by Peter Scherer

Despite a fairly strong start, Mickleover Reserves went down 0-3 to Derby Singh Brothers last night, having seen out the game with 10 men.

Starting line-up: 1-Seth Bass 2-Mason Hoult 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Toby Smith 5-Jared Cholerton 6-Zak Sandhu 7-Sam Tomlinson 8-Harry Atwal 9-Fin Ryder 10-Josh Powell 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Dean Ironmonger.

Mickleover could have taken an early lead, when after two minutes Tomlinson sent Powell down the right, before Ryder latched onto the cross and hit the post.

But as the ball was cleared, a Singh Brothers striker picked up a quick break, but his shot was saved by debutant keeper Bass’s feet.

Only three minutes later the hosts fired in another shot, well saved by Bass, before the rebound effort sailed high over the bar.

For a while it was end to end, as Tudgay cut in from the left after seven minutes, shooting just wide. Powell then picked up a poor clearance from the home defence, but his shot went wide after being deflected for a corner.

But Singh’s had a shot cleared off the line 10 minutes in, earning them a corner which came to nought. Atwal then tried a distance shot, which was saved, before Cholerton cut off another break by the home side.

Both Cholerton and Sandhu were in control at the back for Mickleover, as Hoult attacked down the right, and both Powell and Tudgay worked hard attacking from midfield, with Smith and Atwal supporting well.

Smith went into attack mode after 37 minutes, but his final effort was just over and then another Hoult run down the right three minutes later, saw him ride a couple of tackles, before finding Tomlinson in the middle, but the shot was just over again.

Half time was beckoning and it was still level pegging, but with a minute left Tomlinson set up Smith on the right, the keeper fumbled the following shot and Ryder moved in for the loose ball, only to be thwarted by the recovering keeper.

Then with the whistle poised Singh Bros made a break, caught the defence napping and fired the ball into the far corner, well out of Bass’s reach, 0-1.

Three minutes into the second half Ryder had a shot tipped around the post, before Tomlinson broke but fired over 55 minutes in. 

There could have been another break for Ryder just past the hour mark, but he was hauled by a defender as he crossed the half-way line.

But Tudgay was limping and had to be replaced by Ironmonger after 65 minutes.

Sports were still pushing forward and a great run by Hoult again on the right, sent in a telling cross, but just too close to the keeper, who collected with ease.

Tomlinson led another surge after 72 minutes, he managed to shoot just past the left-hand post, but went down injured, clutching his hamstring.

For the rest of the game we were down to 10 men, with no other subs on the bench. The strong defence suddenly looked vulnerable and the pace from midfield was floundering too.

74 minutes and Singh Bros hit their second from outside the box, 0-2. Bass was suddenly busier too and had to make a couple of saves.

Smith continued to work hard and his right wing cross, just missed connecting with Ryder. Atwal then had a 78^th minute free kick tipped away by the keeper.

After an 80^th minute header the hosts had another header just wide, before scoring number three four minutes later. Smith then had a 90^th minute half chance, but a bobble just as he was about to hit a first-time effort ended any hope of a consolation goal.

The Mickleover youngsters looked jaded in the second half and the lack of a second sub sealed the 0-3 defeat, but the score itself probably flattered our hosts. 

 

By Peter Scherer

Mickleover Reserves made it three successive wins, when they sealed a 1-0 victory against Mayfield, at the Ashbourne Recreation Ground.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Maher 2-Mason Hoult 3-Zak Sandhu 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Pablo Mills 6-Joe Bateman 7-Bobby Battisson 8-Harry Atwal 9-Marcus Tudgay 10-Chris Palmer 11-Josh Powell. Subs: none.

With no subs on the bench Mickleover were down the bare 11 starters, tackling a muddy, bumpy pitch and strong gusting winds.

The first real attack came after three minutes, when Sports won a corner. But that was soon followed by a great run down the right from Hoult, who’s cross was met by Mills, who shot just inches over the bar.

Mayfield put a header over the bar too, following a corner10 minutes in. Although Mickleover had more skill, their opponents kept them under pressure, giving little roomand causing a number of passes to go astray.

Atwal was fouled but the 15th minute free kick came to nought and then two minutes later there was a half chance for the hosts, when a good cross from their left, was missed a by a striker on the edge of the box.

