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.

Basford United 2-1 Mickleover Sports
Wednesday 26th December 2018
Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Coming into the Christmas season, sports travelled t Nottingham for their match against Basford United. Sports manager John McGrath put out a 4-4-2 formation consisted of Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Reece Ford, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Mason Warren, Ricky Ravenhill and Ted Cribley. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald.

For the first ten minutes of the game, both sides had many chances to score with mostly Basford on the ball for chances. On the 4th minute, a strike from range met Reid and was deflected out for a corner and on the 9th minute, Nate Watson tried his luck, but his shot went out wide of the post. On the 10th minute, Sports had a chance to score. Ted Cribley had the ball, but his shot went out wide of the left hand of the post. On the 12th minute, Basford took the lead. A cross came from the right-hand side and Pablo Mills headed the ball into the net. Five minutes later and Basford were in the lead again. Sports could not clear the ball and Nate Watson struck the ball in the net.

Half Time: Basford United 2-0 Mickleover Sports

Second half commenced and on the 49th minute, Sports had a chance to get on the scoreboard with Shaquille McDonald with a shot but goes out wide of the right-hand post. On the 55th minute, a chance for Basford. With a scramble in the box, Nathan Jarman cleared the ball away from the line and out of their area. A minute later and Sports could have had another chance to score. John McGrath had the chance but his shot went out wide of the left hand of the post. On the 65th minute, Sports get on the scoreboard with a fantastic cross that came from Mason Warren to the keeper who dropped the ball giving Shaquille McDonald the opportunity to tap the ball in the net. On the 76th minute, Sports were awarded a free kick. John McGrath took the free kick and found Nathan Jarman but his shot was saved by the keeper. Two minutes later, another chance for Sports to equalise but John McGrath’s shot went over the bar. On the last minute of added time, Ricky Ravenhill almost gave Sports the all important equaliser but went out wide of the left hand post.

Full Time Basford United 2-1 Mickleover Sports.

Mickleover 2-2 Bamber Bridge
Saturday 22nd December 2018
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After last week’s controversial defeat, Sports came into this game wanting all three points. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The defence consisted of Jake Scott, Ben Turner, Pablo Mills and Reece Ford. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Ted Cribley, Ricky Ravenhill and Mason Warren. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Shaquille McDonald.

On the first minute, Sports were underway, and a chance came for Sports to score. Shaquille McDonald was played in and took a shot but was saved by Bamber Bridge’s keeper Danny Roccia. On the 5th minute, a chance came for Bamber Bridge to equalise, but Sports keeper Lewis King saved the shot and kicked it out to Shaquille McDonald. During this period, Shaquille McDonald ran with the ball to have another chance to score but his shot went out wide of the left-hand side of the post. Throughout the last ten minutes, each side had fantastic chances to get on the scoreboard but with excellent defending and saves from each keeper. On the 15th minute a chance came for Bamber Bridge but with the great defence of Sports, the ball was kicked out of their area. Three minutes later and Bamber Bridge get on the scoreboard. An excellent pass came to Danny Forbes from Darren McIntyre went past Lewis King and the all-important lead for Bamber Bridge. Two minutes later, Sports nearly get an instant reply with Shaquille McDonald played through again, but his shot went wide of the right-hand side of the post.

On the 26th minute, a chance came for Sports to equalise. A fantastic pass to Nathan Jarman from Mason Warren saw his shot hit the woodwork after a save by Danny Roccia. On the 30th minute, a chance for Bamber to score again but the mighty hands of Lewis King saved the shot which then fell to Danny Forbes to have another chance again but once again Lewis King saved it again. On the 40th minute, a penalty was awarded. Bamber Bridge were awarded a free kick from a foul outside the box. The free kick was took and allegedly hit the hand of Nathan Jarman. Alistair Waddecap took the shot which went straight past Lewis King to give Bamber Bridge the 2-0 lead at half time.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 0-2 Bamber Bridge.

Second half commenced and Sports straight away had a chance to score. Shaquille McDonald was once again on the ball, but his shot was saved by the keeper and out for a corner. John McGrath took the corner and his shot was met by Pablo Mill’s head, but his shot was blocked. Sports still had possession of the ball and another chance came for Sports but was blocked and kicked out. On the 56th minute a goal came for Sports after the ball met Pablo Mills head and smashed into the goal. Throughout the second half period, Shaquille McDonald was fast paced and attempted many chances but went out wide or saved by Danny Roccia.

