by Peter Scherer

Alex Morris was another close season signing at Mickleover FC, a solid defending left back, with a flair for the overlap.

As a kid it was always my dream to become a professional footballer. I have no regrets over it not happening, as I love playing non-league football, and really enjoy my job as a PE teacher, so wouldn’t change a thing.

Hailing from the Potteries, Alex’s talents were soon spotted by one of his two main local league clubs, Port Vale.

I was nine when I was scouted in a game with my local club. There is still a group of about eight of us who had been together at the club from nine to 18 years of age. Some of them are still playing there now and we are all close mates and talk everyday still.

Although primarily a left wing back, did he ever have aspirations to play elsewhere?

Yes, I would love to say I played up front, but I can’t score for the life of me. l always liked getting forward and contributing with a few assists, but I take most pride in keeping clean sheets. Defending is the first job, if I can go forward and attack, that’s a bonus.

But away from football what does he like doing? 

Anything that involves sport, meeting up with my mates at the pub and seeing as much of the world as possible. All of which has not been happening recently.

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

Massively yes. We’ve got a great group of lads and that’s reflected with how well we’ve been playing.

So what do you normally do before a match?

I’m working normally, but then usually chill out on the Friday evening. It’s the only time my girlfriend sees me over the weekend, so I tend to stay in.

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

It’s my first season up at this level, so I didn’t really know what to expect.  We did well in pre-season, so knew we wouldn’t be far off. We will give it a good go next season for sure!

So what have you missed most during Lockdown’s?

Normal weekends. I love waking up on a Saturday morning, watching soccer am with a couple of oat cakes, then head off to the football.

What are your fondest memories from your career so far?

I’ve had a few good ones. We went on a good FA Cup run while I was at Kidsgrove, but I love nothing more than winning a Derby game, or beating one of my old clubs.

by Peter Scherer

Phil Watt was one of the summer signings for Mickleover FC and quickly established himself as a solid and reliable defender, goalscorer and proud Yorkshireman.

We got married three years ago in Las Vegas, I absolutely love travelling. We have a six year old daughter and a baby on the way in June.

I’m a self-employed personal trainer, doing online coaching and classes to help people stay motivated, keeping the mind and body healthy.

Had he always hoped to be a footballer?

Yeah, always dreamed of either being a footballer also a cowboy when I was a kid.

Born and bred in Rotherham, Phil joined his local club as a youngster.

I was with them from eight or nine years, they scouted me when we played a five a side tournament at Millmoor (Rotherham Utd’s old ground) with my school, which we went on to win.

Playing centre back now, but as he always played there?

I actually started as a centre forward, then played at the back a few games and ended up staying there.

But as a defender he has also scored some valuable goals this season.

I always like to chip in with a goal or two. My best tally in a season was nine, but with the quality of the lads taking set pieces here, I was hoping I would get to the 10 goal mark this season. Nearly half way there already and just hope we get to carry on.

Away from his football Phil has been a successful fitness trainer for a number of years.

I’ve been doing it over 13 years and I enjoy every moment of it. There’s not a better feeling than to help people achieve what they’ve always wanted and transform their lives.

It helps me with my football too and keeps me on top of my fitness when I am not playing.

So has he helped train anyone famous?

Yes I train Paralympic Table Tennis Gold Medal Olympian Will Bayley who was also on Strictly Come Dancing.

He has also been doing his bit with the rest of the Mickleover squad too during the Lockdown’s.

Yes we have been doing zoom sessions twice a week and the lads and to be fair the gaffer too, are all looking really fit. So I’m always making sure I’m finding ways to push them to their limits and take it to another level.

We want to be ready for when we get out of Lockdown and if we get the season restarted soon, if not we’ll be looking great on the beach.

Does he have a pre-match routine?

I would normally be quite busy working and putting people through fitness sessions before the weekend. Then Friday night disco with my daughter, you want to stay quite chilled, but a six year old won’t allow that.

After such a successful start to the year, as it come as a surprise?

Yes and no. With the quality of the lads and coaches here, I’m not surprised to see us doing so well.

I wouldn’t have thought we would be top with some of the teams and the budgets they’ve got in this league. It just shows though, if you have the quality and the hard work it goes a long way.

All footballers have a fondest memory, so what’s Watty’s?

Probably scoring the winning goal for Belper Town in the play-off final, unfortunately that was against Mickleover.

