The use of the word cup final is probably overused these days however Mickleover has ten of them if they want to remain a Step 3 Club. Last weeks 4-1 defeat to Warrington Town didn’t really tell the full story as Warrington are at the top of the league. But it doesn’t get any easier for John McGrath’s side as they now welcome the visit of probably the biggest side in the league, South Shields. With a large away following expected from the Mariners, Sports are going to need all the support they can to help them achieve what would be a surprise victory given the form and league standings of both sides.

LAST TIME OUT
South Shields last match was last weekend as they drew 1-1 with fellow Derbyshire side Buxton FC. Lee Mason (no not the referee) gave Shields the lead from a quick equaliser from Nico DeGirolamo was enough for a share of the spoils. Mickleover’s last game was against Shields title rivals Warrington Town when they went down 4-1 at The Don Amott Arena. Evan Garnett with the solo goal for Sports, his first since the away game at South Shields back in November.

SPORTS TEAM NEWS
Nathan Jarman (suspension) and Shaquille McDonald (injury) should both return to the squad for the weekend. Apart from what everyone else is presumed fit and 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 and £7 Concessions. Don’t forget that all kids are FREE for every game in March! 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 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!

Mickleover Sports 1-4 Warrington Town
Saturday 2nd March 2019
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Written by Kerry Goldsworthy

After last Saturday’s successful victory away at play-off contenders Scarborough Athletic, Sports came into this game hoping to continue the season with winning ways at home against promotion contenders Warrington Town. Sports manager John McGrath put out a good 4-4-2 formation with Lewis King in goal. The back four consisted of Durrell Berry, Pablo Mills, Ryan Cresswell and Ben Turner. The midfield four consisted of Karel Tvaroh, Ricky Ravenhill, Jake Scott and Tomas Junek. The two front strikers consisted of Evan Garnett and Levi Amantchi. The bench consisted of Will Norcross, Mason Warren, Kyle Carey, Jimmy Phillips and Adam Prusa.
First half commenced and in the first three minutes, a goal came for Warrington. A long ball forward was headed on by Bohan Dixon to Tony Gray to turn and lobbed the ball over Lewis King into the goal to give Warrington the lead. On the 10th minute, a chance came for Warrington. Robert Evans had a shot from outside the box, but the ball goes out wide of the left-hand post. On the 20th minute, another chance came for Warrington. A shot from Dylan Vassallo to Tony Gray went too far and out wide of the left-hand post. On the 32nd minute, another chance came for Warrington. A ball from Dylan Vassallo again to Jack Mackreth gave him options but unfortunately chose the wrong option and Pablo Mills was there to block his chance for goal. Three minutes later and Warrington had another chance to score. Mark Roberts made an important interception for Warrington but Sports gain repossession of the ball and into their box and has a chance themselves but goes straight out for a Warrington goal kick. On the 42nd minute Warrington score again. Ben Turner was beaten on the by-line by Jack Mackreth and his cross came in and Dylan Vassallo kicked it into the bottom left corner from a yard out.

Half time: Mickleover Sports 0-2 Warrington Town

Second half commenced and Sports made a substitution with Ryan Cresswell coming off and replaced by Mason Warren. On the 52nd minute, chance came for Warrington. Lewis King scuffed a clearance and got away with it with Tony Gray gaining possession off the ball. Tony Gray took a shot but was held up for Lewis King to get his hands on it. On the 53rd minute, goal came for Sports. Warrington failed to clear the ball out of the box and Evan Garnett managed to dink his shot under Warrington keeper Anthony McMillan and gave Sports a lifeline in the game. Three minutes later and Warrington got another goal after the referee awarded Warrington with a penalty due to Tony Gray going down in the box. Jack Mackreth took the penalty and put it into the top left corner for Warrington to regain their two-goal lead. On the 55th minute, chance came for Warrington. Excellent play from Dylan Vassallo, Tony Gray and Robert Evans who goes for a shot but was flagged offside. On the 69th minute, Warrington score again. Bohan Dixon created time and space in midfield and passed sharply to Robert Evans who turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner for Warrington to take all three points. On the 79th minute, Sports made another substitution with Will Norcross replacing Evan Garnett. Three minutes later and Sports made their final substitution with Jimmy Phillips coming on for Ricky Ravenhill. Throughout the final ten minutes of the game, Warrington were the team with the most chances, but all saved well by the Sports defence and Sports keeper Lewis King.

Full Time: Mickleover Sports 1-4 Warrington Town.

Mickleover Sports boss John McGrath has moved to bolster his attacking options with the loan signing of young Chesterfield striker Levi Amantchi.

The 18 year old is highly thought of at the Spirites having already made 15 appearances in The National League this season and creating 2 assists in those matches.

The academy graduate has already made an impact at relegation threatened Sports, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win at promotion chasing Scarborough Athletic.

That only the second away win of the season for relegation threatened Mickleover and they’ll be hoping that Amantchi can bag a few more goals to save them from the drop, starting with Warrington Town at home this coming Saturday.

Mickleover Sports are delighted to announce the capture of experienced defender Ryan Cresswell.

The former Rotherham United, Southend United, Fleetwood Town and Northampton Town player has a vast amount of professional experience in The Football League having reached the Football League Trophy Final with Southend in 2013 and winning League Two with Northampton in 2016. Ryan also made the PFA League Two team of the year with Southend in 2013.

The former Sheffield United Academy graduate will provide some much needed defensive options to go along side Pablo Mills, Durrel Berry and Joel Bonner who are already at the club.

Ryan will go straight into the Sports side to face Scarborough Athletic at the Flamingo Stadium on Saturday 23rd February.