First Half: Quick-Fire Exchanges

The match began at a high tempo, with both keepers called into action early. Mickleover looked dangerous in the opening exchanges, as both Betts and Clifton saw goal-bound efforts denied from point-blank range.
​However, it was Shardlow who drew first blood midway through the half. Exploiting a lapse in Mickleover’s set-piece marking, the hosts converted a towering header from a corner to take a 1-0 lead. The advantage was short-lived; Mickleover responded with their best passage of play in the match. Bailey produced a superb solo run, weaving through the Shardlow midfield before delivering a precise cross for Betts, who clinicaly finished to level the scores before the interval.

​Second Half: A War of Attrition

​The second half proved to be a far more disjointed affair. Mickleover struggled to find their usual rhythm, often attempting to force the final ball rather than relying on the patient build-up play that had served them well in the first period.
​Opportunities remained scarce as the game became increasingly physical. Gayle came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors, but his powerful strike cannoned off the post.
​With only five minutes remaining, Mickleover appeared to have found the winner. A fluid move saw the ball worked wide to Palms, whose pinpoint cross found Diksa in the area to slot home for a 2-1 lead. However, a defensive lapse in the dying moments allowed Shardlow a route back into the game. A late break resulted in a foul by Mickleover goalkeeper Ash inside the box. Shardlow converted the resulting penalty with composure to make it 2-2 at the final whistle.

​The Shootout
​The tension carried over into the shootout. While Diksa, Palms, and Bailey all converted their spot-kicks with confidence for Mickleover, Shardlow held their nerve as Sam, Lille, and Clifton failed to find the target. Shardlow FC clinicaly finished the shootout 4-3 to advance

Motm- Richard Bailey

This Sunday we are at home top of the table clash v unbeaten castle donnigton fc who have won 9 out of 9 on including a 4-1 win against us start of the season will be a tough test especially with keys players for us out injured

Please show your support 2pm ko bar open

by Gavin Warren

The full-time whistle confirmed a ruthless attacking performance as MFC Vets put eight past Ethan United to collect another three points, closing both the gap and the goal difference on high-flyers Castle Donington.

The lads started brightly, controlling the game from the off and playing on the front foot. It took just five minutes to break the deadlock when Kris burst down the right and slid a delightful ball into a dangerous area for Sav, who made no mistake to fire home. 1–0

Six minutes later, Sav turned provider, laying the ball off to Palms, who struck from 18 yards. The keeper stood rooted as the shot nestled into the bottom corner. 2–0

Our wide players, Mannion and Betts, were causing Ethan’s full-backs endless problems with their pace and delivery. On 25 minutes, another dangerous ball into the box caused chaos. Ethan struggled to clear, Mannion’s initial shot was blocked, but he recycled possession to Aidan, who smashed home emphatically. 3–0

Ethan had a couple of half chances, but nothing that truly troubled us. The back line was solid throughout, and it was great to see Stamp back in the squad.

Then… chaos.

Out of nowhere, Adam Salter delivered a goalkeeping masterclass in how not to clear a ball — confidently winding up before karate-kicking absolutely nothing but fresh air, allowing the ball to casually roll into the net. Time briefly stopped as teammates, fans, and reality itself tried to process what they’d just witnessed. Later, Salter pointed the finger at a knee injury — apparently one so serious it prevented his foot from meeting the ball 🤣🤣
3–1

With minutes remaining in the half, Palms restored order with a 20-yard wonder strike into the top bin. The keeper had no chance as he watched it sail over his head. 4–1 at half-time.

At the break, Quig and Kris — both excellent in the first half — were withdrawn to keep them fresh for the week ahead. Bailey and new signing Scott entered the action, and the tempo immediately lifted.

It took Bailey only a few touches to find his rhythm. A bursting run from midfield saw him glide past an Ethan defender before placing a composed finish past the keeper. 5–1

Diksa replaced Sav, and Clifton came on for Mannion. The pressure continued, and Diksa soon added our sixth with a tidy finish. 6–1

On 60 minutes, Aidan was replaced in a rare runout for the Gaffa. A Palms corner soon found him, but his header drifted just over. Moments later, questionable decision-making from the manager saw him attempt an audacious bicycle kick — well struck, but smartly saved by the Ethan keeper.

Bailey then grabbed his second of the evening, smashing home from a tight angle into the top corner. 7–1

The Gaffa then missed a gilt-edged chance, choosing to round the keeper instead of striking first time, only for a recovering defender to clear off the line.