This is our first memorable match story from Dave Kelsey, and we look forward to hearing from more of you.

The Great Escape
Bamber Bridge v Mickleover Sports – 27^th April 2019

By Dave Kelsey

I am a volunteer at Mickleover FC and have been involved with the Club since 2014.My duties as a volunteer have covered just about everything from helping with hospitality through to assisting in the Car Park, helping with the programme and running the turnstile. I have been a Non-League fan for many years and really enjoy the camaraderie that exists at this level of football. The matchday experience is first class and Mickleover FC is a great place to enjoy your football.

My favourite matchday memory comes from 2019 and was the final game of the season. It had been a tough campaign with Sports battling for most of the season to avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League. With two of the three relegation places already decided (North Ferriby had unfortunately folded and Workington had two few points) it was a straight fight between Mickleover Sports and Marine to avoid the dreaded drop. The situation was pretty stark – Marine had to lose their game at Farsley Celtic and Sports had to win away at Bamber Bridge.

So, onto the day of the match. The Chairman had arranged for the players and management to travel on a luxury coach to help with preparation for the game. A good number of supporters joined them with another minibus (not so luxurious) carrying the rest of the Sports faithful.

It was a bleak rainy day in Lancashire that greeted us when we arrived at the Brigg, home of Bamber Bridge. Whilst the players prepared for the game the travelling support prepared by quaffing ale in various local hostelries – much needed to calm the nerves of course!

Finally, 3.00PM arrived and what happened over the next couple of hours will live in the memory for many years. Bamber Bridge started the brighter of the two teams and Sports were struggling to get a foothold in the game. 

However, as the half went on the game became more even with few chances for either team to make a breakthrough. The game was approaching half time when news came through that Marine had just gone 1-0 down at Farsley which brought a cheer among the Sports supporters. 

The first part of the great escape was happening but the fact of the matter was that Sports still needed to win their own game to survive. In the 42^nd minute disaster struck! Bamber Bridge had a dangerous free kick which was floated into the box. The Sports keeper Lewis King came out to punch the ball clear but Danny Forbes got in just before him to place his header into the bottom corner – 1-0 to Bamber Bridge. The referee blew for half time and the reality was starting to sink in – Sports were on the brink of relegation.

Manager John McGrath must have given some team talk at Half Time as Sports started the second half really positively. In addition, John had made a substitution at the break bringing on forward Shaquille McDonald – what an inspired substitution this would prove to be! The game ebbed and flowed with Sports having slightly the upper hand. We were now nearly half an hour into the second half and the scores remained the same in both games. Then Jake Scott dribbled into the box and was brought down by a defender – penalty to Sports! Up stepped substitute McDonald to take the spot kick and with no fear blasted the ball down the middle of the goal. Joy (and relief) among the travelling supporters was greeted with further good news – Marine were now 2-0 down so one more goal could do the miracle for Sports.

There was now just 5 minutes to go and hope was turning towards despair as the scores remained the same. With just a few minutes of the season left we were going down! But then up stepped that man McDonald again. Sports won a free kick just outside the box. Shaquille whipped in a shot that the keeper could only parry and the ball went straight to Evan Garnett who from a very tight angle stuck the ball in the bottom corner. The Sports supporters went wild celebrating the goal – the great escape was now on!

We reached the 90 minute mark and then played nearly 5 minutes of injury time during which Bamber Bridge went close on a couple of occasions. Finally, after what felt like hours the Referee blew the final whistle! Mickleover Sports had beaten the drop. The scenes were fantastic – players and managers were in a heap on the pitch and the supporters were dancing with joy! I remember texting family members to give them the great news when a Facebook notification came through from Mickleover Sports. It simply said ‘WE’VE DONE IT!’ That’s when it became very emotional!

Having watched football for nearly 50 years I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything like this. It will always be my favourite footballing moment.

by Peter Scherer

Top of the League is what all football managers dream of, but only some experience it.

Mickleover gaffer John McGrath takes a look at the present situation.

When we came back to play the Radcliffe game before Christmas, I was optimistic that the season would be able to carry on and finish. But then we had Christmas, new guidelines and we just have to wait to see if the league have any ideas.

Various suggestions have been made about continuing, but with no imminent review due, the future is far from clear.

Split regions, points per game averages have all been discussed.

