If there was ever a relegation six pointer then this is it! Workington sit 9 points behind Sports sitting 2nd bottom. However with four games in hand on Sports, a victory for either side could go a long way to deciding who stays up and who goes down. It’s a 416 mile round trip for Sports up to the West Cumbrian coast so John McGrath, his staff and the players will be determined to make sure the journey back is a happy one for Sports. They will be looking to add to their only single away win of the season at Witton Albion way back in October. Workington however after going through a few managers this season will hope to get some stability and put a run of form together to see if they can make the great escape.

LAST TIME OUT
Workington recorded a victory in their last game defeating Bamber Bridge 2-1 at home last Saturday. Samuel Joel and Sam Smith (no not that Sam Smith!) scored either side of Bridges’ Scott Harries to win the game for the Reds. Sports last game was also last weekend narrowly losing 1-0 to Gainsborough Trinity at The Don Amott Arena.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman should be available for Sports now after his suspension he picked up in the last away game at Lancaster City. Everybody else is presumed fit and available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Borough Park, Black Path, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 2DT. Admission prices are set at £11 Adults, £7 Concessions/OAP’s/Students, £3 for 12-17 year olds and Under 12’s are £1 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 9am 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 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!

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 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity
Saturday 19th January 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After last week’s heartbreaking goal for Lancaster to share the points, Mickleover come into this game continuing their unbeaten run. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-4-2 formation with Callum Hawkins in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Durrell Berry, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Mason Warren, Jimmy Phillips, Adam Prusa. The two front strikers consisted of Evan Garnett and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Kyle Carey, Jack Walsh, Jiri Boula, Will Norcross and Sports new signing Tomas Junek.

First half commenced and on the 4th minute, chance came for Gainsborough as Damion Reeves had a shot but was saved into the hands of Sports goalkeeper Callum Hawkins. On the 8th minute, chance came for Sports. A great attack for Sports as Evan Garnett fed to Shaquille McDonald who then dinked it to Jimmy Phillips who took the shot but was a bit off balance and went over the bar. On the 17th minute, chance came for Sports. Mason Warren delivered a great free kick onto the head of Pablo Mills but was saved by Gainsborough keeper John Stewart then fell out of his hands and deflected for a corner. On the 18th minute, corner was taken and was hit in by Jake Scott like a rocket towards the goal but was saved by Gainsborough keeper John Stewart. On the 22nd minute, chance came for Sports. Good play by Sports resulted in Mason Warren who cut inside on his right and struck the ball, but his shot was saved by John Stewart.

A minute later and a chance came for Gainsborough with Ashley Forsfold’s shot over the bar and out for a Sports goal kick. On the 33rd minute, chance came for Gainsborough and it was close for Shane Clarke who flicked it towards goal and went out wide of the right side of the post. On the 36th minute, chance came for Sports with Jimmy Phillips taking a shot, but his effort was dragged out wide of the left-hand post. On the 40th minute and a huge chance came for Sports as Shaquille McDonald broke down the left and squared it to Evan Garnett, but his shot goes under him and out for a goal kick.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-0 Gainsborough Trinity

Second half commenced and Gainsborough got back into the game with the most chances in the first ten minutes. On the 52nd minute, Sports made their first substitution with Sports new signing Tomas Junek replacing Evan Garnett. On the 55th minute, chance came for Gainsborough. Gainsborough go close but the shot went into the hands of Callum Hawkins. On the 57th minute, goal for Gainsborough Trinity. The ball was not cleared inside the Sports box and Max Watters struck the ball into the bottom left corner. On the 63rd minute, chance came for Sports after new Sports signing Tomas Junek forwarded the ball to Shaquille McDonald but is deflected for a corner. Mason Warren took the corner but saved into the hands of John Stewart. On the 69th minute, Sports made their second substitution with Will Norcross replacing Adam Prusa.

On the 72nd minute, chance came for Sports as a free kick from Mason Warren was delivered and met the head of Durrell Berry who sent it to Shaquille McDonald, but his shot was saved in the hands of John Stewart. On the 77th minute, chance came for Sports. Will Norcross found Shaquille McDonald and had a shot but fell into the hands of Gainsborough keeper John Stewart. On the 78th minute, Sports made their final substitution with Jake Scott replaced by Jiri Boula. On the 82nd minute, chance came for Gainsborough with Nathan Stanfield who put a header out wide of the left-hand post from a corner.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity

After taking 10 points in their last four league matches, Sports can be pretty happy with their recent form. Despite the disappointment of the last minute goal at Lancaster City last weekend, Sports are still unbeaten in 2019. However that record will be put to the test at The Don Amott Arena this Saturday as high flying Gainsborough Trinity visit. When Sports made the trip to Lincolnshire all the way back in August, they were totally outclassed the the home side who of course were relegated from the National League North last season. This was the first time Trinity have ever been relegated in their history. Trinity could have scored 5 or 6 that night so it will be a good marker to see how far Sports have improved as a side since then.

