenic Alli began his career at Bury FC and moved to South Shields last summer after impressing in a trial. He failed to break into the first team and spent the end of the season out on loan at Workington before moving to the Robins.

Striker Tom Bentham was the first of the summer signing joining Ashton United to re unite with Manager Michael Clegg, a partnership which brought great success to Atherton Collieries. He has joined the Robin’s in the prime of his career, as a strong centre forward with an eye for a finish he will aim to keep the nets of Hurst Cross bulging. He has plenty of experience in the Northern Premier League and can slot right into Ashton’s attack.

Louis Almond was part of a successful team that over the years represented Lancashire in the County Cup. He signed for Blackburn Rovers, joining their Youth system, before joining Blackpool. He made his first senior appearance for the Seasiders, before being loaned out to numerous club. He has played at Hyde, Cheltenham Town, Barrow, Lincoln City, Hyde, Southport, Tranmere Rovers, York and Chorley.

Finally Lewis Walters is another summer signing. The ex Leeds and Nottingham Forest junior striker, came in from Altrincham, after a loan spell last year. He also played at Barrow, Guiseley, Fylde, Buxton and Trafford.

Kick off as usual is 3pm. 

by Peter Scherer

Pride in defeat was definitely the summing up of Mickleover’s magnificent performance in the FA Cup 3^rd round qualifier at St Albans City.

The main change in John McGrath’s line-up was Curacao international midfielder Kemy Agustien starting in midfield.

The full starting team was 1-Joe Slinn 2-Jake Bennett 3-Alex Morris 4-Kemy Agustien 5-James Butler 6-Phil Watt 7-Mason Warren 8-Andrew Wright 9-Declan Bacon 10-Stuart Beavon 11-George Milner. Subs: Josh Satchwell, Ricky Ravenhill, Jordan Walshaw, Pablo Mills, Paddy Webb, Will Monteiro.

Despite the dampness of the evening, Mickleover showed no fears of their National League South hosts, and were straight on the attack.

Wright’s through ball after two minutes was aiming for Beavon, but as it bogged down it failed to reach its destination.

Only a minute later Milner picked up on some casual defending and earned Sports first corner.

But St Albans showed how dangerous they could be on the break, when after five minutes Bennett was forced to race back to make a critical interception.

Milner was soon in the action again, he halted a Saints attack, only for Shaun Jeffers to fire the free kick well over the bar.

St Albans began to get more into the game and Slinn was called into action when Devante Stanley put a curling free kick in, tipped out for a corner by the Mickleover keeper.

It became end to end for a while, with Wright firing across the face of the goal with no one to receive, while good build from Saints left Josh Bennett’s attempt going out for a corner.

Mickleover were on the break 17 minutes in, but after Agustien’s accuracy had pinpointed Beavon, the strikers run was halted by the linesman’s flag.

The pressure began to build on the Sports defence and after Jeffers had a close range shot tipped over, he followed up with another blocked shot into the crowded box, from the resultant corner.

The deadlock was broken on 24 minutes though when after another corner from the right for St Albans met defender James Kaloczi’s head and it was 1-0 to the hosts.

After a magnificent charge from his own area, Wright put Milner through on goal, but his final touch was easily collected by Michael Johnson in the Saints goal. 

Mickleover’s best chance of an equaliser came after 34 minutes when Bacon was played through on goal, but his effort finished in the side netting.

St Albans were straight back into the attack and only a minute later Kyran Wiltshire put in a low shot, which was deflected out for another corner.

Stanley then had another positive run into the Sports box, but his shot was blocked by Butler, before Zane Banton put a cross inside and the follow up was fired high and wide.

Saints fire power kept the Sports defence under attack until the half time whistle, with another run from Banton being blocked, before Tom Bender shot well wide of the target. Slinn was having to pull out all the stops to keep it at 0-1.

It was another positive start to the second half for Mickleover too, after an early corner for Saints. Beavon had cut inside after collecting the ball to his left, but his cross bounced around on various heads before going wide.