Whatever happens the pride of topping the league stands prominent.

We have been shooting way above our level, as one of the bottom six or seven budget wise in the whole league.

I wouldn’t have replaced any of the players this year though, as it’s a good blend of youth and experience with a good work rate.

Everyone’s contracts end in May and I am in talks with them all to confirm they will stay with us.

Whether we play again this season or not, it will hopefully be my easiest pre-season yet and I think as a club we are in the best position now since we came here.

by Peter Scherer

Table toppers Mickleover FC were finally back in NPL action after a six weeks gap, but despite the 4-1 win against Radcliffe, it was the referee that became the main talking point.

There were two changes from the team that went down to Hitchin in the FA Trophy, as Paddy Webb was back in to lead the attack and there was a start too for Ben Gowing, as captain Mason Warren was missing.

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-Ben Gowing. Subs: Joe Slinn, Aman Verma, Pablo Mills, Ricky Ravenhill, Declan Bacon.

Radcliffe had the first attack of the game with Akpa-Akpo getting an early shot on goal, following up with another attempt just wide after three minutes, as Mickleover had some difficulty clearing their lines.

Milner had an early shot just over the bar, before Gowing found his header blocked after seven minutes, earning a corner.

There seemed to be an excessive amount of throws and free-kicks in Radcliffe’s favour, which kept the Mickleover defence busy.

But once the home side got a break they began to look increasingly dangerous and in the 16^th minute a Milner run gave Webb a chance to break, resulting in a free kick after being elbowed aside by Radcliffe’s Thornley.

Beavon then latched onto a clearance from a failed Radcliffe attack too, outstripped the defenders and shot just wide.

The attacks were coming thick and fast and a long overlap from Bennett took him into the Radcliffe area, before his attempt to shoot was finally blocked.

A few minutes later Milner was first in the referee’s book after catching a Radcliffe player’s ankle from behind. 

But it was after a 27^th minute free kick was earned when Beavon was hauled back just outside the box by Thornley. There was no booking from the inconsistent official, but Agustien’s free kick caused consternation in the Radcliffe box. The initial kick nearly found its way into the net, but as it came back out Watt was on hand to head it home 1-0. 

Beavon was next on the charge, but was taken down by Swaby-Neavin just outside the box, but Radcliffe had a chance of an equaliser after 35 minutes, when Navarro went close.

Lenighan was the first Radcliffe player in the book after taking Agustien’s legs in a horrendous two footed tackle from behind.

But it could easily have been two for Mickleover after 41 minutes, when some good interplay between Milner and Webb, saw the latter fire just over the bar.

So at half time it was 1-0 and one each in the referee’s book.

The second half started with some early pressure from the Sports attack. Beavon was fouled again just outside the box after 49 minutes, with Agustien’s free kick bouncing off the wall, before Gowing’s shot on the rebound was blocked.

But after 50 minutes the referee was probably the only person in the ground that thought that striker Owens hitting the deck unchallenged after running into Morris, actually deemed a penalty.

Owens put the penalty passed Hawkins, before the referee added to his Christmas list with more yellow cards.

The anger at such a ridiculous decision, which the ref’s assistant had seen clearly but refused to intervene, played with havoc with the Mickleover game plan, and for a while they were under serious threat.

But the book was out again when Hawkins, who was kicked on the back of his leg by a Radcliffe striker and found himself on the refs growing list too for protesting.

With an hour gone it was yellow cards eight and 1-1 on goals, a sad indictment on a scrappy game. When Beavon was fouled there was no free kick, minutes later Butler was in the book for a less aggressive tackle right in front of the same linesman, who had failed to intervene on the farcical penalty decision too.

Returnee Bacon came on for Webb and the game had briefly settled down until Lenighan picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Milner and was heading home early.

In the 75^th minute Mickleover finally broke the deadlock, when Bacon collected the ball midway into the visitors half, picked his spot and fired a cracking shot into the bottom left hand corner, 2-1.

But having tired of yellow cards the ref added to his red collection, when Milner joined Lenighan in the dressing room, despite having clearly pulled out of the offending challenge.

With Verma on for Agustien, skipper Wright continued to drive his men forward and with Bennett and Morris still working well on the overlap and Butler and Watt solid in the middle.