Mayfield had couple of corners which failed to create anything and then Mickleover earned one after 23 minutes, but Palmer’s follow up shot was blocked.

Before the half hour was reached, Tudgay had to go offwith his hamstring tightening again. “Two games in a week is too much for me,” he admitted. So, with no subs we were down to10 men for the rest of the game.

Powell tried a shot with the keeper already committed, but he still managed to block it and then Hoult had another cross from the right blocked to earn a corner.

With the kick headed clear for another corner, Bateman tried his luck, but that was blocked too.

Mayfield had a defender booked for sending a tackle straight through Atwal, who continued after treatment and then after 42 minutes Battisson had the first shot on target from either side, saved by the keeper.

Sandhu started to overlap more on the left too, with Cholerton and Bateman coping comfortably in defence. He earned a corner, but that was cleared too.

There were tentative appeals for a penalty when Palmer was pulled back in the box, but the half time whistle soon followed and it remained 0-0.

Mickleover started the stronger in the second half and after 49 minutes a lovely cross field ball from Atwal found Hoult on the right. He got his cross in, the keeper fumbled it, but Battisson was stuck in the mud and unable to connect.

But Mayfield went close too when a corner on the Mickleover right bounced off the bar after a rebound.

A second Mayfield defender was yellow carded for flattening Atwal again after 55 minutes and only a few minutes later he was hacked down yet again. With Atwalseeming to be the focus for all the Mayfield aggression, Mills exchanged words with the referee, who had failed to speak to the offender or give a free kick on this occasion.

The referee then decided to show some authority and sin binned Mills, rather than speaking to the guilty party.

So now it was a nine–man team for Mickleover and Battisson was next to be fouled, Palmer’s free kick went straight to the keeper though.

But just after the hour mark Palmer was almost on the end of a nice chip from Battisson, but the keeper just got their first.

There were 20 minutes left on the clock when Mills returned, but soon after Atwal was fouled for the umpteenth time. This time Palmer’s free kick had the keeper beaten and just in case he was needed, Bateman was on the line to put it in too, 1-0.

There was new energy suddenly in the Mickleover legs and five minutes later Powell held the ball nicely, to lay it off for Mills, who shot just wide.

Mills went close again when casual defending let the ballloose to Atwal. The skipper made a break for goal, setting up Mills, but the keeper had it covered this time.

Six minutes to go and Mills had another shot just wide of the post, but the points were secure, as despite the odds it remained a 1-0 victory.

By Peter Scherer

A hattrick from ex Rams and Forest striker Marcus Tudgay sealed another three points for Mickleover Reserves, when they visited Teversal on Tuesday night.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Mher 2-Toby Smith 3- Zac Sandhu 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Lewis Cunningham 6-Chris Palmer 7-Mason Tudgay 8-Joe Bateman 9-Marcus Tudgay 10-Harry Atwal 11-Josh Powell, Subs: Mason Hoult, Silas Donker, Dean Ironmonger.

It was fairly muddy and bumpy pitch, but the matchstarted fairly evenly. Cunningham led the first Mickleover attack after three minutes, but his cross was headed away for a corner, followed a minute later by a second corner which came to nought.

It was Sports beginning to apply the early pressure and five minutes in Marcus Tudgay tried to lob the keeper. His effort bounced off the top of the bar, with the keeper attempting a recovery punch.

The pressure continued and after nine minutes Atwal picked up a rebound after Mason Tudgay’s shot, and slotted it past the keeper, who was still committed to his original save. 1-0.

But Sports seemed to back off a little after the goal, and after a 15th minute corner when a shot was blocked, the ball bounced around the box without being cleared, and Teversal struck to make it 1-1.

Bateman was placing some perfect long balls to set up the Mickleover strikers, and with both Smith and Cunningham pushing forward on the wings, it was looking good.

But Teversal were quick on the break and a cross from the right after 18 minutes, was nicely cut out by Sandhu, to set up another Sports attack.

A number of passes from both sides were going awry on the bumpy pitch, but Powell managed to cut in from the left to fire a shot over the bar.

Atwal and Palmer were working hard in midfield and sent Powell on a telling run, but was stopped in his tracks by the first of many dubious offside decisions.

But with the half hour approaching, Marcus Tudgay was pulled down in the box, the penalty was given and he stepped up to make it 2-1after 28 minutes.

