Spartans travel to Mickleover tomorrow on the hunt for a third league win in a row, for the first time since February 2023.
Mickleover has been the site of some famous Spartans victories within the last decade, including a 7-1 thrashing in January 2017 under Alun Armstrong during the title winning season. That is prob trumped by Jarrett Rivers’ late winner in 2014 though, as Tom Wade’s side secured victory in the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Now just known as Mickleover rather than Mickleover Sports, the Derbyshire based side have spent a few seasons amongst the middle of the NPL’s top flight, before being shifted over to the new Southern Premier Central League. They came close in the play offs in both seasons in the SPCL, with a points deduction costing them a spot in the play offs last season before they were moved back to the NPL this summer.
The hosts main threat these days is forward Dylan Edwards, who’s a natural finisher and rather pacey. Signed from Loughborough University this summer were he’d become the teams leading scorer over the last 3 seasons, Dylan is Mickleover’s top scorer at present.
Right Winger Andy Dayle’s has been on top form this season as well, bagging 4 goals for himself from the wing. A former Scunthorpe United player and veteran of the V9 academy alongside Dan Maguire, Dayle’s is a key member of Mickleover’s side and part of the academy coaching set up.
Young midfielder Charlie Hickingbottom who’s on loan from Barnsley should be one to watch. The playmaker has featured in every game of the season for Mickleover so far. Goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin will be a tricky to beat as well. He’s kept 4 clean sheets so far this season, and is a well established and accomplished player.
While Gardiner may be due a fitness test, it would be difficult to drop young Dan Savage after his brace on Wednesday evening. Centre Back Greg Halford is due a fitness test, while Joe Oliver is likely set to miss the game.
With Lucas Reed finally registered, he may be in for a competitive debut at long last. Had word on Marcello Benedetti who’s been absent in recent weeks. Ryan Donaldson and Isiah Cornet would also appear to be missing tomorrow as well. Max Storey will of course be out for a while yet of course.
If Gardiner and Halford are fit for tomorrow, chances are they’ll likely start from bench and be drafted into the team later as the game – as Stockdale won’t likely want to disturb a winning side.
The Clubhouse at Mickleover is open from Midday. From memory it’s not the biggest, but they’ve certainly always been very welcoming in the past. They apparently have a decent range of lagers on as well, so you probably can’t go wrong there.
Just down the road you’ll find The Great Northern. About a 5 minute walk away, it looks like a bit of a sun trap that has some canny scran and the usual collection of lagers, ales and ciders etc.
It appears to be a case of pay on the door tomorrow. No mention of cash only, we’d assume card is accepted. Admission prices can be found below.
Adult – £13
Senior (Over 65) – £9
12-16 + Student – £8
U12 with a paying Adult – £8
No bus on tomorrow sadly, but if you’re driving town tomorrow note the Tyne Tunnel is still down to one lane. You’ll also find some traffic on the A1 near just past Leeds due to some roadworks.
Tomorrow’s referee is a Mr Jamie Conde. Little can be found about him, but the Staffordshire based ref did cause outrage during a game between Bromsgrove Sporting and Hitchin Town a few years ago – so clearly he’s got a dodgy card in him now and then.
Mickleover are favourites tomorrow according to the bookies, with the hosts being odds on to get the 3 points. If Stockdale and can carry Wednesday’s form into the game, there’s some money to be made!
A close fought game is expected tomorrow, so a 1-0/2-1 win would be a decent bet.
Safe travels to everyone travelling down tomorrow!
#HowayBlyth