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.

by Gavin Warren

Sunday, 14/9 Venue: Ilkeston Athletic
Conditions: Wet, windy, and a heavy grass pitch

MFC Vets 1 continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Ilkeston Athletic, making it three wins from four and keeping us top of the table.

The weather and pitch made for difficult playing conditions — wet, windy, and a small, uneven surface. But there are no excuses at this level; it was the same for both sides, and it’s something we need to adapt to better moving forward.

We started brightly, creating plenty of chances in the first half. Pez saw a couple of headers go just over and wide, Clifton scuffed a decent opportunity, and Sav launched one high enough to clear Ilkeston town centre. Despite the chances, neither keeper had much to do in the first 40 minutes.

Jay Jay come off the bench, bringing energy and voice into midfield, while Steve replaced Aidan up top as we looked got fresh legs to break the deadlock.

Second half Against the run of play, Ilkeston took the lead after we gave the ball away on the edge of the area — a misplaced pass when a simple clearance was needed — and their player finished well. 1-0 Ilkeston.

Lille replaced Jay Jay shortly after — with him still nursing an injury, we managed his minutes carefully. Lille made an instant impact with his trademark long throw-ins, which caused chaos in the Ilkeston box.

With around 15 minutes left, club captain and top scorer C. Palms got us level, calmly placing a low shot into the bottom corner after good pressure. 1-1 and all to play for.

Looking to push for a winner, Dom and Yeomans came on to replace MOTM Sav and Betts, adding fresh legs late in the game.
With just minutes remaining, another Lille long throw from the 18-yard line caused problems again. The ball fell to Dom Meah, who struck a shot goalwards. The keeper saw it late, and it trickled into the back of the net for the winner. 2-1 MFC Vets.

Final Score: Ilkeston Athletic 1–2 MFC Vets 1
Goals: C. Palms D. Meah
Man of the Match: Sav – put in a real shift and set the tone.

Top of the league and momentum building – well done, lads. Let’s keep it going!

All the best to Ilkeston for rest of season.

by Gavin Warren

On Friday night, we welcomed Calverton Miners Welfare to the Don Amott Arena — a side currently playing in the Championship League. They arrived on the back of a solid win in their opening fixture against Thursday Knights — the very team that beat us previously — so we knew we were in for a competitive game.

With a few changes to the side that won 10-0 at home last week, due to injuries and holidays, the squad stepped up brilliantly.

From the first whistle, we dominated possession, playing attractive, passing football. The balance in the squad was spot on, and it’s clear the lads are really starting to gel as a team. The hard work we’ve been putting in on the training ground is paying off — especially in terms of fitness levels, which were evident throughout the 90 minutes.

At the back, we looked solid and composed. Rock slotted in at right back for the absent Kris and didn’t put a foot wrong. The centre-back partnership of Pez and Stampy was rock-solid, winning everything in the air and shutting down any threat Calverton posed.

Our passing, movement, and pace on the wings caused all sorts of problems for Calverton. Going forward, Danwell’s trickery, movement, and explosive pace left the defence chasing shadows — they simply couldn’t cope with him.

It was a complete team performance, with everyone playing their part in a fantastic result.

Goals:
Own Goal
Palmer x3
Ridgeway x1
Jim x1
Danwell x1
Callum x1
Diksa x1
Bailey x1

Man of the Match:
🏆 C. Palmer – Took his goals brilliantly and never stopped running all night. A top-quality performance from our captain.

by Gavin Warren

The East Midlands Sunday Vets League kicks off today with 9 teams set to battle it out this season. We’re not in action just yet — MFC Vets have a free weekend and will officially get our first season underway on Sunday 21st September, away to Ethan United Vets, last season’s runners-up. Not a bad way to kick things off!

Today gives us the chance to sit back, watch the results roll in, and size up the competition. The game of the day looks to be Castle Donington vs Ethan United, both sides will fancy themselves to be promotion contenders. It’ll also be interesting to see how the new teams settle in, with Coalville Ravens heading to Midway and The Wheel Inn FC hosting Alvaston United.

