Match Information
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Mickleover 1-2 AFC Telford United
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When: Saturday 26th October 2024
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Kick-off: 3pm
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Where: Don Amott Arena, Station Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9FB
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Competition: The Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper
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Attendance: 351
I scanned the Isuzu FA Trophy schedule to find a game for my roaming reporter role with competition sponsors Isuzu.
This tie at Mickleover fitted the bill perfectly. I had ventured to the ground at Station Road before on Saturday 9th October 2004. The hosts were called Mickleover Sports FC in those days and they defeated Brodsworth Miners Welfare 2-0 (attendance 54) in a Northern Counties East League Premier Division encounter.
However the stadium was totally rebuilt in 2021 Covid lockdown when a 3G artificial playing surface was laid during £750,000 renovations. Of particular interest to me, the pitch footprint shifted 30 years closer to Station Road.
So in groundhopping terms, does it count as a new ground? Well I have revisited a couple of clubs in entirely similar circumstances.
Firstly at amalgamated Hayes & Yeading FC, I returned because the original Yeading FC venue was demolished and then reconstructed featuring the pitch being realigned 30 yards south and at a 30° angle.
Furthermore, I went back to Gloucester City FC after the pitch was moved considerably and also raised 11 feet higher to combat prior flooding problems.
Bearing these details in mind, I set off on the 260 mile round trip to Mickleover - a village of 18,000 residents based four miles west of Derby.
I duly met Isuzu cameraman Paul in the club car park where he was expertly flying a drone to secure aerial footage.
Once we entered the main gate, we were greeted by a witty announcement from ebullient public address man Roger Dale who uttered: “Ooh, the cameras are here. I should’ve done my hair!”
Ground Description
The excellent 280 seater grandstand is sandwiched between two covered terraced areas. There is more covered standing behind one goal.
I liked the numerous picture boards dotted around paying tribute to past legendary players of both Mickleover and Derby County. A pop-up Caribbean food stall did a roaring trade serving hungry supporters.
Incidentally, Derby County Women FC and Mickleover Athletic FC of the Central Midlands Alliance League groundshare at Don Amott Arena.
Programme Details
A nicely presented 37 page online production entitled ‘THE SPORTS REPORT’. Contents embraced the line-ups, Mickleover chairman Don Amott’s welcome, sponsorship & supporters’ lottery details, AFC Telford United history & players’ bios, a match report, fixtures & statistics, league table, Mickleover players’ profiles, reserve team round-up and ground regulations.
I subsequently printed out the programme for my extensive collection of football memorabilia.
The Match
On a mild autumnal afternoon, respective rankings reflected 15th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division entertaining 8th in the Southern League Premier Central.
Therefore an all-Step 3 clash providing a conundrum for anyone holding knowledge of football betting and live betting stakes.
Roared on by their large and noisy away fans banging a drum, Telford shaded matters thanks to two goals via Ricardo Dinanga (17, 70 minutes).
The marksman for Mickleover was Charlie Hickingbottom six minutes beyond half-time.
The People
Mickleover’s enthusiastic head of social media Sam Goldsworthy attentively aided our filming needs and he is one of Non-League football’s great volunteers.
Sam told me: “I had previously been media officer at Mickleover in 2018/19 and re-joined the club this year. I am assisting the set-up of a new media team which is full of current football journalism students at the University of Derby.
“My primary task is running social media pages throughout the week and across matchdays. I also conduct post-match manager interviews. I am essentially the middle man that links the social media output with the photographer, the videographer and the match reporter making sure all bases are covered. I ultimately supply feedback to our head of media who in turn takes it to Mickleover monthly club board meetings.
“I enjoy playing my part in helping a Non-League football outfit. It gives fascinating insight into things operating a daily basis. You become very much attached to the people you work alongside too.
“I love Non-League football in general. Unlike the top level, it is real and genuine. The players aren’t doing it for the money but they are involved purely for the love of the game. Supporters are made to feel included within our club community rather than just a customer number. Mickleover chairman Don Amott normally says it is how football used to be and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Tony Incenzo*