Mason almost followed in his Dad’s footsteps a couple of minutes later, but was denied by an excellent save from the home keeper.

Cunningham then went close with a 37th minute free kick punched away by the keeper, but almost on the half time whistle Maher earned his place with a save from a Teversal break.

Barely had the second half kicked off and the hosts were back on level terms, when the defence seemed to be caught napping from close range, 2-2.

Marcus Tudgay had the ball in the net again after 50 minutes, but was ruled offside and then Maher had to be treated after contact during a challenge.

There were some strange decisions coming from the referee who didn’t seem to take much notice of his assistants, but vociferously made it clear that he was in charge on numerous more occasions.

Maher made another good diving save on the hour mark, but five minutes later Teversal again seemed to find Cholerton and Sandhu undecided. The ball wasn’t cleared and was 2-3.

Mickleover made their first change when Donker replaced Cunningham. But the referee seemed to be singling out Mason Tudgay and gave final two final warnings and having booked Smith for kicking the ball away, failed to follow his own precedent as two Teversal players followed suit, without repercussions.

Ironmonger was on for Mason T and after 80 minutes and there was another penalty when he was fouled. Marcus T stepped up again and made no mistake, making it 3-3.

Teversal went close with a minute of normal play left and Marcus T followed with a shot over the bar a minute later.

Smith then beat a defender on the right but his cross was blocked, as the game looked to heading for a draw.

But the referee then appeared to sin bin a Teversal defender, who didn’t seem to return, but by now his decisions were causing much hilarity among the crowd, and arguments among the players.

But in time added on a Mickleover free kick proved decisive, when Marcus T latched on to complete his hattrick and secure another three points.

by Peter Scherer

With a number of first teamers having a run out, it was a very experienced Mickleover Reserve side that welcomed Linby Colliery Welfareto the Don Amott Arena for their Central Midlands Alliance League match.

Starting line-up: 1-Yusif Mersin 2-Tony Smith 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Dan Bradley 5-Pablo Mills 6-Lewis Cunningham 7-Ethan Fitzhugh 8-Joe Bateman 9-Stuart Beavon 10-Chris Palmer 11-Sam Tomlinson. Subs: Josh Bull, Harry Atwal, Mason Tudgay, Josh Powell.

It was a lively but even start with Mills having the first crack at goal after five minutes. Seven minutes later Tomlinson went close with a header aimed at the top right -hand corner, but the visitors keeper just had it covered.

A fairly young Linby side held their own for the first 15 minutes, but the pressure then began to build. Ferron had a shot just over after a nice build up between Mills and Beavon after 17 minutes, but Mills opened the scoring a minute later. A lovely ball in from the right found Mills in space and with time, he was able to side foot in the open goal with keeper already committed, 1-0.

It took only two minutes for Linby to equalise though, when a cross from the Mickleover left was followed by a perfect first- time volley into the Mersin’s far corner, 1-1.

Beavon then had a 23^rd minute curling shot tipped away by the keeper, before Tomlinson hit Sports second with a long-range shot going in off the underside of the bar 2-1.

One minute later it was 3-1 with Tomlinson’s second, with a chip from the left over the advancing keeper.

Linby were still sticking to their guns and after the keeper failed to hold another Mills shot on the half hour, a Palmer corner was headed off the line.

As Cunningham went to make a clearance, he appeared to slip and left a Linby striker clear, before his unchallenged run made it 3-2 after 34 minutes.

Palmer then lost possession in midfield, which left a striker clear again, and with 36 minutes on the clock it was back to 3-3.

But we only had to wait five minutes for another goal. Beavon sent Tomlinson clear, but the keeper was quick to respond and conceded a corner as he raced off his line. As the ball came in from the left, Mills headed home for 4-3.

Mersin had to make a point blank save from a header after 40 minutes, but a weak follow up shot failed to challenge Sports’ debutant keeper.

With a minute left on the clock the visitors keeper messed up his clearance and handed Fitzhugh a golden opportunity. The midfielder duly jinked to his left and placed the ball past the keeper to make it 5-3 at half-time.

Only two minutes into the second half Mills completed his hattrick to make it 6-3, as it started to become one-way traffic, with the home defence looking much tighter and keeping Linby in their own half.

