Mickleover RBL 0 – 2 Mickleover Sports

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports continued their pre season run of unbeaten games as overcame a stern test from their near neighbours Mickleover Royal British Legion (RBL) to bring the Helen Belgrave Memorial Trophy back to Don Amott Arena, but most importantly getting more minutes under their belts whilst raising money for charity at the same time.
John McGrath decided to split the squads for the two games in two days geographically, with the Derby based players playing tonight and the rest of the squad based further up north playing on Wednesday night at Heanor Town. This meant that a Trialist keeper started in goal, with Tristan Matthews and Tom Eccleshall at full backs. Kevin Grocott returned from injury to partner Tyreece Robinson at centre back, with a midfield make up of Lewis Belgrave, Jimmy Phillips, Curtis Burrows and Will Norcross. Up front Sports went with the duo of Evan Garnett and Clinton Morrison.

RBL had the first chance of the game early on as the No.9 headed a lovely cross into the box just wide of the left hand post. A minute later Evan Garnett went up the other end and fired an effort just over the bar. Will Norcross then had two chances to give Sports the lead with one being blocked and the other saved by the keeper. Jimmy Phillips then had a low driving effort saved by the keeper. Then a lovely move between Eccleshall and Morrison out Garnett through 1v1 with the RBL keeper but he blazed his effort over the bar. But it wouldn’t be long before Garnett got his goal to put Sports 1-0 up on 24 minutes. The ball was worked into the box and after a couple of efforts blocked it fell into the path of Garnett who notched his first goal of this current pre season with a low drive under the RBL keeper and into the net.
From then Sports pressed on and take over proceedings as Norcross and Garnett had chances leading up to half time to extend the lead. Lewis Belgrave had an effort saved low down by the diving RBL keeper before he was hard at work again as the keeper had to produce a stunning reaction save to keep out Trialist’s volleyed effort. This kept the score to only the one goal going into the break when it could have been a much bigger score line.

As they did in the first half Mickleover RBL had the first chance in the second half. The No.8 delivered powerful driving strike that the Trialist keeper did well to bring down into his arms. From then on it was all Sports again as the difference in level soon showed as they grabbed a second goal within the first 10 minutes of the second period. An effort from Trialist was saved by the keeper but it was followed up by Will Norcross who slide an effort home under the keeper to extend the lead. Sports could have gone 3-0 up but Belgrave could only hit the post with his latest effort.

On the hour mark Sports boss John McGrath made four changes as off came Eccleshall, Trialist, Burrows and Morrison and on came four academy players Gordon, Davies, Parkin and Walsh. A cracking free kick from Belgrave is tipped over the bar from the RBL keeper, who was having a very good game in net. As the game was drawing to a close Norcross struck an effort off the bar and after what seemed like hundreds of blocked attempts the ball was eventually cleared by RBL as the ball just didn’t seem to drop for a Sports player. One final change was made from Sports as a rare moment occurred as goalkeeper Lewis King came on outfield as a striker in place of Evan Garnett. The Mickleover stopper could even have grabbed a goal for himself as he look lively in his cameo outfield. But the strike from outside the box was hit some distance over the bar. This was the final action of the game as Sports won the Helen Belgrave Memorial Trophy and raised some fantastic money towards the cancer ward at Derby Hospital. Of course it all counts towards match fitness with the season not too far away now. The rest of the squad will get their chance to get their pre season minutes as they travel to face former Sports player Dan Martin’s Heanor Town on Wednesday night, 7:30pm Kick Off.

Gainsborough Trinity are the focus of today’s 21 in 21.

When do we play them?

Home: Saturday 19th January
Away: Tuesday 21st August

Name: Gainsborough Trinity FC
Nickname: The Holy Blues
Founded: 1873
Ground: The Northholme- Capacity: 4340
Manager: Lee Sinnott
Home Kit: Blue & White
Away Kit: Yellow & Black
2017-2018 – National League North – 20th – Relegated

Club History:

The club was established in 1873 as Trinity Recreationists by Reverend George Langton Hodgkinson, the vicar at the Holy Trinity Church. In 1889 the club were founder members of the Midland League, which they won in 1890–91. The club finished as runners-up the following season and again in 1895–96, after which they applied for election to the Football League.

In the vote they finished third, ahead of existing members Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra, and were elected into the Second Division. The club’s first season in Division Two of the League saw them finish seventh, but a gradual decline in form saw them finish in the bottom half of the table every season until 1904. In 1901–02 Trinity finished bottom of the division, but were re-elected. In 1904–05 the club finished sixth in Division Two, their best performance during their Football League membership.

In 1911–12 Gainsborough finished bottom of the Second Division for a second time, and failed to be re-elected, receiving just nine votes to the 27 received by newly elected Lincoln City. The club returned to the Midland League, finishing third in 1912–13 and second in 1913–14, after which they unsuccessfully applied for readmission to the Football League. When the Football League created a new Third Division North in 1921, Trinity applied for membership, but were again unsuccessful.

