by Peter Scherer

Sports Reserves have returned to winning ways after four successive defeats in the Central Midlands Alliance League.

After their home defeat to Mickleover RBL at home on October 19^th they were 3-2 winners over Staveley MW in the League Cup Senior Trophy, with goals from Josh Carter, Justin Iwobi and Taylor Smith.

Last weekend they faced Mickleover Athletic in the divisional Cup South, ending the day 4-0 winners with a Josh Carter hattrick.

It’s back to the league for now though, with a visit to Arnold Town, before returning to the Don Amott Arena again on the 16^th to face Mansfield Hosiery Mills.

by Peter Scherer

Over the last month it’s been a fairly up and down time for Mickleover Reserves. 

They started September well with a 3-2 home win over Holbrok Sports, with Josh Carter, Fin Ryder and Luke Thompson scoring.

A week later they took another three points on a visit to Gresley Rovers, where Josh Carter and Thompson were on the score sheet again, in a 3-1 win, along with Brodie Carter.

But on the 28^th they visited Cromford & Wirksworth in the Cup, coming away with a 3-5 defeat, despite Matthew Harding scoring twice, along with Brodie Carter.

Starting October they were back in league action at Holbrook Sports, but suffered a 1-4 defeat, with Josh Powell scoring, leaving them seventh in the Central Midlands Alliance League table, before welcome Holbrook St.Michael’s this Friday evening October 11^th.

By Peter Scherer (Photography: S Jackson)

Mickleover Reserves won their second away match of the season, when they came away from Gresley Rovers 3-1 victors.

With goals from Josh Carter, Luke Thompson and Brodie Carter, Sports have moved up to eighth in the Central Midlands Alliance League and now visit Cromford & Wirksworth this Saturday.

 

 

by Peter Scherer

Following their 2-5 defeat last Saturday at South Normanton, Mickleover Reserves were at home to Derby Singh Brothers. But a late first half goal proved to be the winner, with Sports going down 0-1.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Mason Hoult 3-Brad Brittan 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Ted Stevenson 6-Harry Atwal 7-Josh Carter 8- Hamza Konane 9-Fin Ryder 10-Josh Powell 11-Luke Thompson. Subs: Mikey Mandimitsura,  Matt Harding, Brodie Carter, Silas Donker, Lian Carter.

In the opening minutes a long ball found Carter on the right, he was crudely challenged to earn the first free kick of the game. But Atwal’s kick was easily headed away by the visitors defence.

Only two minutes later Singh Brothers had a break, but their main striker put his rushed effort high and wide of Bull’s goal.

The Singh Bros back line were playing well forward to catch Mickleover offside and seven minutes in a lovely ball out of defence by Stevenson, did just that as Carter ran on.

Thompson then sent Ryder on a run a minute later, but the keeper ran off his line to intercept, as Sports youngsters seemed to grow in confidence with continuing strong attacks.

Carter and Ryder broke again and were caught borderline offside, before Hoult went for the overlap on the right.

Cholerton then played a long ball out of defence, but again they were just offside. On the 20 minute mark though they nearly succeeded, when Ryder slotted the ball in from the left and Konane was just beaten to the ball by the keeper.

Both Atwal and Powell put telling ball’s into the box, but both beat the strikers and were cleared by the keeper, before Singh Bros had another tentative attack after 25 minutes, but it was easy for Bull.

It was briefly end to end as Thompson crossed from the left, but despite a scramble in the box, the defence came out on top again.

The visitors were tending to rely on long clearance’s from the keeper, with mixed success. But 29 minutes and Bull had to race out to block one such break, with the defence outpaced.

It was a close call after 35 minutes though after some good work from Konane. He found Ryder, who passed to Carter and his strike was saved by the advancing keeper. But the ball spun back and was heading for goal, when the keeper managed to recover to make a double save.

Powell then hit the bar after a corner, but after a spell of positive pressure from Mickleover, the visitors managed to break again, but Bull was out again with a great save to keep it all square.

After another speculative shot had sailed well over, half time was approaching, with Mickleover unlucky not to be ahead.

But 43 minutes and the tide turned and against the run of play, Singh Bros turned in a well taken chance at close range and it was 0-1.

