by Dave Mackenzie, Reserves Manager
On an evening that was calm and warm, Mickleover F C Reserves faced up to Ashland Rovers from the far county called Nottingham.
After a tough game at Arnold we were prepared with another tough match. Ashland didn’t disappoint as they took the game to Mickleover.
Having sustained some pressure, the tide turned with some quality passing and movement. Mickleover not only took the lead but extended it giving a 4-0 lead at the turn.
Ayetine turned in a great left side move then Ben Horleston nipped in at the front post for another added to a Fin Barker strike, plus a 30 yarder from young Aaron Hayer, which nearly took the keeper and net into the lane behind.
With a 4-0 lead you would think it easy street – nope! A missed header and a bad pass allowed a chance for Ashland which hit the post and bounced kindly into the welcoming arms of Fin Bowen.
That was really their last chance as Mickleover upped their game and Fin Barker ran rampant. He added another four while Devon Smith (such a hard worker), got in on the act and with a thunderous strike, and Ethan Mann rounded things off. 11 was good but Ashland were a very good opponent and never stopped working.
These players should be given great credit for hitting the 100 goals but also being the best team defensively in the league.