After 51 minutes it finally came, another crowded box saw the ball bouncing around, before it just fell right for Bacon, who hit home at close range for 1-1.

Shortly after the equaliser Webb came on for Wright, but as the hour approached the speedy Banton led another break for the home side, but his shot was well held by Slinn low to his right.

Just after Bacon was booked for a late challenge, Beavon sent him on another run to the edge of the box, but his shot was deflected away by a St Albans defender.

The home side were obviously aware of the time running out and began to up their pace again. Munashe Sundrie’s shot was well held by Slinn, before the Mickleover keeper was in action again, palming away Stanley’s long range effort, before diving onto the loose ball.

St Albans sub Michael Weiss then started to cause trouble for the Sports defence, his 74^th minute cross from the left was cleared for a corner, before he went one on one with Slinn a couple of minutes later, firing over the bar.

Into the final 15 minutes Sports subbed Bacon for Walshaw and the striker was soon in the action, after Warren created space in the middle and sent him on a run, only to be flagged marginally offside.

Sports were still looking for the break that could be decisive, as Sports backline of Bennett, Morris, Butler and Watt, fended off the barrage.

A Kaloczi header was cleared off the line with four minutes on the clock, before three minutes of stoppage time was announced.

Sports held on for magnificent 1-1 draw, which in normal circumstances would have meant a replay back at the Don Amott Arena.

But it was down to a penalty shootout with the home side going first. St Albans scored their first four, before Slinn saved Wiltshire’s effort. Agustien had put Mickleover’s first effort over the bar, before Warren, Milner and Webb all found the back of the net. 

Beavon needed to score to take it into sudden death, but unfortunately Johnson guessed right and the shot was saved, with St Albans taking the win 4-3.

The Sports team did Mickleover proud in a well drilled and positive performance that bodes well for the rest of the Northern Premier League season.

by Peter Scherer

On Tuesday evening John McGrath and his team will be hoping to make history, after they take on National League South team St Albans City in the Third Qualifying round of the FA Cup.

If Sports are successful in their visit to Clarence Park, it will put them into the hat for the Fourth Qualifying round, for the first time in the clubs history.

St Albans have only had three competitive this season, after a string of friendlies. They beat Hampton & Richmond Borough in the League 1-0 and knocked out Hitchin Town in the previous FA Cup round 5-0 at home, before a 1-1 draw with Concord Rangers in the League last Saturday.

In charge since February 2016 manager Ian Allinson played over 300 league games as a player for Colchester United in two spells, and played over 100 games in all competitions for Arsenal. He was also at Stoke City and Luton Town.

During his managerial career, he has managed a number of non-league teams, including Baldock Town, Barton Rovers twice, Harlow Town, Stotfold twice and Boreham Wood twice too, including promotion to the National League in 2014/2015.

Goalkeeper Michael Johnson made 184 appearances for Hitchin Town before signing for Braintree Town at the start of the 2019/2020 campaign. He joined the Canaries from Stotfold in 2014 and signed for the Saints in July 2020.

Defender Devante Stanley previously played for the club during the 2019/2020 pre-season but was unfortunately injured in a friendly at Biggleswade Town.

He came through the Luton Town youth system before becoming a key player at Bedford Town, St Neots Town and Royston prior to joining Biggleswade.

James Kaloczi made his first-team debut in December 2012 during a county cup win over Watford and settled as a midfield player.

Has played for the City Youth and Reserve teams last season and was previously with Harvesters (St Albans) and Boreham Wood Youth.

Having left the Saints in the summer of 2015 to join Dunstable Town as a centre-back, he quickly settled and soon became captain. In March 2016, he re-joined the Saints on dual-registration, and has been back at the Saints since March 2019.

Joy Mukena started his career with Tottenham Hotspur, before moving to Watford in 2017, where he turned professional. The young defender was named on the bench for the senior team’s 4–1 win over Chelsea on 5 February 2018, but was ultimately an unused sub. After his release from Watford in 2019 and signed for Bracknell Town and became a Saints player in August 2020.

Primarily a left back Luke Warner Eley has played at  Dartford, Harrow Borough, Chesham United, St Ives Town, Uxbridge, Royston Town and Leverstock Green before joining St Albans.