It was one of Bennett’s run that took him into the area with three minutes of normal time left. He was tripped in the box and Wright safely tucked away the following penalty 3-1.

It was into time added on that Bacon then found himself with the ball in the box unmarked. Radcliffe keeper Belford tried to tackle him, but the resulting push and trip not only earned another penalty but sent Belford back to the dressing room too.

Owens donned the keeper’s shirt to face Bacon’s penalty, but it was 4-1 to Mickleover as the final whistle soon followed.

Although it was a good home win, nine yellow cards and two reds for our visitors and one red and a handful of yellows for Sports bore more of a reflection on the official’s incompetence than any real malice from either side. 

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

by Peter Scherer

Just when we thought there was to be no football until after Christmas, further changes in the Covid regulations now mean we are hosting Radcliffe FC at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday.

This will be Sports first league match since the thrilling 4-0 away win at Nantwich that took them to the top of the NPL.

Radcliffe, from Greater Manchester currently lie 15^th in the NPL, with three wins and a draw from their eight games.

Of their five home games they have won against Gainsborough and Bamber Bridge, but their biggest scalp so far has been beating South Shields away in early October.

They are managed by ex Welsh under 21 midfielder Lee Fowler, who played league football with Coventry City and Huddersfield, as well as serving locally with Burton Albion and managing Ilkeston Town.

Fowler’s assistant is the former Liverpool and England under 21 midfielder David Thompson, who played over 230 league games in his career.

Experienced goalkeeper Cameron Belford started his career at Coventry City, before a spell at Bury followed a number of loans. He lists Wrexham and Stranraer among his former clubs and came to Radcliffe from FC United at the beginning of this season.

Belford’s deputy is academy graduate Joey Oldham, who is yet to make his first team debut.

Central defender Jo Cummings is another new signing. The former Sheffield United junior, made one first team appearance for Charlton in the EFL Cup before joining Scunthorpe.  He was loaned to Radcliffe last season, but made his move permanent in June.

Full back Raheem Hanley is well travelled. After junior football with Manchester United, Blackburn and Swansea, he joined Northampton and Halifax. In March last year he joined Welsh Club Connahs Quay and has since been at Chorley, Hereford and Mossley, before arriving at Radcliffe in January.

Similarly to Hanley, fellow full back Tom Miller has seen the football world, from League two to Scottish Division Two to the League of Ireland. He was a junior at Ipswich, Norwich and Glasgow Rangers, and during the last spell was loaned to Brechin City. He then played for Dundalk, Newport County, Lincoln City, Carlisle and Bury, before coming to Radcliffe in October from Fylde.

Luis Morrison was born in Derbyshire, but the former Arsenal and Stevenage junior has travelled far and wide too. He has played in Sweden and Finland, as well as Maidenhead, Grays, Hereford, Canvey Island, Farnborough, Concorde Rangers, Altrincham and Alfreton, before playing at Nuneaton Borough last season. The central defender was a summer signing for Radcliffe and also appeared on the first series of Love Island.

Former England under 19 and C International Curtis Obeng is another new signing. He played in the FA Youth Cup Final for Manchester City, but after his release he spent three years at Wrexham. Having signed for Swansea in 2009, the full back was loaned to various clubs, before joining Macclesfield, and moving on via Altrincham, Solihull Moors and Nuneaton Borough.

Although British born central defender Jack Shiels has played most of his football in the US. He came to Radcliffe in July from Furman Paladins, a US University team, having also played for Greenville and University of West Alabama.

Defender Oliver Thornley has recently arrived from Curzon Ashton, where he had been a product of the clubs youth scheme.

Attacking midfielder Larnell Cole played for England under 19’s and 20’s during his spell with Manchester United Academy. He moved to Fulham in 2014 and made his Premiership debut, before being loaned to MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He then came to Radcliffe recently after spells at Tranmere and FC United.

Matty Crothers is the team captain and longest serving player. The central midfielder is another ex Curzon Ashton player.

Another wide midfielder or winger Rhain Hellewell has spent most of his career in the North West. From Stockport Town and Chester, he has also played for Widnes, before joining FC United last year and then Radcliffe pre-season.

Simon Lenighan is an experienced midfielder who came from Buxton during the summer. The former Leeds United junior had numerous loans before being released in 2014, and has since played for Harrogate, Alfreton, Frickley, Rotherham, Warrington and many more, before spending last season at Buxton.

