Handsworth Parramore 0 – 3 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 17^th July 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A really positive and professional display from Sports insured a third straight pre season victory over Handsworth Parramore. Goals from Trialist, John McGrath and Niall Doran insured an emphatic score line for the visitors. The Northern Counties East League side from Worksop certainly made Sports work for their victory and they certainly deserved at least a goal for their efforts, particularly in the second half. But Sports defence held firm and kept their second clean sheet in three games but more importantly a key chance to build match fitness ahead of the league campaign which is now only four weeks away.

John McGrath continued to use Lewis King in goal to start with a back four of Tyreece Robinson, Pablo Mills, Ben Turner and Trialist. The boss started himself alongside Curtis Burrows and Jack Walsh. Clinton Morrison started up top playing off the Trialist from the Netherlands.

It was Sports who kicked the game off and immediately within the first minute they had their first chance to score. Trialist made a darting run down the right hand side with his effort across goal forcing the keeper to make a save and put the ball out for a corner.  Handsworth’s first effort came a few minutes later as the No.11 struck a hard low drive at goal but it was blocked and cleared by Pablo Mills as the back. Good link up play between Morrison and Robinson down the right hand side sent the later away at pace but he couldn’t quite get the delivery right and it ended up for a throw in on the opposite side of the pitch. Sports were building up the intensity and after two efforts from Jack Walsh and Pablo Mills were saved by the Parramore keeper, the away side took the lead a minute or so later. A real error of judgement from the Parramore keeper saw him play the ball from inside the box directly into path of the Dutch Trialist. Trialist although given a gift from the keeper still had to put it away and he made it look easy as he skilfully rounded the keeper and placed the ball neatly into the net to give Sports the lead.

New signing Curtis Burrows had the next chance for Sports as his powerful header from an excellent cross in was tipped narrowly round the post by the Parramore keeper, determined to make up for his earlier error. At the other end Jack Walsh produced a fine block from a Parramore effort from outside the box which looked on target round and over the goal for a corner. A few minutes later the Handsworth No.7 got onto the end of cross at the back post but his effort was well over the bar.

Boss John McGrath then had an excellent effort hit the bar. Good 1-2 play with Clinton Morrsion saw the Irishman strike an effort which curled round and hit the bar and bounced down but unfortunately not over the line and was cleared away. Then at the other end Pablo Mills went down injured after over stretching to clear the ball away from the Parramore No.9 after the striker was 1v1 with Lewis King but the excellent defending from Mills cleared the ball away from danger. Mills was able to continue after receiving treatment. The first half finished with Trialist being played again down the right hand side who then picked our Clinton Morrison but the experienced forwards effort was dinked just over the bar to end a really good half from a Sports point of view.

Sports made six changes at the break. Jimmy Phillips, Tom Burgin, Jake Scott, Nathan Jarman, Niall Doran and Kevin Garnett came on for Ben Turner, Curtis Burrows, Clinton Morrison, Trialist, Will Norcross and Trialist as Sports changed systems for the second half.

Within a couple of minutes Jimmy Phillips forced a great save from the Parramore keeper from a drive on the left hand side of the box. But it wouldn’t be long before Sports extended their lead. A free kick was given to Sports from about 25 yards outside the box. John McGrath stepped up and sent a fantastic curling effort over the wall and into the bottom right corner; such was the dip on the strike. Sports made their final change as Lewis King was given a rest and substituted for a Trialist keeper.  Another lovely Sports move caused problems for Parramore on the hour mark as Jimmy Phillips picked out Nathan Jarman on the right of the box who cut inside and, with the outside of his right foot, curled an effort narrowly wide of the left hand post, inches from going in.

Evan Garnett then got onto the end of a great cross over from John McGrath but the effort was headed over the bar. It was at this point the hosts starting piling on the pressure in search of a route back into the game. It got very scrappy on one Parramore attack as several blocks were made by Sports defenders to protect their goal before a shout for a penalty came and went as the No.9 went down in the box whilst taking a shot at goal but nothing from the referee who waved play on. Next came what hopefully was a sign of things to come as the newly formed partnership of Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett linked up well with Garnett striking just wide of the right hand side post after a 1v1 with the keeper.  The Parramore No.15 who’d come on as a substitute then hit an effort over the bar with around 10 minutes to go.

