Mickleover Sports are delighted to announce the signing for experienced midfielder Ricky Ravenhill from Derbyshire rivals Buxton FC. The 37 year old boasts Football League experience with Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby Town, Darlington, Notts County, Bradford City, Northampton Town and Mansfield Town. He was part of the Doncaster Rovers side that won back to back promotions from the National League and League Two between 2002 and 2004. Ricky also won League Two with Notts County in 2009-10 and was part of the Bradford City side that lost 5-0 to Swansea City in the 2012-13 League Cup Final as well as gaining another promotion from League Two in the play-offs against Northampton Town in the same season. Ricky has most recently been at Sports Derbyshire Rivals Buxton FC, and was on the bench when the Bucks won 3-1 at The Don Amott Arena earlier this month.

Sports Boss John McGrath told Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry Goldsworthy, “I am delighted to welcome Ricky to the club”. Ricky is a player I have admired and got on with for a while and I am thrilled to bring such an experienced midfielder to the club. He was had a lot of success over the years with clubs at Football League level and hopefully he can bring that extra bit of experience into the dressing room with what we already have. He’ll also be a good asset for our younger players who they can learn off. But besides all that Ricky is also a quality and highly skilled footballer who will only improve our current squad.

Ricky will go straight into the squad for the Scarborough Athletic game. Everyone at Mickleover Sports would like to welcome Ricky to The Don Amott Arena and wish him a happy and successful time at the club.

WELCOME RICKY!

After the Youth Team successfully progressed in the FA Youth Cup with a 2-1 win away at Buxton on Wednesday night, the First Team will be looking to do the same in the senior competition as they look to avoid a potential cup upset at Step 6 side Anstey Nomads. The Nomads currently play in the United Counties League (UCL) Division One after moving sideways from the East Midlands Counties League last season and currently sit top of the league on 13pts with 4 wins and a draw, level with Melton Town. The side from Leicester have only lost one game all season that coming in the FA Vase at home to Eastwood Community. This will prove to be a extremely difficult test for John McGrath and his Sports side who will need to be at their very best against a side on fantastic form and a side who will be chomping at the bit to cause an upset against a team three leagues higher than they are.

LAST TIME OUT
The Nomads last game came last Saturday in the UCL Division One as they ran out 3-0 winners at home to Holwell Sports, another side who had moved over from the East Midlands Counties League due to the non league reshuffle. James Hicks with two and a single goal from Ashley Day saw Anstey go top of the league. Sports won by the same scoreline on Tuesday night as they defeated Stamford AFC at the Zeeco Stadium to progress into the 2nd Round of the Integro League Cup. Nathan Jarman and two from Isai Marselia with the goals for Sports on the night.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports are still without long term absentees Kevin Grocott, Pablo Mills and Niall Doran. Harley Kozluk impressed on his full first team debut for Sports at Stamford on Tuesday night at right back so may get another chance to impress in this game. Both Marselia and Garnett will be battling to be selected alongside Nathan Jarman but it all comes down to if John goes with a strong first team or feels a few fringe players could do with some more minutes.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is taking place on Saturday 22nd September, 3pm Kick Off, at Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7BP. Admission is £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions. A Match Day Programme will be available as well as hot and cold drinks served in the clubhouse as well as alcoholic beverages. Parking inside the club grounds is for Players and Officials only so parking is available on a small car park outside the ground, otherwise it’s street parking. We ask you respect local residents when parking on streets and look out for any restrictions they may be in place.

NOT GOING TO THE GAME?
There will not be the usual coverage as Sam & Kerry are at another wedding. There will be no interviews after the game or Match Report but Jake Garratt will provide team news and updates throughout the game on our Twitter page @MickleoverSFC.

Stamford AFC 0-3 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 18th September 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Sports progressed into the 2nd Round of this seasons Integro League Cup after a 3-0 win away at Division One East side Stamford AFC. In what was a very windy and blustery Tuesday night as Sports made the long trip down to South Lincolnshire but the small travelling continent from the away side were rewarded with goals from Nathan Jarman and Isai Marselia but were certainly made to work hard for their win as the home side certainly had chances to score but non the less it was Sports who progressed.

