With five games played with five more to go, Sports are now half way through their Pre Season schedule as they now prepare for two games in as many days. Heanor Town await on Wednesday night, but first it’s the 1.4 mile drive to Poppyfields to take on our friends from Mickleover Royal British Legion FC, or RBL as they are better known.

Mickleover RBL currently in the Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League South Division alongside fellow Derbyshire clubs such as Holbrook Sports, Hilton Harriers and Pinxton. They finished a respectable 9th place last season. The club was one of the founder members of the Step 7 league in 1983.

The clubs home is Poppyfields Drive which is also home to the Mickleover Branch of the Royal British Legion. The club run many fund raising events for the fantastic charity including Casino Nights, live music & comedy and many more events which are well worth a look at if you live in the local community.

TEAM NEWS:

Sports Boss John McGrath should be back this week after being away over the weekend and is likely to look to the Academy and Reserves to cover the two games in as many days. It is unclear so far as to who will play in which game but more than likely will be split into two. Pablo Mills could return if selected as the defender missed the game at Worksop with a twisted ankle. The former Rams defender was the only injury concern going into this week, everyone else should be fit if selected.

GOING TO THE GAME?

The game is taking place at Poppyfields Drive, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9GB. As you head north on Station Road, turn right onto Western Road then as you travel down this road heading east Poppyfields Drive will be on the left. Head down to the bottom of this road and after a slight left you will see the Royal British Legion building in front of you with the pitch just behind. There is plenty of room for car parking.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?

Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry will be there keeping you updates via our Facebook & Twitter accounts as well as a Photo Gallery available on Facebook and post match Interviews available on Mickleover Sports TV after the game.

Farsley Celtic are the focus of today’s 21 in 21.

When do we play them?

Home: Saturday 1st December
Away: Saturday 15th September

Name: Farsley Celtic AFC
Nickname: The Villagers
Founded: 1908
Ground: Throstle Nest – Capacity: 4000
Manager: Adam Lakeland
Home Kit: Blue & White
Away Kit: Yellow & Black
2017-2018: Northern Premier League – Premier Division – 5th

Club History:

The club was established in 1908 as Farsley Football Club and played in amateur leagues in Leeds. They joined the West Riding County Amateur League in 1926 and were runners-up in 1936–37. In 1949 they joined Division Two of the Yorkshire League. They won the Division in 1951–52, earning promotion to Division One. After three bottom-half finishes, league performances improved and Farsley finished fifth in 1955–56 and fourth in 1956–57, before ending the season as runners-up in both 1957–58 and 1958–59. The 1959–60 season saw them with the league for the first time, and throughout the 1960s the club finished in the top seven of the league.

They were champions again in 1968–69 and runners-up in 1970–71 and 1971–72. In 1974–75 the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2–0 at home to Third Division Tranmere Rovers in a match moved to Elland Road to accommodate the record 11,000 crowd. After finishing in the bottom four of Division One the following season, the club were relegated to Division Two. The following season saw them finish fourth in Division Two, earning promotion back to Division One. However, their stay in Division One only lasted one season as they were relegated again at the end of the 1977–78 season. After three years in Division Two they were promoted back to Division One at the end of the 1980–81 season.

In 1982 the Yorkshire League merged with the Midland League to form the Northern Counties East League, with Farsley placed in Division One North. They remained in the division until winning it in 1984–85, after which they were promoted to the Premier Division. In 1986–87 they were Premier Division runners-up, earning promotion to the newly formed Division One of the Northern Premier League.

The club remained in the division for seventeen seasons until a third-place finish in 2003–04 saw them promoted to the Premier Division. Their first season in the Premier Division ended in controversy; Spennymoor United failed to fulfil their fixtures as they folded and the league opted to expunge their results, leaving Farsley ending the season as league champions. However, the Football Association over-ruled the league, awarding three points to all clubs who had not played Spennymoor at the time they had stopped playing. This meant that both Hyde United and Workington moved above Farsley in the table, with Hyde gaining automatic promotion. Farsley attempted to overturn the decision in the High Court, but were unsuccessful and subsequently entered the play-offs. After beating Whitby Town 1–0 in the semi-finals, they lost to Workington on penalties in the final.

