Mickleover Sports will play Burton Albion in a pre-season friendly at the Don Amott Arena on Wednesday 24 July, KO 7:45pm.

Our Chairman, Don Amott, would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Burton Albion, they are great friends of our club!

Everybody at Mickleover Sports Club would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everybody involved and the club and all the supporters for your loyal support.

Bring on next season in the NPL Premier Division!

#SportsRising

Bamber Bridge 1-2 Mickleover Sports
Saturday 27th April 2019
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

It was a day of every emotion possible for everyone connected at Mickleover Sports as goals from Shaquille McDonald and Evan Garnett, coupled with Marine losing at Farsley Celtic, ensured Mickleover Sports came from behind to survive on the final day of the season.

Sports line up with Lewis King in goal. A back four of Jake Scott, Durrell Barry, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. A midfield four consisted of James Baxendale, John McGrath, Ricky Ravenhill and Jimmy Phillips. Up front were Evan Garnett and Pablo Mills. On the bench was Karol Tvaroh, Adam Prusa, Shaquille McDonald, Jack Walsh and Will Norcross.

It was a fairly even first half period but it was Bamber Bridge who went ahead a few minutes before half time. A free kick was floated nicely into the box and as Lewis King came flying out of goal to punch it, in came Danny Forbes to head into the bottom left corner.

At half time the message came through that Farsley Celtic were beating Marine 1-0. So John McGrath decided to take off Ricky Ravenhill and bring on striker Shaquille McDonald to add more attacking flair. This did the trick as about 74 minutes in to the match Sports were awarded a penalty after Jake Scott was brought down on the edge of the box. McDonald showed nerves of steel as he powered the ball down the middle into the roof of the net to set up a tense finish.

Sports knew now that with Farsley beating Marine 2-0 and down to 10 men that a winner would keep them in the Premier Division. That all important goal came six minutes from time through striker Evan Garnett. A Shaquille McDonald free kick was whipped in over the bar and the Bridge keeper palmed the ball straight into the path of Garnett who slotted in under the keeper and into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands.

After a nervous and anxious final few minutes which included Bridge sending their keeper up for a free kick in stoppage time, despite not having anything to play for, the final whistle brought scenes of joy and jubilation among players, coaches, officials and fans alike as Sports had done it. Thanks to Marine losing, Sports got the win they needed t stay a Step 3 club for another season.

So this is it. After 39 games it all comes down to a Saturday afternoon in Preston as Sports know the odds are stacked against them heading into the final day of the season. With our hosts now safe from relegation Sports know they MUST win the game and hope they either Marine lose away to Farsley Celtic and/or Stalybridge Celtic draw or lose at home to Grantham Town. It’s out of their hands but it matter now unless Sports go and win their own game.

LAST TIME OUT
Bamber Bridge won 2-0 at Marine on Monday with two goals either side of half time from Alistair Waddecar. Sports lost 1-0 at home to Basford United on the same afternoon.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman is the only player definitely out through injury. Durrell Berry is a doubt as is Jack Storer after coming off injured on Monday but might be able to play depending on how he recovers. Everyone else is fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium, Brownedge Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 6UU. Admission prices are set at £9 Adults, £6 Concessions/OAP’s/Students and £1 for 11-16 year olds with a full paying Adult . Match day programmes as well as hot and cold food and drink will as always be available inside the ground with alcoholic beverages available inside the clubhouse. If you would prefer not to drive we do have spaces on the team coach leaving the Don Amott Arena at 10am costing £10 a seat. Ring Tony Shaw on 07966 197 246 to book.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officer Sam Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!

Don’t forget that we will also be doing live match commentary on Mixlr during the game. Either download the app or go onto the website and search for Mickleover Sports. Once the broadcast has gone live at around 2:50pm click listen and you should be able to enjoy full match commentary. You can access our page by clicking on this link… http://mixlr.com/mickleover-sports/

Mickleover Sports 1-2 Alfreton Town
Wednesday 24th April 2019
Derbyshire FA Senior Cup Final
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover came into this game aiming to win. Sports manager John McGrath had a tough decision to make when picking out a team but put out a good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Pablo Mills, Marcus Calderone and Mason Warren. The midfield consisted of Ricky Ravenhill, Jimmy Phillips, Jiri Boula and Adam Prusa. The two front strikers consisted of Shaquille McDonald and Jack Thatcher. The bench consisted of Ben Turner, Karel Tvaroh, Evan Garnett, Jack Walsh and Elliot Murray.