Redemption followed late on. Instead of slipping Bailey through, the Gaffa shifted the ball onto his right foot and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to cap the scoring. 8–1

A superb all-round performance from every lad. The three points move us into second place in the league and significantly reduce the goal difference. You couldn’t ask for much more from the boys.

Motm- carter solid at centre back again and formed a good partnership with stamp.

Gaffa all smiles with the good run and performances from the lads onto the cup next away against a good shardlow st James veteran side.

by Gavin Warren

We were back in league action this Sunday in a game where the priority was giving a few lads a well-earned rest and, more importantly, showing loyalty to those players who haven’t had much game time recently but continue to turn up in all weathers for training. It was a fixture I’d have liked a run out in myself, but it was only right to put others first.

We took the lead early on, with Mannion opening the scoring after 8 minutes with a clean strike, assisted by Palms. We continued to press, moving the ball well and trying to break down an Albert Village defence that had plenty of bodies behind the ball. Chances came, but efforts either went wide, over, or were saved.

On 20 minutes, Bailey went on one of his trademark driving runs through midfield, pulled the ball back for Mannion, who smashed a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2–0 and give the keeper no chance. The pressure kept coming, with Ridgway going close with a header over the bar and another effort drifting wide.

We won one of many corners, and from Lilly’s delivery into the mixer, a bit of a scramble followed before Mannion nodded home to complete his hat-trick — just the confidence boost the lad needed. With minutes remaining in the half, Mannion turned provider, doing great work down the right, outpacing the full-back and delivering a perfectly weighted cross for Bailey to head home.

4–0 at half-time.

A few changes at the break saw Dom, Alton, Mannion and Lilly make way for Quig, Sav, rock and Jones.

The second half followed much the same pattern, with us dominating possession and continuing to create chances. We hit the post and crossbar, and their keeper pulled off a couple of cracking saves. Credit to Albert Village — they defended in numbers, stayed organised and never gave up.

They did break on the counter and were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after a foul. The strike took a slight deflection (so I’m told) and sneaked into the bottom left-hand corner to make it 4–1. Fair play to them.

We then switched to a back three, with Kris coming off, Clifton moving out left and Palms pushing into a more attacking role. We continued to press and had plenty of joy out wide, delivering dangerous crosses. Sav headed over, Palms had a good chance saved, and Ben fired straight at the keeper.

We eventually added a fifth when Palms whipped in another cross that fell to Carter, who smashed it home to cap off the performance.

Final score: MFC Vets 5–1 Albert Village

Three points secured. Full credit to Albert Village — they never gave up, defended in numbers, played in great spirit and are a top bunch of lads. We wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

Goals:
⚽ Mannion x3
⚽ Bailey x1
⚽ Carter x1

Man of the Match: 🏆 Mannion

Goals: C. Palms (2), Whitto
MOTM: Lloyd – rock-solid debut at centre-back

by Gavin Warren

The lads were back in league action on Sunday, despite a couple of late dropouts with Quig and Stamp both ruled out. New signing Lloyd stepped straight into centre-back, and the gaffer dropped to the bench to provide cover.

We started brightly, controlling the game and keeping the ball well. Patience in the build-up was key as Hemmington sat deep with plenty behind the ball. Their keeper pulled off a few good saves early on, while Whitto caused problems up top, using his strength, holding the ball well, and linking nicely with the wide players who were getting in behind and delivering danger into the box.

It took until the 25th minute to break the deadlock. Clifton was brought down just inside the 18-yard box, and up stepped C. Palms to smash the penalty into the top corner. 1–0.

Defensively, anything Hemmington offered was mainly long balls over the top, but the back four stood firm. Despite it being Lloyd and D. Palms’ first match together at centre-back, the partnership looked solid. Carter continued his excellent form in the squad at right-back—he hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining—and Alton had a steady game on the left, always looking to get forward.

Our second goal came on 35 minutes: a brilliant ball in from Bailey found Whitto at the back post, and he nodded home a well-deserved goal for his first-half work rate. 2–0 at half-time.

We made a couple of changes at the break—Mannion on for Clifton who took a slight knock early doors and Diksa on for Sav, who’d worked tirelessly.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with us creating chances but not quite finding the finish. On 60 minutes, Whitto was brought down and we earned another penalty. C. Palms stepped up again, this time drilling it low and hard into the corner. 3–0.