Powell was then fouled on the half way line, before Brittan had a run down the left to earn a late corner, Ryder then tried a back healer at close range, but time was up for the first period.

There was no immediate change in the line-up for the second half, but after four minutes, Brodie Carter came on for Konane.

Singh Bros received their first yellow car after 50 minutes when Thompson was tripped and another soon followed after Hoult was taken out.

Mandimitsura then replaced Josh Carter just before the hour mark, but it was the visitors gaining the upperhand again, with Bull saving a shot, before the rebound went over the bar.

Sub Carter tried a speculative shot after 70 minutes, before Harding then came on for Thompson. There seemed to be a reluctance to try a shot by Sports and they repeatedly made ground before making it one pass to many, and losing possession.

Carter put Ryder through, but he couldn’t get inside and won a corner and then Brittan tried his luck, but was well off target.

80 minutes and it was almost a second for Singh Bros, when the final ball rolled across the face of the Mickleover goal.

Shortly after a clash on the edge of the box between Ryder and a defender, the visitors keeper was sin binned after an exchange of words.

Sports failed to maximise the sub keeper situation, but after 86 minutes  a Hoult cross was intercepted and Brittain shot, The keeper saved but couldn’t hold it, but the scramble was then cleared.

There was another Singh Bros yellow card after a challenge on Bull, but as time was running out Ryder put an effort just wide of the left hand post.

With about eight minutes added on the keeper returned, but Carter’s hopes of a run were dashed when he was tripped. A Singh Bros defender was then sinned bin and a yellow card brandished to a Sports player.

After a strong first half Sports were left wanting in the second and their reluctance to take a chance on goal proved decisive in the end.

 

by Sam Cholerton

On a sunny but breezy evening, Melbourne FC hosted Mickleover on their well-maintained pitch. Despite Mickleover’s strong start, playing their usual pass-and-move game and controlling possession, Melbourne’s physicality and relentless pressing ultimately saw them secure a 2-0 victory.

Starting Line Up:

1.Josh Maher, 2. Mason Hoult, 3. Brad Brittan, 4. Jared Cholerton (c), 5. Zak Sandhu, 6. Harry Atwal, 7. Josh Carter, 8. Hamza Konane, 9. Mike Mandimitsura 10. Josh Powell, 11. Luke Thompson, Subs: Ted Stevenson, Taylor Smith, Brodie Carter, Jake Lord, Matt Harding.  

Mickleover began brightly, forcing Melbourne to change tactically, with a high press and direct approach with the wind. However, despite Mickleover’s early dominance, it was Melbourne who struck first, somewhat against the run of play.

In the 10th minute, Melbourne won their first corner of the game. A poorly dealt with delivery led to confusion in the box, and the ball found its way into the back of the net, giving Melbourne a surprising 1-0 lead.

Mickleover responded well, continuing to pass and move effectively. A shot from Thompson was spilled by the Melbourne keeper, but there was no one on hand to capitalise. As the wind began to pick up, Mickleover’s Cholerton launched a long ball to Powell, who made a great run and played in Thompson, but the chance inexplicably ended with a dubious goal kick awarded to Melbourne.

Despite their best efforts, Mickleover struggled to break Melbourne down. Another long throw from our hostscaused havoc in the box but was defended well, and although Melbourne continued to press, Mickleover’s defence, led by Maher in goal, stood firm.

Melbourne’s next big chance came from a corner in the 30th minute, as they hit the bar with a well-taken set piece. They continued to cause problems with their relentless pressure and physical play, forcing Mickleover to defend especially at set pieces.

A missed open goal after another Melbourne corner was a let-off for Mickleover as the half wore on. Thompson then caused concern for Mickleover when he landed awkwardly, but after some treatment, he was able to continue. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Melbourne, with Mickleover doing well to stay in the game.

At the start of the second half, Mickleover made a quick substitution with J. Carter replaced by Matt Harding. Melbourne came out attacking, but a superb double block from Sandhu kept them at bay.

Mickleover defended resolutely but struggled to create clear chances. Just eight minutes into the second half, Melbourne doubled their lead, when Mickleover failed to clear their lines from a Melbourne attack, and the home side pounced to make it 2-0.

This goal seemed to deflate Mickleover, as Melbourne continued to press high and disrupt their attempts to build from the back.