Sports finally killed their Step 5 opponents and the game off on 82 minutes as a mix up in the Parramore back line saw Niall Doran break free and he showed excellent composure to place the ball under the diving keeper and into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was an excellent finish from a player who is already looking like an excellent signing from McGrath. There would be two more chances in the game with one for either side. Another breakaway saw Nathan Jarman curl an effort into the arms of the Parramore keeper. From the resulting re start the ball made its way up field and nearly resulted in a consolation goal for Handsworth but the No.7 put his effort well over the bar.

That brought an end to a successful pre season friendly for Sports. Three goals, a clean sheet and more minutes under the player’s belts can only be positives for McGrath’s Sports side. Of course pre season results mean nothing in the long term would you would prefer to win them all than lose them all.

Mickleover Sports will now train on Thursday and Saturday before returning to match action on Tuesday 24^th July when they will play Step 4 side Frickley Athletic away, 7:30pm Kick Off.

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

After two successful home pre season wins against Football League teams both resulting in victories, Sports now head on the road for a run of four away matches. The first being a trip up to the town of Workshop in Nottinghamshire to take on Step 5 side Handsworth Parramore tomorrow night (Tuesday 17th July 7:30pm KO). This will be a much sterner and different test for John McGraths side, playing away from home in unfamiliar surroundings against a very good Step 5 side who finished fourth in their respective league last season.

For those who may not have heard about Handsworth Parramore, here is some background information on our hosts on Tuesday night.

Name: Handsworth Parramore
Nickname: The Amber Parras
Manager: James Colliver
League: Northern Counties East League Premier Division – Finished 4th 2017-2018
Ground Address: Sandy Lane, Workshop, Nottinghamshire, S80 1SN

History:
The club was established in 2014 as the result of a merger between Handsworth and Workshop Parramore. Work on the merger had begun in 2013 and was finalised the following year. The new club took Worksop Parramore’s place in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League. In their first season the club won the League Cup, beating Cleethorpes Town 4–3 in the final, coming back from 3–1 down with six minutes remaining.

Ground:
The club currently owns two grounds – Sandy Lane in Worksop and Olivers Mount in Handsworth. Sandy Lane was built in 1992 as a new home for Worksop Town, but the club was evicted from the ground in 2008. Parramore Sports subsequently bought it, with ownership transferring to Handsworth Parramore after the merger in 2014. The ground currently hosts first team matches in the Northern Counties East League, and is also rented to former owners Worksop Town.

Olivers Mount was the home ground of Handsworth, but it failed a ground grading test in 2012 which resulted in the club being relegated from the Northern Counties East League. The ground currently hosts the clubs’ reserve matches in the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League, as well as youth team games.

Sports Team News:
Not much to report on this front, a similar squad is expected to travel to Handsworth with no real injury scares picked up over the two games last week. Expect a few Trialists to feature as well.

Not going to Handsworth?
If your not making the trip to Handsworth tomorrow night then Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry will keep you updated via our Twitter & Facebook accounts with post match interviews/reaction available on our new Youtube Channel, Mickleover Sports TV, after the game.

MATCH REPORT BY SAM GOLDSWORTHY

 

Mickleover Sports 2-1 Burton Albion

Friday 13^th July 2018

Mickleover Sports bagged their second pre-season victory in four days as they snatched a later winner to defeat a well strengthened Burton Albion side. New signing Niall Doran got onto the end of a great team goal after 21 minutes, this being the only real highlight of a tight first half period. The second half sparked to like after five minutes as young academy prospect Joe Sbarra equalised for the Brewers. But Sports did not give into fatigue or the difference in quality and more than held their own against the Brewers. They were rewarded for their hard work with a last minute goal from one of the many Trialists in was just ticking over into the 90^th minute to grab the victory and with it win back the KC Trust Trophy from the games SkyBet League One visitors.

Sports Boss John McGrath elected to name a selection of Lewis King in goal with Kevin Grocott, Curtis Burrows, Pablo Mills and Tom Burgin at the back. McGrath named himself alongside Jake Scott in midfield with Jimmy Phillips and Niall Doran on the wings with Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett up top. Among the opposition was Burton Albion record signing Liam Boyce who was looking to have a full pre-season after a nasty injury which kept him out of most of last season for the Brewers.