First half commenced and on the 3rd minute, Mickleover with a huge chance with Jiri Boula’s shot deflected by Alfreton keeper Sam Ramsbottom and out for a corner. Mason Warren took the corner but due to a collision in the box, referee blew for an Alfreton free kick. On the 5th minute, huge chance came for Alfreton but Danny O’Brien’s shot went wide of the goal. On the 9th minute, Alfreton scored. A little dink from Jordan Sinnott to Danny O’Brien went over the head of Lewis King and in for Alfreton to lead. On the 13th minute, Sports applied pressure and almost equalised by Jiri Boula but his shot was deflected for a corner. Mason Warren took the corner but went over the bar. On the 16th minute, huge chance came for Mickleover as Pablo regained possession for the Sports and dinked it to Shaquille McDonald but could not quite reach Shaquille and went out for a throw in. A minute later and a huge chance came for Alfreton to score again but Danny O’Brien’s shot went over the bar. On the 18th minute, chance for Alfreton as Danny O’Brien took the corner and dinked it to Jordan Sinnott but is saved into the hands of Sports keeper Lewis King. On the 24th minute, chance came for Alfreton but Danny O’Brien’s shot was saved by Lewis King. Three minutes later and Sports had a chance to equalise with Shaquille McDonald’s first chance then Adam Prusa had a go but hit the cross bar and went out of play. On the 41st minute, Sports should have equalised with Shaquille McDonalds shot but was flagged offside.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-1 Alfreton Town

Second half commenced and Sports made two substitutions with Ben Turner and Jack Walsh replacing Jiri Boula and Jack Thatcher. On the 50th minute, chance came for Sports with Shaquille’s shot rolling out of play for a Alfreton goal kick. On the 55th minute, another huge chance came for Sports with excellent play from Pablo Mills who sent it to Adam Prusa but his shot was kicked out by Sam Ramsbottom. On the 58th minute, chance came for Sports with Jimmy Phillips keeping the ball in play and sent it to Pablo but could not reach Pablo’s head and went out wide. On the 62nd minute, a huge chance came for Sports but Pablo’s shot went wide. On the 67th minute, Sports were awarded a penalty after Shaquille went down. Shaquille was ok to continue and took the penalty in which blasted past Sam Ramsbottom and gave Sports the equaliser. On the 77th minute, Sports made their final substitution with Evan Garnett replacing Shaquille McDonald. On the 86th minute, Alfreton scored again with Danny O’Brien’s shot dinked over Lewis King and into the goal.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 1-2 Alfreton Town

Mickleover Sports 0-1 Basford United
Monday 22nd April 2019
Evo Stik Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

With the game being the last home game of the 2018/2019 season, Sports came into this game fighting for survival. John McGrath put out a good 4-3-3 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Karel Tvaroh, Mason Warren, Ben Turner and Pablo Mills. The midfield three consisted of John McGrath, James Braxendale, Jake Scott. The three front strikers consisted of Jack Storer, Shaquille McDonald and Evan Garnett. The bench consisted of Jiri Boula, Jimmy Phillips, Neil Yadolahi, Javaun Splatt and Ricky Ravenhill.

First half commenced and unfortunately throughout the first 25 minutes of the game, not much did occur but Sports did make an early substitution on the 14th minute with Jimmy Phillips replacing Jack Storer. On the 7th minute, Sports had a chance to score but John McGrath’s shot went over the bar. On the 11th, Basford had a chance but Nat Watson’s shot also went over the bar. On the 37th minute, huge chance came for Sports as Jake Scott planted a great header from a corner but his shot hit the crossbar and then a shot by James Braxendale saw the ball go over the bar.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-0 Basford United

Second half commenced and once again not much occured throughout the second half until the 57th minute when a goal came for Basford with Henri Wilder’s shot blasted into the top right corner and giving Basford the lead. On the 60th minute, Sports made another substitution with Javaun Splatt replacing James Braxendale. On the 64th minute, chance came for Sports but the wing struck the ball onto the crossbar. On the 68th minute, chance came for Basford but Cory Grantham’s shot was well blocked by Sports keeper Lewis King. throughout the final 20 minutes of the second half, Sports could have equalised but fell short and all chances were defended well by Basford defence and Basford keeper.

Full Time: Mickleover 0-1 Basford United

Mickleover Sports have a huge week coming up in their bid to avoid the drop and win silverware at the same time….

Saturday 20th April – Training at the Pirelli Stadium

With no game this Saturday due to North Ferriby having been made liquidated, Sports have a chance to have an extra training session ahead of Mondays final home game. Ben Robinson, chairman of Burton Albion, has kindly offered John McGrath the use of The Pirelli Stadium to hold that extra session. Everyone at Mickleover Sports would like to extend a huge thank you to Ben Robinson, Nigel Clough and everyone at Burton Albion Football Club for their kind gesture.