Tomlinson struck the bar after 50 minutes after a perfect ball in from Fitzhugh, and three minutes Fitzhugh shot just over the bar.

55 minutes and it was 7-3 with Fitzhugh getting in on the end of a corner, before Atwal came on to replace returnee Cunningham.

Mills then had a shot saved by the keepers legs and Tomlinson put another attempt just wide from a Fitzhugh cross as the hour mark approached.

Both Smith and Ferron were pushing forward more on the wings to great effect, with Bradley and Bateman coping with defensive duties in the middle.

Beavon had a shot deflected for a corner after 62 minutes and then two minutes later Smith made it seven, cutting in from the right, he made space and fired into the far corner, 8-3.

Tomlinson was still pushing for his hattrick but had his next effort saved by the keepers legs. But a minute later Fitzhugh struck again for his third, with a shot deflected off a defender, 9-3.

Beavon made it 10-3 just a minute later and five minutes on performed a lovely turn in the box, to beat the keeper again and make it 11-3.

Tomlinson was unlucky when he hit the post after 73 minutes and shot wide again two minutes later after being set up by Beavon.

Into the final 10 minutes Fitzhugh tried his luck from distance, but it was just over, then Beavon sent Mills on a run, he tried to chip the keeper but it was tipped away, before Beavon’s rebound shot was blocked.

Ferron had a run down the left and after cutting inside his shot was saved, before Fitzhugh came off to make way for Powell as we went into the final five minutes.

Beavon once again set Tomlinson up, but the ball didn’t bounce kindly for the teenaged striker.

But with four minutes on the clock there was still time for three more goals. Linby pulled one back after 86 minutes, 11-4 and after 88 minutes Tomlinson put Mills through for his fourth, 12-4.

With the whistle poised Beavon made his final strike with a neat solo effort, completing his hattrick too as it finished 13-4!

 

by Peter Scherer

A good strong first half and half time lead came to nought as Mickleover Reserves visited Mansfield Hosiery Mills, aided by an appalling red card decision against striker Sam Tomlinson. 

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Maher 2-Mason Hoult 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Luis Mas-Hall 5-Jared Cholerton 6-Toby Smith 7-Josh Carter 8-Harry Atwal 9-Sam Tomlinson 10-Josh Powell 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Sam Johnson, Ellis King, Hayden Simpson.

The hosts were first to try a shot, firing just over the bar after three minutes. But five minutes later Mickleover were close to opening the scoring, when a good build up on the left between Ferron and Tudgay, found Tomlinson, whose shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced clear.

But Mansfield soon struck back with Maher having to save with his feet, after Hoult had been out muscled by a bulky striker.

The hosts tried another shot 16 minutes in, but Maher saved, before a follow up effort went wide.

Sports hit the bar again after 18 minutes, with an Atwal free kick after Tomlinson was fouled.

The pressure was beginning to build on the hosts goal and a lovely ball through the middle found Carter, but as he cut inside his path was blocked, but earned a corner.

Sports were outplaying Mansfield for skill, but the size and maturity of the hosts started to play a part too, with Mas-Hall hacked down on a run down the right.

On the half hour Mas-Hall had another cut in from the right, but just missed connecting with Tomlinson in the middle.

Five minutes later a poor clearance by the Mansfield keeper went straight to Tudgay. He found Tomlinson, whose strike was just over the bar again.

Sports quickly followed up with charge down the left from Ferron, before Tudgay shot over too.

The goal finally came after 39 minutes, with a lovely build up down the left. Tomlinson found the overlapping Ferron, who duelled with a defender on the by line. His cross came over to find Mas-Hall in space, and with time on his side he slotted into the far corner 1-0.

Ferron then had a long shot after 41 minutes, but the keeper held it, but Mansfield were still trying to break out, and couldn’t break down Smith and Cholerton in defence.

In time added on Mansfield had another shot wide of the left hand post, and Sports youngsters went in at half time with the upperhand.

Barely had the second half kicked off and the Mickleover defence disintegrated, as a cross from the right was met by an unchallenged striker, and it was 1-1 after 48 minutes.

Just seven minutes later and it was 1-2 to Mansfield with another striker virtually unchallenged in the centre.

Mickleover fought back with Carter sending a shot over the bar on the hour, before the referee turned the game in the hosts favour.

