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.

After the pitch inspection this morning , the decisions was made to cancel today’s game.

The game will be re-arranged for a later date.

There will be a pitch inspection tomorrow at 10am to see if the game against Witton Albion can go ahead.

Watch this space…

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
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

The use of the word cup final is probably overused these days however Mickleover has ten of them if they want to remain a Step 3 Club. Last weeks 4-1 defeat to Warrington Town didn’t really tell the full story as Warrington are at the top of the league. But it doesn’t get any easier for John McGrath’s side as they now welcome the visit of probably the biggest side in the league, South Shields. With a large away following expected from the Mariners, Sports are going to need all the support they can to help them achieve what would be a surprise victory given the form and league standings of both sides.

LAST TIME OUT
South Shields last match was last weekend as they drew 1-1 with fellow Derbyshire side Buxton FC. Lee Mason (no not the referee) gave Shields the lead from a quick equaliser from Nico DeGirolamo was enough for a share of the spoils. Mickleover’s last game was against Shields title rivals Warrington Town when they went down 4-1 at The Don Amott Arena. Evan Garnett with the solo goal for Sports, his first since the away game at South Shields back in November.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman (suspension) and Shaquille McDonald (injury) should both return to the squad for the weekend. Apart from what 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. 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!

Mickleover Sports 1-4 Warrington Town
Saturday 2nd March 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After last Saturday’s successful victory away at play-off contenders Scarborough Athletic, Sports came into this game hoping to continue the season with winning ways at home against promotion contenders Warrington Town. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Durrell Berry, Pablo Mills, Ryan Cresswell and Ben Turner. The midfield four consisted of Karel Tvaroh, Ricky Ravenhill, Jake Scott and Tomas Junek. The two front strikers consisted of Evan Garnett and Levi Amantchi. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Mason Warren, Kyle Carey, Jimmy Phillips and Adam Prusa.
First half commenced and in the first three minutes, a goal came for Warrington. A long ball forward was headed on by Bohan Dixon to Tony Gray to turn and lobbed the ball over Lewis King into the goal to give Warrington the lead. On the 10th minute, a chance came for Warrington. Robert Evans had a shot from outside the box, but the ball goes out wide of the left-hand post. On the 20th minute, another chance came for Warrington. A shot from Dylan Vassallo to Tony Gray went too far and out wide of the left-hand post. On the 32nd minute, another chance came for Warrington. A ball from Dylan Vassallo again to Jack Mackreth gave him options but unfortunately chose the wrong option and Pablo Mills was there to block his chance for goal. Three minutes later and Warrington had another chance to score. Mark Roberts made an important interception for Warrington but Sports gain repossession of the ball and into their box and has a chance themselves but goes straight out for a Warrington goal kick. On the 42nd minute Warrington score again. Ben Turner was beaten on the by-line by Jack Mackreth and his cross came in and Dylan Vassallo kicked it into the bottom left corner from a yard out.

Half time: Mickleover Sports 0-2 Warrington Town

Second half commenced and Sports made a substitution with Ryan Cresswell coming off and replaced by Mason Warren. On the 52nd minute, chance came for Warrington. Lewis King scuffed a clearance and got away with it with Tony Gray gaining possession off the ball. Tony Gray took a shot but was held up for Lewis King to get his hands on it. On the 53rd minute, goal came for Sports. Warrington failed to clear the ball out of the box and Evan Garnett managed to dink his shot under Warrington keeper Anthony McMillan and gave Sports a lifeline in the game. Three minutes later and Warrington got another goal after the referee awarded Warrington with a penalty due to Tony Gray going down in the box. Jack Mackreth took the penalty and put it into the top left corner for Warrington to regain their two-goal lead. On the 55th minute, chance came for Warrington. Excellent play from Dylan Vassallo, Tony Gray and Robert Evans who goes for a shot but was flagged offside. On the 69th minute, Warrington score again. Bohan Dixon created time and space in midfield and passed sharply to Robert Evans who turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner for Warrington to take all three points. On the 79th minute, Sports made another substitution with Will Norcross replacing Evan Garnett. Three minutes later and Sports made their final substitution with Jimmy Phillips coming on for Ricky Ravenhill. Throughout the final ten minutes of the game, Warrington were the team with the most chances, but all saved well by the Sports defence and Sports keeper Lewis King.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 1-4 Warrington Town.

Mickleover Sports boss John McGrath has moved to bolster his attacking options with the loan signing of young Chesterfield striker Levi Amantchi.

The 18 year old is highly thought of at the Spirites having already made 15 appearances in The National League this season and creating 2 assists in those matches.

The academy graduate has already made an impact at relegation threatened Sports, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win at promotion chasing Scarborough Athletic.

That only the second away win of the season for relegation threatened Mickleover and they’ll be hoping that Amantchi can bag a few more goals to save them from the drop, starting with Warrington Town at home this coming Saturday.