Reserves Report: South Normanton Athletic

by David Mackenzie, Reserves Manager

 A youthful team headed up the A38 for the season’s opener. As usual the pitch was in great condition which would suit our passing game. The average age was 17.7 years.

There were no surprises that South Normanton would be strong and try and put us under pressure however we settled well and the S. N. keeper made an excellent save to stop the first goal. Shortly afterwards Ben Lewin rattled the upright for the second time as we started to exert steady pressure on the S.N. defence.

A rash challenge on George Atwal ended with a skirmish in the middle of the field with several players involved. When the dust had settled South Normanton’s #9 got his marching orders on the advice of the nearside linesman.  Half time saw the teams go in level although we could say we were a bit unlucky.

The start of the second half saw a S.N. defender sin binned having observed verbally that the linesman was a lady’s front bottom.

During the sin bin time Mickleover took the lead with a crisp left foot drive from 18 yards by George Atwal who was imposing himself all over the pitch.

With S.N. restored to 10 Mickleover continued to press with both full backs wide and 3 attackers through the middle. Several opportunities were carved out but SN continued to hold firm until Fin Barker was fouled in the box and George Atwall struck home the resulting penalty with aplomb.

Fin Barker, Devon Smith and Jude Ayetine were causing all sorts of problems and from one such run Fin cut inside and a sweetly struck shot to the bottom corner gave the keeper no chance.

A fine performance with each player playing their part and young Ethan Mann and Will Robinson outstanding.

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