More changes followed: Whitto off for Ridgeway, Bailey off for Sav, Betts off for Clifton. We could’ve added a fourth—first from a Palms corner that Ridgeway just missed, then another set piece that fell to Diksa before being cleared.

With ten minutes left, Alton made way for the gaffer, who went out on the left with Mannion dropping to left-back. Five minutes from time, the gaffer slid a perfectly weighted ball through for Palms, who made a diagonal run into space. Instead of hitting it first time, he cut inside, allowing the defender to recover and block the shot.

The final whistle went: 3–0, three points, a clean sheet, and we move up to 2nd in the table.

Goal scorers:

C. Palms
Whitto ×1
MOTM: Lloyd – outstanding debut at centre-back, didn’t put a foot wrong.

by Gavin Warren

This Sunday we’re back at home as we take on Hemmington Hammers Veterans – 2pm kick-off! We’re looking to make it four wins on the bounce (including the cup), having scored 24 and conceded just 1 in last four fixtures.

A win would see us move into 2nd place, so there’s everything to play for. We’ve already faced Hemmington in the cup earlier this season, coming away with an impressive 6–1 victory, but we know this will be a different challenge – they’ve strengthened and have key players back.

We’ll be without a few of our own lads due to knocks and unavailability, so we’ll be juggling the pack once again… I might even have to kit up myself!

It should be a great game against my old club, and we’ll be giving them a warm welcome. Would be brilliant to get a few supporters down to cheer us on – your backing really makes a difference!

📍 Home Fixture
🕑 Kick-off: 2pm
👨‍⚖️ Full set of officials confirmed
📸 Hopefully our photographer will be there to capture some action shots!

Come down, enjoy the football, and support the lads! 💪⚽

by Gavin Warren

Sporting Evenings Charity League – Sunday Fixture

Mickleover Vets hosted West Bridgford Vets on Sunday in the Sporting Evenings Charity League. With this being our fourth game in a row, we made ten changes to the squad — partly to rest players, but mainly to give others some much-needed game time.

Team Line-Up:
Batten came in between the sticks and commanded his area brilliantly — solid performance and calm when called upon. Lloyd made his debut in Mickleover colours, partnering Stamp at centre-back, and looked steady throughout. Kris and Alton started at full-back, while Jay made his first start after injury, joining Don in the defensive midfield roles. Lillie pushed further forward in a more attacking midfield role, with the front three of Mannion, Whitto, and Ridgeway leading the line.

First Half

It took us a little while to settle, with a few misplaced passes and rushed moments — not surprising given many of the starting XI hadn’t played together before. Patience was key.

After some near misses and good saves from their keeper, we finally broke the deadlock:
Lillie picked the ball up down the right, cut inside with some sharp footwork, and smashed home a fantastic strike — no chance for the keeper. 1–0.

We kept the pressure on, and Lillie was involved again — threading a through ball to Mannion, who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and slotted it bottom corner. 2–0.

Our third came from a corner. Lillie’s initial delivery was cleared, but he recovered it quickly and whipped a brilliant cross back in from the right, finding Stamp, who tapped it home. 3–0 halftime.

Second Half

Three changes at the break: Lillie came off after a top first-half shift, joined by Mannion and Don, making way for Danwell, Sav, and Diksa.

Credit to West Bridgford — they came out fighting. They hit the bar and forced Batten into a big one-on-one save to keep our clean sheet intact.

Whitto, making his first start, was a handful all game — strong runs, great hold-up play — and got his reward with a cracking strike to make it 4–0.

Ridgeway was then replaced by the Gaffer, making his long-awaited return to the pitch after putting the lads before himself for so long — what a man!

Whitto wasn’t done yet — using his strength to shrug off a defender before firing home his second of the match. 5–0.Great to see him getting his fitness and sharpness back after a long spell out.

And finally — the moment the crowd was waiting for. The Gaffer pressed hard, forced a defensive mistake, pounced on the loose ball, and smashed his shot past the keeper’s right-hand post. 6–0. The crowd went mad — “They think it’s all over… it is now!”

Full-Time: Mickleover Vets 6–0 West Bridgford Vets

Goals:

Lillie ⚽️
Mannion ⚽️
Stamp ⚽️
Whitto ⚽️⚽️
Gaffer ⚽️
Man of the Match:
Lillie – good solid team performance but Lillie Took his goal brilliantly and added a couple of key assists.