Irish midfielder Darren McKnight started his career as a Barnsley Junior. After a spell at Shrewsbury, he joined Morecambe in 2016, before moving on to Stalybridge, Bamber Bridge, Hyde, New Mills and then Radcliffe in January this year.

Luca Navarro is another midfielder. He started off at Bolton Wanderers, before spells with Hull City and Bamber Bridge. He was at Buxton before joining Radcliffe.

Another summer signing is Welsh midfielder Jonathan Royle. During his early career at Wrexham, he was loaned to Colwyn and Hednesford, before joining Southport in 2016. A further loan at Telford became permanent, but after three years in Shropshire he headed for Radcliffe.

Louis White came from Hyde in February, but the former Rochdale junior midfielder hasn’t appeared yet this season.

Striker Jean Louis Akpa-Apro started playing for his home team of Toulouse, before moving to Stade Brest and FC Brussel in Belgium. He came to England with Grimsby Town in 2008, moving on to Rochdale, Tranmere, Bury, Shrewsbury, Barnet and Yeovil. Then went to the UAE with Masfout in 2019. He came back to the UK with Oldham, before arriving at Radcliffe in March, he has already scored six goals this season.

Bermudan striker Kole Hall has also found the net four times this season. He played his youth football in Bermuda, before joining Tranmere Rovers and was signed pre-season.

Khius Metz is an Irish striker, signed in July after a spell in Burnley’s Academy. After a loan at Chorley he was released from Turf Moor and has spent the last two seasons at Irlam.

Former Liverpool Junior striker Andy Owens has joined from Welsh league side Airbus. He has scored four goals so far too and played with Stoke City and Stafford Rangers following his release. He has moved around the North West mainly, with Rhyl, Accrington, Mansfield, Southport, Telford, Barrow, Stockport, Marine, Stalybridge, Skelmersdale, Altrincham and Connah’s Quay. He also made two England C appearances in 2012.

Kick-off is at 7.45 with no away fans allowed. The crowd number is restricted to 300, so its first come first served. The clubhouse has to remain closed, but beer is available in the fanzone.

This Saturday’s game against Radcliffe is going ahead!

Due to COVID restrictions there will be a maximum of 300 home fans only, with no Away fans.

Please get down early if you want to cheer on The Sports as it will be a first come, first serve basis.

#GetBehindTheSports

by Peter Scherer

Sitting top of the NPL but a month without a game, Mickleover FC headed to Hitchin Town for last night’s FA Trophy, with high hopes of further progression in the competition.

With Paddy Webb unavailable the 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-Aman Verma 10-Stuart Beavon 11-Mason Warren. Subs-Joe Slinn, Bobby Battisson, Josh Satchwell, Pablo Mills, Ben Gowing. 

Mickleover started brightly and won a corner in the opening minute, before an Agustien cross found Beavon in the box five minutes later.

Agustien and Wright then worked together, which ended with the ball crossing the face of the Hitchin goal with no one to connect.

Although Hitchin won an 11^th minute corner, it was still Mickleover on top and when Verma was fouled in the centre circle, Warren almost found his way through the hosts defence.

Hitchin were awarded a free kick after 16 minutes, but wasn’t clear what for, but it was easily dealt with by the Mickleover defence.

Although Hitchin were starting to get into the game more, Mickleover were still on top and on the 20 minute mark Beavon’s attempt was just wide from a Verma cross.

Agustien followed up with a shot that earned another corner and seven minutes later Beavon shot just wide of the left hand post, after Wright had crossed from the left.

Just after Hitchin’s Luke Brown had a point blank shot saved by Hawkins, he was on hand to open the scoring against the run of play, in the 25^th minute, after a free kick from Ben Walster on the halfway, found captain Dan Webb, whose flick was headed home by Brown 0-1.

Hitchin went close again a couple of minutes later, firing just wide, before Wright made a customary charge upfield and earned another corner for Mickleover.

Now pushing for an equaliser, Butler sent Bennett on an overlapping run and his cross earned another corner, before Wright picked up a Beavon cross on 38 minutes, only for his attempt to be blocked.

Although Mickleover had fought their way back into the game, Hitchin’s Callum Stead continued to threaten on his runs on the defence and beat Butler on his right, before his shot was saved.