Tomlinson was battling to regain the ball against some robust defending. He made a challenge, which created a melee with two defenders, probably twice his age and size. The referee jumped in as the Mickleover teen was being physically threatened and unbelievably showed him a straight card.

Neither of the Mansfield perpetrator’s were even warned, never mind yellow carded, yet Tomlinson was dismissed for what at worst was a yellow card, but questionable to whether he had fouled at all.

Johnson then replaced Carter, but without the fire power at the front any comeback was virtually over, as the referee then brandished some random yellow cards to both sides, but the damage was already done by his earlier decision.

Mansfield had a wild shot after 69 minutes, miles off target and Mickleover earned a corner a minute later which came to nought. king came on for Powell for the final 15 minutes and Simpson for the final 10, but apart from a late diving header from Mansfield following another free kick, the game fizzled out to a scrappy finale.

 

by Peter Scherer

It was a poor all round performance from Mickleover Reserves, as they went down 0-2 to mid-table Cromford & Wirksworth at the Don Amott Arena last night.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Maher 2-Zac Sandhu 3-Brandon Ferron 4-Jred Cholerton 5-Will Robinson 6-Harry Atwal 7-Josh Carter 8-Chris Palmer 9-Sam Tomlinson 10-Bobby Battisson 11-Josh Powell. Subs: Toby Smith, Dean Ironmonger, Sam Johnson, Mason Tudgay, Mason Hoult.

In a scrappy start it was the visitors first into the attack, earning a corner after two minutes. Only eight minutes later Maher had to race off his line too, when a visiting striker tried to chase down a loose ball.

Sports earned a free kick when Powell was hacked down in full flight on the left, but that came to nought. While a few minutes later Ferron put a cross in from the same wing, with Tomlinson just failing to connect.

Mickleover went close after 16 minutes when Palmer’s free kick was saved by the visitors keeper diving to his left, after Battisson had been fouled on the edge of the box.

From the following corner Battisson almost scored, but the keeper managed to tip the ball over for another corner.

For a while Mickleover looked to be taking control, as Battisson fired over the bar after a nice build up on the left, but as the half hour mark approached Cromford tested Maher too, but it was a relatively easy save.

Up front for Mickleover Tomlinson was virtually on his own, with most of the team crowding midfield. There was plenty of build up but no final result, but Battisson managed another shot after 32 minutes, following a Ferron cross, but that was blocked.

Cromford had a header just wide, but Mickleover were struggling trying to play the ball out from the back and were giving the ball away, handing more and more opportunities to the visitors to strike.

The inevitable came after 42 minutes, when more passes had gone awry and Robinson lost possession to striker Declan Jenkins. He was clear and unchallenged and placed it neatly beyond Maher’s right hand into the far corner 0-1.

Just before half time Cholerton went off injured, he was replaced by Smith and Sandhu moved into the middle of defence with Robinson.

Tudgay came on for Carter in the second half and only a few minutes in he was hacked down by a Cromford defender on the right wing. Last man, it should have been a straight red card, but the referee saw yellow.

The visitors had another good chance, but fired well off target after 55 minutes and then a 59^th minute free kick was sent straight into Maher’s hands.

Battisson found Tomlinson on the hour, but his close range shot was wide and he was the replaced by Ironmonger.

Maher had to pull off another save after 67 minutes, from which Battisson made a positive break, but was brought down yet again.

Johnson came on for Palmer and into the final 15 minutes Battisson was on the receiving end of yet another foul, but Atwal’s free kick was over the bar.

Time was already running out when after 84 minutes, Maher made a poor clearance, the defence couldn’t gain control and Jenkins fired his and Cromford’s second goal, 0-2.

Only a minute later the defence gave it away again, but this time Maher was the saviour, but we were still waiting for Mickleover to have a shot on target from open play.

Into time added on Tudgay almost got around the back of the defence from a free kick, and in the final minute Ferron cracked in a superb shot, saved again by the keeper as it remained 0-2.

 

by Peter Scherer

An impressive first half from Mickleover Reserves, saw them take an early lead. But despite a Josh Carter hattrick, Mansfield Hosiery fought back to secure a late point.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bulll 2-Toby Smith 3-Zac Sandhu 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Pablo Mills 6-Will Trueman 7-Josh Carter 8-Ryan Wilson 9-Will Robinson 10-Mason Tudgay 11-Josh Powell, Subs: Dean Ironmonger, Sam Johnson, Silas Donker, Harry Atwal.