Monday 22nd April – Basford United (H)

Sports play their final home game of the season against in form Basford United. The side from Nottinghamshire has changed their management team since our last game with them back on Boxing Day. After a huge defeat at home to Hyde United, they have bounced back and are within a slim chance of making the play offs. Sports however could be back inside the relegation if Bamber Bridge have won at home to Matlock Town, so John McGrath will know that a result is needed in the final game of the season at The Don Amott Arena.

Wednesday 24th April – Derbyshire Senior Cup Final

A huge night for everyone at Mickleover Sports Football Club as we head to Pride Park, the home of Derby County, for the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final 2019. The opposition will be National League North side Alfreton Town, whom knocked Sports out of the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round earlier on in the season. So Sports will be looking for a bit of revenge as they take part in their first ever Senior Cup Final. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office at Pride Park on the night of the game with only the main stand open. No segregation is in place either.

Mickleover Sports 0-0 Witton Albion
Tuesday 9th April 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After a successful winning streak last week, Mickleover Sports came into this game continuing the winning streak. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good team that consisted of a 4-4-2 formation. Lewis King was in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Pablo Mills, Mason Warren and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Jimmy Phillips, Jack Storer and James Baxendale. The two front strikers consisted of Evan Garnett and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Jiri Boula, Javaun Splatt, Karel Tvaroh and Jack Thatcher.

First half commenced and on the 4th minute, chance came for Witton as Will Jones broke clear and fired an effort across the goal but went wide. On the 11th minute, chance came for Sports with Shaquille McDonald taking a shot but was dragged wide of the left hand post. A minute later and another chance came for Witton with Danny McKenna meeting the ball from a cross into the box and met Anthony Gardener but his shot went wide. On the 13th minute, huge chance came for Sports as Jack Storer went up the other end and struck a powerful effort that was blocked well by Witton keeper Greg Hall and then Shaquille McDonald took a shot but went over the bar.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-0 Witton Albion

Second half commenced and on the 51st minute, big chance came for Sports with an excellent shot from Shaquille McDonald but went over the bar.on the 54th minute, Sports made their first substitution of the game with Javaun Splatt replacing Shaquille McDonald. On the 59th minute, huge chance came for Sports with Evan Garnett’s strike took a deflection but officials gave a goal kick. On the 76th minute, chance came for Sports with Jimmy Phillips who cut inside the box and the ball met James Baxendale who’s shot went over the bar. On the 79th minute, huge chance came for Witton but fell short has Billy Smart was a yard out and struck the ball from a low cross over the bar. On the 84th minute, chance came for Sports with a good effort from Jack Storer but his shot from outside the box is saved by Greg Hall.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 0-0 Witton Albion

Well what a difference a week can make! Things looked stacked against John McGrath’s side when they conceded a last minute goal in their last home game to lose 1-0 to Whitby Town. But fast forward a week and after two fantastic away victories at Workington AFC and Nantwich Town, Sports have moved out of the drop zone. Due to results going their way as well, Sports destiny is in their own hands with three home games coming up, starting on Tuesday night. It’s a rare chance for Sports to do the double over any side this season, after the 2-1 win at Witton way back in October. Witton however are in a good run of form and despite the play offs out of their reach, they will want to finish the season strongly. For Sports it is a chance to move further clear of Workington and Bamber Bridge and put the pressure on going into the final few games of the season.

LAST TIME OUT
A Ben Harrison double either side of half time saw Witton Albion record a 2-0 victory over Workington AFC, doing Sports a favor in the process! Sports also won on Saturday with the 3-2 win away at Nantwich Town. Jack Storer, Evan Garnett and Jiri Boula scoring the goals to see Sports move out of the relegation zone.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman is still continuing to recover from injury. Jake Scott should now be back into the squad as he has now completed his three match ban. Everyone else is presumed fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 7:45pm Kick Off at the Don Amott Arena on Station Road, Mickleover, DE3 9FB with Admission Prices set at £10 Adults and £7 Concessions, £2 12-16 Year Old’s and Under 12’s FREE with a full paying adult. Derby County Season Ticket Holders not going to Blackburn Rovers are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side with reduced admission of £7 on production of their club’s season ticket at the turnstile. The bar and snack van will be open as usual serving hot and cold drinks and food before during and after the match. Your new look Sports Report Match day Programme will also be on sale at the turnstile for only £2! This features the thoughts of Chairman Don Amott and Manager John McGrath plus all your usual content.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
Then no need to worry, Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy will be at the game keeping you up to date via the usual platforms of Twitter & Facebook, with match reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (Youtube) after the game!