Category: First Team

Derbyshire FA Senior Cup Final: Match Report

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: Match Report

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

A Big Week Ahead for Sports

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.

Safety In Sight – Lancaster City (H) Match Preview

With only three league games remaining Sports simply must take maximum points from this weekends game against Lancaster City. With rivals Bamber Bridge making a trip to Hyde United, it’s important that Sports at a minimum match their result this weekend with Bamber having a game in hand the Saturday after due to Sports not playing because of North Ferriby going bust.

LAST TIME OUT
Lancaster’s last game was last weekend when they hosted Grantham Town and they shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Jordan Adebayo-Smith gave the Gingerbreads an early lead but with four minutes to go Charlie Bailey snatched a point for the hosts to take a point from the game. Sports also took a points from their last game on Tuesday night in a uneventful dull 0-0 draw at home to Witton Albion to extend their leas over Bamber Bridge to four points.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman is still out. Durrell Berry missed the Witton game with injury but is expected to return. Everyone else is presumed fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 3pm 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. Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not going to Scunthorpe United 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 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!

Mickleover Sports 0-0 Witton Albion: Match Report

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

Big Opportunity: Witton Albion (H) Match Preview

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!

Nantwich Town 2-3 Mickleover Sports: Match Report

Nantwich Town 2-3 Mickleover Sports
Saturday 6th April 2019
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A fantastic battling performance from Mickleover Sports ensured a second away win in a week as they managed to take all three points away from Cheshire. The Dabbers went ahead twice through two goals from Callum Saunders but Sports showed fight to equalise twice quickly through Jack Storer and Evan Garnett. Then out of nowhere substitute Jiri Boula make a daring run and thundered a strike into the bottom left corner just before the break. That’s how it stayed after Sports rode their luck in the second period but they held on to come out of the relegation zone with both Bamber Bridge and Workington both losing.

Lewis King remained in goal. The back four consisted of Karol Tvaroh, Neil Yadolahi, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. A midfield four of Jimmy Phillips, Mason Warren, Ricky Ravenhill and James Baxendale. Jack Storer and Evan Garnett were up front. The Sports bench consisted of John McGrath, Will Norcross, Levi Amantchi, Jiri Boula and Shaquille McDonald.

The first goal of the afternoon came after only 15 minutes as Sports conceded an early penalty kick. Neil Yadolahi was deemed to have brought down Sean Cooke and the referee showed no hesitation to point to the sport for a Dabbers penalty. Callum Saunder stepped up and smashed the kick against the left hand post but due to the power of the strike the Sports defence could not react quick enough and Saunders was left alone to prod the ball into the bottom right corner.

However it didn’t take long for Mickleover Sports to equalise and get back on level terms. A throw was played into Sports midfielder Jimmy Phillips sent a beautiful cross into the far post and up lept striker Jack Storer to head home a powerful effort into the bottom left corner past the keeper for his second goal in two games.

Nantwich then retook the lead in a frantic first half as Callum Saunder bagged a brace. A cracking strike from outside the box was very well saved by Lewis King but it was only palmed into the path of Saunders as the Sports back line didn’t react in time and he buried it into the bottom right corner.

But yet again Sports showed fight and character to battle hard and got back into the game for a second time as Jimmy Phillips showed real determination to win the ball back on the far side byline and played a simple ball over to Evan Garnett in the middle of the box and he hit it first time into the bottom left corner to bring Sports back level for again.

But this time however it wouldn’t be Nantwich going on to get a third it was in fact Sports who were would go ahead this time just before the half time break. Evan Garnett won the ball back in the middle of the field and played a pass out to Jiri Boula who had come on for Neil Yadolahi only a few minutes before. Boula had acres of space to run down the right hand side of the pitch and has he darted into the box unleashed a stunning low strike past the Nantwich keeper and into the bottom left corner to leave Sports going into half time a goal to the good.