There was a free kick for Mickleover almost from the kick off, when Trueman was brought down. Only two minutes later Mills had the first shot and although the keeper failed to hold it after his initial save, there was no one following up as it went out for corner.

The visitors had their first shot after four minutes, well wide of Bull’s left-hand upright, but three minutes later a cross from the right, was well met by a Mansfield striker, but his header was straight in Bull’s hands.

Smith’s first surge down the right wing, left him clear for the cross. But there was too much pace on the ball as it went for a throw in on the far side, as Mills waited in the middle.

It was another Smith run that took him close after 11 minutes. As he cut in from the right, his shot was just over the bar.

As the defence struggled to contain Smith on the right, he fired in another cross, met by Tudgay, but the shot was saved but not held again, but no one ready to try for a rebound.

15 minutes in and there was chaos in the Mansfield defence though, again following a Smith cross. The keeper called for the ball but missed it, but fortunately for him so did everyone else as it rolled clear.

Powell and Tudgay combined for a nice move on the left a few minutes later, until the defence intercepted. But with Trueman and Wilson controlling midfield, Carter and Tudgay had time to roam, ably supported by Mills and Powell.

Mills should have opened the scoring after 19 minutes, from yet another Smith cross. He took his time to place his shot, but it was wide of the mark and remained 0-0.

Shortly afterwards Mills fired a free kick over the bar, as the rain began to fall again.

But Mansfield had two chances inside two minutes. The first fell nicely for the striker, but he failed to trouble Bull and the follow up was a shot just wide of the right-hand post.

Both sides had chances, but were unable to convert. A nice one-two between Smith and Tudgay almost set up Trueman after 25 minutes, but the keeper raced off his line to intercept.

Bull had to make another save with his feet on the half hour and just a minute later, he made a diving save low to his right.

Mills hit the post after 33 minutes, but four minutes later the deadlock was finally broken. Smith again caused the problem, sending in a nicely weighted cross for Carter to slot into the far corner, 1-0.

Sandhu hadn’t had the same effectiveness on the left wing attacks as Smith had on the right, but with seven minutes left in the first half, he had a long run, head down and looking for goal until his path was blocked on the edge of the box.

As the whistle blew it was still 1-0, but maybe a fair score after Mickleover had dominated possession, would have been 3-1.

Carter made it 2-0 in Mickleover’s favour after 53 minutes, but Mansfield continued to push forward. They earned a free kick, but it was well over the bar, and still mainly Sports possession wise.

Wilson put Tudgay through on the hour, but he shot wide. 63 minutes in though and Sandhu lost out on the left. As the striker began to cut inside he shot wide to Bull’s left into the far corner to make it 2-1.

Tudgay could have restored the two goal lead but miskicked in front of goal and following a Mansfield corner after 65 minutes, the visitors came back again and chipped Bull to make it 2-2.

Atwal and Johnson then came on for Trueman and Wilson, before Carter completed his hattrick to make it 3-2 to Mickleover.

Mills just missed out on a fourth for Mickleover from a Carter pass, but with nine minutes left, the defence seemed to freeze and Mansfield made it 3-3.

Mills hit the post again after 86 minutes and Powell had a shot straight at the keeper. But almost on the full time whistle Bull went off injured and Donker came on, with Cholerton going in goal. He had one free kick to face before the whistle blew, but it was more two points lost than a point gained on the night.

 

by Peter Scherer

A strong first half performance and early goal from Zac Sandhu made sure Mickleover Reserves secured a point at home to Bakewell Town on Tuesday.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Mason Hoult 18-Zac Sandhu 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Will Robinson 6-Toby Smith 7-Sam Tomlinson 8-Chris Palmer 9-Fin Ryder 12-Bobby Battison 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Josh Powell, Josh Carter.

The fast-starting Mickleover soon had Bakewell on the back foot and after just six minutes a Sandhu overlap on the left found Ryder in the middle, and his point blank flick was well saved by the visitors keeper.

But three minutes later there was an attack on the other wing, with Sandhu on the receiving end to make it 1-0.

Mickleover continued to make the pace with Tomlinson firing in a shot from a Smith pass, only to find his effort blocked.

