MARATHON

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 1 DERBY SINGH BROTHERS 0

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

7 MAY 2024 --- 7.45PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V DERBY SINGH BROTHERS

Cory Burton struck the only goal of this entertaining game against a strong Derby Singh Brothers but this match and the recent ones was about so much more and the commitment of clubs, players and officials.

So Tuesday night or Thursday night for that matter and it must be Mansfield Hosiery Mills right?  I have more or less moved to the Huthwaite Sutton border, mind you don't tell anybody I was there early because I've been sleeping over in the groundsmans unit.

The night started with the usual pleasant greetings here, however Ted had not made the game tonight and would not accompany Dawn at the 'gate' thankfully he does seem to be improving on his doggy vitamins.

Where's the headline come into the blog?  Well lets get it in early on.  After a season of mass call offs from the constant rain the business end of the season has meant an extension to many leagues and a collection of games featuring very little recovery time before the next fixture.

Some clubs have switched fixtures and rented out 3g facilities to try to clear some of the back log while others do not have the finances to do this, some clubs are struggling to raise a team for a match.  Lets though briefly look at Mills, and without a pie chart, they have from mid April up to and including tonight's game played out 8 games in 22 days and if their season runs out to plan will have made it 12 in 32.  On the games I have seen a full compliment of 17 players yes they have been affected by injury, holidays, work etc. but when you hear Premiership clubs moaning about games just take a look here a side like most non league clubs at this level that has to manoeuvre around players jobs as wwll as all the other pointers listed.

So a big round of applause to Mills manager Mark Turner and Paul Hutchinson his assistant, alongside players and club officials for their tremendous effort here in getting games on without calling them off.  Oh yes and don't forget the, even though small, contingent of fans who have also turned up consistently for end of season games at The Fieldings.

Marathon not a sprint.

CORY BURTON SCORER OF THE WINNING GOAL

It was a nice sunny spring evening that would allow a few more photo's and onwards to the game against a Derby Singh Brothers team who had looked like challenging at the top until the constant rain postponements frustrated them but even with that in mind they have put up a good challenge to all the sides they have met this season.

For Mansfield centre forward Matt Fowler who made the step back through the lines to keeper last Saturday at Arnold and he will continue in that roll tonight, although I'm led to believe that was his favoured jersey a few years ago he certainly didn't look out of place tonight.

CORY BURTON LOOKS TO OUTPACE JAGJEET DHILLON

The first half produced an evenly balanced affair with little in the way of chances although Mills got into some good edge of the box positions their efforts were often blocked out by a resolute Derby defence.  That defence was also adopting a patient build up in forming any move forward as the home side often thwarted them early there was a predictable 0-0 scoreline at the break.  Of note in the build ups and his increasingly resolute defending as the game wore on was Singh Brothers Jagjeet Dhillon.

JARVIS DENHAM SINGH BROTHERS NUMBER ONE

The second half produced a few more chances and remained an enthralling game to watch but it was capped off by an excellent winning goal just past the hour mark.  Picking up a visitors clearance on the half way line Stef Brown controlled the ball before hitting a defence splitting pass that found Burton just inside the left edge of the penalty box visiting keeper Jarvis Denham looked to close the Mills frontman down but he sidestepped him before firing past the defender on the line from 14 yards.  A cracking goal with a lovely pass setting it all up.

Around this Denham had made a superb save to deny Mills and on the other side with 15 minutes remaining Singh Brothers generated some lovely attacking inter play that set up Lee Williamson but with Fowler to beat he fired over.

By the time referee Dave March, a Sheffield based official, who it was a change to see as he normally is appointed to premier north games blew the final whistle Mills had survived the late possession pressure from the visitors and an entertaining watch had concluded with three points as Mansfield look to continue to secure a mid table position.

LETS DANCE

Next game up is just two days away and its the return twins derby as Mills visit South Normanton Athletic who were held to a draw a few weeks back at The Fieldings.  I'm sure The Shiners and Dave Turner will be up for it as they battle on to secure second place.  Hopefully it will be as intriguing as the first fixture but just getting through these games is a major plus for clubs of Mills resources.

