May 2010 Ex-Mikes round up
There has been much success for a number of former Mikes as the season draws to a close.
Congratulations go to Kev Charley and Liam McDonald, who have been a major part of Barwell’s stunning season. Despite the heartbreak of their last minute defeat in the FA Vase semi final, the Canaries kept their form to finish the league season unbeaten, winning the Aspire MFA title and amassing a record 114 points in the process. They have since added the Rolleston Charity Cup thanks to a 3-0 triumph over Conference North neighbours Hinckley United on Bank Holiday Monday. They also have a Walkers Stadium date with Loughborough Dynamo to look forward to, in the final of the Westerby Cup.
Matt Gardiner managed to pip Charley to the MFA Golden Boot, securing a runner’s up gong in the process with Coalville.
It was not so good for Callum Gittings and Craig Thomas at Alvechurch, who lost out in the final of The Birmingham Senior Cup. Church went down 2-1 via to two late Nuneaton goals in front of over 1000 fans at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, but they deserve the utmost credit for reaching the final of this prestigious competition.
In the Zamaretto Midland Division, there was last day heartbreak for the trio of former Mikes at Sutton Coldfield Town. Adam Wood, Matt Jackson and Jimmy Quiggin were hoping for a playoff berth, but lost out by the narrowest possible margin. The Royals missed out by a single goal after Slough Town beat their tenants Romulus 4-1 at Coles Lane. It looked like Mykel Beckley’s 84th minute strike would be enough to see his former club into the playoffs on goals scored, but Slough notched a late fouth to seal their place.
Ryan Price and Gary Hay enjoyed an altogether more pleasant playoff experience with Chasetown. After finishing as runners up to Champions Mickleover Sports, The Scholars won promotion from the Unibond Division One South courtesy of a single goal home victory over Glapwell in the final.
Hoping for MFA football next year are Heath Hayes, who have clinched the Midland Combination Title with a 4-2 victory over Continental Star. Hayes are skippered by James Barber, while Adam Lane is established as first choice between the sticks. Dave Waple also joined for the run in, weighing in with a number of important goals. Congratulations go to all three. As always, promotion is subject to successful ground grading.
More locally, old boy Guy Naraine once again graced the Church Road turf in the recent AFA Senior Cup final for Sutton United, but they lost out 2-0 to rivals Village.
