Mickleover Sports get a second chance on Tuesday night to set up a 3rd Qualifying Round FA Trophy Tie with South Shields after snatching a late equalizer at Stratford Town. Will Norcross’ late header means we bring Stratford Town back to The Don Amott Arena to see who will progress to the next round. A reminder should the score be level after 90 minutes then there will be 30 minutes of extra time and penalties if required.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Doran & Kevin Grocott remain on the sideline. Jake Scott looks set to miss out after rolling his ankle again in the game at Stratford on Saturday. Ted Cribley suffered minor foot injury in the same match and will be assessed ahead of Tuesdays Replay. Lewis King is back available for selection after serving his three game suspension however Corey Addai is set to be in goal again for the game. Everyone else should be 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 set at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £1 for Under 16’s. Derby County and 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 Officer Sam 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!

Stratford Town 1-1 Mickleover Sports
The FA Buildbase Trophy 2nd Round
Saturday 10th November 2018
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover travelled to Warwickshire to face Stratford Town in the FA Buildbase Trophy second round. Sports manager John McGrath put out a strong 4-4-2 formation with Correy Addai in goal. The back four consisted of Ben Turner, Pablo Mills, Tom Burgin and Jake Scott. The midfield consisted of Mason Warren, Ricky Ravenhill, Jimmy Phillips and Ted Cribley. The two front strikers consisted of Kyle Clamp and Evan Garnett. Sports bench consisted of Will Norcross, Harley Kozluk, Nathan Jarman, Jack Walsh and Victor Sodeinge.

On the 3rd minute, Stratford was awarded a free kick. Will Grocott takes the free kick and struck the woodwork on the bar. On the 7th minute, Sports were awarded a free kick. Ted Cribley took the kick and fires to Ricky Ravenhill to shoot but goes over the bar from a reflection. A corner was awarded for sports and a scrap in the box sent the ball out wide of the goal and out for a goal kick. There was excellent play from both teams throughout the first half and excellent defending. On the 17th minute, Kynan Isaac has a shot but was blocked by Tom Burgin and Stratford had a corner. Will Grocott takes the corner and was deflected out for another corner. Corner was taken and saved by the head of Tom Burgin.

On the 23rd minute, Jake Scott was brought down and sports was awarded a free kick. Ted Cribley takes the free kick and Sports shout for a penalty but the ref gives a corner. Ted Cribley takes the corner and is cleared out by Jordan Williams. On the 26th minute Stratford got on the scoreboard with an excellent diving header from Jordan Williams. 1-0 Stratford. On the 34th minute, sports had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard but is blocked by Jamie McAteer and caught by Richard Walton. A chance for Stratford came in the 38th minute as Wilson Carvalho shoots from long range but was saved in the hands of Correy Addai. Half Time Stratford 1-0 Mickleover Sports.

Mickleover Sports made a substitution at half time with Nathan Jarman replacing Ted Cribley. On the 51st minute, Kynan Isaac had another chance of goal but was saved by Correy Addai. Another change was made for Sports on the 55th minute with Jack Walsh replacing Mason Warren. Multiple changes for sports came throughout the second half by Nathan Jarman, Jimmy Phillips and Evan Garnett but Stratford goalkeeper Richard Walton saved them. On the 74th minute, sports final change was made with Will Norcross replacing Jake Scott.

Mickleover get the important goal they need and the equaliser from a free kick awarded to sports and Will Norcross heads the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. 1-1 was the score. During the crucial final minutes, a chance for Sports came and what could have been the winner. Evan Garnett ran with the ball and passed to Ben Turner but the ball went out wide of the left hand post. Full Time Stratford Town 1-1 Mickleover Sports.

To be or not to be, that is the question, as Sports know they are in for a tough test in Shakespeare country on Saturday as they make the trip down to face Stratford Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy. The Town as they are known have not lost a competitive game since the 8th September and have won 8 of their last 11 matches in all competitions. They beat Alvechurch in the previous round drawing the first game 1-1 away before winning 3-0 at home in the replay. The Southern Premier League side sit 8th in the Premier Division table only two points off the play off positions. Sports will have to at the top of their game due get a result in this tie. However as we know form can go out of the window in the big cup competitions and with Sports cup form being excellent they can feel confident to test the hosts.

LAST TIME OUT
Stratford Town’s last fixture came on Tuesday 6th November as they beat our previous FA Trophy opponents Redditch United 2-1 at home in the Southern Premier League Cup. Mickleover Sports of course also won their last fixture 2-1 which was the victory away at Gresley FC in the 2nd Round of the Derbyshire Senior Cup.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Dorran and Kevin Grocott remain sidelined. Tom Burgin and Jake Scott are returning to full fitness after both have been included on the bench in the last couple of games. With both loan signings Kyle Clamp and Victor Sodeinge both impressing at Gresley and with Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman still contesting starting places so there is plenty of competition at the top end of the field. Everyone else is avaliable for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Knights Lane, Tiddington, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7BZ. Admission prices are set at £10 for Adults, £6 for Concessions, £2 for Under 18’s and FREE for Under 12’s. 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. All of your pre-match information can be found on Stratford’s website on the link here… http://www.stratfordtownfc.co.uk/a/match-day-information-49983.html

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 Sam & Kerry 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/.