NAIL BITING TIMES FOR THE MILLS BENCH

REFEREE DAVE MARCH DISCUSSES THE BENFITS OF PINK WITH MATT FOWLER

MILLS NUMBER ONE MATT FOWLER 

CHAMPIONS ELECT

MICKLEOVER ATHLETIC 2 HOLBROOK SPORTS 3

CMA 1 WEST AT THE DON AMOTT ARENA 

4 MAY 2024 --- 3PM

MICKLEOVER ATHLETIC V HOLBROOK SPORTS

Holbrook Sports although remaining in second place took a massive step to The CMA Division One West title thanks to a hat trick from Ewan Barnes who provided the sharp finishing that alluded Mickleover in a game where they probably created the most chances.

Going into the game Mickleover sat top but with Sports games in hand they really had to secure a victory to potentially upset the apple cart and with some potentially easier match in the games in hand you still had to favour the Shaw Lane club. 

FIRST MINUTE PENALTY APPEAL

Having watched Athletics game at Kilburn last week there was no time like the present to make a return visit to The Don Amott Arena, it would be around ten years since my last visit which had featured a few games around a couple of close years.  Since Mr Amott has got involved bringing with him his experience from Derby County and Derbyshire County Cricket Club Mickleover Fc  are now riding high in The Southern League structure.  But also noticeable is the superb upgrade at the ground with new 3g, floodlights and hospitality alongside a smart upgrade to the stands.  Equally impressive is the inward and outward facing advertising boards and tribute displays to local sporting heroes and the England World Cup Winning Squad.  Overall a really smart ground.

EWAN BARNES OPENS THE SCORING

Our visit today though was for Athletic v Sports which would attract a healthy crowd for this level and it certainly appeared to be around the three figure mark on a bright and warm afternoon.

Having had a couple of walks around with an hour to spare the teams were obtained and admission paid before deciding on a tour around for each half too, something that doesn't always work and although there's a few good pictures today I do wonder if stopping in the same position is best.

CLOSE ACTION

The first half was one of the best of the season and although at the interval Sports led 2-1 as a neutral you had to feel sorry for Athletic for all their possession and missed chances they would have felt deflated.

Here goes and hopefully I can keep the chances report brief.

Mickleover started of with apace and determination that threatened Holbrook and as early as the first minute Jamie Laird looked to have been bundled over in the box but referee Dave Viles waved away their appeals. Having little time to recover Sports turned that incident on its head when Barnes [E] secured his first when he converted in front of goal from a ball off the right to settle the visitors.

The home side were straight back at the game with Laird forcing Max Knutton into a save from his 20 yard strike.  There was further disbelief when Cole Hassell headed back for Harry Foxton who from close in headed straight into Knutton's arms.  On the quarter of an hour mark still Athletic could not find the net Lewis Bagshaw headed back across the line and agonisingly Hassell somehow could not find the touch on the goal line. 

DISBELIEF

As an attacking force it was all Mickleover and when presented with a tempting free kick position Piers Thompson found the Sports wall.  On 27minutes Mickleover broke through into the box but strangely referee Viles pulled play back for a hand ball in Mickleover's favour but completely denying the position they were in, something that so exasperated manager Ash Smith that he was cautioned.

Mickleover then had what looked a good shout for a penalty from a handball turned down.

Then came the sucker punch and a further lesson in finishing when the home side failed to clear their box the ball found Barnes [E] who from 18 yards drove home a sweet low drive into the bottom left hand corner to double Sports lead.

Referee Viles was clearly not in the mood for awarding penalties when he turned down the visitors shouts for a one shortly afterwards.

Thankfully for the sake of the game just before the break Athletic pulled a goal a ball to the back post saw Bagashaw create a shot from height keeper Knutton parried and Hassell was on hand to tap home, 1-2.

ATHLETIC MANAGER ASH SMITH QUESTIONS REFEREE VILES

Sports sharp finishing had been the difference because on chances the home side could have won three games never mind this one but Ewan Barnes was proving the difference and so it would continue in the second half.

Mickleover showed further intent with two half time substitutions and their need to secure maximum points came to the fore even more urgently.   

2-0 TO EWAN BARNES

But disaster struck just two minutes into the half with the home defence hesitating on a potential offside and when they all looked back at play it was the one thing you did not want to see, yes Barnes [E] firing home again from the edge of the box with a sense of confidence that belies his age.

This blow visibly deflated Mickleover and the second period struggled to match up to the first half as the home side could not get up that head of steam required and Holbrook could now control the game.

SECOND GOAL CELEBRATIONS

The home side saw Hassell edge the ball just wide before pulling back a late goal on 87 minutes when Laird lobbed a hesitant Knutton in the visitors goal.  

Much as this ought to have given Mickleover impetus it did not as the visitors game management wound down the time in possession and they even managed to hit the post in the final minute thanks to Archie Meyer. 

