League: Friendly

Carlton Town F.C. vs Mickleover Sports

Saturday 11th August 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Sports have completed an unbeaten pre-season Programme by completing preparations for the league season with a 2-0 win away at Evo Stik Division One East Side Carlton Town. Two strikes from Jimmy Phillips and Evan Garnett either side of half side put the Millers to the sword and meant that after ten pre-season games Sports have won 9 and drew 1 ahead of another exciting Evo Stik Northern Premier League season starting at Bower Fold in a weeks’ time.
Nathan Jarman, Niall Doran and Kevin Grocott were absent with minor knocks today so it was a chance for some of Sports academy to impress. Lewis King started in goal with Curtis Burrows, Tom Burgin, Tyreece Robinson and Ben Turner at the back. Jake Scott, Jimmy Phillips, Oliver Roberts and Fin Davies started with boss John McGrath and Evan Garnett up front. On the bench were academy players Gordon, Parkin, Matthews and Fatubin.

It was Carlton who made the brighter start with two chances inside the first 15 minutes but both were saved by Lewis King in the Sports net. Sports then got more into the game as Finn Davies and Evan Garnett both got onto the end of efforts after great attacking moves they were creating. But it was on 26 minutes that the deadlock was broke and it was Jimmy Phillips who got it for Sports. A fantastic move between Roberts and Garnett fed the ball with pace across the box and there in the right place at the right time inside the 6 yard box to smash a low drive under the keeper and into the net.

An early change was made from Carlton before Oliver Roberts had a strike from outside the box saved by the keeper. An impressive Carlton free kick was caught well by King was a spell of pressure from the home side. Two chances ended the first half and they both went Sports way as Oliver Roberts and Jake Scott both had efforts at goal with one going wide and one going over the bar.

No changes as half time as Phillips had the first chance of the second half which was spilled by the keeper initially before pouncing on the ball just before Garnett could get to the rebound. Carlton then went up the other end and managed to get a cross in with a powerful header going over the bar. Then Sports got their second goal in the 52nd minute. A lovely through ball after a fantastic attacking move fed in striker who controlled the ball beautifully as he slide a delicate effort past the keeper and into the bottom right corner.
Carlton could have got a goal back soon after though but for the efforts of King as a powerful close range strike was palmed over the bar after very quick reactions from the Sports keeper and over for a corner. Next Curtis Burrows, who was playing at right back in this game, managed to drive into the box and had an effort deflected and into the keepers hands. Both sides then made changes with Sports brining on Gordon with Turner coming off.

The final chance of the game went to Carlton as the striker managed to turn the Sports defenders and fired an effort over the bar. Sports made a double change before the close of play with Davies and Garnett coming off for Parkin and Matthews. But there was no time for them to make a real impact as the referee blew for full time and brought an end to a very successful pre-season for Sports. But as we all know pre-season results mean nothing in the grand scheme of things as it is what counts on Saturday 18th August when Mickleover Sports kick off their season with a trip to Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold with a 3pm Kick Off.

Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. vs Mickleover Sports

Friday 10th August 2018
Written by Sam Goldsworthy
The unbeaten pre-season run continued on Friday night, but only just, as Sports got a late equaliser to come away with a draw in Staffordshire. Kidsgrove Athletic certainly gave John McGraths side a test as they defended extremely well with former Brewers team mate and Grove manager Ryan Austin at the heart of defense. After scoring a fortunate goal in the opening stages of the second half, Kidsgrove were reduced to ten men and this sparked Sports into life as they got their equaliser from Lewis Belgrave following up on a free kick that was saved by the keeper. One more friendly now remaining the start of the season cannot come soon enough for McGrath and his Sports side.
The first half was a pretty quiet affair with minimal chances for either side. An early spell of pressure from the hosts resulted in an effort going wide. Next one of the Trialists for Sports was ruled out for offside after striking in a rebound from an effort that came off the post. Then Jack Walsh cured an effort wide almost straight after on the next attack. Kidsgrove then a chance as the striker sent a half volley over the bar before the home side had to make an early change due to injury. That was about it for a very quiet first half period.
The second half definitely had a lot more going for it and within five minute Kidsgrove starting knocking on the door with two chances in a four minute period. A Kidsgrove goal was coming and that’s exactly what happened. The ball was floated into the box and as goalkeeper Harvey Adams was trying to get a glove to it he knocked it onto the bar and unfortunately there was the Kidsgrove striker to tap it from right on the line for first blood to Grove.
The home side then made a couple of changes as soon after Will Norcross had a chance but struck his effort over the bar. Trialist then sent a powerful effort into the arms of the Kidsgrove keeper but the turning point came moments later as Grove were reduced to ten men. Norcross was through on goal with only the keeper to beat just outside the box. The Kidsgrove right back hacked the young winger down and the referee had no hesitation in showing him a red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Maybe a little harsh in a pre-season game but rules are rules and the player walked. This is where Sports got their equaliser as the free kick was smashed under the wall it was very well saved by the keeper but only into the path of defender Lewis Belgrave who showed great composure and reactions to smash home the rebound into the left hand corner of the net.
Sports were definitely in the ascendancy now and had a few good chances to get a winner. The best of which came when Pablo Mills drove with the ball across most of the pitch shrugging off anyone who tried to challenge him and smacked a delicious effort like a rocket at the keeper who did very well to save it and get the ball away from danger. But the last chance of the game went to the hosts as a late substitute managed to get on the end of a cross that hit the bar but it was so close to a winner that would have been Sports first in pre-season. But it wasn’t to be as the game ended 1-1 which was probably a fair result all round. Sports now have one more game left away at Carlton Town on Saturday 11th August with a 3pm KO.

Mickleover Sports vs Huddersfield Town A.F.C.

Wednesday 8th August 2018
Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Another game, another win as Mickleover Sports’ pre-season nears its conclusion to as John McGraths side came away 2-1 winners over a very young but talented Huddersfield academy side. The Terriers as expected three days before their Premier League opener, brought a youthful but very well organised academy side who gave Sports a defensive test with long spells of possession with the ball and look very comfortable doing so. But in the end Sports experience of how to see games out physical element came through as the goals all came in the first half. Aaron Rowe the talented young winger for the visitors scored either side of two Nathan Jarman goals which in the end proved to be enough in a typical pre-season affair with only two more games to play before the opener with Stalybridge in just over a weeks’ time.

John McGrath elected not to name himself in the squad and started with regular keeper Lewis King with Kevin Grocott, Pablo Mills, Tom Burgin and Ben Turner in defence. The midfield consisted of Jake Scott, Oliver Roberts, Jimmy Phillips and Curtis Burrows. Up front Niall Doran played just behind main striker Nathan Jarman.

Sports kick off proceedings and immediately got proceedings under way with a goal in the first minute. A corner from the far left hand side made its way into the area and found its way to Nathan Jarman who controlled the ball nicely and struck an effort low into the bottom left hand corner.

Within five minutes though Huddersfield got an equaliser and only Sports second goal conceded in pre-season. Aaron Rowe was the scorer as the left winger broke down the left after being played in and beat the Sports defence for pace as he hit a low effort past King and into net. But like the Burton game Sports didn’t let it knock their confidence and they were back on the front foot again. They were rewarded with their second and ultimately winning goal when Sports were awarded a penalty. It was very unclear which Sports player was bundled to the ground due to a packed penalty area but the referee saw something he didn’t like and pointed immediately to the Sport with little appeal from the Terriers players. Up stepped Nathan Jarman who bag his second of the game and fourth goal of pre-season with a neat low effort to the right hand side of the goal.

The rest of the first half was mainly dominated with possession in the middle third of the park and both sides settled into a rhythm after a frantic start. The next chance came ten minutes before half time as Ben Turner went close to lobbing the keeper with a free kick that went just over the bar. Then a good ball in from Niall Doran picked out Nathan Jarman who headed over the bar. The final chance came a minute before half time as Kevin Grocott drove in a great cross which again was aimed at Jarman but his touch on the ball was only a faint one with his head and it went out for a goal kick to bring the first half to a close.

The second half began with Huddersfield nearly having a gift to equalise. A mix up at the back between Lewis King and Ben Turner allowed Ben Jackson to nip in for the visitors for what seemed like a chance he couldn’t miss. But that was exactly what happened as the young full back put his effort wide of the left hand post. A real let off for Sports as they soon learnt quickly from it. Trialist then came on for Niall Doran in the first of many changes that happened in the second half. A fantastic free kick from Oliver Roberts was well saved by the keeper before a string of several substitutions then proceeded. Nathan Jarman, Curtis Burrows, Jimmy Phillips, Jake Scott, Oliver Roberts, Pablo Mills and Ben Turner made way for Evan Garnett, Will Norcross, Jack Walsh, Lewis Belgrave, Isia Marselia, Tyreece Robinson and Tom Eccleshall.