The first opening stages were controlled by the Brewers but after the first fifteen minutes Sports began to settle down and their first chance came when Nathan Jarman put in a dangerous delivery which went straight to Harry Campbell in the Albion net but he managed to fumble it sparking panic inside the box but the visitors managed to clear the ball away from danger. But it wasn’t long after that when Sports drew first blood, Curtis Burrows broke down the left hand side and put in a cross that again was saved by Campbell but this time the rebound was met by new signing Niall Doran who notched the opening goal with a simple tap in to give Sports a 1-0 lead.

It wasn’t long before Albion were back at it again though and Liam Boyce was played behind Pablo Mills but the Sports center back managed to put in a last ditch challenge which drew the ball away from the Albion attacker and kept it at 1-0. Only a minute later Mills was at it again with a late tackle to deny an open chance but this time it was Lucas Akins who was denied. The final chance of the half came with 10 minutes to go as Sporks broke out really well from midfield through Doran again who played n Burrows but his shot was sent over the bar.

Burton Albion made wholesale changes at the break with only Campbell and former Sports Trialist Tomas Egert remaining from the first half. Only one change from Sports came in goal where Lewis King was replaced by another Trialist. It didn’t take long though for Albion to grab an equaliser coming on the 50^th minute. A cross came in from the left and it was deflected all the way to Joe Sbarra who slotted home from close range to give the visitors an equaliser.

But instead of caving into the Brewers pressure and conceding again Sports looked revitalized as Evan Garnett was played through superbly as he brought the ball inside and had a decent effort well saved. The next Sports change saw John McGrath take himself off for Will Norcross. Sports did have the ball in the net again just before the hour mark but it was ruled out by the referee for a push in the box and a free kick to the Brewers was rewarded.

The rest of the second half was full of stop start substitutions and numerous Trialists came on for Sports with the Brewers only second half sub being switching their goalkeepers.  The Brewers did have a few chances at a succession for corners, a Marcus Harness effort and a good defensive block on the line from the Sports defenders to grab a winner. But instead it was Sports who grabbed a late winner on the 90th minute. Will Norcross delivered a great corner in to Tom Burgin who headed it back across goal to find Trialist who headed it in to seal the victory for Sports.

This is of course only pre-season and results count for nothing at this stage but with two victories out of two with only one goal conceded to a League One side and with no real injury worries picked up in the last two games. McGrath can be pleased with how things are going as Sports prepare for a run of away pre-season matches starting on Tuesday night in Worksop as Sports visit Handsworth Parramore on Tuesday 17^th July with a 7:30pm KO.

After Tuesday’s test against a spirited and well drilled Notts County XI, Sports will know their next friendly will be a whole new level as they prepare to face Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion. As always we will be playing for the KC Trust Trophy of which the Brewers are current holders after their 4-0 win last pre season.

The Brewers, who now find themselves back in SkyBet League One after two seasons in the SkyBet Championship, were only just relegated on the final day of last season by a late Bolton Wanders comeback coupled with a late winner from their opponents on the day Preston North End. The main aim for Nigel Clough this season will be an attempt at an immediate return to the Championship and their quest starts on Friday night against former Brewer and Sports Boss John McGrath.

The Mickleover Boss was asked about this thoughts going into the game with the Brewers…

Our second pre season game in a week and what will no doubt be a really tough test. Nigel always brings his full first squad and I am looking forward to seeing our boys competing against a very good Burton Albion side.

I love this pre season fixture more than any other one that we’ll play. The six years I spent there as a player were the most enjoyable of my 19 year career and also I get the opportunity to pit my wits against a manager who is in my opinion the best I’ve ever played.

We are injury free which is something I hope lasts throughout the busy pre season schedule and great credit goes to Jake Shaw our physio for his approach to player rehab and recovery.

I was pleased with the performance vs Notts Co the other night with all players getting 45 mins but now is the time for us to start testing players and maybe pushing those minutes up and get more game time.

Kick Off is a slightly earlier 7pm for this one with admission prices set at £8 for Adults £5 Concession and Under 16’s FREE.