BUILD UP TO ATHLETICS OPENER

On the final whistle the shouts of joy from Holbrook team and deflation on the faces of the Mickleover players signified the importance of this result.  But there was also nice respect shown between the two players from an entertaining game which ended up being a little harsh on chances created to Mickleover who had received a lesson in finishing that propelled Sports towards the title.

ITS THE EYES HAVE IT

An entertaining visit from an enjoyable afternoon on Station Road and great to revisit this smart little ground.  Just over a couple of weeks to go to the end of the season now and hopefully I can make a long awaited re visit to Shaw Lane to see how one of Sports closing fixtures goes.

Well done to both sides again.

AFTER MATCH CONGRATULATIONS

RESPECT

A HAPPY EWAN BARNES

CLASSY CROSBY

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 3 MAYFIELD 1

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

2 MAY 2024 --- 7.45PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V MAYFIELD

Luke Crosby hit a brace to put Mansfield Hosiery Mills on the pathway to three points against visitors Mayfield by 3 goal to one and provide a much needed confidence booster after Tuesday heavy loss to Mickleover RBL.

TED POPS OUT FROM UNDER THE BLANKET FOR A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Strangely visits to The Fieldings are edging the most visited ground table this season and I think the selling point is the friendly welcome and although, unfortunately, they are not getting great home crowds in terms of number the regulars and club officials are their selling point.  On the pitch its always hard but there is a collection of players here who give it 100% and a manager in Mark Turner who continues to get out a full squad for match day even under the pressures of four games in eight days at the end of this disrupted season. 

REFEREE DAVID HUNT POINTS FOR A GOAL KICK AND TURNS AWAY

Ted was back on the gate but still suffering from his leg injury and appearing very quiet and under the weather he was perched on a seat with coat on and a warm blanket while Dawn greeted all visitors and a couple hopping in from Sheffield who were of course offered a warm Mills welcome.

From the blogs point of view it was nice to receive further welcomes from Manager Mark and assistant Paul Hutchinson.  Also good to catch up again with Mills and Stags fan Dave White again.  The further interest was to catch up with referee David Hunt who following his relinquishment of his assistant referee Football League status I had only seen him on Sunday league games, so tonight would be interesting to watch his unique style in The CMA.  Once again it was great to have few minutes catch up with him before the game.

SERIOUS POSE FROM REFEREE HUNT

A little bit lighter than Tuesday and the chance to get a few more pictures although the light was still disappearing as we approached half time.

The action then and Matt Fowler tested visiting keeper Scott Lyon and then William Harrison cleared off the line to deny Mansfield.  A frantic start with the ball impersonating a red hot potato had failed to produce a goal for the home side and the inevitable happened when Mayfield took the lead from the penalty spot when Harrison converted with confidence after 23 minutes.

A minute later Crosby produced another one of those wonder goals he's becoming noted for when he smashed in a glorious effort into the top right hand corner from the edge of the box.

We went into the break with the game all square there had been some agricultural stuff and the home side were clearly relying heavily on the long ball forward quick and fast which to me often adds to the excitement, on the other side the grass was slightly long and the ball bobbling all over the place so it was probably the correct policy.

LYON HALTS MILLS EFFORT

Confectionary break over and we were ready for a prompt restart as was Crosby.

The Mills number 17 is a big chap but the partnership with Fowler this season has been one of the highlights with his hold up play and Fowlers pace adding the threat to the Mills attack that had been missing for much of the season.  Anyway for now Crosby picked up the ball on the edge of the box weaved his way past two Mayfield defenders and finished superbly past Lyon between the sticks.

The game was still not concluded as the last twenty minutes saw Mayfield play some nice football on the floor and going close on a few occasions including on 73 minutes when Tom Wain tested home keeper Tom Maxwell who was equal to the threat.  

In the closing stages Mills came back into the reckoning of settling the game when Jacob Robins tested Lyon.  But it was the ninetieth minute before they could relax when an audacious strike of the far right 30 yards out from Elliot Nunn beat Lyon all ends up to make it 3-1.

MAXWELL DOES ENOUGH TO DENY MAYFIELD

Lets be fair this wasn't pretty with lots of misplaced passes, as previously mentioned on an uneven pitch and a long drawn out season.  But it definitely was 100% effort from both squads on the night as Mayfield battle away to avoid the 'playing' bottom spot even though Nottingham have withdrawn and will be at the foot of the table.  But its an admirable effort they are putting in.  Last time I caught up with them was at Tibshelf in their MRA days but their move to the CMA has brought them to new venues and they must be applauded for the positive way their efforts came across tonight.