In his second spell at the club defender Michael Clark originally joined the Saints from Concord Rangers in December of 2018, making 22 appearances throughout the rest of the season. He left the Saints to re-join Braintree Town for a second spell in August of this year before coming back to the Saints fold in December 2019.

Thomas Joseph “Tom” Bender graduated from Colchester United’s Academy and spent 4 years there before moving to Millwall. He then moved on to Dartford FC for the 2014/2015 season (following a loan spell at Welling United) and Forest Green Rovers, making 10 appearances, before joining the Saints on loan in November 2015.  He came back to the Saints during the 2017/2018 season.

The defender has also represented Wales at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.

Michael Oluwadara Dada (“Dara Dada”) is a central midfielder who joined Staines Town in June 2019, having previously played for Chalfont St Peter, Hertford Town and Berkhamsted. He signed for the Saints in August 2020 following a spell at Isthmian League South Central side Barking FC.

Originated from French-speaking Senegal in West Africa.  Dave Diedhiou ( pronounced “Deejoo”) joined Hendon in 2008, developing into an integral piece of the side that suffered play-off final heartbreak against Dulwich Hamlet at the end of the 2017/2018 season.

The midfielder made almost four hundred appearances during his time with the North London club, scoring 43 goals in the process, before singing for Saints in June 2018.

Creative midfielder David Noble and club captain joined the club in August 2016 as a free agent having been released by Exeter City that summer, with over 300 football league appearances to his name, bringing an abundance of experience and quality to the side.

He began his career began as a trainee at Arsenal winning the FA Youth Cup in 2000 in a man of the match performance. A brief spell at West Ham United and Boston United followed before he moved to Bristol City for £80,000 in January 2006 after enjoying a successful loan spell there. 

On 13 February 2007, he scored against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay. But his most important strikes were the two goals he scored against Rotherham on 5 May 2007 which took Bristol City back into the Championship. Noble also scored in the Championship play-off semi-final against Crystal Palace, when his stoppage-time strike from 30 yards gave Bristol City the advantage going into the second leg.

Following his exploits at Ashton Gate he continued his journey west, joining Yeovil Town on loan in March 2009 before he signed for League One side Exeter City in the following January but was released after the Grecians were relegated in 2012.

He spent two years at Rotherham United before returning to his former club Exeter City in January 2015, having previously made 12 appearances for the Grecians  on-loan with the club for the first half of the 2014-15 season. His contract at St James Park expired in the summer of 2016 making him a free agent.

Kyran Wiltshire joined the Saints in June 2020. The former MK Dons midfielder was ever-present in the Oxford City side in the previous season, with 34 appearances for the Hoops.

He previously experienced success at this level as part of the title-winning Maidenhead United side in 2017.

Munashe Sundire is a versatile and energetic player who can play either full-back or midfield. He has played for Hemel Hempstead Town, Kempston Rovers, Kettering Town and St Ives Town.

Romeo Akinola is an attacking midfielder and was previously part of the Haringey Borough team that made a blistering start to life in the Isthmian Premier 2019/2020 campaign.

He started with five years in the QPR youth teams, thriving under the watchful eye of former City striker Paul Furlong, before going abroad with IFK Ostersund in the Swedish fourth division as part of the highly-regarded ‘League Football Education programme’.

Solomon Nwabuokei is a utility player who signed for the Saints after an impressive season at Biggleswade, which won him the young player of the year award.

Striker Chid Onokwai signed for the Saints from Haringey Borough, having previously played for FC Romania, Kempston Rovers, Aylesbury FC, Aylesbury United, Bowers & Pitsea, and Eton Manor.

Fellow striker Joseph Chidyausiku is an attacking player who has previously played for Chelmsford City, Bradford Park Avenue and Havant & Waterlooville.

Mitchell Weiss played at Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead Town before joining Saints in August 2020. The forward was an integral part of the King’s Langley squad, scoring 41 goals in all competitions.

