Category: First Team

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.

It’s Now or Never – Whitby Town (H) Match Preview

Mickleover Sports are looking to finish the Month of March on a high after only picking up one point in the month so far. That was after two home defeats, a postponement and the point away to Matlock last weekend. With the injection of some new faces over the last few days (still more TBC), John McGrath is going all out to try and make the great escape with only seven games to go. With North Ferriby’s record now be having been wiped off Sports are back on 30 points, three behind Bamber Bridge and about seven behind Grantham Town. With a game in hand over Bridge and with Sports making the trip to the side from Preston on the last day of the season, its looking like it will go right down to the wire. But three points are simply a must this weekend.

LAST TIME OUT
Whitby were defeated in their last match last weekend as they went down 1-0 at home to Workington. A 60th minute goal from Connor Tinnion proved decisive that’s how the game finished. Sports come into the game after a 1-1 on Derby Day away to Matlock Town, with Mason Warren equalising for Sports in the 72nd minute.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
New signings Ben Wolfenden and Neil Yadolahi should be available for selection. The only player who is likely to be missing is Jake Scott after the red card against Matlock last weekend. Apart from that anyone 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. Don’t forget that all kids are FREE for every game in March! Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders 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!

Sports bring in Duo for relegation fight

image2

Sports boss John McGrath has acted quickly to bring in extra fire power and defensive cover ahead of the Non League Transfer Deadline on Thursday (28th March).

Striker Ben Wolfenden and Center Back Neil Yadolahi have both been signed up as free agents to help Sports fight the drop in their remaining seven games of the season.

Ben Wolfenden,21, is a striker that has graduated from the AFC Bournemouth Academy and most recently found himself at fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur from 2012 till being released in 2018.

Ben is 6’1 centre forward who joins Sports after being recommended to John McGrath and after impressing in training has been signed up.

Neil Yadolhi,25, is a well traveled center back who was signed by Burnley at age 16 for £150,000. Having played under Owen Coyle, Eddie Howe & Sean Dyche during his time with the Clarets, he then went onto sign foe Nigel Clough’s Derby County. He then departed the Rams for Turkish Side Bursaspor in 20145 on a 2 and a half year deal. After just nine months Neil left Turkey, had a short stint at Swansea City on loan before enjoying a few years in Ireland with Bohemians and Drogheda United. Injuries prevented a longer stay and after his departure from Ireland he signed for MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps but has most recently spent time in Iran with top flight club Saipa. Neil has represented Ireland at all youth levels from U15 TO U21 due to having an Irish mother and has also featured in both Iraq and Iran National Squads due to his fathers joint nationality with both nations.

We welcome both players to Mickleover Sports and hope they enjoy their time with the club. Both will go straight into the squad to face Whitby Town on Saturday 30th March at The Don Amott Arena.

Sports Bring in Baxendale

Mickleover Sports are delighted to announce the signing of James Baxendale. ‬

‪The midfielder has been plying this trade at Kidderminster Harriers & Nuneaton Borough this season.

After a spell with Doncaster Rovers, Baxendale made over 100 appearances for Walsall in the Football League before spells with Mansfield Town, Alfreton Town and a stint in the United States with Orange County‬.

James will go straight into the squad for the home game with Witton Albion on Saturday 16th March.

Mickleover Sports 1-3 South Shields: Match Report

Mickleover Sports 1-3 South Shields
Saturday 9th March 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After last week’s disappointing result, Sports came into this game fighting to survive relegation. Sports boss John McGrath put out a difficult but good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Karel Tvaroh, Durrell Berry, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Ricky Ravenhill, Jake Scott and Shaquille McDonald. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Levi Amantchi. The bench consisted of Adam Prusa, Tomas Junek, Evan Garnett, Jiri Boula and Jimmy Phillips.
First half commenced and for the first 7 minutes, Mickleover did do well to keep South Shields from scoring but on the 8th minute, goal came for South Shields. Craig Baxter had plenty of time and space to take the ball down and struck it down low past Lewis King and in the bottom left corner of the goal. Two minutes later, chance came for Sports. Sports first chance saw Levi Amantchi turn and he struck the ball over the bar for a South Shields goal kick. On the 12th minute, another chance came for Sports. A long ball over the top found Shaquille McDonald but his second touch was sent wide and over the goal for another South Shields goal kick. During the 12th to the 21st minute, South Shields has the most chances to go another goal up, but Lewis King did well to keep the score at 1-0. On the 22nd minute, a huge chance came for South Shields. David Foley had a golden chance to make it 2-0 up with a huge amount of space inside the six-yard box but his shot was sent over the bar. On the 25th minute, another huge chance came for South Shields and a big let off for Sports as South Shields were awarded a free kick. Robert Briggs sent the long-range free kick, but his shot hit the post of the goal. A minute later, goal came for South Shields. They got their second with Blair Adams who struck his effort from 25 yards and did not look to trouble Lewis King but only using one hand to keep it out, Ben Harmison came in and tapped it into the bottom left corner to give South Shields the lead.

During the 27th minute to the 37th minute, South Shields were the most dominant throughout the period, but the chances were out wide or over the bar. On the 38th minute, chance came for Sports after a free kick was awarded. John McGrath took the free kick, but his shot went over the bar and out for a South Shields goal kick. Four minutes later, on the 42nd minute, chance came for Sports. Nathan Jarman produced a good diving save from South Shields goalkeeper Liam Connell for a Sports corner. John McGrath took the corner but without the help, South Shields regained possession and took it out for a chance for South Shields to score but went clear of the goal area. Three minutes later, another chance came for South Shields. Dave Foley sent his long-range strike over the bar and cleared for a Sports goal kick.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-2 South Shields

Second half commenced and Sports made their first substitution with Tomas Junek replacing Levi Amantchi. For the first 12 minutes of the second half, both sides did have some good chances but unfortunately too short and sweet to comment as each side defended well to keep it at a low level. On the 58th minute and another goal came for South Shields. A cross came into the box and, completely unmarked, Ben Harmison came and tapped it into the bottom left corner. During the 59th minute and the 65th minute, Sports were dominate but with the strength of the South Shields team, regained possession. On the 66th minute, Sports made another substitution with Jimmy Phillips replacing John McGrath. On the 68th minute, huge chance came for Sports with Jimmy Phillips shot saved well by South Shields captain Jon Shaw. On the 75th minute, Sports made their final substitution which saw Adam Prusa replacing Shaquille McDonald.
On the 81st minute, a light was at the end of the tunnel as a goal came for Sports. Tomas Junek scored from just inside the area with his left foot after a big deflection by South Shields and went past the keeper for Sports to get a goal. On the 89th minute, huge chance came for Sports. An excellent free kick by Mason Warren so the ball goes out for a Sports corner. Mason Warren took the corner and could have gone in with a good header by Durrell Berry but goes over the bar for a South Shields goal kick. During the four minutes of added time, Mickleover had the most chance to get another goal with a corner awarded to them. Mason Warren took the corner but due to pure strength of South Shields, the corner was cleared away. South Shields almost had a chance with Phillip Turnbull 1v2 with Durrell Berry and Lewis King but Lewis King managed to get the hands on it to throw it out.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 1-3 South Shields