Come down to the Don Amott Arena on Friday and see Sports test themselves against Football League opposition.

Mickleover Sports 1 – 0 Notts County XI

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports got their pre season off to a winning start as they took the victory in a game against a very young Notts County side. Tom Eccleshall, the 16 year old product of the Mickleover Juniors side scored the only goal in what was a typical first pre season game where the main focus for both sides was purely match fitness with John McGrath electing to field two different XI’s in each half. But a win is a win which will surely raise confidence ahead of the big test against Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion on Friday night.

The first half XI included new signings Nathan Jarman & Curtis Burrows and also consisted of returning players Lewis King, Harley Kozluk, Pablo Mills, Jack Walsh, John McGrath, Lewis Belgrave and Evan Garnett. Two Trialists’ were also included in the starting line up.

The first chance of the game went the way of Sports as Evan Garnett was played through but he snatched at his chance as his effort went wide of the mark. Only a few minutes later a mistake at the back from the visitors as the keeper played the ball straight back out to John McGrath but as McGraths effort was about to cross the line the keeper did well to make up for this error and got down well to push the ball away for a corner. The resulting corner was then floated in McGrath but Trialist smashed the ball well over the bar and out for a goal kick.

The next slice of action came half way through the first half as Lewis Belgrave tried a half volley from 25 yards out but could not get hold of it and sliced the shot wide. Then Garnett tired his luck again who caught the ball well but his strike went narrowly wide of the post. A couple of minutes later Harley Kozluk managed to drive well down the right hand side and made his way into the box. Kozluk managed to cut the ball back to Belgrave whose effort was straight into the arms of the County keeper.

The visitors then had their first real chance of the match just before the half hour mark as a golden chance from the visitors’ young striker went just wide of the mark. Sports then won a free kick on the edge of the Notts County penalty area. New signing Nathan Jarman stepped up and unleashed a ferocious effort past the wall which curved just wide of the right hand post for a goal kick. On the next Sports attack Kozluk played a very clever ball inside to Curtis Burrows whose shot went high over the bar. Sports would then have two final chances before the half time break, both coming from Evan Garnett. First Garnett received the ball on the edge of the box and worked himself a chance but the effort was dragged harmlessly into the keeper’s body and saved well. A similar scenario occurred a minute later when Garnett struck the ball from distance outside the area but same outcome the keeper managed to get down and save the shot.  The final chance of the half went the way of the visitors with a few minutes to go as a good ball into the Sports penalty area found the County striker free inside the box but thankfully from a Sports point of view it went well wide of the goal.

The second half consisted of a new XI for Sports as new signing Niall Doran got his first run out in a Sports shirt, now sporting the brand new light blue away strip. There was four Trialists’ in this half with a some academy players in there too but familiar names to Sports fans were the likes of Kevin Grocott, Tom Burgin, Jake Scott, Tom Eccleshall, Jimmy Phillips, Will Norcross and Clinton Morrison.

It certainly didn’t take the second half team long to make an impact on the game, all of six minutes into the half and Sports had their first goal of pre season. It was young Tom Eccleshall at left back as he delivered a cross on the left hand side. The Notts County keeper managed to spill the ball in to the net as his near post and over the line for a rather bizarre first goal. The visitors then could have equalised instantly from kick off as a good quality free kick went narrowly over the bar.

Next a fantastic diving challenge from Eccleshall set Trialist who as he drove down the wing procured a great effort from the edge of the box but the County keeper did extremely well to get down and save it. It could easily have been 1-1 just after the hour mark as the County striker got a very lucky break but he fortunately couldn’t take his opportunity and only managed to hit the side netting from what was pretty much an open goal. A big let off for Sports but still they remained ahead. Niall Doran then showed how good he can be at taking set plays as a corner was delivered in very well only for Trialist to head over. Sports were pressing really well and they were rewarded when they won the ball back just inside the Notts area. Doran then turned well and had a strike on goal but again his effort was over the bar.

Then a moment for manager John McGrath to be proud of as his son, Jay, came on for the final 15 minutes, having been given special permission from Burton Albion Academy to get a run out in the game. Jay, who is only 15 years old, slotted into the left hand side of defence in place of goal scorer Eccleshall.

