3-3 after Full Time
Mickleover Sports win 4-3 on penalties

This match report has been written by staff of the opposition football club.

“In a game that presented not many opportunities in the first half, the second certainly proved value for money as Pablo Mills’ late header brought the game straight to a penalty shoot-out with the score finishing 3-3 after 90 minutes.

The first chance of the game fell to Mickleover’s Andy Dales who’s lobbed effort on goal looped down onto the post and nearly catching Ryan Neild out. Mickleover failed to continue any momentum though as The Albion took the initiative to the hosts, creating plenty of chances in the first half.

The first coming from Will Jones, who got onto a Anthony Gardner cross and Jones’ header arched over the Sports’ crossbar. Shortly following that, Albion won a free kick between 35-40 yards out. Owen Dale took the free kick and what was a dangerous cross somehow zipped it’s way through Mickleover’s backline untouched.

Witton were playing their usual high-pressing game with Jones plus the attacking midfield trio of Dale, Foley and Evans all boxing in the Sports players on the ball. This paid dividends as on the 34th minute, James Foley poked the ball home at the far post after some great link-up play between Owen Dale and Will Jones.

Witton searched for a second straight from the restart and on the 37th minute, a hard-hit shot from Owen Dale threatened to double Albion’s lead as he cut in onto his favoured right foot and tried to find the inside of the near post.

More chances fell Witton’s way before half-time and James Foley setting Owen Dale free was one of those but Mickleover’s stopper, Lewis King made himself big as Dale approached the Sports’ box.

The last chance of the first half fell to Paul Williams on the edge of the box who’s left-footed volley went just wide of keepers’ left-hand post. The half-time whistle was blown and Witton failed to score a second goal without doubling their lead.

Mickleover started the second half in the right way as Ryan Neild were called into action to make some great saves including some last ditch goalkeeping/defending from Neild and Danny McKenna on the hour mark.

Shortly after, Pablo Mills scored a header at the near post to deservedly bring the hosts level as Mickleover’s pressure started to make count. Witton started from the kick-off in the right manner as they started to create chances straight away, Steve Tames was brought on in place of Micah Evans.

Carl Macauley bringing on Steve Tames completely changed the pattern of play as Will Jones had some to lay the ball of to as on the 71st minute, Tames switched the ball onto his left foot and perfectly stroked the ball home from just outside the box.

Mickleover again soon took charge of the game with Witton sitting back and hitting the Sports on the counter with many passes being fed in behind for Owen Dale to chase. In the 81st minute, Louis Briscoe equalised for the hosts to bring the score to 2-2 and leaving both sides with the initiative to attack in the remaining 9 minutes.

Steve Tames tried to make sure that Witton would escape a penalty shoot-out when he tapped in a shot from Will Jones that was parried out.

Once again from kick-off, Mickleover forced Witton to sit back to defend the one goal advantage with some real backs-to-the-wall defending.

The pressure got to The Albion again as Pablo Mills scored his second of the game in the 89th minute. A penalty shoot-out loomed but there was a moment of hope when a Will Jones header hit the underside of the crossbar only to be cleared away, leaving Jones with his hands on his head of what could had been.

The final-whistle was blown and a penalty shoot-out would decide who progressed into the Integro Doodson’s League Cup Quarter Final. The penalty takers and whether they scored or missed look like so.

Mickleover Sports:
MILLS-Missed
BARNES-HOMER-Scored
MULDERS-Scored
BRISCOE-Scored
MCGRATH-Missed
SCOTT-Missed
DALES-Scored

Witton Albion:
RYAN-Scored
HAYWOOD-Scored
TAMES-Missed
WILSON-Scored
BROWN-Missed
DALE-Missed
MCKENNA-Missed

Sadly we don’t progress any further in the competition but we thank Mickleover for their great hospitality and we wish them luck for the remainder of the competition. Next up we are back in league action at home to Whitby Town.”

Get your tickets now, call 01283 732193.

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