Huddersfield then had another chance as Oliver Dyson struck an effort over the bar from close range. Then from a Sports corner Tom Burgin leaped well to power a header towards goal that was saved by the Terriers keeper. Then some excellent pressure from the Sports front two forced the Huddersfield defenders into an error which put Marselia through 1v1 but his effort was only just wide of the left hand post. Huddersfield then made some changes of their own before Kevin Grocott picked up a slight ankle injury in the last minute. But instead of brining another player back on, Sports decided to play on with 10 men to carry out an exercise of how to close a game out when down to 10 men. An exercise that proved successful as Sports saw the game out to record more pre-season fitness under the belt and more successful preparations ahead of the new season.

Sports now have two final pre-season games before the season begins with visits to Kidsgrove Athletic on Friday 10th August (7:45pm) and Carlton Town on Saturday 11th August (3pm).

Heanor Town F.C. vs Mickleover Sports

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Another day and another Pre-Season victory but Sports definitely had to work for this one and John McGrath side had to grind this one out towards for end as Heanor took the game to Mickleover. Oli Roberts’s stunning free kick in the first was all that separated the two sides in what was a very competitive and entertaining friendly match. But another win extends Sports unbeaten Pre Season with Huddersfield coming to the Don Amott Arena in a week’s time.

The squad members who weren’t playing in previous nights RBL fixture were selected this is fixture. Lewis King started in goal after his cameo against RBL. The back four consisted of Harley Kozluk, Pablo Mills, Trialist and Ben Turner. McGrath named himself in midfield alongside Jake Scott with Niall Doran and Oli Roberts occupying the wide areas. Up front was new signing Nathan Jarman alongside the Trialist from The Netherlands. The bench consisted of four academy players Trialist, Smith, Fatubin and Parkin; however none were used in the game.
Sports had the first chance as a great low cross from Curtis Burrows picked out Jake Scott but the former Shaw Lane man couldn’t quite get enough contact on the ball to get a firm touch and his effort went wide of the goal. Heanor then threatened as former Rocester winger Rob Ritchie-Smith delivered a cross for another former Rocester player Sam Griffiths who fired over the bar. Then shortly after another former Romans striker Oli Roome had an effort put behind for a corner by Ben Turner before the resulting corner was headed over the bar.

Trialist produced a great cross in the direction of Nathan Jarman who just missed the ball going over him as he tried to head towards goal. The ball was then played back in to Trialist himself who managed to bring the ball down, turn and fires a strike that went over the bar just before he was brought down from the resulting challenge but no foul was awarded. But it didn’t matter as three minutes later. Sports were awarded a free kick just outside the area which John McGrath and Oli Roberts both stood over. It was the later who stepped up and struck a fantastic hard and low driving effort into the bottom right hand corner past the keeper’s outstretched left hand. There would be only one more clear cut chance between Roberts’s goal and the half time break as Doran got a shot away after good hold up play from Trialist but it was into the keeper’s hands before he caught the ball at the second attempt after spilling the initial effort.

After the break, with an unchanged side, John McGrath produced a half volley straight for a corner kick but the effort was just over the bar. McGrath then won the ball back from a 50/50 challenge and played in Trialist moments later but his effort was straight into the keeper’s gloves. Jake Scott was then slipped through by Oli Roberts but again Sports couldn’t take the chances as the shot was over the bar again. Trialist then sprinted down the right and played the ball back across goal to the edge of the box where Niall Doran was ready to pounce on it but instead the shot was too high and went for a Goal Kick.

Heanor were pressing Sports really hard and had plenty of moments and half chances to grab an equaliser. But to Sports credit they defended impeccably and had one final chance to score from the counter attack as a great cross over from Ben Turner was slightly deflected into the keepers hands but the Heanor stopper let the ball slip out of his hands and managed to allow Jake Scott to challenge for it but the angle was too tight and the shot instead went over the bar.