Notts County then had a chance just after the substitution as Trialist, the goalkeeper for Sports this half, makes a save with his face as the ball rebounded back to the striker he managed to somehow hit the bar from only a few yards out. Thankfully the effort was cleared away from danger and no harm was done but it was a real chance from County to grab a late equaliser.

The final chance of the game came four minutes before the end as Trialist playing up front for Sports got onto the end of a Kevin Grocott cross but the County keeper, who apart from his one mistake was having a great game, got down and saved superbly. That was the final effort of the game as a valuable 90 minutes for the whole side came to a conclusion. John McGrath would have been very happy with the first run out of pre season as all focus can now go onto the Burton Albion game on this coming Friday 13^th July with a 7pm Kick Off.

Come down and cheer on our boys as they take on the huge task of Croatia, this Wednesday, in our first World Cup Semi Final since 1990!

• Real Ales
• BBQ
• Bar opens from 6PM.

Are all welcome!

COME ON ENGLAND!

It’s time to dust the cob webs off and get back to action as Sports return to action after nearly 10 and a half weeks since their last game at home to Barwell all the way back in April. Pre season kicks off with a home friendly against what is expected to be a very youthful Notts County side, but this does not mean it will be any less of a test.

Press & Media Officers Sam & Kerry spoke to Sports boss John McGrath to get his thoughts on tonight’s game.

How much are you looking forward to the first pre-season friendly?

It’s always great, as a footballer, to pull your boots back on again after the summer break and get a game of football. Match fitness is vital in the lead up to our opening fixture so playing pre season games is definitely a vital part of that.

What in your eyes will count as a successful first friendly? Result? Performance? No injuries, etc.?

I’m not really bothered about the result. I am more interested in players fitness at this early stage. And also can we get through the 90 minutes without anyone picking up any niggles or injuries. With us having a small squad it’s key that we try and keep everyone as fully fit as possible.

What sort of test/side can we expect to see from Notts County?

I’m sure whatever side Notts Co bring it will be a test for us. Even if they bring the young 18’s and 23’s they should still pose a threat to us both technically and physically but the simple measure that they are in full time training.

Whats the plan of action in terms of how many minutes your players will be looking to play? Will you be looking to rotate your squad throughout the game?

Tonight we will play two separate teams in each half. It’s about easing the players into games and not pushing them too hard too soon.

What are you looking to see from your players during the game and do you have a full squad available for selection?

We have the majority of the squad available with some academy kids and also some Trialist’s I want to have a look at suiting the game also playing. We play a specific brand of football and that’s what I will be looking at most during the game. Can we stick to our philosophy and play the game our way.

Kick off tonight is 7:30pm and admission prices are £5 for full paying adults with Children U16 and Ladies are also being offered FREE ADMISSION for this pre season friendly so come down and get your first viewing of your Sports side in action ahead of the 2018/2019 Northern Premier League campaign.

Mickleover Sports Chairman Don Amott speaks with Press & Media Officer Sam Goldsworthy about everything happening on and off the field at Mickleover Sports.

This interview is now available to watch on Mickleover Sports TV. Click on the link below to watch and subscribe to the channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx1TsD7mrXY

Secretary:
To carry out the vital part of keeping a team running and up to date with league instructions. Basic computer skills and access to e-mail a necessity. The role includes informing opposition of forthcoming games, the management of away games, attending 2/3 League meetings a year, completion of relevant paperwork on a Sat, informing the league of scores and completing and sending team sheets from games played.

 

Kit Man:
To ensure that complete kits are available.
To take used to to launderette for washing.
Collect kit.
To put out kit pre – match
To ensure that all warm up equipment including balls are ready.
To provide referee with match balls.

 

Both roles are vital in assisting the current development of the Reserve team allowing the coaching staff the time to concentrate on the development of the players.

You will be part of an exciting time in the progress of Mickleover Sports and be part of a team that is really going places.

Anybody Interested should email Dave Bird on info@mickleoversportsfc.com

EVERY SUNDAY from 8th July – 30th September.
Sellers from 7.30am £10 Car, £15 Van
Buyers from 8.30am £1 Adult, Children Free
Refreshments available
FREE Parking

No need to pre book- arrive on the day, 1st come 1st served.