Gresley 1-2 Mickleover Sports
Derbyshire FA Senior Cup 2nd Round
Tuesday 6th November 2018
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

Mickleover travelled to local club Gresley for the Derbyshire FA Senior Cup. After Mickleover’s amazing win against Workington on Saturday, Spots boss John McGrath put out a strong team in a 4-4-2 formation. The team consisted of Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Harley Kozluk, Tom Eccleshall, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. The midfield consisted of Ricky Ravenhill, Mason Warren, Jimmy Phillips and Ted Cribley. The two front strikers consisted of Nathan Jarman and Kyle Clamp. The Sports bench consisted of Evan Garnett, Finn Parkin, Jake Scott and Victor Sodeinge.

First half consisted of both teams created excellent chances. Mickleover with the most chances especially a free kick that went wide of the left hand of the post. During the first half, Gresley had chances with Martyn Smyth and Kieran O’Connell which were saved by Sports goalkeeper Lewis King. Jarman and Phillips worked very well as a team during the first half but many chances were missed. Mickleover almost had a chance to get on the scoreboard with Sports awarded a corner but went over the bar of the goal. On the 28th minute a header from Sports defender Pablo Mills gave Mickleover the lead. Mickleover almost added another goal with a shot from Nathan Jarman and went wide of them right hand of the post. Half Time Gresley 0-1 Mickleover Sports

During the second half, there were no changes to each side. A chance came for Mickleover with a shot from Ricky Ravenhill and goes wide of the left hand of the post. A sub was made for Sports. Ted Cribley comes off and is replaced by Victor Sodeinge. Victor Sodeinge had some fantastic chances throughout the second half with a chance to score but was blocked by the Gresley defence. On the 70th minute Gresley earns an equaliser from Cameron Steele after the ball was struck past Lewis King. Gresley 1-1 Mickleover Sports Victor Sodeinge gets his first goal for Sports on the 82nd minute after going one on one with the keeper and shots over the keeper to strike on the top left corner. Another Sub for Sports as Mason Warren comes off and is replaced by Finn Parkin. Full Time Gresley 1-2 Mickleover Sports and Mickleover progress to the 3rd round of the Derbyshire FA Senior Cup.

Sports head down to Church Gresley on Tuesday night to take on Gresley FC in the Derbyshire Senior Cup 2nd Round. The two sides have shared many entertaining matches in league, cup and friendly matches over the years and this is sure to be no different with both sides seeing this as a realistic competition to win. However with an FA Trophy tie at Stratford coming up on Saturday it will be interesting to see if McGrath rests any players ahead of the game in Warwickshire at the weekend.

LAST TIME OUT
The Moatmen were in action on Saturday as they lost 1-0 at home to Spalding United. Leon Mettam netted in the 80th minute to knock Gresley down to 9th in the East Division table. Sports however were on the end of a 1-0 victory at home to Workington AFC with Nathan Jarman netting inside the second half to move Sports up to 17th in the Premier Division table.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Dorran remains out. Lewis King is still suspended. Tom Burgin is nearly 100% match fit. Everyone else should be avaliable should they be selected. McGrath may see this as a chance to rotate the squad with many of the young reserve and academy player chomping at the bit to impress.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place at Gresley’s Moat Ground, Moat Street, Church Gresley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9RE. Admission prices are set at £8 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and Under 16’s and £1 for Under 13’s. 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. Parking is severely limited at The Moat Ground. The Moat Ground has a small car park adjacent to it but it does get filled up early on a match day but there is plenty of parking in the area. All of your pre-match information can be found on Gresley’s website on the link here http://www.gresleyfc.com/first-time-visit/

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 Sam & Kerry will also be trialing 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 7:35pm 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 1-0 Workington AFC
Saturday 3rd November 2018
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

It was substitute Nathan Jarman who won this tight encounter between to sides struggling towards the bottom of the Premier Division table. The game was exactly a classic but when your down the bottom you’ll take any win and Sports boss John McGrath will be happy pulling further way from the drop zone. Jimmy Phillips and Daniel Wordsworth exchanged early blows for either side before both Jack Walsh and new loan signing Victor Sodeinde both had shots saved by close quarters for Sports by the Workington stopper. Into the second half and the side from Cumbria had a penalty given after Pablo Mills was adjudged to have fouled inside the box. Jason Walker steppes up put it wide of the right hand post. Moments later Sports scores the goal that would win the game as substitute Jarman struck a peach from outside the box off the post and into the top right corner. Sports managed to keep Workington quiet for most of the remaining minutes of the match. The closest the visitors cams was a free header from Kyle May before Coventry City loaner keeper Corey Addai made a terrific diving save from a long range effort to keep his second team sheet in his second start in goal. Sports now move up to 17th and move further from danger.