Hoult put a cross in from the right after 19 minutes, which was just over the bar as the keeper scrambled to cover it, then Tomlinson went on a another run until he was fouled.

The attacks were coming thick and fast with Tomlinson’s eye for goal, proving both positive and frustrating, as his efforts were blocked.

Battison, Palmer and Smith were controlling midfield, and feeding Tomlinson, Ryder and Tudgay, while both Hoult and Sandhu joined in the attacks on the wings.

The hopes of a second goal continued to elude them, but almost on the half time whistle Ryder put a shot just wide after another goal mouth scramble.

But there was one more chance in time added on, when Tomlinson crossed from left and Battison hit it on the volley. But the keeper saved well again and it remained 1-0.

Bakewell started the second half with more pace and more aggression and had an early attempt on goal blocked. Robinson and Cholerton had covered everything the visitors threw at them with ease in the first half, with Bull in the Mickleover barely tested. 

The Bakewell keeper made a save after 48 minutes from a Hoult cross, but no one came in for the rebound and a few minutes later Ryder came close from a Sandhu cross.

But as the hour mark approached another Bakewell attack broke through on the Mickleover left and James Gemmell fired it home for the equaliser 1-1.

The visitors continued to push forward and seemed to have the scent of victory, as Mickleover had periods pegged back in their own half.

Carter and Powell came on as subs, and after 76 minutes Battison tried another long shot, which bounced off the keepers chest, as Ryder just missed connecting with the rebound.

Palmer put a 77^th minute free kick straight at the keeper after Battison was fouled on the edge of the box and in the final minute Cholerton and Ryder went close with their heads following a corner, leaving it at 1-1.

 

by Peter Scherer

For various reasons it’s been a difficult campaign for Mickleover Reserves in the Central Midlands Alliance League, but with the visit of third in the table Melbourne Dynamo on Tuesday evening it all came good.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Bull 2-Toby Smith 3-Zak Sandhu 4-Jared Cholerton 5-Will Robinson 6-Bobby Battisson 7-Mason Tudgay 8-Chris Palmer 9-Fin Ryder 11-Sam Tomlinson12-Marcus Tudgay. Subs: Louis Mas-Hall, Josh Carter, Liam Carter, Silas Donker.

On a very windy night it didn’t take long for Mickleover to show their intentions. Palmer put an early free kick just over the bar after Battisson was fouled just outside the box.

As Sports continued to push forward Mason Tudgay sent a long ball through the middle for Ryder to chase, but the tightening angle was just too much for his final shot.

But Ryder was straight back on the attack, forcing the keeper to make a low save to his left, before Robinson went on a long run out of defence, finding Marcus Tudgay, whose cross from the right was cleared.

Smith made a good run down the right 14 minutes in, but his cross was caught by the wind and failed to reach the strikers, but a minute later Melbourne had a break, but the wind caught that cross too and it went out of play.

Tomlinson burst through the visitors defence again after 16 minutes, he was blocked last minute but as the ball ran free to Ryder, the keeper charged off his line to intercept.

Barely was the ball back in open play and Smith picked it up on the right wing. This time his cross found Tomlinson with perfection and the young striker made no mistake as he slotted it past the keeper, 1-0.

Sports then had a corner which was headed clear, before Sandhu was fouled to give a free kick on the left.

The visitors were struggling to break out of their own half, but Bull had to block a 21^st minute shot and the following rebound as they sought an equaliser.

Both Smith and Sandhu were pushing forward on the wings and the experience of Palmer and Battisson was showing in midfield, as Tudgay’s Senior and Junior, Ryder and Tomlinson played with freedom up front.

The keeper had to make a good save from Tomlinson again after 22 minutes, earning a succession of corners. Skipper Cholerton had come up for the corners and was still on hand to try his luck , but his shot was easily saved.

But the visiting defence was breached again when another Smith cross from the right found Tomlinson’s head and it was 2-0 after 26 minutes. Two minutes later and Ryder made it three, when he split the defence and slotted neatly past the advancing keeper 3-0.

Melbourne continued to try and find the breaks and forced Bull into another save on the half hour. But Robinson and Cholerton both looked comfortable in the middle of the Mickleover defence.

Tomlinson had another shot wide after 33 minutes, before Ryder had the defence in turmoil. He found Marcus Tudgay, but the following shot was blocked.