On the 70th minute, a chance came for Sports. A fantastic pass to Nathan Jarman from John McGrath took a shot but was saved by Danny Roccia. O the 75th minute, Sports made a change with Will Norcross replacing Ted Cribley. On the 79th minute, Sports get eh all important equaliser with Mason Warren on the ball after an excellent pass to Shaquille McDonald who sent it to Jarman and smashed it past the keeper. On the 83rd minute, a chance for Sports to grab all three points. Shaquille McDonald’s header was looped over and saved by Bamber Bridge’s keeper Danny Roccia.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 2-2 Bamber Bridge

Mickleover Sports 1-3 Grantham Town
Saturday 15th December
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports come into this game with new faces. John McGrath put out a 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Reece Ford, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of John McGrath, Ricky Ravenhill, Kyle Carey and Mason Warren. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and new sports signing Shaquille McDonald. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Jack Walsh, Ted Cribley, Harley Kozluk and Tom Eccleshall.

We were underway with the first half and on the 4th minute, Sports started the first half with an effort from Mason Warren but went out wide of the left-hand post. Throughout the first 15 minutes of the first half, both sides had chances to score but all with excellent saves from each defence. On the 22nd minute, a chance came for Sports with Nathan Jarman managing to burst through Grantham’s back line, but his shot was saved by Grantham’s keeper. On the 28th, a chance came for Grantham. Shaun Harrad’s deflected shot fell to Tom Siddons but his shot was saved by Lewis King and flagged offside. Sports also made a change as Kyle Carey sustained an injury. Will Norcross replaced Kyle Carey.

On the 35th minute, a controversial sending off happened with the referee sending off Lewis King after Lewis King denied a goal scoring opportunity for Grantham outside the box. Grantham was awarded a free kick and Nathan Jarman went in goal for the Sports. On the 38th minute, after all the controversy, another controversial situation occurred when a goal came for Grantham but was apparently offside. Grantham goal scorer Shaun Harrad was seemed to be stood in an offside position when the ball came to him, but the referee gave Grantham the goal. On the 41st minute, a chance came for Sports with an effort from Ben Turner being saved out wide of the post. On the 1st added minute of the first half, Sports were awarded a free kick. John McGrath took the free kick and aimed for goal but was saved by the Grantham goalkeeper.

Half Time Mickleover Sports 0-1 Grantham with a very interesting first half.

Second half went underway and on the 51st minute, Sports were awarded a corner. From a John McGrath corner, Pablo Mills had his effort cleared off the line. On the 54th minute Grantham almost made it 2-0. Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson had an open net, but his shot went out wide. On the 63rd minute, another chance for Grantham. Danny Durkin’s shot fell into the hands of Nathan Jarman. On the 71st minute, Sports got the all-important equaliser. Sports were awarded a corner which was taken by John McGrath. From John McGrath’s corner, the ball fell to Pablo Mills and was smashed into the bottom left corner.

But nine minutes later, a goal came for Grantham. Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson slid past the injured Jake Scott and ran into the box before tapping past Jarman and into the bottom right corner. At this time Sports made a substitution. Harley Kozluk replaced the injured Jake Scott. Then five minutes after that goal, Grantham scored again, and it was game set and match for them. Ross Barrows Struck the ball from distance and went under Nathan Jarman into the bottom right corner.

Full Time Mickleover Sports 1-3 Grantham Town.

With so many teams contesting trying to stay away from the bottom three, Sports know that Saturday’s important game with Grantham Town will be a real test of the squads character. With the hammering at Buxton now in the past it’s time to see what the squad are made of coming into a game against an opponent who beat Mickleover 2-1 in the return fixture back in September and are only four points in front. After this game we will be at the half way stage of the season. It’s clear the club aren’t where we all expected to be but all we can do now is aim for as many points as possible. With many new signings coming into the club in the last few weeks, John McGrath can’t be accused of sitting on his laurels, as the Sports Boss does everything he can to ensure the club stay at Step 3 ahead of the new 4G surface going in next year.

LAST TIME OUT
The Gingerbreads drew 1-1 with Marine in their last outing last Saturday. A goal from Daniel Durkin in the first half was cancelled out by Liam Hynes for Marine in the second half to see Grantham into 15th position, four points in front of Sports. Last weekend was certainly one to forget in their last outing as Buxton won 5-0 leaving Sports only two points off the relegation zone with Marine now sniffing down their backs. A win for Marine and a loss for Sports would see Sports drop into the bottom three. But with the Mariners to come after Christmas, it’s important to move as far away from them as possible.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Dorran & Kevin Grocott are the only ones confirmed as ruled out. We will have to wait and see is Evan Garnett is fit enough after missing the last two with a minor hamstring injury. Everyone else is presumed fit and available if selected.

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 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!