That was the last of the major action of the night as Sports could put to bed two more successful Pre Season games over two days where they had scored three goals and not conceded any. Much sterner tests lie in wait for McGrath and his players as they welcome Premier League side Huddersfield Town bring a team down to Don Amott Area next up on Wednesday 8th August with a 7:30pm KO.

Mickleover RBL vs Mickleover Sports

Mickleover RBL 0 – 2 Mickleover Sports

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports continued their pre season run of unbeaten games as overcame a stern test from their near neighbours Mickleover Royal British Legion (RBL) to bring the Helen Belgrave Memorial Trophy back to Don Amott Arena, but most importantly getting more minutes under their belts whilst raising money for charity at the same time.
John McGrath decided to split the squads for the two games in two days geographically, with the Derby based players playing tonight and the rest of the squad based further up north playing on Wednesday night at Heanor Town. This meant that a Trialist keeper started in goal, with Tristan Matthews and Tom Eccleshall at full backs. Kevin Grocott returned from injury to partner Tyreece Robinson at centre back, with a midfield make up of Lewis Belgrave, Jimmy Phillips, Curtis Burrows and Will Norcross. Up front Sports went with the duo of Evan Garnett and Clinton Morrison.

RBL had the first chance of the game early on as the No.9 headed a lovely cross into the box just wide of the left hand post. A minute later Evan Garnett went up the other end and fired an effort just over the bar. Will Norcross then had two chances to give Sports the lead with one being blocked and the other saved by the keeper. Jimmy Phillips then had a low driving effort saved by the keeper. Then a lovely move between Eccleshall and Morrison out Garnett through 1v1 with the RBL keeper but he blazed his effort over the bar. But it wouldn’t be long before Garnett got his goal to put Sports 1-0 up on 24 minutes. The ball was worked into the box and after a couple of efforts blocked it fell into the path of Garnett who notched his first goal of this current pre season with a low drive under the RBL keeper and into the net.
From then Sports pressed on and take over proceedings as Norcross and Garnett had chances leading up to half time to extend the lead. Lewis Belgrave had an effort saved low down by the diving RBL keeper before he was hard at work again as the keeper had to produce a stunning reaction save to keep out Trialist’s volleyed effort. This kept the score to only the one goal going into the break when it could have been a much bigger score line.

As they did in the first half Mickleover RBL had the first chance in the second half. The No.8 delivered powerful driving strike that the Trialist keeper did well to bring down into his arms. From then on it was all Sports again as the difference in level soon showed as they grabbed a second goal within the first 10 minutes of the second period. An effort from Trialist was saved by the keeper but it was followed up by Will Norcross who slide an effort home under the keeper to extend the lead. Sports could have gone 3-0 up but Belgrave could only hit the post with his latest effort.

On the hour mark Sports boss John McGrath made four changes as off came Eccleshall, Trialist, Burrows and Morrison and on came four academy players Gordon, Davies, Parkin and Walsh. A cracking free kick from Belgrave is tipped over the bar from the RBL keeper, who was having a very good game in net. As the game was drawing to a close Norcross struck an effort off the bar and after what seemed like hundreds of blocked attempts the ball was eventually cleared by RBL as the ball just didn’t seem to drop for a Sports player. One final change was made from Sports as a rare moment occurred as goalkeeper Lewis King came on outfield as a striker in place of Evan Garnett. The Mickleover stopper could even have grabbed a goal for himself as he look lively in his cameo outfield. But the strike from outside the box was hit some distance over the bar. This was the final action of the game as Sports won the Helen Belgrave Memorial Trophy and raised some fantastic money towards the cancer ward at Derby Hospital. Of course it all counts towards match fitness with the season not too far away now. The rest of the squad will get their chance to get their pre season minutes as they travel to face former Sports player Dan Martin’s Heanor Town on Wednesday night, 7:30pm Kick Off.