LAST TIME OUT
Gainsborough Trinity made light work of Workington AFC last weekend, winning by four goals to one at The Northolme as the side from Lincolnshire are now 6th in the league table. Goals from Ashley Worsfold (2) , Benjamin Gordan and Simon Russell saw off the Cumbrians in front of the crowd of 572. Sports were of course denied only their second away win of the season at Lancaster City in the 96th minute through a late Brad Carsley equaliser.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
John McGrath has a full squad to pick from with no new injury worries from last weeks game, with the exception of Nathan Jarman who was sent off at Lancaster City last Saturday.

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, £7 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s. Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not going to Doncaster 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!

After successfully negotiating their way into the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final on Tuesday night, John McGrath’s in form Sports side now turn their full concentration back to league matters as they face a trip up the M6 for a very important Evo Stik League match. Like Sports Lancaster City have been struggling down in the lower reaches of the division for most of the season. This saw the Lancashire outfit in the relegation places for most of the early part of the season. After the club lost five of its first six games, Phil Brown resigned as first team manager after three years at the helm and former Nelson and Ramsbottom United manager Mark Fell was appointed as his replacement in October 2018. After a mini resurgence the club have since fallen back into the relegation picture and now sit 18th, one place and two points below Sports, so this is certainly a crucial game as we move into the final four months of the league season. But with Sports recent form they will have plenty of confidence they can pick up a positive result if they keep their recent high standards up to where they have been to in recent games.

LAST TIME OUT
A Robert Wilson penalty after five minutes was all that Lancaster City needed last Saturday to beat fellow Derbyshire side Matlock Town 1-0 in the Dolly Blues last match. Sports last match was of course the 4-1 win over Clay Cross Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Semi Final, with a Nathan Jarman penalty and another goal from Shaquille McDonald sending Sports through to face Matlock Town or Alfreton Town in the final.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
For probably the first time since the start of the season John McGrath has a full squad to choose from. Lewis King, Ricky Ravenhill, Shaquille McDonald and Evan Garnett has recovered from their recent knocks and all should be available, however it is expected that Callum Hawkins will remain in goal. It is unknown if any more of the Czech Derby Uni Students have returned to join Adam Prusa in the squad.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at The Giant Axe Field, West Rd, Lancaster, LA1 5PE. Admission prices are set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions/OAP’s/Students, £5 for 14-17 year olds and Under 14’s are FREE 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. Match day parking is available in the ground and, in dry conditions, on the playing field adjacent to the ground free of charge to all supporters. If the car park is full, exit the ground to the right to search for a spot in the near-by housing areas and roads. These areas and roads do not require a permit to park. If you would prefer not to drive we do have spaces on the team coach leaving the Don Amott Arena at 10:15am 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 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!

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 4-1 Clay Cross Town
Derbyshire FA Senior Cup Semi-Final
Tuesday 8th January 2019
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover went into this game eyeing the prize of going into the Derbyshire FA Senior Cup final. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good 4-2-3-1 formation with Callum Hawkins in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Mason Warren, Pablo Mills and Durrell Berry. The two holding midfielders consisted of John McGrath and Ricky Ravenhill. The three attacking midfielders consisted of Adam Prusa, Kyle Carey and Jimmy Phillips who were sitting behind lone striker Nathan Jarman. The bench consisted of Shaquille McDonald, Evan Garnett, Ted Cribley, Jack Walsh and Tom Eccleshall.

First half commenced and on the 3rd minute, chance came for Sports with Nathan Jarman who played the ball to Kyle Carey and he took a shot, but the shot went over the bar. On the 12th minute, chance came for Sports with Adam Prusa having a shot but went straight to keeper. Sports had the most chances to score throughout the first 15 minutes of the match. On the 17th minute, another chance came for Sports with John McGrath having a shot, but his shot went straight to the keeper. A minute later and Sports were so close to goal, but his shot hit the crossbar of the goal post. On the 27th minute, another chance came for Sports from a free kick. John McGrath took the free kick and found the head of Pablo Mills, but his shot fell into the keeper’s hands.