Mickleover made further substitutions, with Mandimitsura replaced by B. Carter at the hour mark and Powell making way for Stevenson five minutes later.

Despite some nice passing moves in midfield, Mickleover couldn’t break through Melbourne’s well organised defence.

Sports then won their first corner of the match, but despite a good delivery by Atwal, Melbourne defended well and cleared the danger.

Dynamo’s physicality continued to make life difficult for Mickleover’s youngsters as they kept the ball in their opponent’s half and defended their lead solidly.

Sports tried to mount an attack, but every time they pushed forward, they were met with intense pressure from the home players.

As the game neared its conclusion, Sandhu provided a spark for Mickleover with a driving run down the wing, winning a free kick. Stevenson delivered the ball into the Melbourne box, but Atwal’s effort somehow sailed over the bar.

A final substitution saw Lord come on for Hoult in the 75th minute, but despite a late push from Mickleover, they couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Melbourne defence. Melbourne continued to pressurise Mickleover as the game drew to a close and Maher made some excellent saves late on. The match ended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat for Mickleover but credit to Melbourne for a resolute and tactically astute performance.

Head Coach Steve Powell was pleased with the performance…

Our intention was to start brightly, press high and dominate possession in the build-up which again as in previous games we did early on. But credit to Melbourne for making tactical changes and although the first goal came against the run of play, they made it difficult for us to build up through the middle.

On reflection it was a great learning opportunity for the players to have to make and execute decisions under pressure, when being closed down quickly and against very physical opposition.

Our learning also comes from how we have to adapt to the specific external factors each game provides and have the confidence individually and as a squad to maintain our playing style, which we are still developing with such a newly formed and young squad

On a warm and overcast afternoon, Wirksworth Ivanhoe FC hosted Mickleover FC in a Central Midlands Alliance league clash that tested the visitors’ resolve. Mickleover, fresh from no midweek fixture started the game brightly, controlling possession, with some slick link-up play between Luke Thompson and Josh Carter leading to an early foul on Thompson. 

Unfortunately, their momentum was cut short in the 8^th minute when a well worked short corner by Wirksworth was smashed home to make it 1-0. 

Mickleover tried to respond quickly, Brad Brittan picked up the ball from deep, charged down the wing, and found Mikey  Mandimitsura in a promising position, only for the move to be halted by a questionable offside call. 

Despite their efforts, Mickleover struggled to penetrate Ivanhoe’s defence. A great strike by Mandimitsura just over the bar looked like Mickleover might claw their way back, but disaster struck in the 25th minute. 

After an Ivanhoe attack the ball was bundled into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. As the half wore on, Mickleover found themselves under sustained pressure, defending several corners. Josh Maher was again called into action with a fantastic save right on the stroke of half-time after a defensive error almost gifted Ivanhoe a third. 

As the second half got underway the sun broke through the clouds and Mickleover came out looking more energetic. Within minutes, their positive play paid off, with a brilliant move involving Thompson and Mandimitsura seeing Josh Carter slot the ball home in the 49th minute, giving Mickleover hope at 2-1.

They immediately gained more and more control of the game, however, a poor sequence of defending allowed Wirksworth to restore their two-goal lead shortly after, making it 3-1 and stifling Mickleover’s momentum. 

The introduction of Lord for Konane at the 60-minute mark brought fresh legs but little change in fortunes. As the game wore on, Mickleover battled hard, with Brittan picking up a yellow card for a late challenge. 

Wirksworth, meanwhile, expertly disrupted Mickleover’s rhythm, breaking up play and utilising their physicality advantage.

Late in the game, a dubious free-kick decision in Ivanhoe’s favour nearly caused tempers to boil over, but Mickleover managed to keep their composure. Their best chance to get back into the game came from a superb free-kick by Josh Carter, which rattled the crossbar in the dying moments of the match. 

Despite Mickleover’s efforts, Ivanhoe’s defence held firm. Mickleover made a number of substitutions but couldn’t turn the tide. An excellent overhead clearance off the line by Cholerton typified Mickleover’s late and continued efforts, but ultimately, the score remained 3-1. 