Sports made a few changes to the side that lost 1-0 away at Farsley Celtic the weekend before. Lewis King remained in goal but Academy and Reserve team player Harley Kozluk was given his full debut at right back. He was joined alongside Tyreece Robinson, Ben Turner and Mason Warren. In midfield were John McGrath and Jake Scott in the center with Curtis Burrows and Jimmy Phillips on the wings. Up front was the pair of Nathan Jarman and Isai Marselia.

Stamford had the first chance as a ball was fizzed across the face of goal where Sam Grouse was waiting but he could only find the side netting on the outside of the left hand post. Nathan Jarman who two efforts in two minutes next as he took the ball down well both times but one was over the bar and one was side of the left hand post with both being outside the area. After a lull ten minute period as both sides were gathering momentum Sports began to grow into the game as Marselia and Burrows has quick fire efforts before Jarman put Sports ahead with 24 minutes gone. Sports broke out from the back and after a good spell of play the ball was fed over the Nathan Jarman on the right hand side of the box. The former Gainsborough Trinity man drove into the box before striking a low and hard effort under the keeper and into the bottom left corner.

Moments after the restart Stamford hit the bar as they looked to draw level straight away. Then a Burrows cross was nearly stabbed in by the Stamford defense for an own goal but was caught by the keeper just in time. Harley Kozluk received a yellow card for a late tackle before a foul on Phillips went unnoticed by the referee which allowed Stamford to break with King having to pull off a fine save to his right hand side to keep the score at 1-0. McGrath hit the bar with a free kick and Stan Mughisa fired a rocket of a shot just past King’s left hand post.

In what was a frantic end to the first half where Stamford bombarded the Sports goal with efforts, they were made to pay for not taking them. First Marselia could have scored a few minutes before we did. His first effort went tricking over towards the line but the purposely longer grass in the 6 yard boxes made a difference as the ball lost pace and allowed Stamford to just clear away before Jarman could get there. However with the last kick of the half Marselia got his goal and Sports second of the night. A cross over from the left took a massive deflection as the ball fell into the path of the Dutchman who showed great composure to slide the ball into the bottom left corner.

The second half started with Phillips striking an effort over the bar after good play between Jarman and Marselia. Eliot Putman smashed a shot over the bar before King had to be on full alert to save a 1v1 effort with striker Liam Adams with the rebound from Sam Grouse being put wide. Sports made their first change as Jarman was replaced by Evan Garnett. Mason Warren was booked for halting a Stamford counter attack just before Garnett had his first chance forcing the defenders to block his effort for a corner. A 50/50 challenge between Kozluk and Stamford’s Armstrong left both on the floor requiring treatment but thankfully both were ok to carry on moments later.

Sports final change saw Jimmy Phillips come off for young Will Norcross. Jake Scott sent an effort over the bar but only a few minutes later Sports killed a hard game with the third of the night. A succession of corners ended with McGrath finding Marselia inside the box who took the ball down and smashed the ball into the right hand side of the net to score his second and Sports third.

That goal killed the rest of the game and the referee below straight on the 90th minute to end a very tough test for Sports who may not have played as well as the score line suggests but the target of progression into the next round was achieved and that’s all that matters in these competitions. Next its back to the FA Cup as Sports travel to Leicestershire to try and avoid a cup upset against United Counties League and Step 6 side Anstey Nomads on Saturday 22nd September, 3pm Kick Off.

The Integro League Cup is back and Sports will be looking to go further in the competition this season after reaching the quarter final stage last season. However this first round tie with a side in the division below in the form of Stamford will be far from straight forward. The Daniels made a flying start to the season and were top of the Division One East for an early part of the season. They have since dropped down to 8th but they will also be looking to progress in the competition and cause an upset against higher opponents at the same time. For Sports its a week of avoiding banana skins as they face two lower league teams in two separate competitions. Top the the United Counties League Division One Anstey Nomads await on Saturday but for now its all focus on progression in the Integro League Cup after another narrow defeat without scoring away at Farsley Celtic last weekend.