Having signed for Saints during the summer Shaun Jeffers had come through the youth ranks of Coventry City, before lining-up for a number of Football League sides including Peterborough United, Newport County and Yeovil Town prior to joining Chelmsford City in the summer of 2016. He helped fire the Clarets to the play-offs with 21 goals in 39 games.

His goal scoring exploits helped earn him a transfer to Hertfordshire neighbours Boreham Wood where he made over twenty-appearances in the National League during the 2017-18 campaign. He went on to play forHampton & Richmond Borough on loan, where he notched 6 in 13, and Brackley Town.

He made his mark again after rejoining Chelmsford, with fourteen goals in thirty-two games, including an effort against the St Albans at Clarence Park in November 2019.

Zane Banton completes their line-up, an exciting winger who made four first-team appearances for Luton Town during the 2016/2017 season.

He moved to Clarence Park in March 2017, his third loan in non-league football, having spent time at Evo-Stik League Southern Premier side Biggleswade Town and Hemel Hempstead Town.

He was recalled by Luton prior to the Saints final game of the 2016/2017 season, then released by Luton at the end of their season, before signing a permanent deal for the Saints in June 2017.

Unfortunately the game is behind closed doors, but is due to feature on livestream.

by Peter Scherer
(Photos by Sarah Middleton)

Before arriving at the Don Amott Arena, Warrington had not only won every game, but hadn’t conceded a goal in their Northern Premier League campaign.

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

Warrington started the stronger and went close in the seventh minute when a Josh Amis header from a Michael Rose cross bounced off Slinn before Morris cleared the danger.

Three minutes later Amis had another shot blocked following a Warrington corner, before it was third time lucky for the striker making it 1-0 to the visitors from a Charlie Munro corner, headed down across the goal for Amis to finish, 12 minutes in.

A 15^th minute free kick was from skipper Mark Roberts tried to catch Slinn off his line, but he dealt with it comfortably, before a following shot outside the box from Jack Mackreth was well over.

As Sports were still struggling to get into the game, Slinn was busy again when Warrington’s second corner came in tight from Rose.

The domination continued and Bohan Dixon was next to try his luck, his shot was close to the right hand corner from way out.

With 10 minutes left in the first half, Warrington’s keeper Charlie Albinson had to make his first real save. Bennett and Milner interpassed and it was Bennett’s final header that had the keeper diving at full stretch.

A minute later Mickleover were back on equal terms when Watt connected with a corner, placing his header wide of the keeper 1-1.

But further drama followed when both Warren and Warrington’s Scott Brown were shown red cards after 38 minutes, following a mass brawl.

Both sides had another chance before the half time whistle though, Rose put Jack Dunn through for Warrington who shot just over and Webb had almost broken through for Sports, before Roberts stopped him with a last ditch tackle.

Initially the second half started off in a similar vain to the first, with a Mackreth cross providing attempts for Warrington from both Dunn and Dixon, before Watt was forced to make a goal line clearance after 50 minutes, deflecting a Rose cross away from Amis.

But Mickleover started to come into the game more and after creating his own space, Beavon had a good attempt saved by Albinson.

Four minutes later Webb had a shot deflected away for a corner by Matt Regan.

The attacks continued to flow and after a piercing ball through the middle split the Warrington defence, a series of headers weren’t dealt with and the ball fell to Bacon with just the keeper to beat, which he did admirably with a shot into the left hand corner for 2-1 on the hour.

Ravenhill came on for Webb and Beavon set Bacon up for another chance, saved this time by Albinson.

Amis tried a chip with Slinn out of his goal but failed to challenge the Mickleover keeper, but with 10 minutes on the clock it became 3-1 to Sports when Beavon caught out the Warrington keeper with a classy chip.

It could easily have been 4-1 when Bacon was next to try and chip Albinson, after a Regan mistake left the keeper vulnerable. The chip succeeded but the ball hit the post.

Walshaw came on for Beavon for the last 10 minutes but in injury time Jordan Buckley managed to pull one back for Warrington.

An outstanding result for Sports and sends them into tomorrow nights FA Cup tie at St Albans on a high.