The final Score: Ivanhoe FC 3-1 Mickleover FC Mickleover will leave Wirksworth frustrated, having struggled to play their usual passing game. Despite their best efforts in the second half, Ivanhoe’s disciplined defence and opportunistic finishing secured the win. 

By Sam Cholerton

1.Josh Bull, 2. Mason Hoult, 3. Brad Brittan, 4. Jared Cholerton (c), 5. Silas Donker, 6. Harry Atwal, 7. Josh Carter, 8. Hamza Konane, 9. Mike Mandimitsura 10. Josh Powell, 11. Luke Thompson, Subs: Ted Stevenson, Taylor Smith, Brodie Carter, Jake Lord, Josh Maher. 

On a hot and humid afternoon, Mickleover FC put on a fast and furious display to secure a 5-2 victory over Teversal FC. 

From the outset, Mickleover’s attacking intent was clear, with great link-up play and dominant possession, leaving Teversal struggling to keep up. 

The match kicked off in electrifying fashion with Mickleover taking an early lead just two minutes in. A slick move saw Brittan link up with Thompson, who played it to Mandimitsura before returning the ball to Thompson. The forward made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0.

Teversal tried to respond, but Mickleover’s defence held strong and after 15 minutes, Josh Carter made a great run, setting up Mandimitsura for a volley that was well-saved by the Teversal keeper, who then kept out a Konane header from a corner as Mickleover piled on the pressure. 

But Teversal found their equaliser in the 17th minute with a clever ball over the top that was nicely lifted over keeper Bull to level the score at 1-1. 

However, Mickleover quickly regained their lead and in the 23rd minute, Mandimitsura showed great control before threading a pass to Josh Carter, who beat the offside trap and slipped the ball between the keeper’s legs to make it 2-1. 

Mickleover continued to dominate, with further chances falling to Carter and Powell, and just before halftime, Thompson almost extended the lead after a great run, but his shot was saved. 

Teversal had a rare opportunity with a well-taken corner, but no one was there to meet it, but the score remained 2-1 at the break. 

Sports youngsters started the second half just as they began the first—on the front foot. In the 49th minute, a great ball from Cholerton was taken nicely by Konane, who finished confidently to put Mickleover 3-1 up. 

Sports kept pressing and in the 65th minute, Carter made another strong run, firing the ball across the box for Powell to side-foot home and extend the lead to 4-1. 

Moments later, Stevenson, who had come on as a substitute, combined with Brodie Carter to make it 5-1 with a well-taken chance. 

Teversal managed to pull one back in the 77th minute, capitalising on a defensive error. But overall Mickleover’s  defence continued to hold firm, with Cholerton heading away a dangerous free kick. 

In the final stages, both teams showed signs of fatigue due to the heat, but Mickleover continued to control the game in possession and a defensive error by Teversal allowed Thompson another chance, but his effort was saved in the 87th minute. 

Mickleover’s performance was a statement of intent, with their attacking prowess on full display. Despite the scoreline, they were unlucky not to have won by a more significant margin. In the end, Mickleover FC secured a well-deserved 5-2 victory. 

by Peter Scherer

Most football matches are memorable, some for the right reasons and some for the wrong, and last nights Central Midlands Alliance League match between Holbrook St. Michael’s and Mickleover was definitely the latter.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull  2-Mason Hoult 3-Bradley   Brittan 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Taylor Smith 6-Harry Atwal 7-Josh Carter 8-Hamesh Konane 9-Mikey  Mandimitsura 10-Josh Powell 11-luke Thompson. Subs: Brodie Carter, Silas Donker, Jacob Lord, Josh Maher, Ellis King.

It was quite a lively start on a sunny evening and after three minutes Hoult sent Mandimitsura on a run but his cross was too close to the home keeper.

Two minutes later Sports earned their first free kick, with Atwal sending the ball out to the right. Carter latched on and fired in a shot, saved by the keeper.

But it was just eight minutes in when the first dubious decision of the night occurred. Holbrook got a break and Bull was racing off his line. Smith made a clumsy challenge just outside the box and the striker theatrically hit the ground. Maybe a yellow card was justified, but referee Smith reached for a straight red and Mickleover were down to 10 men.

The following free kick was into the wall and cleared, but it prompted a period of Holbrook shooting on sight, fortunately well off target.