LAST TIME OUT
Stamford were at home on Saturday losing out 2-1 to the team the furthest north in the Northern Premier League, Morpeth Town. Joseph Walton and Jeffrey Henderson put Morpeth 2-0 up either side of half time with Sam Grouse netting a consolation for the Daniels but it wasn’t enough to claim a point. Sports however went down 1-0 to a Ben Turner strike for the hosts.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Kevin Grocott made a welcomed return to action on Saturday but was sadly substituted with another injury in the first half. So the former Burton Albion defender looks set to be out again alongside long term absentees Pablo Mills and Niall Doran. Everybody else at the time of writing was available for selection.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is on Tuesday 18th September with a 7:45pm Kick Off. Stamford AFC play their home games at their relatively new ground, The Borderville Stadium, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1US. Admission Prices are set at £10 for Adults, £7 for Concessions (Over 60’s HM Forces and Students), £3 for 12-16 year olds and Under 12’s FREE. Match Day Programmes as well as hot and cold drinks will be available and alcoholic beverages will be sold in the club house. Parking at the ground is free but is on a first come first served basis as it is limited to 110 cars and two coaches.

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!

Grantham Town 2-1 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 4th September 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Sports fell to another defeat on Tuesday night as they went down 2-1 to Grantham Town. Two goals either side of half time from Michael Hollingsworth, the first one being a spot kick, saw the Gingerbread men into a two goal lead. However Sports dominated large parts of possession during the game, had a missed penalty by Nathan Jarman and had several chances to score before and after Evan Garnett pulled a goal back in the last minute of normal time. Sports will have gone back into the dressing room at full time wondering how on earth they had lost the game. But it was down to Grantham capitalising on their mistakes and not the same way vice versa.

The Sports team consisted of Lewis King in goal as normal. Jake Scott slotted in at right back alongside Tom Burgin, Tyreece Robinson and Ben Turner. In midfield were John McGrath and Mason Warren with Jimmy Phillips and former Grantham player Curtis Burrows. Up front were the two strikers Evan Garnett and Nathan Jarman. On the bench were Oli Roberts, Will Norcross, Lewis Belgrave, Isai Marselia and Clinton Morrison.

Early on a Grantham corner headed on towards goal was cleared off the line before the rebound was saved by King. Two efforts from Nathan Jarman and Jimmy Phillips then proceeded as Sports got a foot. Garnett and Burrows then had further chances to grab a Sports goal before Grantham Town took the lead from the spot after a Sports defender pulled back a Grantham attacker who went down and the referee awarded the spot kick. Hollingsworth stepped up and drilled it into the bottom left corner leaving King rooted to the spot. However not too long after Sports were awarded a penalty for a similar incident in the opposite box as Garnett was pulled back. Nathan Jarman stepped up and had his spot kick saved in the bottom left corner and tipped round the post for a corner by the Grantham keeper. Jarman would have two further efforts before half time with a header in from a Turner cross before a long range strike went over the bar to signal an end to the first half.

Into the second half and Sports had two further chances either side of a Robinson error which gave Grantham a chance at goal. Phillips smashed an effort onto the bar and Jarman put a half volley attempt over the bar. Curtis Burrows then had two chances to grab one against his former side. First a Phillips crossed was just out his reach then a another cross from the other side was met with Burrows head but was put straight into the keepers hands. Sports were then made to pay for these missed opportunities as Grantham took advantage for a mistake to extend their lead. The ball was crossed low into the box, Robinson tried to clear it but it got caught under his foot and fell out to Hollingsworth who smacked one under King into the net to make the score 2-0 to the Gingerbeads.

Sports reacted by making two substitutions within a five minute period. McGrath was replaced by Roberts and Burrows was replaced by Norcross. Tom Burgin was given a yellow card for a challenge near the centre circle late on. The changes seem to work well as Sports grabbed a goal back just as the game was about to tick into added time. Evan Garnett was played through and managed to slot one past the keeper to get Sports back into the game as five minutes were added. However for all the pressure that Sports put on Grantham they only created one concrete effort to equalise in the 9rd minute of the game. Garnett again was played in 1v1 and just had the keeper to beat. But under pressure from the Grantham defender he strike was at the keeper and palmed away from danger.