As half time approached Beavon got a cross in from the left to Milner, but again his shot was blocked, but Agustien then went close with a blistering shot through a crowed goal area, well saved by Hitchin keeper Charlie Horlock.

Hawkins had to make another save from Stead and Verma’s attempt at the other end was easily taken by Horlock.

But with time added on an attempt from Layne Eadie was cleared off the line, but when Stead had the legs of Butler again on the left, Brown was in the middle to make it 0-2 with his second goal of the game.

It was a disappointing second 20 minutes for Mickleover, who lost their flow and desperately seemed to missing a target man up front.

The defence were allowing Stead and Brown to outrun them and going in two goals down had paid the consequences.

There had oddly been early signs of time wasting by the hosts, which the referee failed to pick up on, keeper Horlock being particularly guilty, re-siting free-kicks etc  on a number of occasions.

Mickleover again started the second half on the attack, with Wright crossing the face of the goal again, with no one there to receive, as both Verma and Beavon failed to connect.

Beavon then showed some of his trickery until his legs were taken beneath him, his word in the referee’s ear then earned him a yellow card in another strange decision.

With temperatures already very low the rain got heavier too, but the natural flow of the Mickleover side just wasn’t happening despite the efforts of all concerned.

Agustien had a curling free kick saved and just after the hour Morris put a cross in which Butler headed just wide.

The time wasting was worsening as Hitchin were taking an average of 40-50 seconds to take a free-kick, with no action from the referee except to reprimand Mickleover players who brought it to his attention.

Brown went close again after 68 minutes, but only had to wait another four minutes for his hattrick. Stead was again free to run at the defence, who stood off him, before Brown was able to pick his spot giving Hawkins no chance 0-3.

Milner and Wright had both run themselves into the ground but to no avail and despite brining on Gowing, Mills and Battisson for Agustien, Milner and Warren, it remained 0-3 with Mickleover going out of their second cup competition with visits to Hertfordshire.

by Peter Scherer

It’s been a month since the last NPL match that took Mickleover to the top of the league, but on Tuesday the team are finally back in action with their away FA Trophy cup tie at Southern Premier Division Central Club Hitchin Town.

The Canaries are currently 10^th in the league, with three wins from their seven games. They too have been recently out action, but played Colchester Under 23’s last Thursday, drawing 2-2 after leading 2-0.

With League games suspended again, they also played local neighbours Harefield on Saturday morning too, wining 5-1, with two goals from Callum Stead and one each for Steve Cawley, Luke Brown and Ptrtick Ziddane.

They have a fairly large squad, so we will take a brief look at what we are up against.

Goalkeeper Charlie Horlock started at Wycombe Wanderers before spells at Stevenage U18s, Harrow Borough and Hendon.

He was signed from Wycombe in November 2014, making 87 appearances in what was initially a loan deal. After two seasons he went to Eastbourne Borough, but after one year moved on to Hastings United in late 2017, returning to Hitchin for the 2019/20 season, and is Mark Burke’s first choice this season.

Second choice keeper is Josh Mollison, who had impressed in Hitchin’s FA Youth Cup campaign of 2017/18, before spending most of last season on loan at Biggleswade United and Barton Rovers.

Kyle Tearle is a versatile 17-year-old from the Club’s Academy, who initially broke into the first team towards the end of the 2019/20 season and could feature more regularly this campaign. Mainly played as a right back but can also play in central midfield.

An experienced left back or left sided centre back, Ben Walster initially joined the Canaries from MK Dons in 2014, making 35 appearances in his first season.

After three seasons he left for Chesham United and also had spells at Biggleswade United and Cambridge City before returning to Hitchin Town in the summer of 2019.

Central midfielder Josh Coldicott-Stevens began his career with Hertfordshire rivals Boreham Wood in 2016, before going on loan to St. Neots Town and Kings Langley in the 2016/17 season.

His stay at Kings Langley became permanent and he spent two seasons there before signing for the Canaries mid-way through the 2019/20 season.

Hitchin captain Dan Webb is an experienced centre back in his ninth season at Hitchin heading for his 400th appearance for the Club.

Fan favourite “Webby”  joined Hitchin Town in 2012 after being spotted playing for Shefford and Campton FC and has gone on to score 31 goals from centre back.

Right back Sam Okoye-Ahaneku  came from Wingate & Finchley in October. The former Arsenal schoolboy impressed straight away on his Hitchin debut against Leiston.