After 12 minutes Holbrook had a break on the left, but Bull raced off his line to save the danger and the rebound too.

Despite some heavy tackles, Sports youngsters were still trying to play football and after 13 minutes Thompson shot just over the bar after a positive build up.

Holbrook again fired shots in well off target after 15 and 19 minutes, but three minutes later Bull was in action again, after a break through the middle set up a positive chance for the home side.

Both Hoult and Brittan were staying back following Smith’s dismissal, while Atwal appeared to be playing deeper too to assist Cholerton in the middle of the defence.

Cholerton cleared off the line after 26 minutes, when a cross field ball from the left  caught out the defence, but Mickleover then broke to Carter, but he took to much time and failed to get his shot in.

Brittan then blocked another Holbrook attempt, but the pressure was on and after a nice move on the left from Holbrook, the chance was wasted again with a shot over the bar.

With Powell and Carter particularly trying to run at the defence, Konane managed to put Mandimitsura through, but his run was intercepted at the critical moment. But only three minutes later the same duo combined again, before the shot went just over the bar.

There was no lack of effort from Mickleover and after 37 minutes Thompson went close again after a break on the left, seeing his shot just inches wide of the far post.

Holbrook finished the half with a strong long range shot, Bull had the measure of it, but it was a corner, which then came to nought as it was easily cleared, so as the whistle went it remained 0-0.

It was good energetic start to the second half, with almost the entire team involved in flowing attacks to test the home defence, but the final shot was just missing.

Thompson had another early effort saved, before Holbrook had their first real second half chance after 51 minutes, but that faded away too.

Brodie Carter came on for Mandimitsura, but Holbrook had begun to look dangerous, putting a header just wide of the right hand post.

Konane sent Josh Carter on another break, before Brodie collected and shot over, but on the hour it was the home side that went close, with Bull firstly saving low down by the left hand post and then Atwal clearing another attempt off the line.

Mickleover were losing out to some tough and sometimes dubious tackles, which were going unpunished by the referee. But Holbrook had reverted to more random shooting, fortunately still off target.

Our hosts put a header just wide from a free kick, just before Lord came on for Hoult, but Holbrook got the break after 69 minutes, when Mickleover lost possession on the edge of the box. A home striker fired it home, with Bull almost getting his left hand to it, but it was 0-1.

Just a minute later Bull punched away a long cross from the left, then the game took a strange and somewhat ridiculous turn.

Lord had cleared off the line as Bull came out of his goal after 73 minute, but two minutes on and the Sports keeper made a challenge with a Holbrook striker just inside the box. The striker went down as if he had hit by a sniper and even home supporters were amazed that referee Smith reached for his red card again.

It wasn’t the striker that took the early bath though for his dramatization, it was Bull who was accused of having his arm up and making contact. 

So off went Bull, Brittan went in goal and faced a penalty, which was well off target so it remained 0-1.

More yellow card tackles came in from Holbrook defenders, but the referee ignored them and then after 80 minutes, Thompson jinked his way into he box and was felled.

Shouts for a penalty from Mickleover were not only waved away, but much to everyone’s annoyance laughed at too by the referee.

Brittan made a save with his feet after 83 minutes, before Konane came off to make way for reserve keeper Maher.

But luck was with Holbrook when Maher saved an 85^th minute effort, only for the rebound to hit home 0-2.

But Mickleover still pushed on, now nine lads against 11 men and the referee. Josh Carter put a good ball in from the right but Brodie’s effort was blocked and then Atwal was through but shot wide.

Donker and King were subs for Powell and Atwal, but the 0-2 result stood, while the lasting memory of the game was the shocking and arrogant display of refereeing, rather than the football itself.

By Sam Cholerton 

Mickleover Reserves kicked off their season with a strong performance away at Broadmeadows Recreational Ground against AFC Normanton. 

Starting Line Up: Josh Bull, 2. Brad Brittan, 3. Jake Lord, 4. Jared Cholerton, 5. Taylor Smith, 6. Harry Atwal, 7. Luke Thompson, 8. Hamza Konane, 9. Mike Mandimitsura 10. Josh Powell, 11. Josh Carter, Subs: Silas Donker, Ellis King, Josh Maher

From the first whistle, the Mickleover lads showcased their determination and skill, passing the ball with precision and intent. The initial breakthrough came early, with Thompson marking his debut in style, just seven minutes into the game, setting the tone for what was to be an exciting match. 1-0

Mickleover dominated possession, but the hosts, didn’t back down and managed to equalize just before the half-time whistle. 1-1.