Worksop Town vs Mickleover Sports

Frickley Athletic vs Mickleover Sports

Frickley Athletic 0 – 4 Mickleover Sports

Tuesday 24th July 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports continued their 100% pre-season record with their fourth win in as many games as they came way from South Yorkshire with a 4-0 win over their Step Four opponents Frickley Athletic. A first half strike from manager John McGrath gave Sports the lead at half time in a competitive and even first period where both sides created good chances. But as the second half progressed Sports were able to find more space and proved more clinical in front of goal as two fantastic goals from new striker Nathan Jarman and a second in two games for the Trialist from The Netherlands meant a comfortable victory in the end for Sports but they were certainly tested by Frickley Athletic in a good pre-season game ahead of the new season.
Sports had the first two good chances of the game. First Will Norcross had an effort blocked before he picked out Nathan Jarman a few minutes later from a cross, but the former Gainsborough Trinity forward’s header went over the bar as he was flagged offside anyway. The next two chances went to Frickley as Connor Smith hit the side netting then former Sports player Jacob Hazel then going close but his effort was well saved by Sports keeper Lewis King. Next neat play by Jarman as he turned his defender after receiving the ball inside the box but the strike was not powerful enough to test the Athletic keeper who saved comfortably. Sports Boss John McGrath then went close as he rattled the bar with a ferocious strike from outside the box which rebounded away from danger.

A couple of set pieces the threatened the give the hosts the lead but it was in fact Sports who drew first blood a couple of minutes before half time. After receiving the ball from the right hand side outside the box John McGrath cut inside on his left foot and curled a lovely effort past the keeper and into the bottom left corner to give Mickleover the lead at the break. But not before Jarman had a chance to make it 2-0 as his curling effort into the corner was blocked and saved by the keeper.

One change for Sports at half time as Will Norcross was replaced by Evan Garnett and straight away the former Burton Albion academy striker had an immediate impact. Garnett was played through but as the keeper came out to try and clear the ball, it fell to Jarman who wasted no time in lobbing the ball over the Frickley back line and keeper and straight into the net down the middle to rack up his first Sports goal and double the away sides lad. Two efforts from Jarman and Garnett came and went before Frickley got a foothold back in the game and started creating problems for the Sports defence again. Lovely work by Connor Smith set up Athletic midfielder Jack Burton but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Clinton Morrison made way for Trialist later on around the hour mark to add some extra pace up front and it helped as Sports bagged another goal. A beautiful first time effort from Jarman as he dinked the ball over the keeper and clipped off the left hand post found the net and just showed the quality that he can bring to Sports’ attacking line this season.

A lot of changes then happed for both sides. Sports took off Pablo Mills, Jake Scott and Niall Doran to be replaced by Trialist, Tyreece Robinson and Lewis Belgrave. Sports had the lion share of possession towards the end of the game and after two efforts from two Trialists threatened to add a fourth goal that moment eventually arrived on 82 minutes. The Trialist from the Netherlands was played in behind the Frickley defence and produced a delightful chip over the diving keeper and into the bottom left hand corner. That was his second goal in two games for the club on trial so must be catching the eye of McGrath as the season draws ever closer.

This turned out to be the last major action of the game as the referee blew time on the 90 minute mark to end a fantastic night for the club on and off the field. With the news that former Stalybridge Celtic midfielder Oliver Roberts has now joined up with the squad ahead of the new campaign after playing in America for New Orleans Jesters, the build up to the season is looking great ahead of the next friendly as we travel back to Worksop to take on Handsworth Paramore’s tenets and former Evo Stik side Worksop Town on Friday 27th July with a 7:30pm Kick Off.

Handsworth Parramore F.C. vs Mickleover Sports

handsworthmatch

Tuesday 17^th July 2018

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

A really positive and professional display from Sports insured a third straight pre season victory over Handsworth Parramore. Goals from Trialist, John McGrath and Niall Doran insured an emphatic score line for the visitors. The Northern Counties East League side from Worksop certainly made Sports work for their victory and they certainly deserved at least a goal for their efforts, particularly in the second half. But Sports defence held firm and kept their second clean sheet in three games but more importantly a key chance to build match fitness ahead of the league campaign which is now only four weeks away.

John McGrath continued to use Lewis King in goal to start with a back four of Tyreece Robinson, Pablo Mills, Ben Turner and Trialist. The boss started himself alongside Curtis Burrows and Jack Walsh. Clinton Morrison started up top playing off the Trialist from the Netherlands.

