KICKOFF COUNTDOWN
A Good Friday fixture under the lights for the Blues this Bank Holiday Weekend as we head across the border into Derbyshire for the trip to Mickleover. The Sports were officially relegated after the weekend results where they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hebburn Town.

Conversely the Blues crept one step closer to confirming safety and consolidation in the NPL Premier Division, with a 1-0 win against Workington where a Taylor Bowen header after just 2 minutes was enough to clinch all 3 points.

There will still be plenty to play for in the first instalment of this bank holiday double header. The Blues will be playing to consolidate their league position and Mickleover will be looking to start to build again for next season.

The True Blue Army will assemble at?
A short 45 minute trip for travelling Blues fans. Heading up the A523 through Waterhouses and into Ashbourne before joining the A52, Ashbourne Road. Sticking on the A52 into Kirk Langley before taking the B5020 Moor Lane, through Langley Common and into Mickleover.

We will be wearing BLUE

How much to get in?

Adult - £13.00
Concession - £9.00
12-16 yrs - £3.00
Under 12s (With Adult) – FREE

The Opposition?

Mickleover Sports FC – The Sports
Founded – 1948
Manager – Gareth Holmes

Their Website?
Mickleover FC

How are they doing?
Mickleover were relegated at the weekend. Unfortunately, the Derbyshire based sides form over the season has not quite been good enough to see them through to safety. The club released a short statement over the weekend thanking their fans, who as always are the backbone of all non-league clubs. There is not doubt a period of reflection to be had before they rebuild for the new season. From their previous 6 games they have managed 5 points which have included a win over Whitby and draws against FC United of Manchester and Hebburn.

Their Main Man?
Dylan Edwards has been the front runner this season in terms of goals for the Sports. His 13 contributions across all competitions have been something for the fans to cheer about throughout a tough season. His last goal was 5th April against FC United of Manchester.

Their Gaffer?
Gareth Holmes - Gareth took over the reins in May 2024 and brings with him a vast amount of coaching experience. As a player he was a midfielder, playing in the Conference for Nuneaton Borough and Leigh RMI, as well as locally with Ilkeston Town, Worksop and Hucknall Town and had six-month spell in Finland too. His FA and UEFA coaching qualifications continued to map his career, when after a year at Field Mill, he joined Burton Albion, working with the Brewers junior players.

His four key words in coaching are SERVE, IMPROVE, DRIVE & UNITE!

Mickleover FC – Have we met before:
The Blues have been pitted against the Sports on 12 occasions, starting in the 2009 season. The highest scoring fixture in the games history was a 5-1 home win for Mickleover in October 2014.

The Blues largest winning margin in this fixture was a 4-0 home win in October 2013. Over 250 spectators saw a Jordan Johnson brace help Leek to victory in a League fixture.

Over the 12 games, the teams can not be separated. Leek have won 6, as have Mickleover. There have also been 42 goals scores, 21 a piece for the two sides. Based on the stats engine and head to head fixtures, a XG of 3.5 means that this game may well provide a Good Friday cracker.