Matlock Town host fellow Derbyshire rivals Mickleover Sports at the Proctor Cars Stadium in the Northern Premier League this Saturday afternoon.
Matlock’s bright start to the season has hit a wobble after three successive defeats and will be desperate to put an end to that losing run against Mickleover Sports who are flying high in second position in the league.
There will be a minute’s silence before the start of the game in tribute to Matlock Town’s record appearance maker and former manager, Mick Fenoughty, who very sadly passed away recently at the age of 72.
The Opposition
Mickleover Sports are in good form coming into this clash with only one defeat in their last six league games and currently sit in second place in the Northern Premier League. In their most recent game, Mickleover drew 1-1 at home against Morpeth Town whereas in their last away trip they defeated Hyde United 3-2 thanks to goals from Lee Hughes, Nathan Modest and Stuart Beavon.
Mickleover’s manager is John McGrath. McGrath started his playing career at Aston Villa and went on to spend six seasons at Burton Albion. The Irishman played for Alfreton Town in the 2013-14 season making 26 appearances and scoring one goal. He also made five appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21 team.
One to Watch
Experienced defender Pablo Mills may well be a recognisable face for Gladiators fans this Saturday. Mills started his career at Derby County making 57 appearances for the club. In 2006, he joined Rotherham United and spent four seasons at the South Yorkshire outfit.
Mills went on to play for Crawley Town and played a major role in the team that won the Conference league title in 2011 securing promotion to the Football League. He was also named in the Conference Team of the Year in that 2010-2011 season.
Mills joined Mickleover Sports in 2016. The Sports star-man also has international experience representing England at U16, U18 and U19 level.
Team News
Dan Bramall will be available for selection once again after serving his three match ban for the straight red card he received in the 1-1 draw against Atherton Collieries. This will be Piteu Crouz’s last available match for selection before he has to serve a three match ban for the straight red card he received in Matlock’s 2-1 home defeat to Scarborough Athletic.
Jack Rea may well be a doubt for Saturday’s match after he was substituted in the first half of Matlock’s most recent game due to a groin strain.
Previous Encounter
Matlock Town’s most recent match against Mickleover Sports was on March 23rd last season at the Proctor Cars Stadium in the Northern Premier League.
Jonny Margetts gave the Gladiators the lead with a fantastic strike in the 70th minute before Mickleover almost instantly equalised with a goal from Mason Warren and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
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