#MatchweekSixteen in the NPLFA season is upon us and with it comes the return of the NPLFA Cup as well as two league fixtures.
Mickleover Sports (Red) faced Carlton Town in their rearranged NPLFA Cup quarter final. In a brilliantly contested game, Mickleover Sports were the victors and advance to the semi-finals of the cup after a 2-1 victory. It was the visitors who drew first blood after Peter Grice converted a brilliant cross at the near post to give Carlton the lead but Jack Thatcher drew Mickleover level before halftime. The second half made for brilliant viewing with both teams searching for the winner. Mickleover found themselves with the perfect opportunity after they were awarded a penalty on the 65th minute mark. Thatcher was on hand to net his second goal of the game and help Mickleover advance to the semi finals where they will face Leek Town.
In the only JOMA Division fixture of the week, Belper Town beat Leek Town 5-1 to move up to second place in the division. A brilliant performance and two goals from Sam Boyall helped the Derbyshire side claim all three points and take advantage of Stafford Rangers not playing. Belper Town now sit in second, level on points with Stafford but with a considerably better goal difference where as leek Town remain in fifth spot, level on points with Radcliffe in fourth.
In the Sports Trainer Division, one fixture went ahead that saw Runcorn Linnets host Mickelover Sports (Black). With Mickleover Sports looking to close the gap on Widnes at the top of the table, three points were essential for the away side and that’s exactly what they got after beating Runcorn 0-2. First half goals from Josh Satchwell and Brodie Carter gave Mickelover a commanding position and they were able to see out the game and keep a clean sheet, despite having a man sent off. Mickleover currently sit in third place in the Sports Trailer Division and are now 9 points behind leaders Widnes with five games in hand.
With six teams in action and a whole host of brilliant performances, #TeamOfTheWeek selections were causing headaches for the coaches. Congratulations to all those nominated by their coaches and selected for #TeamOfTheWeek and special mention to Luke Tappin who was named ‘Player of the Week!’. Tappin, who usually plays in net for Mickleover Sports (Red) was forced into playing centre back in the second half due to an injury. Luke had a brilliant game in net in the first half and a rock solid performance at the back in the second half.
Three brilliant games on show this week that makes for a brilliant edition of The Highlights Show! All goals and match highlights can be seen below.