In 2005–06 Farsley finished fourth in the Premier Division, again qualifying for the play-offs. After beating Marine 1–0 in the semi-finals, they defeated North Ferriby United 2–1 in the final to earn promotion to the Conference North. A second successive promotion was achieved the following season when a fifth-place finish in the Conference North saw them again qualify for the playoffs. They went on to beat Kettering Town 4–2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, before beating Hinckley United 4–3 in the final at the Pirelli Stadium. They also reached the first round of the FA Cup again, eventually losing 2–0 in a replay to Milton Keynes Dons after the home match had ended 0–0.

The club’s first season in the Conference National ended in relegation back to the Conference North. Financial problems led to the club being expelled from the league prior to the 2009–10 season, although they were readmitted shortly afterwards. However, they subsequently went into administration and were expelled from the Conference in March 2010 after being unable to fulfil their fixtures, before being disbanded on 10 March.

The club was reformed as Farsley A.F.C. and joined the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League for the 2010–11 season. They went on to win the division, earning promotion to Division One North of the Northern Premier League. A fourth-place finish in 2011–12 saw them qualify for the play-offs, losing 3–0 to Witton Albion in the semi-finals. In 2015 the club returned to the name Farsley Celtic. They finished second in 2016–17, again qualifying for the play-offs. After beating Colne 4–0 in the semi-finals, the club defeated Ossett Town 4–2 in the final to earn promotion to the Premier Division. The following season saw the club finish fifth in the Premier Division, reaching the play-offs. However, they were beaten 2–1 in the semi-finals by Ashton United.

Buxton FC are the focus of today’s 21 in 21.

When do we play them?

Home: Saturday 1st September
Away: Saturday 8th December

Name: Buxton Football Club
Nickname: The Bucks
Founded: 1877
Ground: The Silverlands
Manager: Paul Phillips & Steve Halford
Home Kit: Blue & White
Away Kit: Red & White
2017-2018: Northern Premier League – Premier Division – 9th

Club History:

The club was established in autumn 1877 as an offshoot of the local cricket club, playing their first match on 27 October 1877. In 1891 they joined the Combination. They finished bottom of the league in 1895–96 and left at the end of the 1898–99 season, when they switched to the Manchester League. They were runners-up in 1904–05, but spent much of their time in the league prior to its 1912 disbandment in lower-mid table, finishing second-from-bottom on three occasions.

Buxton rejoined the Manchester League when it was re-established in 1920, and considered applying to join the new Football League Third Division North when it was formed in 1921, although they did not submit a bid. They were Manchester League runners-up in 1928–29 and 1929–30 and League Cup winners in 1925–26 and 1926–27. After winning the league in 1931–32, they joined the Cheshire County League. After World War II they were runners-up in 1946–47, and in 1951–52 they reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time. A 4–1 win at Rawmarsh Welfare, saw them face Football League side Aldershot in the second round, with Buxton winning 4–3 at the Silverlands. In the third round they lost 2–0 at Second Division Doncaster Rovers.

In 1958–59 Buxton reached the first round of the FA Cup again, and after beating Crook Town 4–1 in the first round, they lost 6–1 at Accrington Stanley in the second. Another first round appearance in 1962–63 resulted in a 3–1 defeat at Barrow in a replay. The season also saw them finish as runners-up in the Cheshire County League, and they went on to win the league title in 1972–73, earning promotion to the Northern Premier League.

When the league gained a second division in 1987, Buxton were placed in the Premier Division, where they remained until finishing bottom in 1996–97, resulting in relegation to Division One. After finishing bottom of Division One the following season, they were relegated to the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League.

In 2005–06 Buxton won the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, earning promotion back to Division One of the Northern Premier League. The following season saw them crowned champions again, resulting in promotion to the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division. They finished fifth in their first season back in the division, qualifying for the promotion play-offs, in which they beat Witton Albion 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the semi-finals, before losing the final 2–0 to Gateshead in the final.

Worksop Town 0-0 Mickleover Sports

Friday 27th July 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports’ run of Pre Season victories came to an end on Friday night as they drew 0-0 with Worksop Town. The Tigers definitely were a strong test for John McGraths men, arguably more so than the last time they visited the ground against Handsworth the week before. But as we all know pre-season results count for nothing once the season gets going and there was lots of positives to take from the game with key match fitness gained as we count down to the first game at Stalybridge Celtic.

