On a warm and overcast afternoon, Wirksworth Ivanhoe FC hosted Mickleover FC in a Central Midlands Alliance league clash that tested the visitors’ resolve. Mickleover, fresh from no midweek fixture started the game brightly, controlling possession, with some slick link-up play between Luke Thompson and Josh Carter leading to an early foul on Thompson.
Unfortunately, their momentum was cut short in the 8th minute when a well worked short corner by Wirksworth was smashed home to make it 1-0.
Mickleover tried to respond quickly, Brad Brittan picked up the ball from deep, charged down the wing, and found Mikey Mandimitsura in a promising position, only for the move to be halted by a questionable offside call.
Despite their efforts, Mickleover struggled to penetrate Ivanhoe’s defence. A great strike by Mandimitsura just over the bar looked like Mickleover might claw their way back, but disaster struck in the 25th minute.
After an Ivanhoe attack the ball was bundled into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. As the half wore on, Mickleover found themselves under sustained pressure, defending several corners. Josh Maher was again called into action with a fantastic save right on the stroke of half-time after a defensive error almost gifted Ivanhoe a third.
As the second half got underway the sun broke through the clouds and Mickleover came out looking more energetic. Within minutes, their positive play paid off, with a brilliant move involving Thompson and Mandimitsura seeing Josh Carter slot the ball home in the 49th minute, giving Mickleover hope at 2-1.
They immediately gained more and more control of the game, however, a poor sequence of defending allowed Wirksworth to restore their two-goal lead shortly after, making it 3-1 and stifling Mickleover’s momentum.
The introduction of Lord for Konane at the 60-minute mark brought fresh legs but little change in fortunes. As the game wore on, Mickleover battled hard, with Brittan picking up a yellow card for a late challenge.
Wirksworth, meanwhile, expertly disrupted Mickleover’s rhythm, breaking up play and utilising their physicality advantage.
Late in the game, a dubious free-kick decision in Ivanhoe’s favour nearly caused tempers to boil over, but Mickleover managed to keep their composure. Their best chance to get back into the game came from a superb free-kick by Josh Carter, which rattled the crossbar in the dying moments of the match.
Despite Mickleover’s efforts, Ivanhoe’s defence held firm. Mickleover made a number of substitutions but couldn’t turn the tide. An excellent overhead clearance off the line by Cholerton typified Mickleover’s late and continued efforts, but ultimately, the score remained 3-1.
The final Score: Ivanhoe FC 3-1 Mickleover FC Mickleover will leave Wirksworth frustrated, having struggled to play their usual passing game. Despite their best efforts in the second half, Ivanhoe’s disciplined defence and opportunistic finishing secured the win.