That’s as close as they came as the game came to an end which signalled a second loss in a row for Sports however they still sit outside the relegation zone as none of the four teams below them (Lancaster, Marine, Matlock and North Ferriby all failed to register wins. Sports will need to get their league campaign back on track pretty quick but for now their attentions turn to the start of their FA Cup journey as they face a home tie with Step 6 West Midlands Regional League side Haughmond. The side from Shrewsbury caused an upset as they defeated Step 4 side Market Drayton Town 1-0 away from home to set up the tie at the Don Amott Area on Saturday 8th September with a 3pm kick off.

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Mickleover Sports go back on their travels this Tuesday night as they make another trip to Lincolnshire to face the Gingerbread Men of Grantham Town. Grantham were last seasons play off runners up losing to Ashton United in the final. This will be a very tough game for Sports but one they need to pick some points up from in what is a very congested and action packed month of the season. Grantham will still be hurting from that play off final defeat and will be looking to go one better this time around and claim promotion to the National League North. After a very good start to the campaign so far, this looks like a realistic target for the side from Lincolnshire.

LAST TIME OUT
It was three points for the Gingerbread on Saturday as they won 2-0 at Marine. Goals from Ross Barrows and Michael Hollingsworth from the spot saw the points come back to Lincolnshire. Grantham Town sit 9th on 8 points having won two, drawn two and lost only one. Sports of course come into the game after the 3-1 home defeat to Buxton, with Evan Garnett netting his second of the season for Sports.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports look set to be without the defensive duo of Pablo Mills & Kevin Grocott after the pair were injured by Buxton FC in the last game. Niall Doran is still out with the injury picked up at Stafford Rangers. This means former Gingerbread Curtis Burrows looks set to start against his former club. Everyone else should be available for selection for boss John McGrath.

GOING TO THE GAME?
The game is a 7:45pm Kick Off on Tuesday 4th September. The game is at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium, Trent Rd, Grantham NG31 7XQ. Admission prices are 12 pounds for adults, 8 pounds for concessions, four pound for 13-18 year olds with under 13’s FREE. Match Programmes will be on sale at the turnstile with hot and cold food and drink available from the catering outlets. There is a large two tired seating stand on one side of the ground with a large terrace located on the other side of the running track.

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!

Saturday 1st September 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A day to forget at the Don Amott Arena as a controversial decision by the match referee payed a big part in Sports falling to their first home loss to Buxton FC, going down 3-1. After a scrappy first half Buxton took the lead in the few minutes of the second half through Bradley Roscoe. Evan Garnett got a superb equaliser for Sports before a Nico DeGirolamo goal which was originally given as offside by the linesman was overturned by the referee to put the Bucks back infront. A late Jude Oyibo third wrapped the points up for the Bucks as Sports pressed to get a point but the injustice of the Bucks second goal will be the talking point from a very physical Derbyshire Derby.

Sports were able to welcome back Tom Burgin, Jake Scott and Nathan Jarman into the starting lineup after the trio missed the game at Stafford Rangers through injury. The lineup consisted Lewis King in goal with a back four of Kevin Grocott, Pablo Mills, Tom Burgin and Ben Turner. The midfield trio of John McGrath, Jake Scott and Mason Warren were behind the attacking three of Oliver Roberts, Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett. On the bench for Sports were Curtis Burrows, Tyreece Robinson, Isai Marselia, Jimmy Phillips and Will Norcross.

There were plenty of hard challenges and tackles flying in for the first 10 minutes as the tone of the game was set. But Garnett had a chance to score after he was played in over the top by Roberts before forcing a save from Buxton keeper Theo Roberts. Pablo Mills had to be taken off on 16 minutes with that looked like a dislocated shoulder again after another heavy challenge from the visitors; he was replaced by the young Tyreece Robinson. For the action off the ball there was little on it in terms of chances as each side would only have one more concreate effort each before the half time break. First Buxton’s Garry Gee fired a fantastic volley straight into the chest of King with almighty power but the Sports keepers did well to hold the ball in his arms. Finally a Nathan Jarman free kick was tipped over the bar by the keeper as it looked like it was going in to round off the minimal first half chances.