With John McGrath absent for family commitments it was the returning Steve Taylor who took charge of this latest Sports friendly, with the injured Pablo Mills and Clinton Morrison providing the back up. Two Trialists were named in goal and at right back alongside Tyreece Robinson, Tom Burgin and Ben Turner. In midfield Jake Scott started alongside Curtis Burrows, Niall Doran and the Trialist from the Netherlands. Up front was the usual partnership of Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman.

Sports definitely started the brighter of the two sides as Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman both had efforts saved by the Worksop goalkeeper in the early stages of the match. Next Ben Turner and Curtis Burrows linked up well down the left hand side with the former curling a lovely effort into the box which nobody could get a touch onto it and saw the ball run away for a goal kick.

Worksop then had their first real chance as Matt Templeton had a shot after a break away from the Tigers but he placed the shot high and wide over the Sports goal. Then Sports hit back as the Trialist at right back, who was having his first run out for Sports in this game, managed to cut inside on the right hand side and strike an effort which came off the post and away from danger. Ben Turner fired one over the bar before Tom Burgin then had a strike a minute later from the half way line which almost caught the Worksop keeper out and had him worried but luckily for him the ball flew just narrowly wide of the net. The Dutch Trialist, who had scored last week on this ground against Parramore, showed some great skill to cut inside past the Worksop defence and drill an effort just wide of the left hand post. But it was the hosts who could have had a half time lead as they clipped the post after a strike from distance but it thankfully went out for a goal kick. This turned out to be the last action of an entertaining first half period.

Two changes were made for Sports at the break from Mickleover as Curtis Burrows and the Trialist keeper made way for new signing Oliver Roberts and normal No.1 Lewis King respectively. Straight away in the second half King was called into action as Worksop were awarded a penalty kick for what looked like a very soft hand ball given by the referee. It was Worksop forward Mark Simpson who stepped up to take the kick. The effort was very well saved by the diving Lewis King who guessed correctly and went to his right hand side to palm the effort away with the rebound going over the goal. A real let off the Mickleover Sports so early into the second half. Both sides exchanged efforts next with Tyreece Robinson having Sports effort hit the bar, before the Dutch Trialist was taken off in place of Will Norcross. Then both full back were substituted for Sports as Trialist and Ben Turner made way for Harvey Kozluk and Jack Walsh respectively.

The next Sports chance came on 77 minutes as a fantastic ball over the field from Oli Roberts found Kozluk on the right hand side who drove a great cross over in the direction of striker Jarman but the Worksop keeper managed to grab the ball before Jarman could and clear the danger. The final Sports change saw Tyreece Robinson rested after an impressive performance and on came another Trialist for the last ten minutes of proceedings.

The final then minutes were dominated by wave after wave of Sports pressure as two Will Norcross efforts were deflected and saved by the keeper, the latter of which went out for a corner. As the game entered the final few minutes a Jarman left footed effort was blocked well the Tigers defence which took the sting out of it as it nestled into the keeper’s arms. The final chance to grab a late winner came and went in the last minute of play as Sports were pressing and another Norcross effort was saved down low by the keeper, who had been having a great performance all game and deserved his clean sheet for his efforts. But so did Sports as the game came to a close. Baring the penalty scare a good defensive performance to add another clean sheet with plenty to work on up front but with plenty of optimism and hope with more friendlies to come as the season draws ever closer. Next are two games in two days as we travel to local friends Mickleover RBL on Tuesday 31st July. Then former Sports player Dan Martins Heanor Town provide the opposition at the Town Ground on Wednesday 1st August, both games with 7:30pm Kick Offs.

Basford United FC are the focus of today’s 21 in 21.

When do we play them?

Home: Monday 22nd April
Away: Wednesday 26th December

Name: Basford United Football Club
Nickname: Community
Founded: 1900
Ground: Greenwich Avenue
Manager: Martin Carruthers
Home Kit: Yellow & Black
Away Kit: White & Black
2017-2018: Northern Premier Division One South – 1st – Promoted as Champions

Club History:

Basford United was formed in 1900 at the Old Pear Tree Inn. They initially played in the Notts Combination, winning the league cup in 1903–04, before switching to the Notts Alliance in 1904. They won the league in their first season, and again in 1906–07 and 1919–20. The club were later relegated to Division Two, which they won in 1929–30.

