Match Preview

PREVIEW | HOLBROOK ST MICHAELS (h)

THE LIONS GO BACK INTO COUNTY CUP ACTION AFTER A STUNNING WIN A FORTNIGHT AGO

UP NEXT, Mickleover RBL are back in county cup SEMI-FINAL action as they host Holbrook St Michaels in a step up from the last two rounds where they faced lower division opposition.

Having played twice in the new year, with mixed results, the Lions will be keen to build on their last victory over top of the league, Pinxton, and secure progression to the final of the cup.

The Derbyshire County FA Divisional Cup South pits the Lions against Holbrook St Michaels in a hugely important match, with a little bit of rivalry thrown in for good measure.

Holbrook St Michaels come to the Legion with an unbeaten start to 2024, after previously only finding victories this season in the county cup against lower league opposition. With a miserable record in the league, losing every match before the new year, the cup represents an opportunity to build on the two good results of the year so far.

RBL come into this match in mixed form, having lost their first match of the year, but followed it up with a brilliant 4-1 win at home over league leaders, Pinxton last match. RBL raced into a 2-0 lead through goals from Dean Oliver and Emilio De Abreu before being pegged back by one goal to lead 2-1 at half time. A second half brace from new signing Ryan Morgan wrapped up the points.

Holbrook St Michaels last match was a 1-1 away draw against fellow relegation candidates, Mayfield. Sam Smithurst grabbed the goal for the saints.

A LITTLE ABOUT THIS WEEKEND'S OPPOSITION

There has been a football team in Holbrook village at least since the early part of the last century. Local newspaper records show that a team called Holbrook Swifts was successful in cup and league competitions around 1910 - 1912. It is believed that in 1912 this team changed its name to Holbrook Saint Michaels. What is known for sure (we still have the minutes book) is that in early 1932 the local vicar, The Reverend Sides, formed a team named after the village church of Saint Michael, to play in the Belper Sunday School League.

We moved to our present ground, Holbrook Park in 1936 and, apart from a short period during the Second World War, we have played continually since winning cup and league competitions. We have had many successes over the years most notably being the only club to win the Derbyshire Divisional Cup Northern section (1975 & 1983) and the Southern section (2006).The Club has progressed through the local leagues: The Belper Amateur League, The Derbyshire Welfare League, The Derby Senior league, The Central Alliance and latterly the Midland Regional Alliance where the Club was the longest serving member. The Club has always endeavoured to be a village team that follows its motto ‘victory with honour’. Our junior section consists of 2 teams competing in the Derby City league

For season 2021/22 Steve Palombo, first team manager and his Assistant Daren Cartwright, continue with their vision for the future for the club adding strength and depth to the squad. Noel Hayes is taking last seasons under 17 team into senior football, playing in the Midlands Regional Alliance. We have appointed a Junior development officer to help provide a pathway from junior to senior football. We have recruited several players and our reserves aim to progress with, primarily, a young squad intent on developing into first team players. Dave Wainwright and Simon Billyeald continue in their roles as Manager and assistant.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The two sides last met in October, with RBL dominating proceedings in a simple 3-0 win. Goals came from Ryan Ross, Emilio De Abreu and Lee Hillier

Their last meeting of last season came in April, with RBL closing in on a runners up spot in the league. Owen Brader and Lee Hillier were on target to give the Lions a 2-1 win, with Sam Williamson scoring for The Saints.

RBL also won iin October at Holbrook, as a single goal for RBL through Owen Brader took the points as the Lions won a close encounter 1-0.

Previously, on the last day of the 2021-22 season, Holbrook hosted RBL for the second time of the season. RBL completed the league double over St Michaels in dominant fashion. Goals from Joe Conkleton, Lee Hillier, Branon Meehan and a brace from substitute Matt Green were answered only once by Josh Barnes as RBL ran out 5-1 winners.

Before that, in March, Holbrook hosted RBL in the cup. A close match saw RBL take a late lead through Jordan Lee, only for Holbrook to equalise and take the game straight to penalties on the 97th minute, with a goal from Ben Cartwright. RBL scored all of their spot kicks, to go into the next round, winning 5-3.

August, where RBL hosted the Saints at Poppyfield Drive. A goal from Jordan Lee and two from Liam Oliver were not enough in a poor match where St Michaels came out 4-3 winners, with goals from Regan Bickerton, Ben Cartwright, Dylan Garnett and Liam Gregg.

In the Covid hit 2019-20 season, the two sides met twice at Holbrook, once in the league and once in the cup. The Saints were victorious on both occasions as they won 2-0 in the league in August 2019, with goals from Ben Cartwright and Sam Williamson. The cup match in November was a little closer. With the hosts winning 2-1 on this occasion, with two goals from Morgan Holloway answered by a single goal from RBL.

THIS WEEKEND

We hope that you enjoy what is sure to be a good match, as the Lions aim for progression to the final of the County Cup. Thank you for the continued support and know that the lads will be giving their all to try to get the result.

Kick off at the is at 13:30

See you then