The second half was goalless as the Sports goal rode a dangerous life but Sports saw the game out to record a second away win of the week and only their fourth of the season to move three points clear of the relegation places and leapfrog Bamber Bridge.

Workington AFC 0-1 Mickleover Sports: Match Report

Workington AFC 0-1 Mickleover Sports
Tuesday 2nd April 2019
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A massive night at the bottom of the Evo Stik Premier Division table saw Mickleover Sports come out on top with a crucial 1-0 away win, only their third of the entire season, to grab a much needed three points. A first half strike from new signing Jack Storer was all that separated the two relegation threatened sides but with both sides having further chances to score throughout the game, Lewis King produced an excellent display in between the sticks to come away with a clean sheet and a win that takes Sports level on points with Bamber Bridge, with the side from Preston to come on the final day, it could be a thrilling end to what has been a disappointing season to date.

John McGrath elected to put out a 4-4-2 with Lewi King in goal. A back four of Durrell Berry, Pablo Mills, Neil Yadolahi and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of John McGrath himself and Jake Baxendale with Jack Storer and Mason Warren on the wings. Shaquille McDonald and Evan Garnett lead the line of attack for Mickleover Sports. On the bench were Will Norcross, Karel Tvaroh, Javaun Splatt, Jimmy Phillips and Ricky Ravenhill.

The first effort of an opening cagey affair fell the way of the hosts as Conor Tinnion sent a powerful header wide from a Gary Thompson cross to the left-hand side of the net. Tinnion then struck a powerful effort at goal a few minutes later which was well held by Lewis King down to the right-hand side and comfortably into his gloves. Workington then could have netted only a few minutes later as a mix up at the back from Sports gave Dave Symington a chance to pull the trigger on the right-hand side of the penalty area but the all was blasted miles over the bar after a rush if blood to the Reds winger.

Workington were having all the early chances and 25 minutes in a free kick was given away and as the ball came into the box Lewis King managed to catch after constant pressure from the Reds attacking line. King then set the counter attack away and Sports first real chance came when Shaquille McDonald sent an effort wide of the left-hand post from close range. After managing to withhold another Workington ball into the box Sports managed to take the lead with what would be the only goal of the game. Shaquille McDonald knocked the ball forward down to Mason Warren who then fed in Jack Storer down the right of the box. Storer then drove in and showed great composure to slide the ball under the advancing Taylor and into the bottom left corner. Sports did well to see off the expected Workington pressure with only one chance for the home side before the break coming through Symington, cutting inside and driving an effort that was expertly palmed away from Lewis King. That saw the sides into the half time break.

Into the second half and there was an early chance for the home side as Lewis King yet again had to keep out a strike from the lively winger Conor Tinnion at his near post. Sports then made their first chance of the game with Shaquille McDonald making way for a debut for on loan Derby County striker Javaun Splatt for his first taste of real men’s football. Workington would then have excellent chances to grab an equalizer with both Gary Thompson and midfielder Cowperwaite blasting efforts over Kings crossbar. Sports then had a golden chance themselves when goal scorer Jack Storer was played in 1v1 in the center of the box but the Workington keeper Taylor came out very quick and blocked the shot and away from danger. Next a great counter attack starting with John McGrath and Mason Warren saw Splatt dummy the ball through to Evan Garnett on the far side of the box, but his strike was saved by Taylor at the near post for a corner.

Sports second change was an enforced one as Durrell Berry picked a knock up in a challenge and was replaced by Czech student Karel Tvaroh at right back. Sports final two chances came as the game ticked into the last 10 minutes was Jack Storer and Mason Warren both having chances to strike at goal, but nothing came of either opportunity. The final chance of the game of any real note fell to right back Douglas got onto the end of a free kick towards the far post but his header was down into Kings hands at edge of the post. Workington did have a chance to score from a free kick into five minutes of injury time but the ball was blazed over the bar.

