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BY DAVID MACKENZIE

After the first game was abandoned at half time on the 19th November and a multitude of postponements the semi final of the Derbyshire Divisional Cup South got underway at 3pm at Lees Brook School 3g pitch in Chaddesen.

We were able to put out a strong side with Morgan Williams, cup tied. Jake Smith, injured and Tom Eccleshall all not available.

As usual with the reserves the team from Friday night was juggled a bit as Danny Davidson was available after the first team game was called off and another player was unavailable.

The game got under way just as the rain stopped and Mickleover were soon on the ascendancy with usual high pressing game and playing out form the back. Ty Robinson was in commanding form winning headers that sent Gresley back towards their goal. On the left Daniel Cvik made a couple of penetrating runs that built pressure on Gresley with Will Norcross beating players for fun and Jermaine Palmer dominating the high clearances it seemed only a matter of time before we took a chance.

As it happened the goal came from a cross by Jaro Vvak from the left, across the keeper, to sneak in at the far corner. Some may think it somewhat forteous but if the ball goes between the posts and below the bar you always have a chance of a goal.

Gresley had quite a few good players working hard for their team and we needed to improve in the second half to progress to the final. One disappointing aspect was the number of soft fouls we gave away allowing Gresley a free kick to put us under pressure plus being caught offside makes life far to easy for the opposing defence.
So with the warnings ringing in their ears we went out and lost a goal in under 2 minutes of the restart. The Gresley number 8 was allowed to dribble across the midfield and from 20 yards struck a low shot to equalise. Good goal but one we should have stopped.

The players have to be congratulated to their reaction as it was us that picked up the pace and took the game to Gresley. It wasn’t until we were 3 -1 up that they had a couple of good chances to score.
We took the lead after good work down the right with Finley Davies and Dean Wilkinson before the ball got put across to find Jermaine Palmer at the far post about 15 yards out. He went past a defender and finished with aplomb with a fine left foot strike.

Mickleover continued to press and after coming on minutes earlier Jakub Ondersco finished a great move with his right foot at the back post. After that we had a couple of 3 on 2 situations but unfortunately didn’t take advantage with players going narrow instead of stretching the defenders and then Gresley had the opportunities to get back in the match.

Everyone played well with notable performance from Jack Walsh with tough tackling and no little skill, Fin Davies was always involved, TY Robinson only put a foot wrong once and then recovered brilliantly, Max Bennett was safe as houses dealing well with the crosses that came in and finally Will Norcoss who looked like he was the only one allowed the ball in the first half.

Come down to the Don Amott Arena and help cheer our reserves on as they play Eastwood Community Reserves in the Macron Store Stoke Divison One (Central Midlands Football League).

Kick Off is at 7:45pm.

Go Sports!

We have a variety of souvenirs together with a programme exchange facility.

Come down and feel free to exchange your programmes and buy some souvenirs.

See you at the game!

Mickleover Sports vs Stalybridge Celtic

This Saturday, bring your Valentine with you and they will get free admission to enjoy the match with you!

Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to win this Saturday’s massive £2.6 million estimated jackpot by signing up for the new NPL Lotto today!

Launched on Thursday, the new Lotto provides fans with two opportunities a week to win millions in the knowledge that all NPL Lotto proceeds are donated to the Northern Premier League’s clubs during the competition’s historic 50th anniversary season and Sports Traider, the official charity of the EVO-STIK League.

Prizes are on offer for matching one number or more and it’s easy to get involved. To place a lotto bet all you need to do is select six numbers from 1 to 49 and one ‘Legend’ number from 0 to 9. Simply visit: www.npllotto.com/app/lotto.htm to get started and be in with a chance of winning this Saturday’s huge jackpot.

An optional fundraising initiative for participating clubs but open to all fans, NPL Lotto is operated in partnership with Lotto Network, who fund and pays all cash prizes in full, so it’s a win-win situation for fans, the NPL’s clubs and Sports Traider’s mission to help disadvantaged youngsters in the UK through sport.

Enter your lucky numbers now at: www.npllotto.com/app/lotto.htm

For more details on how to join, visit: www.npllotto.com.

After the success of last year’s event, we are extremely excited to bring you Hot August Night 2018, bigger and better than last year! We are teaming up with Derby Telegraph again to deliver an unforgettable family music festival at the Don Amott Arena.

The event will take place on Sunday 5th August 2018, and start an hour earlier than last time which means even more great entertainment!

We have some fantastic live tribute acts this year including;

– Freddie Mercury & Queen
– Little Mix
– Rod Stewart
– Beyoncé
– Take That
– Blondie

Plus 60’s Rock music from The Moggies!

There will be plenty of food and bar outlets, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic. (Limited alcohol permitted).

We have also improved the sound for this year’s event!

This is a ticket only event so to purchase yours please use the link below or you can buy them from local Mickleover shops and Don Amott Leisure, Hilton.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Satisfied with 2017

Happy New Year! I really do hope it’s a happy and fulfilling one for you AND for Mickleover Sports Football Club.

Looking back at a satisfying 2017, I’d like to firstly congratulate manager John McGrath. John led us to our greatest ever points haul in the Northern League Premier Division in 2016-17, and I’m hoping we’ll top that this season. He’s never lost faith in playing quality, entertaining, football. Although adherence to that can sometimes open the door for an opposition break away, John has put together a strong defence to back up what must be close to the best midfield in the division and our forward options. One of the biggest challenges for a manager at our level is the fact that whenever a player shines brightly, he’s liable to be plucked by a bigger club. It’s filling those sudden holes that is the mark of a good manager.

Meanwhile as a club, we’ve lived within our resources, as we have no wish to saddle future committees with unsustainable debt. It happens at this level, either with a rich benefactor who suddenly loses interest, or a gamble on reaching a higher level to make a debt manageable. We choose to try and expand the financial base within the club. And the off field team knocked it out of the park with the Hot August Night event. More than 3,500 people enjoyed the day/night in 2017 and we’re doing it again this year, bigger and better, on August 5^th.

Our fireworks evening was a great show and a great success, .. it’s fair to say it went off with a bang! I was also delighted with our Christmas dinner with over 370 people present. Maybe we can issue a video of next year’s event (as long as we can bleep the swearing)!

And we’ve signed our new lease for a 30 year tenure at this ground. That means the other more grandiose plans we’ve had on the back burner can be brought forward now.

All in all I’m loving my time as Chairman, although I wasn’t so sure coming in! I think it’s down to the marvellous volunteers, staff, committee members and of course the players and coaching staff. I’d like to think the supporters are enjoying it too. There can’t be too many clubs at our level where you can enjoy a drink and a chat with living legends like Clinton Morrison and Pablo Mills after the game!

Our influential committee man Keith Loring overcame a bout of ill health to help drive through much of the important developments. Keith, you’re an inspiration!

So we welcome 2018 with hope, and also with a determination to keep driving forward. Ane whether you’re on the committee, coaching, playing, volunteering or you’re a fan of our club, it IS ours! Let’s take it forward together.

God bless you, I hope 2018 brings you all you hope for.

Go Sports!

Don Amott

 

 

 

**UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT**

 

Details of the Mickleover Sports FC annual Christmas Dinner have been finalised, and it’s looking better than ever!

It will take place on Thursday 30th November at Pride Park Stadium (7.00pm) and will include big names such as Steve Howard, Marco Gabbiadini, Graham Richards (Radio Derby legend!), Steve Daley, and Austin Knight (comedian).

It promises to be great night and space is limited so please reserve your tickets ASAP. See the poster for payment details.