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!

Buxton 5–0 Mickleover Sports
Evo- Stik Northern Premier League
Saturday 8th December 2018
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover came into this match after a successful win against Belper United in midweek. John McGrath put out a good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Jake Scott, Ben Turner, Pablo Mills and Tom Burgin, in midfield was John McGrath, Ricky Ravenhill, Jimmy Phillips and Jiri Boula. Two front strikers: Nathan Jarman and Kyle Carey. On the bench was Ted Cribley, Karel Tvaroh, Mason Warren, Adam Prusa and Reece Ford.

Throughout the first twenty minutes of the first half, each side had many chances. Sports had a good chance of getting on the scoreboard throughout these twenty minutes. One fantastic chance came for the Sports when Jimmy Phillips and Nathan Jarman worked together to send the ball to Jake Scott and the goal was blocked out for a goal kick. A goal came for Buxton on the 32nd minute. Liam Hardy got the ball from a Brad Grayson cross and scored from the cross into the roof of the net. A chance for Buxton came on the 35th minute with Liam Hardy had another effort but was saved by Lewis King. A chance came for Sports on the 38th minute with John McGrath hitting the bar after a curled effort from outside the box. A minute later, Jimmy Phillips had a chance to score but was deflected behind the goal from a corner. Another goal came for Buxton on the 44th minute after the ball was not cleared and Liam Hardy nabbed it from the defence and in the goal.

Half Time Buxton 2-0 Mickleover Sports

A half time substitution came for Sports. Karel Tvaroh came to replace Jiri Boula. John McGrath changed the formation but on the 47th minute, Buxton did it again. Brad Grayson slid past Lewis King and scored. Another goal came for Buxton on the 52nd minute after a throw in found James Dean in the box and took the shot which curled into the bottom right corner. On the 57th minute, Sports made another change as Ted Cribley came on for Jake Scott. A chance came for Sports on the 64th minute with Ted Cribley taking a cross and nearly found the feet of Kyle Carey. Kyle Carey’s rebound found Ricky Ravenhill, but the shot went over the bar. A goal came for Buxton on the 67th minute after a corner was awarded to Buxton. Scott Sephton took the corner and met the foot of Brad Roscoe who smashed it in the goal. On the 72nd minute, a free kick was awarded to Buxton. Brad Grayson took the free kick and was saved by Lewis King and out for a corner. The corner was taken and met the head of Brad Roscoe but went over the bar. Sports made a final substitution on the 75th minute with Adam Prusa replacing Jimmy Phillips.

Full Time Buxton 5-0 Mickleover Sports

It will be a case of trying to make it third time lucky against the Bucks this season as Sports make the trip over the peak district to fellow Derbyshire side Buxton FC. Both teams currently have players in their side who played for the opposite side when the teams first met back in September, with Ricky Ravenhill coming to Sports from the Bucks with Oli Roberts moving in the opposite direction. With both games ending 3-1 and 3-0 at the Don Amott Arena to Buxton, Sports will be looking to make the most of a 4G surface to try and get one back over the Bucks and try to move up the table to try and pull away from the three teams below them.

LAST TIME OUT
Buxton were in action on Monday evening as they came from 2-0 down to defeat Basford United 3-2 away in the League Cup Third Round. Goals from Zak Goodwin and James Reid had put the home side ahead however three second half goals from Bradley Grayson and James Handley (2) saw Buxton progress to the Quarter Finals. Sports were also in cup action midweek on Tuesday as they defeated Belper United in the Derbyshire Senior Cup Quarter Final 3-1. Jimmy Phillips (2) and Nathan Jarman bagging the goals for Sports who now have a home tie with Step 7 Clay Cross Town in the Semi Finals.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Dorran & Kevin Grocott remain out. New signing Kyle Carey is expected to be included in the squad. Evan Garnett should return to the side after being rested in midweek. Ted Cribley and Ricky Ravenhill both came off with slight knocks on Tuesday night but should be ok for the weekend. Everyone else is presumed fit and available if selected.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Buxton’s Silverlands Stadium, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6QH. Admission prices are set at £10 Adults, £6 Concessions and £2 for Under 16’s or 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.

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 3-1 Belper United
Derbyshire FA Senior Cup Quarter Final
Tuesday 4th December 2018
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Sports manager put out a strong 4-4-2 formation consisting of Lewis King in goal, a back four of Jake Scott, Mason Warren, Pablo Mills and Tom Burgin, a midfield of John McGrath, Ted Cribley, Ricky Ravenhill and Jimmy Phillips, and up top were Adam Prusa and Nathan Jarman. The Sports bench consisted of Finn Parkin, Reece Ford, Tom Eccleshall, Jiri Boula and Karel Tvaroh.

The first goal came in the 4th minute for the Sports. Ted Cribley cut inside the Belper defence and played it to Jimmy Phillips. Jimmy smashed the ball outside the box low hard and into the bottom left corner. A chance came for Belper to equalise as James Rushby sent a free header towards the goal but went across wide of the right hand of the post. Three minutes later, Belper get the equaliser after Belper were awarded a free kick. Ben Gowling takes the free kick and went under the hands of Lewis King and into the bottom left corner.

A big chance came for Belper on the 32nd minute after a mistake in defence and Ryan Baker got the ball. Ryan Baker took the shot but went over the bar. Two minutes later, a chance for Sports to take the lead but Nathan Jarman’s effort from outside the box went over the bar. On the 44th minute, another chance came for Sports. Sports manager John McGrath cut through the Belper back line, but his shot went wide of the right hand of the post.

Half Time: Mickleover Sports 1-1 Belper United

Three minutes into the second half, Belper nearly scored. Ryan Baker got the ball and went for goal but went over the bar. On the 57th minute Sports made a substitution. Karel Tvaroh came on to replace Jake Scott. Since coming on, Karel Tvaroh made an impact with many passes for Sports to take the lead. On the 67th minute, Karel Tvaroh did it again. Karel Tvaroh burst into the box after an excellent pass from John McGrath, but his shot went over the bar. Two minutes later and Jimmy Phillips did it again. Excellent 1-2 play between Czech Republic internationals Adam Prusa and Karel Tvaroh sent the ball to Jimmy Phillips who placed the ball under the Belper Keeper and into the bottom left corner.

A double change was made for Sports with Ricky Ravenhill and Ted Cribley coming off with slight knocks. Tom Eccleshall and Jiri Boula replaced them. On the 80th minute, a third goal came for Sports. Nathan Jarman showed his skills in the box and dunk his lob over the Belper keeper and into the bottom right corner. On the 86th minute, Lewis King made a fantastic save with James Rushby’s shot from close range saved by the Sports keeper. On the 89th minute, Sports nearly scored another. Jiri Boula was sent the ball by John McGrath but the Belper keeper saved the shot from close range. Sports were awarded a corner. John McGrath took the corner and met Pablo Mills head but was put out wide of the right-hand post. On the 91st minute, a double chance to score again from the Czech Republic internationals. Both Shots from Jiri Boula and Adam Prusa went out wide of the post.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 3-1 Belper United.