The club won the Midland League title in 1927–28, and the following season defeated Football League opposition in the FA Cup for the first time since losing their League status, beating Crewe 3–1 in the first round, before losing to Chesterfield in the second round. In 1931–32 they beat Crewe again in the first round, before losing 5–2 at home to Watford. In 1937–38 Trinity beat Port Vale in the first round, before losing to fellow non-League club Yeovil & Petters United. Another Football League team was beaten the following season, when Trinity knocked out Gateshead in the first round, before losing to Doncaster Rovers.

Following World War II Gainsborough had further success in the FA Cup, reaching the first round of the FA Cup in 1945–46, losing to Mansfield Town, and in 1946–47, when they were beaten by Darlington. In 1948–49 they reached the second round after defeating Witton Albion in the first round, before losing 4–3 at Walsall. They went on to win a third Midland League title that season. First round appearances in the FA Cup followed in 1950–51 (losing 3–0 to Plymouth) and 1951–52 (losing to Witton), before the 1952–53 season saw another second round appearance; after beating Netherfield in a first round replay, they lost 2–1 at Newport County. They reached the first round again the following season, before losing 4–1 at home to Chesterfield. The club failed to repeat the feat until 1959–60, when they lost to Doncaster Rovers in a replay.

At the end of the 1959–60 season, the Midland League was disbanded. Gainsborough spent a single season playing in both the Central Alliance and Division Two of the Yorkshire League, before returning to a reformed Midland League in 1961. Trinity won their fourth Midland League title in 1966–67, also reaching the first round of the FA Cup (losing 1–0 at home to Colchester United), before becoming founder members of the new Northern Premier League in 1968. The club applied to join the Football League again in 1975 and 1976, but received only a single vote on each occasion. The 1983–84 season saw them reach the first round of the FA Cup for over a decade, as they lost 2–0 at home to Blackpool.

When the Northern Premier League added a second division in 1987, Gainsborough were placed in the Premier Division. In 1997–98 FA Cup saw them drawn against local rivals Lincoln City, who won 3–2 in a ‘home’ replay that was played at Lincoln’s Sincil Bank. Another first round appearance in 2003–04 ended with a 7–1 defeat at Brentford. At the end of the season a tenth-place finish saw the club become founder members of the
Conference North.

FA Cup first round appearances followed in 2006–07 (a 3–1 defeat by Barnet and 2007–08 (a 6–0 loss at home to Hartlepool United). In 2011–12 the club finished fourth, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. However, after beating Halifax Town in the semi-finals, Trinity lost the final 1–0 to Nuneaton Town.

In another FA Cup first round appearance in 2015–16, the club were beaten 1–0 by Shrewsbury Town. The club were relegated for the first time in their history at the end of the 2017–18 season, dropping into the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division.

Mickleover Sports head up the A38 on Wednesday to take on East Midlands Counties League side Heanor Town. The Lions finished 13th in the Total Motion Midland Football League Premier Division (Step 5) last season however the club decided to take voluntary relegation at the end of last season due to financial reasons and travelling costs. But the club will now be looking to push on and have a good season back at Step 6 where they have not been since they won the East Midlands Counties League back in the 2011-2012 season. Heanor Town play their home games at the Town Ground where they have been based since 1953 after merging with Heanor Athletic.

OPPOSITION DUGOUT:

The Lions are now under the reign of former Mickleover Sports player Dan Martin. Dan is a well known figure around the club and has many family and friends still at Sports. The ex Notts County player took over the managers role at Heanor Town after a season to forget at Rocester, finishing bottom of the Total Motion Midland Football League Premier Division and subsequently relegated. However Dan will be looking to put that all behind him and will now have his full focus with trying to guide Heanor Town to a successful season this term. He has assembled a very strong squad, keeping many players from last season as well as bringing many players he had at Rocester with him as well as recruiting from Holbrook Sports and Stapenhill FC.

TEAM NEWS:

The team that travel to Heanor will be made up of the players who didn’t play at Mickleover RBL. The squad will consist of the following: Lewis King, Nathan Jarman, Niall Doran, John McGrath, Oliver Roberts, Jake Scott, Ben Turner, Tom Burgin. The rest will be made up of Trialists and Academy players.

GOING TO THE GAME?

The game will take place at The Town Ground, Mayfield Avenue, Heanor, Derbyshire, DE75 7EN.
Kick off on Wednesday 1st August is 7:30pm and admission prices are £3 Adults, £2 OAP’s and FREE for U16’s. Heanor Town are well known for their excellent hospitality and catering so be sure to try their extensive food menu and have a fantastic clubhouse so make sure to grab a drink before and after the match.

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.

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.