Click to see the photo gallery of Saturday’s match against Nantwich Town from Sarah Middleton:

https://mickleoverfc.com/gallery-mickleover-sports-vs-nantwich-town-by-sarah-middleton/

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Travel with the team to Workington!

We are pleased to confirm that there are spaces available on the (luxury) supporters coach for this Saturday’s trip to Workington in the NPL Premier Division.

The contest promises to be an intriguing one, with Workington sitting 7th in the division.

The coach leaves at 8.45am for a 3.00pm kick off at a fare of £15 (return).

Please contact Tony Shaw at tonys@mickleoversportsfc.com to book your place.

Come on Sports!

SPORTS 0-1 NANTWICH TOWN

By Phil Mathews

Sports :- Eastwood, Scott, Turner, McGrath, Mills, Burgin, Dales, Schofield, Morrison (Dickinson 54), Baskerville (Ptak 45), Broadhead.

Subs:- Lansdown, Belgrave, Norcross

Nantwich:- Gyollai, Stair, Touray, Harrison, Sam Jones, Hall, Hancock, Riley (Abadaki 61), Brooke (Bailey-Nicholls 82), Bell, Madley( Steve Jones 51)

Subs:- Mwasile, Finney.

Referee L Watson

Attn 242.

The margin of victory was only the one goal, but could easily have been more but for Jake Eastwood in the home goal.

The two teams went into the fixture locked together on 37 points although visitors Nantwich had games in hand.

The early stages of the game were tight although it was the visiting teams who appeared to be enjoying the bulk of the attacking play, with the best early chance falling to Danny Schofield whose curling shot in the 14th minute was off target. It wasn’t until the 37th minute that Sports went that close again with Clinton Morrison firing over after good approach play.

The moment that undoubtedly changed the game in the 41st minute as Ben Turner slid in a tackle on Wayne Riley.  After consultation with his assistant (who appeared in a worse position than him) to pass judgement he showed Turner a straight red. Referee Watson had shown a seemingly cavalier approach to awarding free kicks, and bookings up to that point choosing to award or not at random.

The sending off may well have been valid, but due to his previous decision making left parts of the crowd confused.

Irrespective of this it meant Mickleover would have more than an entire half with a one man disadvantage.

Nantwich tried to make the most of their numerical superiority but it took them until the 79th minute to make their breakthrough – which in itself says a lot for Sports resolve.

Whatever controversy had come before there was no doubt about Ben Harrison’s strike from just outside the area that settled the tie.

The hosts tried to force their way back into the contest, with the introduction of the lively Jake Dickinson, and ultimately pushing Pablo Mills up front.

The visitors had a late chance to double their lead but the shot from Josh Hancock rattled the woodwork before flying clear.

Mickleover Sports defender/midfielder Jake Bennett has agreed a move to League One club Sheffield United on a permanent, professional deal.

Jake has been a fantastic player for Sports and first-team manager John McGrath had the following to say:

“I was delighted that we at Mickleover Sports play a part in Jake fulfilling in ambition of getting the chance to play his football at a league club. Jake is now a full time pro and I am very excited about the potential he will reach whilst plying his trade at a great club like Sheffield United. He is a great kid and I wish him all the best with his move. Him and his family are always welcome back to the Don Amott Arena”.

McGrath will need to rearrange the defensive lineup for the next match which is on January 2nd, away at Buxton FC (3pm).

Rushall Olympic 1-2 Mickleover Sports

(By Tony Shaw)

Rushall:

Veiga, Christoporou, Hull, Cooper, Bottomer (54), Smith, Forde, Whittall, Luckie (71), Reid, Dell (57). Subs – Eze, Fitzpatrick, Portodickromo (54), Mckenzie (71), Mugisha (57)

Sports:

Eastwood, Bennett, Turner, Mcgrath, Mills, Burgin, Dales, Scott, Hall, Baskerville, Broadhead. Subs – Norcross, Belgrave, Lansdowne, Slew, Morrison

Attendance 285

Sports followed up Saturday’s excellent win with arguably their best performance of the season against top of the table, Rushall Olympic.  Their unbeaten December run was halted as Sports showed initial flair and then determination in the closing minutes that included eight additional minutes to add to the drama.

Sports had an early scare as Jake Eastwood slipped on the surface and spilled a routine ball that saw Alex Reid strike just wide of the post. Sports settled quickly and began to take the game to the Home side. The opening goal came on 13 minutes when a good long pass was controlled by Connor Hall and as he went round the keeper he was brought down for a clear penalty. Hall got up to find the bottom corner from the spot.

Sports should have had a second penalty when Andy Dales played a one-two with Adam Baskerville to break clear on goal. The trailing defender could only push him down as he entered the penalty area but amazingly the only person on the ground not to see this as a clear penalty was the referee who waived play on. Sports were now well on top and Rushall could only resort to numerous cynical fouls. From one Andy dales saw his free kick brilliantly pushed away by Veiga who then repeated this by diving full length to deny John Mcgrath. Andy Dales was then denied again by Veiga who had kept his side in the game.

Things looked ominous for Sports after dominating most of the game but missing several good chances and they were grateful to a fine diving save by Jake Eastwood as he pushed away a free kick from Isaac Cooper. The all important second goal came on 43 minutes when a John Mcgrath corner was headedin from close range by Sports man of the match, Pablo Mills.

Sports expected Rushall to come out fighting in the second half but in truth it was only in the last 10 minutes did they come under pressure. Connor Hall, having another fine game, forced a good save from Veiga and Adam Baskerville just failed to connect with low crosses from Jake Bennett and Andy Dales. Andy Dales again broke clear after another 1-2 with Connor Hall but his 12 yard shot was parried by Veiga and scrambled clear.

With 7 minutes left in normal time, Rushall pulled a goal back as Eastwood was obstructed as he punched clear and when the ball was played back in was off his line as Joe Hull headed in from 6 yards out. Sports went on the attack again and a fine move ended with Hall squaring for Jack Broadhead but his 10 yard shot cleared the bar.

Sports had to suffer eight long minutes of overtime (should have been 4!!!) but with the defence in control and Jake Eastwood showing composure they held on to secure a fine victory and 3 important points.

We are pleased to confirm that there are spaces available on the supporters coach for this Saturday’s trip to Spennymoor Town in the NPL Premier Division..

The contest promises to be an intriguing one, with a strong lineup promised by manager John McGrath.

The coach leaves at 9.30am for a 3.00pm kick off at a fare of £15 (return).

Please contact Tony Shaw at tonys@mickleoversportsfc.com to book your place.

Come on Sports!

We can announce that the DCFA Senior Challenge Cup match against Borrowash Victoria will be a ‘discount day’.

This means that admission prices are slashed to the following:

Adults £5.00

Children  £1.00 (free with adult)

The match promise to be a good one with local pride at stake for both clubs.

See you at the Don Amott Arena!

#SportsRising