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!

Mickleover Sports 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic
Saturday 5th January 2018
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After an excellent beginning to 2019, Sports once again were at home against 11th place Stalybridge Celtic. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-4-2 formation with Callum Hawkins in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Ben Turner, Pablo Mills and Durrell Berry. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Jimmy Phillips, Mason Warren and Kyle Carey. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Ted Cribley, Ricky Ravenhill, Reece Ford and two returning players Adam Prusa and Evan Garnett.

First half commenced and on the 4th minute a chance came for Sports. A good ball from Kyle Carey met Nathan Jarman and passed to Shaquille McDonald but his shot was off side. On the 9th minute, chance came for Celtic with Andy Scott’s shot going wide of the left-hand post from outside the box. On the 10th minute and a goal for Sports. A lovely cross from Ben Turner with a cross to Shaquille McDonald from Nathan Jarman and was smashed into the net to give Sports the lead. Throughout the past ten minutes, Sports have had the most chances to score again but efforts have been well saved and cleared by the Celtic defence. On the 22nd minute, a big chance came for Sports. Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald linked up together as a free kick found McDonald, but his shot went over the bar.

Two minutes later and another chance came for Sports. This time it was a lovely play from a throw to Nathan Jarman, but his shot was blocked low down and out of the area. On the 29th minute a chance came for Celtic but good pressure from John McGrath put off Neil Kenini off his strike and went into the hands of Callum Hawkins. A minute later and Stalybridge had another chance to score. Greg Wilkinson was the next player to have an effort, but his shot went wide of the right-hand post. On the 38th minute, a chance came for Sports. A good counter attack from Shaquille McDonald found Kyle Carey but his shot was blocked by the Celtic defender and into the hands of Celtic keeper Aidan Winterbottom.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic.

Second half commenced and on the 48th minute a chance came for Celtic to equalise. A dangerous throw into the Sports bid by the visitors found Neil Kenini who fired it wide of the right-hand post. On the 49th minute and Sports got a second. Shaquille McDonald made it 5 goals in 5 games with a strike outside the box and took a slight deflection and past the Celtic keeper. Throughout the past ten minutes, Sports had dominated and had many shots, but the efforts have been well cleared by the Celtic defence. On the 62nd minute, a chance came for Sports. Kyle Carey had a good shot from outside the box, but his shot was deflected and into the hands of the Celtic keeper Aidan Winterbottom. On the 65th minute, Sports made a sub with Adam Prusa returning to the squad replacing Shaquille McDonald. On the 70th minute, an excellent counter attack to Sports from a Stalybridge free kick as Nathan Jarman broke down from the right side and gave it to Kyle Carey and his shot was blocked then followed up by Jimmy Phillips whose shot went over the bar.

Throughout the past ten minutes, once again Sports were the dominate team and had many efforts, but the shots were cleared and saved by the Celtic defence and keeper. On the 81st minute, Sports made a double change with Ted Cribley and the returning Evan Garnett replacing Jimmy Phillips and Kyle Carey. On the 83rd minute, a goal came for Stalybridge Celtic with Elliot Cooke having a shot and smashed past Callum Hawkins.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic

Mickleover Sports will be looking to make it a hatrick of home league victories on Saturday as they take on Manchester based side Stalybridge Celtic in the reverse fixture of the opening game of the season. A lot has changed for both teams since that 0-0 draw back on the 18th August but Celtic are in a much healthier position of 11th than Sports 17th, so this will certainly be the toughest game of the recent opponents at The Don Amott Arena. However with the renewed confidence Sports have picked up after two home victories in a row John McGrath’s side will be feeling optimistic they can grab another positive result to move further away from danger with a tough away fixture at relegation rivals Lancaster City to come next weekend.

LAST TIME OUT
Stalybridge Celtic did Sports a favor in their last game on New Years Day as they came from behind to beat Workington 2-1 away from home. A Bradley Carroll goal for the Reds was cancelled out by two Andrew Scott goals either side of the break. Sports last game came of course on the same day at home to Stafford Rangers where they came from 2-0 down at half time thanks to two goals from Shaquille McDonald and a Nathan Jarman Penalty to win 3-2.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Our four Czech Republic players are away but will hopefully be back soon, Evan Garnett still remains a doubt but has been back in training so hopefully won’t be out for too much longer. Callum Hawkins is expected to remain in goal in the absence of Lewis King due to injury. 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, £7 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s. However for this game only Kids are FREE with their parents/guardians only having to pay £1 each to come and watch the game! Burton Albion Season Ticket Holders not making the trip to Rochdale, Nottingham Forest Season Ticket Holders not going to Chelsea and Leicester City Season Ticket Holders are being encouraged to come along to support their local non league side with reduced admission of £7. 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. Due to printing deadlines this is a bumper two game special programme to go with our game with Stafford Rangers on New Years Day.

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 3-2 Stafford Rangers
Tuesday 1st January 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover go into the new year hoping to continue their winning streak. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-2-3-1 with Callum Hawkins making his first start in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Durrell Berry, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. John McGrath and Mason Warren were the holding midfielders. The attacking four consisted of Ted Cribley, Kyle Carey, Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Jack Walsh, Reece Ford, Ricky Ravenhill and Jimmy Phillips.