Another solid performance, another clean sheet — well done lads!

Also not going to go into great detail but a big mention to jones and Weston for today and Diksa for coming in last minute to cover and salter for coming along to support and warm up batten great squad players.

Also thanks newts I know you could of stayed at home feeling unwell but dragged yourself to help me so much appreciated.

This Sunday saw us travel to Coalville for a league fixture against another new team in the division. With little known about them, we weren’t sure what to expect.
The first half was a bit scrappy—we didn’t get the ball down and play the way we like, with too many long Hollywood balls, which became frustrating. Still, we had the better of the half, creating chances with keeper pulling off some good saves but often finding ourselves offside. Betts and Mannion caused Coalville’s defence plenty of problems with their pace, and it was Betts who opened the scoring on 18 minutes.
Bailey, Palms and Diksa controlled the midfield well, and any Coalville attacks were dealt with by our solid backline. Great to see Stamp back in the team after missing out last week. The back four were class throughout.
Our first change saw Aiden come off, Clinton going out left, and Mannion pushed further up top.
Half-time: 1-0
At the break, we told the lads to settle down, cut out the long balls, and play to our strengths.
Unfortunately, Bailey had to come off with a tight calf – a shame, as he was having a great game and running the show. Sav came on and made an immediate impact with his no-nonsense tackles, work rate, and simple, effective passing.
We kept the pressure on, and Clifton got on the end of a cross to slot home his first. Ten minutes later, a corner wasn’t cleared, and the ball fell to Clifton with his back to goal—he pulled off an overhead shot that found the bottom corner for 3-0.
Callum added a fourth, latching onto a through ball, outpacing the defence and calmly slotting past the Coalville keeper.
Alton came off the bench to replace Mannion, with Cater pushed further up. Palms then joined the scoring after beating his man to the ball and smashing a powerful strike past the keeper—no chance for him on that one. 5-0 with 20 minutes to play.
Betts was replaced by Weston on the left, and Stanley switched over to the right. Shortly after coming on, Weston fell awkwardly on his shoulder and was replaced by Mannion, who came back on. He made an immediate impact, bursting into the area and drawing a foul. Penalty given.
Palms picked up the ball but unselfishly handed it to Stanley, who stepped up and smashed the penalty into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick and round off a 6-0 win.
A solid all-round performance from the lads today. We’re pleased with the result, the clean sheet, and, most of all, the attitude shown by every player.
Scorers:
* Betts x2
* C. Palms x1
* Stanley x3
Man of the Match: Could have gone to a number of players, but Ash Mannion gets the nod today. He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he was a handful all game and instrumental in our attacking play.

by Peter Scherer

TWO GOALS in the first 15 minutes, set Mickleover Vets on the way to a comfortable 6-1 win at the Don Amott Arena, in the Keith Radford Trophy.

Starting line-up: 1-Adam Salter 2-Sam Carter 3-Will Perry 5-Danny Palmer 6-Scott Quigg 7-James Rock 10-Chris Palmer 11-Callum Betts 15-Kris Herries 16-Richard Bailey 18-Aidan Gale. Subs: Mark Whitton, Craig Saville, Jim Alton, Lee Yeoman, Adam Diksa.

Right from the start Mickleover were on the attack, earning their first corner after just two minutes. Betts then burst through the visiting defence and forced the keeper into his first save of the match.

But Mickleover had to make an early change when Perry boke a rib in a collision with his own keeper and was replaced by Alton.

Hemington earned their first corner after seven minutes, after a charge down the left wing was blocked, but it continued to be all Mickleover.

Rock had a shot saved after 12 minutes but just two minutes later Bailey opened the scoring for Sports, with the keeper well beaten 1-0.

Bailey made it two just two minutes later, going solo to take it around the keeper with ease, 2-0.

The home defence marshalled by Danny Palmer were easily dealing with the visitors attacks, giving more than enough time for midfield to get creative.

A 23rd minute free kick was headed over by Gale, followed by a Chris Palmer cross missed by all.

Bailey and Gale combined again on the left to torment the Hemington defence, before Bailey went solo and eventually shot wide.

Betts forced a good save from the visitors keeper on the half hour and five minutes later Rock had space, but his cross was too near the keeper, who gathered with ease.

