by Gareth Holmes (Images courtesy of Retford FC taken by Jon Knight)

It was an excellent day for football as Mickleover FC travelled to take on Retford FC on a superb playing surface. Fresh from their successful promotion campaign last season, Retford arrived full of confidence, having already tested themselves against the likes of Worksop Town and Heanor Town during pre-season. The contest promised to be a strong examination for both sides, and it certainly delivered.

Starting line-up: Aaron Chapman; George Wilkinson; Sam Sanders; Hamza Bencherif; Callum Minkley; Will Atkinson; Josh Ashman; Kane Richards; Jude Taylor; Andy Dales; Manni Norkett.

Second half subs: Jack McDowell; Liam Carter; Dwayne Wiley; Archie White; Trialist A, Cieron Keane; Theo Rowe; Tyrell Waite; Trialist B; Josh Carter.

The opening exchanges were competitive, with neither team willing to give an inch as they battled to earn the right to play. Both sides approached the game with intensity and purpose, making for an entertaining start.

After 10 to 15 minutes, Mickleover began to find their rhythm. Dales, Taylor and Norkett looked particularly dangerous in attacking areas, combining well and causing problems for the Retford back line. A composed piece of play from Atkinson released Dales down the left flank, and after cutting inside onto his right foot, he produced the first meaningful effort of the game, forcing a smart save from the Retford goalkeeper.

Despite Mickleover’s growing influence, it was Retford who struck first. A ball played over the top was chased aggressively by Nsiah, whose determination and bravery drew a foul on the edge of the Mickleover penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, Retford produced a moment of real quality, expertly curling the ball into the goalkeeper’s top-right corner to take an early lead. 0-1.

Mickleover’s response was immediate and impressive. A corner delivered from the right-hand side caused problems in the Retford box, and after Mickleover won the initial contact, Taylor reacted quickest to produce an outstanding overhead kick which flew into the bottom-right corner. It was a goal worthy of any occasion and brought Mickleover level. 1-1.

The equaliser injected confidence into the visitors, who began to control the game with greater authority. Dales continued to be a constant threat down the left-wing, using his pace and trickery to repeatedly get the better of his marker. One such run resulted in a superb low cross into the six-yard area, where Richards arrived perfectly to convert and score his second goal of pre-season, giving Mickleover a deserved 2-1 lead.

With several new faces within the squad, pre-season provides an important opportunity for players to develop relationships and understanding on the pitch. It was therefore particularly pleasing to see Mickleover’s work rate, togetherness and team spirit on display throughout the first half. At the back, Bencherif and Callum Minkley provided a commanding presence, helping to establish a solid defensive foundation from which the team could build.
Mickleover went into the break leading 2-1.

Mickleover started the second half exactly as they had finished the first, continuing to work hard, play with purpose and look forward whenever opportunities arose. As is often the case in pre-season, several changes were made at the interval, with Wiley, Keane and Rowe among those introduced, but the intensity and commitment remained unchanged as players looked to make their mark.

The game was effectively put beyond doubt after 75 minutes. Rowe picked up possession, drove infield and unleashed a superb strike from distance that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance, extending Mickleover’s lead to 3-1.

With confidence flowing, Mickleover continued to pose a threat in attacking areas, particularly through their pace out wide. In the 81st minute, Trialist B played an excellent pass to release Josh Carter, who sprinted clear before calmly slotting the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-1 and cap off an impressive performance.

Speaking after the game, Sports gaffer Gareth Holmes said:

Thank you to Retford FC for hosting the game. Today’s been an excellent test for the group and a chance for players to get to know each other a little bit more on the field.

I thought we looked more cohesive than we did on Tuesday night. The balance of the team looked good and it was a good step forward. It’s always nice to win because winning breeds confidence, but the most pleasing thing today was the performance.

There’s still an awful lot of things that we want to work on, but the players did well and implemented the things we had spoken about on Thursday in training. Thanks again to Retford FC and we would like to wish them all the very best for the coming season.

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