During World War II the club played in the Notts Amateur Alliance, returning to the Notts Alliance after the war. The 1946–47 season saw them win the Notts Senior Cup. They were relegated to Division Two in 1970–71, although they soon returned to the Senior Division. After finishing bottom of the table in 1981–82 they were relegated again. The 1984–85 season saw them finish as runners-up in Division One, earning promotion back to the Senior Division. In 1987–88 they won the Notts Senior Cup again, beating Hucknall Town in the final.

After finishing second-from-bottom in 1991–92, Basford were relegated to Division One again. However, a second-place finish in 1993–94 saw them promoted again. They were relegated again in 1995–96, and despite winning Division One in 1997–98, they were relegated back to the division after finishing bottom of the Senior Division the following season. They withdrew from the league (now the Notts Senior League) during the 2005–06 season. However, they returned to the Senior Division the following season. After finishing as runners-up in 2009–10 and 2010–11, Basford switched to the South Division of the Central Midlands League.
Basford won the division at the first attempt (and the league’s Floodlit Trophy), earning promotion to the East Midlands Counties League.

After a second successive title in 2012–13 (also becoming the first club to win both the league and the league cup), they were promoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League. They finished fifth in 2013–14, and were transferred to the Premier Division of the new Midland League for the 2014–15 season. They went on to win the inaugural league title, earning promotion to Division One South of the Northern Premier League, as well as winning the Notts Senior Cup for a third time. A fourth-place finish in 2015–16 saw them qualify for the promotion play-offs. However, they lost 5–0 to Coalville Town in the semi-finals.

The 2017–18 season saw Basford win the Division One South title, earning promotion to the Premier Division.

Bamber Bridge are the focus of today’s 21 in 21.

When do we play them?

Home: Saturday 22nd December
Away: Saturday 27th April

Name: Bamber Bridge Football Club
Nickname: The Brig
Founded: 1974
Ground: Irongate (3000 with 554 seated)
Manager: Neil Reynolds
Home Kit: White & Black
Away Kit: Red & Black
2017-2018: Evo Stik Division One North – 4th of 22 – Promoted via Play Offs

Club History:
A Bamber Bridge club played in the late 19th century, but the modern club was established in 1952. The new club joined the Preston & District League, progressing to the Senior Division. In 1974 they merged with Walton-le-Dale, continuing in the Preston & District League. They went on to win the league’s Guildhall Cup in 1978–79, before completing a Premier Division and cup double in 1980–81. After winning the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield in 1981–82 and another Guildhall Cup win in 1984–85, they won back-to-back Premier Division titles in the next two seasons, before winning a league and cup double in 1989–90.

In 1990 Bamber Bridge moved up to Division Two of the North West Counties League. Their second season in the league saw them win the division, resulting in promotion to Division One; they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, where they lost 2–0 to Wimborne Town. After finishing as runners-up in Division One in the following season (1992–93), a second successive promotion was achieved when the club moved up to Division One of the Northern Premier League.

In 1994–95, a second-place finish saw Bamber Bridge promoted to the Premier Division, with the club also winning the league’s Challenge Cup in their first season in the league and victory in the final of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy. The following season they won the Premier Division, which would have usually resulted in promotion to the Football Conference. However, Irongate was not deemed up to standard for the fifth tier, and the club remained in the Northern Premier League.

In 1999–2000 Bamber Bridge reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time. After beating St Albans City 2–0, they lost 1–0 at Cambridge United in the second round. The club remained in the Premier Division until the end of the 2001–02 season, in which they finished bottom; although they beat Radcliffe Borough 3–2 in the promotion/relegation play-off semi-final, they were beaten 2–1 by Ashton United in the final.

Although Bamber Bridge returned to the Premier Division as a result of league restructuring following the creation of the Conference North and South, their stay was short-lived as they were relegated to Division One at the end of the 2004–05 season. However, the season did see them win the President’s Cup. When the league added a third division in 2007, the club were placed in Division One North.

A fourth-place finish in 2013–14 saw Bamber Bridge qualify for the promotion play-offs. After beating Warrington Town 1–0 in the semi-finals, they lost 3–2 to Ramsbottom United in the final. In the following season they finished third, again qualifying for the play-offs, this time losing 2–0 to Darlington 1883 in the final after beating Northwich Victoria 2–1 in the semi-final. A fourth-place finish in 2017–18 saw the club reach the play-offs, in which they defeated Tadcaster Albion 2–1 in the semi-finals and Prescot Cables 1–0 in the final to earn promotion to the Premier Division.