That was the last of the action as the referee blew his whistle a minute or so later to signal wild celebrations from the small travelling contingent who had made the five-hour trip up with the players. A crucial win over a fellow relegation rival gives Sports renewed hope that they can survive the drop going into the final six games and make the well over 200-mile journey home go a lot quicker!

Mickleover Sports 0-1 Whitby Town: Match Report

Mickleover Sports 0-1 Whitby Town
Saturday 30th March 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

With a well-earned point on the road against Matlock Town and bringing in new signings before the end of the non-league transfer window, Sports came into this game fighting for the win. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Durrell Berry, Ben Turner, Pablo Mills and Sports new signing Neil Yadolahi. The midfield consisted of Ricky Ravenhill, Mason Warren, Jimmy Phillips and Sports other new signing James Braxendale. The two front strikers consisted of Shaquille McDonald and Jack Storer. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Levi Amantchi, Evan Garnett, Karel Tvaroh and Sports new signing Javaun Splatt.

First half commenced and on the 5th minute, a great chance came for Sports from a corner. New signing Neil Yoladhi nearly scored but went off the line from the keeper and then another chance came with a good shot from Shaquille McDonald, but his shot hit the post and out for a goal kick. On the 12th minute, another chance came for Sports from another corner. Mason Warren took the corner and met the head of Pablo Mills, but his shot went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 17th minute, first chance came for Whitby from a free kick, but their shot went out wide and Lewis King went down due to collision, but Lewis King resumed the game with a free kick. On the 20th minute, chance came from Sports with a great shot from Mason Warren but his shot from outside the box was deflected into the hands of Whitby keeper Jack Norton. On the 23rd minute, chance came for Whitby, but Dale Hopson’s shot from outside the box was saved into the hands of Lewis King.

On the 29th minute, a massive chance came for Sports. A long throw from Durrell Berry started with a scramble in the box and then ended with Shaquille McDonald striking a powerful effort over the bar from close range. On the 36th minute, a huge chance came for Whitby, but the shot was saved from the diving effort of Lewis King. On the 38th minute, another huge chance came for Whitby. A missed kick from Neil Yadolahi sent Whitby’s Bradley Fewester through on to goal but went alone and took the shot which went straight to the hands of Lewis King. On the 45th minute, chance came for Sports. Jack Storer curled in an effort over the bar and went wide from the edge of the box from the corner.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-0 Whitby Town

Second half commenced and on the 52nd minute, chance came for Whitby as Bradley Fewester ran down and hit a shot but was saved by the hands of Sports keeper Lewis King. Throughout the seven-minute period from the beginning of the second half to the first chance of the half, Sports defended well, and Whitby did have good chances. On the 58th minute, Sports made their first substitution with Levi Amantchi replacing Shaquille McDonald. On the 60th minute, chance came for Whitby. Dale Hopson curled an effort into the bar and went out for a goal kick. A minute later and Sports had a chance but Jack Storer’s effort was blasted high and out wide of the left-hand post. On the 67th minute, Sports made another substitution with Evan Garnett replacing Jimmy Phillips.

On the 71st minute, huge chance came for Sports but Mason Warren’s blast from outside the box sailed out wide of the post. On the 77th minute, chance came for Whitby but the shot from Bradley Fewester went over the bar and out of play. Throughout the final 15 minutes of the game, Sports defended well and almost got on the scoreboard, but shots were defended well by the Whitby defence. On the added time of the second half, goal came to Whitby with Bradley Fewester’s goal struck past Lewis King.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 0-1 Whitby Town

Rams Youngster Signs On Loan

Derby County Under-18s’ striker Javaun Splatt has joined Mickleover Sports on loan until the end of the season.

Splatt, a second-year scholar, joined the Rams academy last summer and has made nine appearances for Justin Walker’s Under-18s side this season, scoring once.

He has also made one appearance for the Under-23s when he came off the bench and scored in a 4-1 victory at Bristol City in the Premier League Cup.

Javaun has been brought in for the final 7 or so games and the Rams youngster will be looking to aid our fight against relegation.