Chris Palmer then shot over after 36 minutes, before a random long shot from Hemington, was easily dealt with by Salter.

Quigg then found Palmer whose cross was collected by Gale, who then shot just wide as he remained 2-0 at half time.

Second half sub Whitton was next on the score sheet, making it 3-0 after a cross from Betts on the right, five minutes into the second period.

Hemington tried another rare and random shot well wide around the hour mark, before a curling Chris Palmer free kick almost found it’s way into the net.

Whitton and Herries then combined to torment the Hemmington defence on the right, passing to Chris Palmer in acres of space, who placed it passed the keeper with time and ease, 4-0.

Palmer put another shot just over in the 63rd minute, before sub Saville followed suit.

Our visitors pulled one back with a 67th minute penalty, before Whitton swivelled in the box to fire home number four for 5-1.

The Hemington keeper continued to be busy and made a couple more saves, before Bailey fired wide 72 minutes in.

Betts put another effort just wide and Palmer had another shot over the bar, before Whitton put Saville through, only for the keeper to save with his feet.

But almost on time goal number six arrived, with a fine solo effort from Bailey, to complete his hattrick and seal a convincing 6-1 victory.

 

Match Preview: Castle Donington vs Mickleover Vets

Big game this Sunday as our Mickleover Vets side hit the road to take on league leaders Castle Donington. It’s shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the season.

Castle Donington have started the campaign in blistering form, winning both of their opening games – a solid 3-0 win followed by an eye-catching 7-3 victory over Coalville Town. They’re full of confidence and finding the net with ease, so we know we’ll have to be at our very best.

We come into this one off the back of a strong performance and win against Ethan United, but there will be a few changes to the squad this weekend with a couple of lads carrying knocks and others unavailable.

That said, the spirit in the camp is high, and everyone’s up for the challenge. We know what we’re capable of when we turn up and play to our strengths. It’s a massive opportunity to close the gap at the top and bring home three vital points.

Should be a cracking game – let’s make sure we’re switched on from the first whistle and give it everything.

Come on Mickleover!

MATCH REPORT: Ethan United Vets 0 – 8 MFC Vets
East Midlands Veterans League – Season Opener
Man of the Match: Rock

MFC Vets got their 2025/26 campaign off to a flying start with a dominant 8-0 away victory over Ethan United Vets, showing no signs of rust despite playing on a heavy pitch with long grass.

From the first whistle, MFC took control of the game, dominating possession and moving the ball around with confidence. Rock and Palms, playing slightly out of their usual positions, caused havoc down the flanks, constantly testing Ethan’s fullbacks. Up front, Aidan proved a powerful outlet, holding the ball up well and bringing others into play.

The breakthrough came after just five minutes, with Bailey tapping home after great work from Aidan. Five minutes later, Aidan turned provider again, setting up Rock to double the lead.

The pressure didn’t ease, and Aidan then took centre stage with two quickfire goals – one a screamer from 20 yards, the other a well-taken close-range finish some might say took a deflection and og but it was on target so all count making it 4-0.

Ethan United battled on but found no way through a rock-solid MFC defence, marshalled superbly in front of Salter, who had little to do all afternoon.

Aidan was replaced by Danny Palmer, who wasted no time getting on the scoresheet with a bullet header from a corner. Just before the break, C Palmer added a sixth with a calm, well-placed finish that gave the keeper no chance.

Half-Time: 6-0

Several changes were made at the break, with Quig and Yeoman coming on in midfield, and Kris slotting in wide right. The fresh legs made an instant impact: Quig provided composure and excellent distribution, Yeoman battled hard in the middle of the park, and Kris’s pace and directness caused endless problems for the tiring Ethan defence.

It was Yeoman who made it 7-0, reacting quickest to a Palms corner to slot home. The scoring was wrapped up in style by Aidan, who completed his hat-trick after Palms – now in a central role – set him up once more.

Late substitute Weston impressed with some strong runs and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, denied by a few good saves from the Ethan keeper. Credit also to Diksa, who had put in a tireless shift covering every blade of grass before making way.

A brilliant start to the season and a complete team performance from front to back.

Goals:

Aidan (3) ⚽⚽⚽
Rock (1) ⚽
D Palmer (1) ⚽
C Palmer (1) ⚽
Yeoman (1) ⚽
Bailey (1) ⚽
Man of the Match: Rock – relentless energy, creativity, and a goal to cap a top display.