It will feel like De Ja Vu on Friday night as Sports return to Sandy Lane to take on a side in a Step 5 league playing in Amber & Black. But not Handsworth Parramore, this time it’s their tenants Worksop Town. After a cancellation Sports have stepped in to provide the opposition for Worksop Town, as well as to add another chance for match fitness ahead of the new season for Sports.

THE OPPOSITION:
Worksop Town currently play in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division at Step 5, the same league as their Landlords Handsworth Parramore. However they have been as high as the National League North as recently as 2004 in which they were founder members. But they only lasted three years in the division before being relegated back to the Northern Premier League, and it was around this time that the club fell into financial difficulties and lost ownership of their home ground at Sandy Lane, being forced to rent the grounds of Hucknall Town, Ilkeston Town and Retford United for three years.

In 2011 the club finally returned to Sandy Lane, but this time as tenants of Worksop Parramore (now Handsworth Parramore), who had bought the ground and allowed the Tigers to play there. The 2013–14 season almost saw Worksop clinch promotion back to the Conference North but they were beaten in the league play-off semi-finals. At the end of the season the owner revealed he would no longer be funding the club, plunging Worksop into a financial crisis, and shortly afterwards the decision was taken to resign from the Northern Premier League and join the Northern Counties East League (NCEL), entering the NCEL’s Premier Division where they have remained since.

TEAM NEWS:
Sports are expected to have a full squad available for the return trip to Workshop, with new signing Oli Roberts expected to play another big part in the game after an impressive debut in the 4-0 win over Frickley Athletic. A number of Trialists who have been training and playing for Sports this pre season are all expected to feature at some point during proceedings.

GOING TO THE GAME:
Kick Off is at 7:30pm at Sandy Lane Stadium, Sandy Lane, Workshop, Nottinghamshire, S80 1SN. Admission Prices are £6 Adults, £3 Concessions (OAPS, Unemployed, disabled & Students), £2 11-16 years and Under 10’s FREE with a paying Adult.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME:
Then we will keep you covered, Press & Media Officer Sam Goldsworthy will be there updating you via Twitter, Facebook & of course will have Reaction on Mickleover Sports TV (YouTube) after the game.

Mickleover Sports is delighted to confirm the signing of exciting midfielder Oliver Roberts ahead of the 2018/2019 season (subject to International Clearance). The 21 year old, who scored 4 goals in 54 appearances for Stalybridge Celtic last season, joins John McGraths side after a spell playing over in the States for New Orleans Jesters in the National Premier Soccer League, the fourth tier of the USA pyramid. Highlights of his time in Louisiana include a 92nd minute winner against Greenfield and a stunning free kick in a separate game.

Oli is from Ashton-under-Lyme, starting his youth career at Stockport County in 2012. His talent was spotted by Stoke City, and he switched youth teams. In 2016 after signing first team terms but not making a first team appearance, he joined Tamworth on loan, then Fleetwood Town permanently, making his debut against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy. He was almost ever present in the 2017/2018 season for Stalybridge Celtic , missing just two matches (and he was a unused substitute for one of those!)

Roberts first match in a Mickleover shirt was in Tuesday nights 4-0 pre season victory away at Frickley Athletic. Afterwards Oli spoke to Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy on Mickleover Sports TV. Click on the link below to watch his post match interview. The video also includes the thoughts of Media Officer for the Jesters, Paul Boron, as well as some goals he has scored over in the USA. Remember to Subscribe to channel for all the latest Mickleover Sports content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M8XmG_eGAA

Things are looking up for the Sports as Jake Scott resigns for the club for another season.

The Midfielder signs on the dotted line to join the likes of Nathan Jarman, Pablo Mills and Curtis Burrows to the squad for the beginning of the 2018/2019 season that begins on Saturday 18th of August with the Sports travelling to Manchester to play Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold.

Scott told press and media officers Sam and Kerry

I’m over the moon. I didn’t have any intention of going anywhere so I sat down with him (John McGrath) and couldn’t really turn it down.