On the 2nd minute, chance came for Stafford with a cross from Theo Bailey-Jones forced Jake Scott to kick the ball out for a corner. Corner took and saved by Sports keeper Callum Hawkins. Throughout the beginning of the first ten minutes, Sports keeper Callum Hawkins was on the ball with some amazing saves. On the 13th minute, another chance came for Stafford with a dangerous ball that came into the box, but Ben Turner cleared it out for a corner. Corner was taken and met the head of Pablo Mills to clear it out, but Stafford try again and was saved into the hands of Callum Hawkins. On the 17th minute, goal came for Stafford with a cross that came to Theo Bailey-Jones who smashed it past Callum Hawkins and into the left side of the goal. On the 22nd minute, another goal for Stafford. Joe Cuff delivered a cross into the ball and Callum Hawkins got his hands on it but slipped past him at near post by Joe Cuff. On the 26th minute, it was nearly three for Stafford as the ball fell to Jake Charles, but he shot went over the bar. On the 31st minute, another chance came for Stafford with Jake Charles going past Durrell Berry and Callum Hawkins but his tap on hit the post and Pablo kicked it out of the area. On the 37th minute, chance for Sports as Ted Cribley crossed the ball into the box but was forced away by Stafford’s defence. On the 40th minute, another chance came for Sports as Nathan Jarman’s shot is over the bar. A minute later and another chance came for Sports. Kyle Carney had his curling shot saved by the Rangers keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-2 Stafford Rangers.

Second half commenced and throughout the first 15 minutes, not much action from each side but some excellent defending my Sports. On the 59th minute, Sports made a sub as Will Norcross replaced Kyle Carey. Two minutes later and Sports got the all-important goal. Rangers keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy dropped the ball after a long ball from Jake Scott and Shaquille McDonald struck the ball into the net to put Sports back into the game. On the 69th minute, another sub for Sports with Jimmy Phillips replacing Ted Cribley. On the 74th minute, huge chance came for Sports after a corner was awarded to Sports. John McGrath took the corner and met Shaquille McDonald but was deflected out for a corner. On the 77th minute and the equaliser came for Sports after a free kick was awarded to Sports. John McGrath took the free kick and met Jimmy Phillips who pulled it back into the box and in the goal by Shaquille McDonald. On the 80th minute, a huge chance came for Sports after Jimmy Phillips shot went over the bar. On the 85th minute, a penalty was awarded to Sports after a handball in the box. Nathan Jarman stepped up and fired the ball past George Sykes-Kenworthy to give Sports the lead.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 3-2 Stafford Rangers

Mickleover Sports 1-0 Marine
Saturday 29th December 2018
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports came into this game wanting the crucial three points ending 2018 on a high. Sports manager John McGrath put out a 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Pablo Mills, Ben Turner and Sports new signing Durrell Berry. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Ted Cribley, Ricky Ravenhill and Mason Warren. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Jack Walsh, Reece Ford, Callum Hawkins and Jimmy Phillips.

On the 4th minute, a great chance came for Sports. Shaquille McDonald ran towards goal and met with Mason Warren. Mason warren passed the ball to Jarman, but his shot went straight into the hands of Marine keeper Patrick Wharton. A minute later and a chance came for Marine. Liam Hynes took a shot from long range but went over the bar. On the 8th minute, a chance came for Marine. Marine had the ball and Steven Irwin tried his luck from range but went out wide of the right hand of the post. On the 13th minute, a goal came for Sports to take the lead. A corner kick from John McGrath met the feet of Nathan Jarman and smashed it in the bottom right corner.

On the 16th minute and another chance came for Sports. A lovely cross from Mason Warren met Shaquille McDonald but was stretched out and saved into the hands of Patrick Wharton. On the 19th minute, chance came for Marine. Ricky Ravenhill gave the ball away and Niall Cummins broke forward and squared it to James Short, but his effort went miles over the bar. On the 30th minute, Sports made a sub after Ricky Ravenhill went down with an injury. Ricky Ravenhill was replaced by Will Norcross. On the 38th minute, a chance came for Sports. Shaquille McDonald found himself down near the goal and took a shot, but his effort went over the bar. On the 41st minute, Sports made another sub with Lewis King down due to injury. Callum Hawkins replaced Lewis King, making his first team debut. On the 42nd minute another chance came for Sports. A lovely move between Shaquille McDonald and Nathan Jarman found Ted Cribley who took a shot but went out for a corner. John McGrath took the corner but was cleared out by the defence of Marine.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Marine

Second half commenced and on the 48th minute, a chance came for Marine to equalise, but the effort was fantastically saved by new Sports keeper Callum Hawkins. Sports had many chances throughout the second half and Callum Hawkins made fantastic saves during the second half period. On the 68th minute, Sports made their final sub with Jack Walsh replacing Ted Cribley. Marine also had a chance to score. Danny Mitchley took the shot but went over the bar. On the 71st minute, a chance came for Sports. John McGrath powered his way through the midfield and got to the end of the box. He fired his shot but fell into the hands of Patrick Wharton. On the 75th minute, a chance came for Marine. Marine were awarded a free kick. Charley Edge took the free kick, but his shot went out wide of the right-hand post. On the 78th minute, a chance came for Marine. A Marine counter attack ended with Craig Carney taking the shot but was blazed over the bar.

On the 80th minute, a chance came for Sports. Jack Walsh set up Ben Turner for a lovely cross to Shaquille McDonald but went over the bar by Will Norcross. On the 87th minute and what a chance for Sports. John McGrath took the corner and found the head of Pablo Mills but his shot went over the bar. During added time, a chance came for Marine. Michael Elstone took a shot but went over the bar.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 1-0 Marine.