Mickleover Sports are back in Evo Stik League action on Saturday as they welcome Workington AFC from Cumbria to The Don Amott Arena. The Reds as they are known have been struggling this season as well with the side from Cumbria currently sitting 21st in the table, second bottom and inside the relegation zone. However they have two games in hand and only sit four points behind Sports in 18th so this game could be seen as an early relegation six pointer by some people. It is absolutely crucial now that Sports take their excellent cup record into the league now as those around them such as Matlock and Lancaster are starting to pick up their recent form. All of the sides below Sports have a number of games in hand so Saturdays game with Workington will be seen by the Sports players and staff to put some breathing space in between themselves and the chasing pack. With the likes to South Shields, Marine and Hednesford to come Sports need to start picking up the points required to stay clear of that dreaded drop zone.

LAST TIME OUT
Workington’s last game also came in the FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round as they beat Scarborough Athletic 1-0 at Borough Park last Saturday. Scott Allison it was who popped up in the 27th minute to set up a tie with Newcastle Town in the next round. Sports also won at home 1-0 in the same competition, however their goal came a lot later as Evan Garnett popped up in the 93rd minute to send Sports through to face Stratford Town away from home on Saturday 10th November.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Niall Dorran is still out injured and Lewis King is serving a three match ban meaning Corey Addai will remain in goal. Tom Burgin was an unused substitute last weekend as he works his way back to full fitness. No further injuries or new signings have been reported at the time of writing so everyone else remains 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 £1 for Under 16’s. Derby County 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 Officer Sam 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 1-0 Redditch United
Saturday 27th October 2018
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

It was Evan Garnett at the death as Mickleover Sports progressed into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy with a 1-0 win over Southern Premier League side Redditch United at the Don Amott Arena. After a pretty uneventful first half baring couple of early substitutions for Sports, Garnett and Jarman had chances in the second half to win the tie before they did. It looked as though the tie was heading to a replay as the game went into injury time but in the dying seconds of the game Jarman’s effort was stabbed in at close range by Garnett to spark wild celebrations and book Sports place in the next round.

There was a debut in the Sports goal for Corey Addai on a month’s loan from Coventry City. The back four was Kevin Grocott, Reece Ford, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner. John McGrath and Ricky Ravenhill started in midfield with Jimmy Phillips and young Jack Walsh on the wings. Mason Warren was played in an attacking midfield role with Evan Garnett the main striker. On the bench were Harley Kozluk, Jake Smith, Tom Burgin and Nathan Jarman.

Both sides traded early blows as Nelson and Warren had efforts to score go wide, before the first injury came round for Sports as Kevin Grocott had to make way for Harley Kozluk to step in at right back. Reynolds then had a shot for the visitors saved by Addai soon after but then Sports had to make their next substitution. Another Coventry City loan player Reece Ford had a slight niggle that couldn’t be risked so was taken off for striker Nathan Jarman. Mason Warren went into the left back position with Ben Turner slotting in at center back.

Garnett had his first chance of the game with a strike wide that Jarman couldn’t get a toe to. Ahmed for United then had a header cleared off the line by Mason Warren for a corner kick. Two penalty shouts then followed for the away side as a shirt pull from Ravenhill and an elbow from McGrath were unseen by the referee inside the box. It was Redditch who had the final two chances of the first half as Leachman guided an effort into the side netting before Nelson had a strike saved by Addai to keep his clean sheet intact.
The second half started with two early chances for the visitors both of which were saved and the other cleared off the line by the Sports defense. Sports then had a penalty shout as Ravenhill went down inside the six yard box but was again not given by the officials. Nathan Jarman then had two efforts one saved by Reece Francis the other was put wide of the left hand post. Nelson for Redditch was causing a real threat and his quick fire effort went just wide of the right hand post next.

Sports then should have been 1-0 up as Garnett missed a sitter from a yard out but it was scuffed and out for a goal kick. Sports were well on top and had many chances to score all the way through the final periods of the game. But Redditch still remained a threat and could have scored but Ali’s free header was wide from a corner kick. Sports made on final chance as Jimmy Phillips came off to be replaced by young academy player Jake Smith. It looked as though the tie was going to a replay but in the dying seconds Sports pressed and found the break though. Redditch failed to clear a ball into the box and it fell to Jarman who had the initial shot towards goal but Garnett was there to make sure as he stabbed the ball home from close range to spark relief around the ground for the home fans and despair for the away fans. That was nearly the last kick of the game as the referee blew for full time straight from the restart. A battling performance that came good in the end and one that Sports can take real confidence from and hopefully take it into the league. With Buxton drawing their game Sports now have another free week with Workington AFC up next in the league on Saturday 3rd November, 3pm Kick Off.