It was Sports who kicked the game off and immediately within the first minute they had their first chance to score. Trialist made a darting run down the right hand side with his effort across goal forcing the keeper to make a save and put the ball out for a corner. Handsworth’s first effort came a few minutes later as the No.11 struck a hard low drive at goal but it was blocked and cleared by Pablo Mills as the back. Good link up play between Morrison and Robinson down the right hand side sent the later away at pace but he couldn’t quite get the delivery right and it ended up for a throw in on the opposite side of the pitch. Sports were building up the intensity and after two efforts from Jack Walsh and Pablo Mills were saved by the Parramore keeper, the away side took the lead a minute or so later. A real error of judgement from the Parramore keeper saw him play the ball from inside the box directly into path of the Dutch Trialist. Trialist although given a gift from the keeper still had to put it away and he made it look easy as he skilfully rounded the keeper and placed the ball neatly into the net to give Sports the lead.

New signing Curtis Burrows had the next chance for Sports as his powerful header from an excellent cross in was tipped narrowly round the post by the Parramore keeper, determined to make up for his earlier error. At the other end Jack Walsh produced a fine block from a Parramore effort from outside the box which looked on target round and over the goal for a corner. A few minutes later the Handsworth No.7 got onto the end of cross at the back post but his effort was well over the bar.

Boss John McGrath then had an excellent effort hit the bar. Good 1-2 play with Clinton Morrsion saw the Irishman strike an effort which curled round and hit the bar and bounced down but unfortunately not over the line and was cleared away. Then at the other end Pablo Mills went down injured after over stretching to clear the ball away from the Parramore No.9 after the striker was 1v1 with Lewis King but the excellent defending from Mills cleared the ball away from danger. Mills was able to continue after receiving treatment. The first half finished with Trialist being played again down the right hand side who then picked our Clinton Morrison but the experienced forwards effort was dinked just over the bar to end a really good half from a Sports point of view.

Sports made six changes at the break. Jimmy Phillips, Tom Burgin, Jake Scott, Nathan Jarman, Niall Doran and Kevin Garnett came on for Ben Turner, Curtis Burrows, Clinton Morrison, Trialist, Will Norcross and Trialist as Sports changed systems for the second half.

Within a couple of minutes Jimmy Phillips forced a great save from the Parramore keeper from a drive on the left hand side of the box. But it wouldn’t be long before Sports extended their lead. A free kick was given to Sports from about 25 yards outside the box. John McGrath stepped up and sent a fantastic curling effort over the wall and into the bottom right corner; such was the dip on the strike. Sports made their final change as Lewis King was given a rest and substituted for a Trialist keeper. Another lovely Sports move caused problems for Parramore on the hour mark as Jimmy Phillips picked out Nathan Jarman on the right of the box who cut inside and, with the outside of his right foot, curled an effort narrowly wide of the left hand post, inches from going in.

Evan Garnett then got onto the end of a great cross over from John McGrath but the effort was headed over the bar. It was at this point the hosts starting piling on the pressure in search of a route back into the game. It got very scrappy on one Parramore attack as several blocks were made by Sports defenders to protect their goal before a shout for a penalty came and went as the No.9 went down in the box whilst taking a shot at goal but nothing from the referee who waved play on. Next came what hopefully was a sign of things to come as the newly formed partnership of Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett linked up well with Garnett striking just wide of the right hand side post after a 1v1 with the keeper. The Parramore No.15 who’d come on as a substitute then hit an effort over the bar with around 10 minutes to go.

Sports finally killed their Step 5 opponents and the game off on 82 minutes as a mix up in the Parramore back line saw Niall Doran break free and he showed excellent composure to place the ball under the diving keeper and into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was an excellent finish from a player who is already looking like an excellent signing from McGrath. There would be two more chances in the game with one for either side. Another breakaway saw Nathan Jarman curl an effort into the arms of the Parramore keeper. From the resulting re start the ball made its way up field and nearly resulted in a consolation goal for Handsworth but the No.7 put his effort well over the bar.

That brought an end to a successful pre season friendly for Sports. Three goals, a clean sheet and more minutes under the player’s belts can only be positives for McGrath’s Sports side. Of course pre season results mean nothing in the long term would you would prefer to win them all than lose them all.

Mickleover Sports will now train on Thursday and Saturday before returning to match action on Tuesday 24^th July when they will play Step 4 side Frickley Athletic away, 7:30pm Kick Off.