Jake Scott is on his 3rd season for the club since leaving Shaw Lane in 2016. He started his career at Barnsley at the age of 7 til 2013 where he signed for Worksop Town. He then went to Bradford Park Avenue, Gainsborough Trinity and Shaw Lane but has now comitted his future to the Sports.

Talking about his personal goals for the season, Jake explained:

It’s like everyone else, they always want to go on to better things if they can but I’m fully committed to Mickleover, get a good pre season and hit the ground running for August.

Jake Scott will be continuing to join the squad in training throughout the rest of the pre season period with our next match on Friday 27th of July at Worksop where the hosts Worksop Town will be our competitors (7:30pm kick off) and will be in the squad for our 2018/2019 season starting with a trip to Manchester for Stalybridge Celtic (3:00pm kick off) on Saturday 18th of August

Written by Sam and Kerry Goldsworthy
Press and media officers for Mickleover Sports

Frickley Athletic 0 – 4 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 24th July 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports continued their 100% pre-season record with their fourth win in as many games as they came way from South Yorkshire with a 4-0 win over their Step Four opponents Frickley Athletic. A first half strike from manager John McGrath gave Sports the lead at half time in a competitive and even first period where both sides created good chances. But as the second half progressed Sports were able to find more space and proved more clinical in front of goal as two fantastic goals from new striker Nathan Jarman and a second in two games for the Trialist from The Netherlands meant a comfortable victory in the end for Sports but they were certainly tested by Frickley Athletic in a good pre-season game ahead of the new season.
Sports had the first two good chances of the game. First Will Norcross had an effort blocked before he picked out Nathan Jarman a few minutes later from a cross, but the former Gainsborough Trinity forward’s header went over the bar as he was flagged offside anyway. The next two chances went to Frickley as Connor Smith hit the side netting then former Sports player Jacob Hazel then going close but his effort was well saved by Sports keeper Lewis King. Next neat play by Jarman as he turned his defender after receiving the ball inside the box but the strike was not powerful enough to test the Athletic keeper who saved comfortably. Sports Boss John McGrath then went close as he rattled the bar with a ferocious strike from outside the box which rebounded away from danger.

A couple of set pieces the threatened the give the hosts the lead but it was in fact Sports who drew first blood a couple of minutes before half time. After receiving the ball from the right hand side outside the box John McGrath cut inside on his left foot and curled a lovely effort past the keeper and into the bottom left corner to give Mickleover the lead at the break. But not before Jarman had a chance to make it 2-0 as his curling effort into the corner was blocked and saved by the keeper.

One change for Sports at half time as Will Norcross was replaced by Evan Garnett and straight away the former Burton Albion academy striker had an immediate impact. Garnett was played through but as the keeper came out to try and clear the ball, it fell to Jarman who wasted no time in lobbing the ball over the Frickley back line and keeper and straight into the net down the middle to rack up his first Sports goal and double the away sides lad. Two efforts from Jarman and Garnett came and went before Frickley got a foothold back in the game and started creating problems for the Sports defence again. Lovely work by Connor Smith set up Athletic midfielder Jack Burton but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Clinton Morrison made way for Trialist later on around the hour mark to add some extra pace up front and it helped as Sports bagged another goal. A beautiful first time effort from Jarman as he dinked the ball over the keeper and clipped off the left hand post found the net and just showed the quality that he can bring to Sports’ attacking line this season.

A lot of changes then happed for both sides. Sports took off Pablo Mills, Jake Scott and Niall Doran to be replaced by Trialist, Tyreece Robinson and Lewis Belgrave. Sports had the lion share of possession towards the end of the game and after two efforts from two Trialists threatened to add a fourth goal that moment eventually arrived on 82 minutes. The Trialist from the Netherlands was played in behind the Frickley defence and produced a delightful chip over the diving keeper and into the bottom left hand corner. That was his second goal in two games for the club on trial so must be catching the eye of McGrath as the season draws ever closer.

This turned out to be the last major action of the game as the referee blew time on the 90 minute mark to end a fantastic night for the club on and off the field. With the news that former Stalybridge Celtic midfielder Oliver Roberts has now joined up with the squad ahead of the new campaign after playing in America for New Orleans Jesters, the build up to the season is looking great ahead of the next friendly as we travel back to Worksop to take on Handsworth Paramore’s tenets and former Evo Stik side Worksop Town on Friday 27th July with a 7:30pm Kick Off.