👊 Looking Ahead to Our Debut Season
We can’t wait to get started on the 21st — it’s been a journey just putting the team together, and the support has been unreal. Honestly, I didn’t expect the incredible level of sponsorship and backing we’ve received in such a short time.

We’ve had over 60 players interested in joining the squad at some point — that’s been both overwhelming and brilliant. We’re lucky to go into the season with a solid-sized squad of 34 of which 3 are keepers full of top lads. Yes, managing game time will be a challenge, but it’s a good problem to have — this is vets football after all, and we all know the usual mix of injuries, work commitments, family duties (and the odd trip to IKEA to buy candles) can throw a spanner in the works.

We’ve built this on honesty, team spirit, and a shared love for the game. Competition for places is strong, but so is the camaraderie. We’re lucky to have some of the best training and home pitch facilities in the league, and with that comes pride — now it’s time to back it up on the pitch.

Our goal is simple: stick together, work hard, enjoy it, and have a laugh — preferably over a pint in the bar after the match. We’re not here just to make up the numbers. We want to compete and make a name for ourselves.

🔴Up the MFC Vets! ⚫
Let’s get this season started.

MFC Vets vs Calverton FC Vets | KO 7:30pm

This Friday under the lights, MFC Vets welcome Calverton FC Vets for what promises to be another competitive and entertaining clash.

Calverton edged the first fixture with a narrow 4-3 win, against Thursday Knights who beat us 5-2 — Calverton are a Championship-level side. So this will be a solid test for our new-look squad, who are still getting to know each other while facing teams with years of chemistry under their belts.

But what we do have is a great, honest bunch of lads who graft for each other and leave it all out there on the pitch. We’ll be aiming to bring the same work rate, attitude, and togetherness that we showed last week against Medan Vale.

As we’re quickly learning in vets football, availability can be a bit of a juggling act — holidays, family life, and those classic ‘veteran’ injuries all playing their part!

This week we’re missing five players from last week’s squad:
* Top scorer Aidan is off enjoying some sun
* Jay Jay isn’t quite ready to return from his knee injury
* Kris (last week’s MOTM) and Danny both sit out with knocks
* And yours truly steps aside after a spirited shift (chasing shadows) to let someone else have a runout — generous, I know and stand in keeper who did a great job drops out.

INCOMING:
* Robinson returns between the sticks to bring calm and quality
* Speedy forward Danwell comes in to add threat up top
* Big unit Pez is back in the fold
* New signings Sav and Midge who signed on this week will be involved for the first time so see what he can bring to the team.
* And Yeoman, Ridgeway, and Diksa are back — with Diksa reportedly flying in on a private jet, landing on the back pitch just in time for KO

Let’s put in another solid shift, keep building, and go get some more points on the board.
Up the Vets!

by Gavin Warren

What a way to kickstart our season – an 11-0 win and a performance to match. After a disappointing opening fixture, the lads responded exactly how we asked. From the first whistle, the work ethic, attitude, and team spirit were absolutely top class. Every player put in a shift and took on board what we’ve worked on in training.

This result takes us top of the league – a reward for the effort and application shown across the pitch. But this is just the start. We’ve set the standard now, and we need to build from here.

Goalscorers:
⚽️⚽️ Aidan
⚽️⚽️ Betts
⚽️⚽️ C. Palmer
⚽️ Weston
⚽️ Rock
⚽️ Alton
⚽️ Diksa
⚽️ Sav

Man of the Match: Kris – immense from start to finish.

We go again this Friday night against Calverton Vets, a strong Championship side. They won their opener 5-4 against the same team we lost to, so we know it’ll be a big test. With some key players unavailable due to work and holidays, it’s a chance for others to step in and make their mark.

Let’s keep the momentum going.
Up the Vets.