Mickleover Sports vs Burton Albion

MATCH REPORT BY SAM GOLDSWORTHY

Mickleover Sports 2-1 Burton Albion

Friday 13^th July 2018

Mickleover Sports bagged their second pre-season victory in four days as they snatched a later winner to defeat a well strengthened Burton Albion side. New signing Niall Doran got onto the end of a great team goal after 21 minutes, this being the only real highlight of a tight first half period. The second half sparked to like after five minutes as young academy prospect Joe Sbarra equalised for the Brewers. But Sports did not give into fatigue or the difference in quality and more than held their own against the Brewers. They were rewarded for their hard work with a last minute goal from one of the many Trialists in was just ticking over into the 90^th minute to grab the victory and with it win back the KC Trust Trophy from the games SkyBet League One visitors.

Sports Boss John McGrath elected to name a selection of Lewis King in goal with Kevin Grocott, Curtis Burrows, Pablo Mills and Tom Burgin at the back. McGrath named himself alongside Jake Scott in midfield with Jimmy Phillips and Niall Doran on the wings with Nathan Jarman and Evan Garnett up top. Among the opposition was Burton Albion record signing Liam Boyce who was looking to have a full pre-season after a nasty injury which kept him out of most of last season for the Brewers.

The first opening stages were controlled by the Brewers but after the first fifteen minutes Sports began to settle down and their first chance came when Nathan Jarman put in a dangerous delivery which went straight to Harry Campbell in the Albion net but he managed to fumble it sparking panic inside the box but the visitors managed to clear the ball away from danger. But it wasn’t long after that when Sports drew first blood, Curtis Burrows broke down the left hand side and put in a cross that again was saved by Campbell but this time the rebound was met by new signing Niall Doran who notched the opening goal with a simple tap in to give Sports a 1-0 lead.

It wasn’t long before Albion were back at it again though and Liam Boyce was played behind Pablo Mills but the Sports center back managed to put in a last ditch challenge which drew the ball away from the Albion attacker and kept it at 1-0. Only a minute later Mills was at it again with a late tackle to deny an open chance but this time it was Lucas Akins who was denied. The final chance of the half came with 10 minutes to go as Sporks broke out really well from midfield through Doran again who played n Burrows but his shot was sent over the bar.

Burton Albion made wholesale changes at the break with only Campbell and former Sports Trialist Tomas Egert remaining from the first half. Only one change from Sports came in goal where Lewis King was replaced by another Trialist. It didn’t take long though for Albion to grab an equaliser coming on the 50^th minute. A cross came in from the left and it was deflected all the way to Joe Sbarra who slotted home from close range to give the visitors an equaliser.

But instead of caving into the Brewers pressure and conceding again Sports looked revitalized as Evan Garnett was played through superbly as he brought the ball inside and had a decent effort well saved. The next Sports change saw John McGrath take himself off for Will Norcross. Sports did have the ball in the net again just before the hour mark but it was ruled out by the referee for a push in the box and a free kick to the Brewers was rewarded.

The rest of the second half was full of stop start substitutions and numerous Trialists came on for Sports with the Brewers only second half sub being switching their goalkeepers. The Brewers did have a few chances at a succession for corners, a Marcus Harness effort and a good defensive block on the line from the Sports defenders to grab a winner. But instead it was Sports who grabbed a late winner on the 90th minute. Will Norcross delivered a great corner in to Tom Burgin who headed it back across goal to find Trialist who headed it in to seal the victory for Sports.

This is of course only pre-season and results count for nothing at this stage but with two victories out of two with only one goal conceded to a League One side and with no real injury worries picked up in the last two games. McGrath can be pleased with how things are going as Sports prepare for a run of away pre-season matches starting on Tuesday night in Worksop as Sports visit Handsworth Parramore on Tuesday 17^th July with a 7:30pm KO.

Mickleover Sports vs Notts County

Written by Sam Goldsworthy

Mickleover Sports got their pre season off to a winning start as they took the victory in a game against a very young Notts County side. Tom Eccleshall, the 16 year old product of the Mickleover Juniors side scored the only goal in what was a typical first pre season game where the main focus for both sides was purely match fitness with John McGrath electing to field two different XI’s in each half. But a win is a win which will surely raise confidence ahead of the big test against Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion on Friday night.