Despite this setback, Mickleover continued to play creative, positive football, displaying confidence and strength across all areas of the pitch. 

The second half saw Mickleover regain their momentum and 58 minutes in, a brilliant build up resulted in Konane scoring a close-range header after Cholerton headed back across the box. 2-1.

The lead was further and deservedly extended when Cholerton converted an Atwal corner, just seven minutes later. 3-1.

Under pressure, Mickleover’s defence was tested again though and AFC Normanton produced a moment of brilliance, scoring a stunning goal after 77 minutes, 3-2.

Despite the setback Sports showed tremendous resilience, with goalkeeper Josh Bull making some important saves to keep their lead intact.

Mickleover battled hard for the remainder of the match, ensuring they held onto their advantage and secured a well-deserved victory. The final whistle saw the team emerge triumphant and will be looking for another three points when they travel to Holbrook St.Michael’s on Wednesday evening. 

by Peter Scherer

Mickleover reserves played their first pre-season match, when they visited Borrowash Victoria last night.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Toby Smith 3-Ellis King 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Silas Donker 6-Harry Atwal 7-Josh Carter 8-Hamda Konane 9-Ted Stevenson 10-Josh Powell 11-Luke Thompson. Subs: Harry Banks, Mikey Mandinutsira, Taylor Smith, Sam Johnson.

It was a fairly experienced Vic’s team facing the Mickleover youth and they managed their first shot after just two minutes, but a tame effort failed to trouble Bull in the Mickleover goal.

Shortly afterwards King lost possession on the edge of the box, but after a Vic’s striker picked up the loose ball, he fired well over the bar.

Sports had started to settle and went close four minutes in, when the awkward bounce of the ball beat Carter, who couldn’t quite connect with the keeper already committed.

The hosts were opting to shoot on sight and had another attempt fired high and wide after seven minutes.

Mickleover went close five minutes later when Stevenson battled for the ball on the left and sent Carter on a run, with his final shot only just wide of the right-hand post. Stevenson was struggling though and had to be substituted after 14 minutes, replaced by Mandinutsira.

Thompson then went on the attack with a run down the left, cutting inside with a shot that curled over the bar. Mickleover continued to set the pace, with some strong positive breaks, just lacking the final ball, as Atwal and Powell were trying to orchestrate the midfield.

But after 21 minutes Mandinutsira broke the deadlock with a fine finish, after beating the home keeper in a one on one, 1-0.

As the half hour mark approached Donker made a mistake and set up Borrowash for a chance of the equaliser, but Bull rose to the occasion and made a great save with his legs.

Johnson came on for Smith just after a scramble in the Mickleover box was cleared, but Sports were so close to a second goal when Mandinutsira had his shot saved, only for Carter’s rebound shot to hit the right hand post.

But luck was against Sports youngsters, when Bull saved well again from a Borrowash break, only to be beaten by the rebound, 1-1 after 35 minutes.

Bull saved another distance effort from Vic’s, but with half time a couple of minutes away, Borrowash got a break on the Mickleover left, a shot was attempted and then it broke loose, before ex Sports player Mason Tudgay fired it home to make it 1-2 at half time.

Six minutes into the second half Cholerton headed off the line after Bull had already committed, despite the Vic’s striker being well off side.

Sports defence were taking a battering and even Cholerton’s strength in the middle was being tested. Bull made a point blank save in a crowded box after 52 minutes, but three minutes later Cholerton was up in attack and his cross from the left hit the post, before Mandinutsira hit his second and brought it back to 2-2.

Vic’s earned another corner after going close and Carter had another positive run for Sports too, before his cut in was intercepted. 

Mandinutsira was through again too on the hour, but the keeper just got there before him. Both sides continued to have half chances, but just as it looked to be heading for a draw, an 85^th minute corner from the Mickleover right was met with a perfect header, which proved decisive going down 2-3 at the final whistle.