40 minutes though and it was goal number four and a hattrick for Tomlinson, as he side footed home in a crowded box, following a Palmer free-kick on the right, 4-0.

Marcus Tudgay came off with a couple of minutes left in the first half to be replaced by Carter, but it was a dominant Mickleover performance that took us to half-time.

As the second half got underway, Melbourne initially came out fighting. They earned a free kick after 49 minutes, but placed it straight into Bull’s hands. But two minutes later they were considerably closer, firing a shot just over the bar.

From there it was all Mickleover and after 55 minutes it worsened for the visitors when their keeper went off injured, to be replaced by an outfield player. During his treatment Palmer had been waiting to take a free kick, and when play resumed his kick was met by Ryder, who fired in number five from close range, 5-0.

Both Tomlinson and Mason Tudgay tried to test the sub keeper, but were off target, until the 68^th minute. After charging out of his goal to try and intercept, he missed and left Tomlinson with a virtually open goal to tap in number six, 6-0.

The rest of the subs came on for the last 15 minutes and the sub keeper managed a couple of blocks from Carter and Tomlinson, before Cholerton shot over the bar as full time approached.

But Carter made it seven without reply in time added on, to completing a totally dominant victory.  

by Peter Scherer

It’s been a tough season for Mickleover Reserves so far, with a number of the Academy players having joined the first team squad.

The team were boosted however by the addition of former Rams and Forest striker Marcus Tudgay, playing up front with his son Mason, as we faced Wirksworth Ivanhoe.

Starting line-up: 1-Josh Maher 2-Mason Hoult 3-Liam Carter 4-Harry Atwal 5-Jared Cholerton 6-Zak Sandhu 7-Josh Carter 8-Toby Smith 9-Marcus Tudgay  12-Josh Powell 11-Mason Tudgay. Subs: Luis Mas-Hall, Dayo Llio, Jessie Otoo, Ellis King, Josh Bull.

It was cold but dry and for the first 10 minutes it was very even, with the visitors earning the first corner after nine minutes.

Only a minute later Powell brought the ball through on the left into a crowded box, where Tudgay Senior got the touch and buried in the bottom right-hand corner, 1-0.

Wirksworth didn’t have a shot on goal until the 14^th minute, but it was an easy catch for Maher in the Mickleover goal, before Liam Carter dispossessed a defender, layed it back for Marcus Tudgay, whose shot was just wide of the left-hand post.

It was Marcus again firing in another shot just past the left-hand post after 19 minutes from a Powell cross that kept the pressure on the visitors, before Powell went close himself following a run from Smith.

Mason Tudgay was next to try his luck, running in from the right after 27 minutes, he let fly after splitting the defence, only to hit the bar, before Powell collected the rebound and shot just wide.

Liam Carter had a run down the left, but his cross was headed away and found his way blocked with a similar attack a few minutes later.

Wirksworth tested Maher 39 minutes in, but it was a fairly routine stop from Sports keeper, before Liam Carter and Powell had a nice one two with a couple of minutes left in the second half, before Marcus T’s follow up shot was blocked, as it remained 1-0.

It was the visitors that came out fighting initially as the second half got under way, but a 46^th minute shot was straight at Maher.

The pressure was repelled and barely five minutes later Mickleover were threatening again. Powell shot from the left and was just wide, but after 50 minutes he tried again and this time made it 2-0.

Wirksworth had a corner and Maher tipped another shot over the bar after 55 minutes. But two minutes later he was beaten, when the visitors made it 2-1 from close range.

For a few minutes the pressure was back on for Sports youngsters, with the visitors earning three consecutive corners, before the danger was cleared.

The Wirksworth tackling had become rather more aggressive as they tried to fight their way out of their own half and seek and equaliser, but 70 minutes in and a nice lay-off from Marcus Tudgay, set Powell up for goal number three and his second, 3-1.

Mas-Hall came on for Mason Tudgay for the last 10 minutes, but it was almost four for Mickleover, when Powell’s shot was blocked after a cross from the right.

The keeper then whipped the ball from Marcus Tudgay’s head, before Liam Carter had a shot cleared off the line. Smith then saw a shot whistle past the post, before Carter made way for Llio for the final five minutes.

In the 90^th minute Mas-Hall made it four, straight from a corner and only a minute later Powell completed his hattrick to make the final score 5-1.