Within two minutes of the game restarting Sports were forced into another forced change as yet again Buxton took out Kevin Grocott who was unable to continue and was subbed at right back for Curtis Burrows. Soon after the Bucks were ahead. A corner ball from the far side was headed in after a rebounded effort was cleared. Lewis King tired his best to keep the ball from going in over the line but despite his best effort it wasn’t enough as the ball crossed the line. Another great save from King kept the Bucks from making it to then a long range free kick from Roberts from a very long way out was on target as the Bucks keeper palmed the effort away for a corner.

Then on the 71st minute Sports effort were rewarded with an equaliser. The ball was played in from the left to Garnett who cut inside on his right a few times before driving an effort into the bottom right corner which left the Buxton keeper rooted to the spot. But just when it looked like Sports were in the ascendency the Bucks scored the controversial goal that would give them the win. A free kick was played in and as Lewis King went to punch it away he missed it. The ball was the headed back into the danger area and as Nico DeGirolamo tapped the ball in from close range the assistant referee flagged for offside. But after a conversation with the referee the man in the middle overturned the assistant’s decision and awarded the goal. Analysis later on proved the assistant referee had made the right call thus meaning the Sports player’s protests were justified.

This was a real setback for John McGrath and his Sport side who has they tried to press and grab another goal to equalize Buxton broke on the counter to make it 3-1 in the final minute. Jude Oyibo went on a darting run dribbling up the field and his strike beat King as his near post in the bottom left corner to seal the win for the visitors. A tough one to take all round for Sports but unfortunately as we know these things are very common in football, sometime they go for you and sometimes they don’t. Sports will now move on very quickly as they travel to another tough test in Lincolnshire to Grantham Town on Tuesday 4th September, 7:45pm Kick Off.

Mickleover Sports will be looking to pick up further points back on home turf as they welcome Derbyshire Rivals Buxton FC for what will be a fantastic and exciting game if previous meetings are anything to go by. Sports host Paul Phillips & Steve Halford’s Bucks are one of the bookies favorites to earn a promotion spot before the season kicked off having strengthened really well over the summer and after a flew close attempt at making that next step up, will be hoping this is finally the year they can break into the play offs as a minimum. But whatever happens over the course of the season Buxton as always will be very tough opposition and will certainly give plenty of teams in the league a strong test. Sports on the other hand will be looking for a second home win after the victory the 3-2 win over North Ferriby United and a very solid point on the road at Stafford Rangers over the bank holiday weekend. With tough away matches at Hednesford and Hyde to come later this month, Sports must make the most of home advantage to pick up the points required to climb the table.

LAST TIME OUT
As Sports were drawing 1-1 with Stafford Rangers, Buxton were opening their brand new 4G pitch they they beat Hyde United 1-0 at The Silverlands Stadium thanks to a 55th minute goal from Liam Hardy. The Bucks sit 13th in the table level on points with Sports with the same record of one win, two draws and one loss currently after the first month of the season. Sports sit 15th so could leapfrog their visitors with victory.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Sports look set to be without Niall Dorran against the midfielders former club due to the injury he picked up in the first half of the Rangers game. On the positive, Sports will be hoping to welcome back Nathan Jarman, Jake Scott and Tom Burgin after the trio missed the trip to Rangers through injury. John McGrath admitted he has a selection dilemma after those who stepped up in the place of the injured players definitely stamped their mark and made their case for a starting spot.

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 £2 10-16’s with Under 10’s FREE with a playing adult. Derby County Season Ticket Holders who are not travelling to Hull City 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!

Wednesday 29 August 2018

Watch the best-selling musical under the stars at Mickleover Sports F.C. this August.

Hugh Jackman tackles the legendary figure of P.T. Barnum in the mostly true tale of his life, brought to life with music! Jackman stars alongside an all-star cast including Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson.

Wednesday 29th August. Doors open at 7pm, the film will start once light levels are low enough, which will be approximately half an hour after sunset.

Location: Mickleover Sports F.C., Station Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9FB

Parking will be free for attendees.

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TICKETS:
Adults £15.50
Children £10.50

Under 5s go free.

GROUP BOOKINGS   
Groups of 8 or more get the early bird rate at any time, up until the Tuesday before the screening.

Please click here to download our Frequently Asked Questions.