CROSBY CONGRATULATED ON HIS FIRST GOAL

OUCH

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 1 MICKLEOVER RBL 6

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

30 APRIL 2024 --- 7.45PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V MICKLEOVER RBL MILLS MANAGEMENT

Can the season come to end quick enough for some clubs after this extended weather affected campaign?  Mansfield Hosiery Mills must be pitting themselves in this category with a selection of players unavailable they went down to a heavy home defeat to in fairness one of the better sides in Mickleover RBL who took advantage of some poor defending. 

As ever night games add a challenge to the photos and there are just a few and a brief overview of the night here.  An early arrival was met by the usual friendly greeting with time to catch up with a collection of people and players during the evening.  After picking up a couple of pieces of confectionery for the trip to the far side where photos looked better, they weren't, we were underway with referee Gary Slater getting proceedings going.

Visiting striker Mason Booth-Davis was clearly the threat and Ryan Barson had to be on his mettle to save from his one on one but the dam was breached when confusion at the back post allowed the frontman to open his and RBL's account.

On the stroke of half time he doubled the advantage when Barson came out and missed his kick for a bouncing ball and it was 2-0 as the players went in for the team talks.

The second period saw the onslaught continue as Jordan Lee crossed to find Josh Lee who unmarked slotted home.

There was a brief hope for Mills as Joe Kirk pulled one back from the spot on 57 minutes.

Normal service was resumed five minutes later when Booth-Davis was fouled wide on the left and the cross from Jordan Lee was met by a powerful header from Connor Livingstone.

Goal number five followed two minutes later when Booth-Davis headed in to complete his hat-trick and Mills were now desperate for a damage limitation policy.

The flow was stopped until nine minutes from time when Jordan Lee headed in to complete a low night for Mansfield.

Mills competed fairly well but made some defensive mistakes that were punished by a superior, on the night, Mickleover side who more than deserved their tally.  For the home side the games come thick and fast with Thursday night seeing the visit of Mayfield which will further stretch demands on the club and non league players at this level.

There was an attempt to interview Kenny, see below, who was non to impressed all he could say was some players would be "in the dog house" and overall he thought the Mills performance was "ruff".   

KENNY NOT IMPRESSED WITH MILLS

TOP OF THE TABLE THRILLER

KILBURN 2 MICKLEOVER ATHLETIC 2

CMA 1 WEST AT CHAPEL ST

27 APRIL 2024 --- 3PM

KILBURN V MICKLEOVER ATHLETIC

Ten men Kilburn twice came from behind to secure a draw in this thrilling top of the table clash with Ben Hilton notching both goals against leaders Mickleover Athletic.  The visitors had twice taken the lead but did not count on resilience of Kilburn who even found the winner after Daniel O'Donnell had received a red card.

SAM PIPES SHIELDS THE BALL

The threat of rain was in the forecasters minds but with the light variety possible after this season a big call was made to go for a game on the real turf for a change and this intriguing clash, second v first, had been on the radar all week.  It would be a return to Kilburn after around ten years since the last trip and pre match research showed that the chippy had closed about three years ago, a shame as Kilburn is a village that looks pretty much out on its own and you would have assumed would have supported it.

No Coop to tick off however their is a fantastic shop, 'Metro' from what I can see is part of the Nisa system which although the shops are independent is owned by the Coop, so I'm counting it.

Pasty and a walk around the estate opposite would allow a look around the sleepy village before returning to Chapel Street for the narrow cut down between the terraced houses to the welfare car park and ground.

THE EYES HAVE IT

With the Welfare to the left the ground is straight ahead enclosed in by the changing room block and two turnstiles which for today of which one is opened up but with their windows boarded up I'm not sure if they ever operated.

The changing room block has a small enclosure at the front for protection and to the right two dugouts, most of the boundary of this three sided ground is railed and with some paving slabs still visible for the spectator to view from.  Much of the corrugated boundary was reminiscent of Teversal and although the ground as seen newer days its the sort of ground that the seasoned hopper loves.

A friendly welcome from Ryan Smith and Andy Bonser, the latter who had got back to my enquiry quickly in the morning further convincing me to take this game in.  A brief hi with the Athletic manager and a catch up with referee Jason Glanville who was a late week change for this fixture and with thanks a quick picture of the teams and we were ready to get underway.

