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