Alex Marsh is an attacking midfielder or right winger who spent four seasons playing for Biggleswade FC before signing for Hitchin Town at the start of the 2019/20 season. He scored 32 goals in the 2018/19 season for Biggleswade.

Laurie Marsh is Alex’s twin brother and is a right sided defensive midfielder or centre back. He arrived from Biggleswade too after four seasons there, making a total of 105 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals.

Nikolay Rusev is a central midfielder who can also play as a right-back. He played for the Under 18’s in the FA Youth Cup before breaking into the first team in pre-season.

Jhai Dhillon progressed through Chelsea’s youth ranks as a left back, after his journey in football began winning Chelsea’s Asian Soccer Star competition back in 2009. He left the Blues at 16 before captaining Stevenage at both Under-16 and Under-18 level.

He had a couple of seasons at Hitchin but struggled to break into the first team, moving on to Royston Town, Barton Rovers, Slough Town, Redditch United and Chesham United. He came back at Top Field for a second spell last year, playing mostly as a left winger as well as filling in at left back.

Midfielder Max Ryan was a Watford Academy player until 2018. He moved onto to Kings Langley for a spell, before arriving at Hitchin in January last year.

In his fourth season at the club Jack Green is a full back or wide midfielder, who started out at St. Albans City in 2014, making 38 appearances for the National League side. He came to Hitchin after a year at Dunstable Town.

Striker Callum Stead was signed from Welwyn Garden City after scoring 11 goals last season, including a goal and four assist in Welwyn’s 5-0 win against the Canaries in the Southern League Cup. He has already made an impressive start to life at Top Field, regularly finding the back of the net.

Luke Brown is the son of former Canary Stuart Brown, who played at Top Field in the Early 1990’s. Starting as a Cambridge City junior, he went to play University football in the USA where he represented the University of Maryland.

The attacking midfielder or striker returned to England in late 2019, playing for Soham Town Rangers and Ely City. He top-scored in pre-season and will take on a shot from anywhere.

Striker, midfield or winger, Marcus Goldbourne was a junior at Stevenage, but was released in 2019 after a loan at Dunstable.

He tried his look in Sweden with Ytterhogdal, before returning to the UK to sign for Hitchin in July.

Patrick Ziddane Gourgel Sequeira started out in the Sporting Lisbon Academy. He is a striker with an excellent technique and not afraid to take a pot on goal, having scored on his debut in a friendly against Harpenden.

Full back Daniel Akubuine is an experienced right back, and after starting off at Kettering, he had spells at Nuneaton, Oxford City and Hayes & Yeading, before spending over two years with Skelleftea in Sweden. He returned to the UK in 2018, spending a year each at Kempston Rovers and Berkhamsted. He signed for Hemel in July came to Hitchin on a dual registration in October.

An out-and-out left-back Layne Eadie began at Biggleswade United, and had spells with Barton Rovers, Leighton Town and St. Neots Town. He was signed from St Albans last season and also had four years at Harlow and a spell at Wingate & Finchley.

Lewis Barker started out with Baldock Town, making over 200 appearances in his six seasons there. A strong, no-nonsense defensive midfielder who rarely loses an aerial battle. He was signed at the start of the 2019/20 season and is a regular in the centre of midfield.

Rio Da Silva is a right back, winger or attacking midfielder who started out at the Luton Town Academy before spending four years at Chelsea. Following his release he spent a year at Dunstable Town before joining Hitchin in July last year.

A young central midfielder, Ryan Smith started off at Northampton Town as an 18-year-old first year scholar in July 2018. He came to Hitchin on a work experience loan deal in February 2020 and has rejoined following his release from the Cobblers. 

Steve Cawley joined the Canaries on loan from Hemel Hempstead Town last season after spells playing for Bishop’s Stortford and Concord Rangers, where he spent five years, before making his stay permanent for this season. He has made over 250 career appearances scoring over 100 goals.

Our hosts have also recently signed defender Harley Sule after a recent trial. He is better known as part of the Rizzle Kicks, who had chart topping success back in 2011. 

Other players who have appeared for the Hitchin first team this season include, Gambian born ex West Brom and Stevenage Junior striker Bunja Conteh, striker Timmy Samuel Alase, Jonas Kalenda, Adeboyin Sanni and Dan Sears