On the 31st minute, chance came for Clay Cross with Callum Lytham’s shot went out wide of the right side of the post. Two minutes later and a huge chance came for Sports, but Jake Scott’s shot hit the post. On the 35th minute, Mason Warren had a chance to score but his cross met the hands of the Clay Cross keeper. On the 37th minute, chance came for Clay Cross after a free kick. Josh Scully took the free kick but met the hands of Callum Hawkins. Callum kicked the ball out of the area and met Adam Prusa. Sports had a chance with Adam Prusa’s shot but went over the bar. On the 40th minute, huge chance came for Clay Cross. Josh Parfitt had the shot but went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 41st minute, a penalty was awarded to Sports. Ricky Ravenhill was taken out inside the box and the referee showed no hesitation and gave Sports a penalty. Nathan Jarman stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it past the goalkeeper to give Sports the lead on the 43rd minute.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Clay Cross Town

Second half commenced and on the 48th minute, chance came for Sports. Kyle Carey is played in but could not get a clean contact and went out for a goal kick. On the 55th minute, chance came for Sports. John McGrath took the corner and met Jimmy Phillips, but his shot went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 56th minute, chance came for Sports with Adam Prusa who sent the ball to Nathan Jarman, but his shot was deflected out for a corner. John McGrath took the corner and met Pablo Mills, but his shot was over the bar. 59th minute, massive chance came for Sports with Kyle Carey’s shot going over the bar. On the 65th minute, Clay Cross equalise after a free kick was awarded. Josh Scully took the free kick and went over the wall past Callum Hawkins. On the 67th minute, chance came for Sports. From a Ricky Ravenhill shot, the keeper parried it to the path of Adam Prusa, but his shot went out wide of the left-hand post. On the 69th minute, goal came for Sports. From a John McGrath corner, the ball struck towards goal by many Sports players, but it was Nathan Jarman who smashed it past the goalkeeper. On the 70th minute, Sports made a substitution with Shaquille McDonald replacing John McGrath.

On the 73rd minute, Sports scored again. An excellent cross from Kyle Carey on the right side of the box met Nathan Jarman and smashed it into the bottom left corner of the goal to give Sports the lead. On the 76th minute, Sports made their second substitution with hat trick scorer Nathan Jarman replaced by Evan Garnett. On the 80th minute, Sports made their final substitution with Jack Walsh replacing Jimmy Phillips. On the 85th minute, huge chance came for Sports. Shaquille McDonald did the hard bit and took it round the keeper but was blocked on the line by one of the Clay Cross defenders. On the 88th minute, Sports score again. A neat play from Sports set up Shaquille McDonald who got his 6th game in 6 games after the ball smashed past the keeper. Throughout the added minutes, Kyle Carey and Shaquille McDonald had chances but both efforts went over the bar. Pablo Mills also had a chance to score during added time with an amazing free kick, but his shot hit the post.
Full Time: Mickleover Sports 4-1 Clay Cross Town.

There are places available on the players coach to Lancaster City this coming Saturday. We leave The Don Amott Arena at 10:15am and it costs only £10!

To book please phone Secretary Tony Shaw on 07966 197246 to book a seat.

Sports will have to be at their very best on Tuesday night as they take on Step 7 Clay Cross Town to see who will be the first finalist in the DCFA Senior Cup in 2019. There may be a four league difference between the two sides however Clay Cross are here on merit after defeating Graham St Prims, Ashbourne and Long Eaton United to make it to this stage. The Millers have only lost three games in league and cup all season and are looking strong favourites to win the Central Midlands League North Division after missing out on promotion in the last two seasons. From a Sports point of view John McGrath will see this as an excellent opportunity to book a place in a cup final in a competition Sports have never won in their history.

LAST TIME OUT
The Millers continued their impressive league form by hammering bottom of the league Newark Town 7-2 away from home last Saturday. Goals from Ant Lytham, Callum Lytham, Grant Mitchell and Joshua Parfitt all netted to extend their league at the top of the North Division to seven points. Mickleover Sports of course defeated Stalybridge Celtic 2-1 at home with Shaquille McDonald netting both Sports goals to make it three wins in a row.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Adam Prusa, one of our Czech Derby Uni Graduates featured on Saturday with the other three expected back soon. Evan Garnett will probably start as he looks to gain fitness after his recent injury. Lewis King is also set to start for similar reasons. Shaquille McDonald was substituted on Saturday with a minor knock so may be rested ahead of the game at Lancaster City at the weekend. 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 having been reduced to £5 for Adults and just £1 for Under 16’s. Derby County & Burton Albion Supporters are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side. 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!