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.

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.