TOM KENT HEADS CLEAR

Kilburn looked resplendent in their striking all red kit and with Mickleover having the same colour kit their away kit is mainly black which they used but thankfully the club had arranged with the referee to appear in what looked like an ex Premier league green kit to avoid any clash

THE MANAGEMENT FOR KILBURN ANDY BONSER AND RYAN SMITH

First action came in the third minute and the visitors went close when a long throw from Callum Horton was flicked on only for it to come back off the crossbar.  Kilburn were more than competing but it looked like Athletic were getting the openings of which the best fell to Cole Hassell who missed connecting with his side foot effort with the goal open after a corner off the right from Sam Groves, 22 minutes.

Just shy of the half hour mark it was the visitors who took the lead a long ball through the middle saw saw Jamie Laird run onto it and fire past the advancing Kilburn keeper Sam Linford.  You feared this may dent the efforts of Kilburn but nothing was further from the truth as they battled on from this blow eventually levelling.  A long clearance down the inside left saw visiting keeper Josh Clapp fly to 30 yards out to make the clearance and whether due to the infamous 'Kilburn bobble' or not miss his kick allowing Hilton to guide home his first after 32 minutes.

JAMIE LAIRD OPENS THE SCORING

But with just five minutes further on the clock Kilburn's enthusiasm was dented when Sam Pipes was adjudged to have impeded a Mickleover player in the box and Michael Tristram stepped up to despatch the spot kick into the bottom left hand corner.

Before the break Hilton went close with a mid air flick with the side of his boot that that was saved by Clapp before at the other end Linford proved his worth with a vital save from Hassell.

LAIRD STARTS THE CELEBRATIONS

Half time had brought Mickleover in with the upper hand and for Kilburn the importance of not conceding again in the second half would prove vital as you could see the visitors then taking full advantage.  But the home side came out with a real gusto and took the attack to Athletic as it became a game of attack from the home side and counter attack from the visitors.

FLYING TACKLE

Much as Kilburn were building up a constant head of steam in their search for an equaliser move after move appeared to be falling down as the last pass could not break down the visitors defence and when they picked up possession they attacked with pace that threatened a further increase in their tally.

SOLOMAN MILES ON THE BALL

End to end was definitely the order of the day but it looked bleak on 75 minutes when the home sides number were reduced when O'Donnell was shown a red card for a high challenge and you feared this may lead to an end of the Kilburn chances but it seemed to galvanise them and deservedly they equalised just three minutes later.

1-1 AS HILTON RACES ON TO SCORE

Josh Jennison worked hard in the left hand side of the penalty to box to get in a cross that found Hilton at the back angle he quickly pulled the ball back central and fired past the stranded Mickleover defence to create joyful scenes as the scores were levelled.

HALF TIME ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR ATHLETIC

For a brief spell Kilburn took the pace out of the game but then realised they could win this and in the closing stages went so close with Soloman Miles firing just over from a Jennison assist and Hilton went close too with a 25 yard free kick that Clapp got down to save superbly at his post.

Clapp's early disappointment at the way the first goal was conceded with his side getting his head back on the game and encouraging him was more than matched by this previous save and then another one with two minutes to go that kept Micklover in the game.  It was from a Hilton cross off the right and Jennison whose shot was superbly blocked by the Athletic number one.

HILTON HOLDS OFF THE CHALLENGE

Breathless finish to a highly entertaining game for the small gathered crowd and a result that keeps both sides in the hunt for the league title. Thanks to both teams for a great game.

With third placed club Holbrook Sports securing a 1-0 win against Heanor Town Res its a three way battle and the remaining weeks.

In midweek Kilburn travel to Mickleover for an enthralling re-match although all three clubs meet one another and have some tough games for what will be an exciting run out and of the seven CMA leagues now has the most exciting finish to proceedings.

Own up time there was a cheeky re visit to the metro for a pastry before returning to base from a very enjoyable afternoon hopefully a return quicker than last time will be on the cards, can somebody open a chippy for next time?

As per normal recently more pictures than waffle to go around them and I couldn't leave them out so hopefully you will enjoy a scroll through the action shots.

PIPES UNDER CHALLENGE

RED FOR DANIEL O DONNELL FROM REFEREE JASON GLANVILLE

BEN JENNISON SETS UP THE EQUALISER

HILTON FIRES HOME HIS AND KILBURNS SECOND

2-2

HILTON AND JENNISON CELEBRATE WITH MILES, JACK ARCHER AND JASON BARRATT