The first half XI included new signings Nathan Jarman & Curtis Burrows and also consisted of returning players Lewis King, Harley Kozluk, Pablo Mills, Jack Walsh, John McGrath, Lewis Belgrave and Evan Garnett. Two Trialists’ were also included in the starting line up.

The first chance of the game went the way of Sports as Evan Garnett was played through but he snatched at his chance as his effort went wide of the mark. Only a few minutes later a mistake at the back from the visitors as the keeper played the ball straight back out to John McGrath but as McGraths effort was about to cross the line the keeper did well to make up for this error and got down well to push the ball away for a corner. The resulting corner was then floated in McGrath but Trialist smashed the ball well over the bar and out for a goal kick.

The next slice of action came half way through the first half as Lewis Belgrave tried a half volley from 25 yards out but could not get hold of it and sliced the shot wide. Then Garnett tired his luck again who caught the ball well but his strike went narrowly wide of the post. A couple of minutes later Harley Kozluk managed to drive well down the right hand side and made his way into the box. Kozluk managed to cut the ball back to Belgrave whose effort was straight into the arms of the County keeper.

The visitors then had their first real chance of the match just before the half hour mark as a golden chance from the visitors’ young striker went just wide of the mark. Sports then won a free kick on the edge of the Notts County penalty area. New signing Nathan Jarman stepped up and unleashed a ferocious effort past the wall which curved just wide of the right hand post for a goal kick. On the next Sports attack Kozluk played a very clever ball inside to Curtis Burrows whose shot went high over the bar. Sports would then have two final chances before the half time break, both coming from Evan Garnett. First Garnett received the ball on the edge of the box and worked himself a chance but the effort was dragged harmlessly into the keeper’s body and saved well. A similar scenario occurred a minute later when Garnett struck the ball from distance outside the area but same outcome the keeper managed to get down and save the shot. The final chance of the half went the way of the visitors with a few minutes to go as a good ball into the Sports penalty area found the County striker free inside the box but thankfully from a Sports point of view it went well wide of the goal.

The second half consisted of a new XI for Sports as new signing Niall Doran got his first run out in a Sports shirt, now sporting the brand new light blue away strip. There was four Trialists’ in this half with a some academy players in there too but familiar names to Sports fans were the likes of Kevin Grocott, Tom Burgin, Jake Scott, Tom Eccleshall, Jimmy Phillips, Will Norcross and Clinton Morrison.

It certainly didn’t take the second half team long to make an impact on the game, all of six minutes into the half and Sports had their first goal of pre season. It was young Tom Eccleshall at left back as he delivered a cross on the left hand side. The Notts County keeper managed to spill the ball in to the net as his near post and over the line for a rather bizarre first goal. The visitors then could have equalised instantly from kick off as a good quality free kick went narrowly over the bar.

Next a fantastic diving challenge from Eccleshall set Trialist who as he drove down the wing procured a great effort from the edge of the box but the County keeper did extremely well to get down and save it. It could easily have been 1-1 just after the hour mark as the County striker got a very lucky break but he fortunately couldn’t take his opportunity and only managed to hit the side netting from what was pretty much an open goal. A big let off for Sports but still they remained ahead. Niall Doran then showed how good he can be at taking set plays as a corner was delivered in very well only for Trialist to head over. Sports were pressing really well and they were rewarded when they won the ball back just inside the Notts area. Doran then turned well and had a strike on goal but again his effort was over the bar.

Then a moment for manager John McGrath to be proud of as his son, Jay, came on for the final 15 minutes, having been given special permission from Burton Albion Academy to get a run out in the game. Jay, who is only 15 years old, slotted into the left hand side of defence in place of goal scorer Eccleshall.

Notts County then had a chance just after the substitution as Trialist, the goalkeeper for Sports this half, makes a save with his face as the ball rebounded back to the striker he managed to somehow hit the bar from only a few yards out. Thankfully the effort was cleared away from danger and no harm was done but it was a real chance from County to grab a late equaliser.

The final chance of the game came four minutes before the end as Trialist playing up front for Sports got onto the end of a Kevin Grocott cross but the County keeper, who apart from his one mistake was having a great game, got down and saved superbly. That was the final effort of the game as a valuable 90 minutes for the whole side came to a conclusion. John McGrath would have been very happy with the first run out of pre season as all focus can now go onto the Burton Albion game on this coming Friday 13^th July with a 7pm Kick Off.