The final Central Midlands League Roundup of the season

Thanks to Nobby Clarke for the picture of the celebrations at Clay Cross

Central Midlands League Roundup for May 13th

The final week of the season saw one of the last two championships in the 2023 season settled with the other one still undecided.

TUESDAY

Congratulations go to Clay Cross Town who, after so many near misses, finally clinched top spot in the Black Dragon Badges South Division with a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Hosiery Mills. Their goal came from Liam Vardy, Elliott Nunn ensuring a point for the hosts. An incredible scoreline at Mickleover RBL where the home side scored eight and still ended up losing as opponents Nottingham FC went one better. The Legion led 5-1 after half an hour but by half time were only one goal to the good. A star performance from. Nottingham’s Chris Okoye who found the back of the net six times, Kai Wade, Stephen Fox and Eisa Mutawakel Haroon adding one apiece. For Mickleover Jordan Lee got a hat trick, Conor Livingston and Jordan Wright both scored twice, Lee Hillier also on the scoresheet. An entertaining 90 minutes at Eagle Valley saw Arnold Town finish the season in style as they beat Wirksworth Ivanhoe 5-3. A Jake Ogden double in the 6th and 35th minutes put Arnold two up at the interval, but the visitors were level by the hour mark, Tom Mellor scoring both. Three goals in as many minutes changed the complexion of the game. First Liam Bednall put Wirksworth in front but Arnold were back level straight from the kick off through Liam Black who got his second in the next attack, Ogden completing a well taken hat trick two minutes from time. Another hat trick, this one from Derby Singh Brothers’ Bamoussa Cisse, inspired his side to a 3-1 win against Graham Street Prims whose consolation goal came from Harry Stevens.

Despite a first minute goal from Aaron Eyre, Rowsley 86 went down 2-1 at home to Holbrook Angels, Ethan Watson scoring after 23 and 35 minutes.

WEDNESDAY

The final match in the North Division resulted in a 4-2 win for Glapwell at Bakewell Town. Aaron Maund put the home side ahead two minutes before half time but Glapwell were soon level as keeper Ross Etheridge converted a penalty in added time. Luke Roper regained the lead for Bakewell in the 55th minute but that proved to be the high point as Ryan Hadley and Josh Parfitt scored for the visitors, Etheridge completing the win with his second spot kick nine minutes from time.

The final Division One East match between Mansfield Hosiery Mills and AFC Normanton was abandoned in the 89th minute with Normanton winning 3-2.

THURSDAY

Clay Cross were presented with the South Division championship trophy before their final home match of the season against Nottingham FC which ended in a 3-0 win for the Millers. Billy Brooks’ opener on 17 minutes was followed by a Sam Kelly goal after 32, Reece Clegg striking a minute after the interval to spark off the celebrations. A tough week for Wirksworth Ivanhoe ended with a 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Mickleover RBL. Two Mike Ryan goals in the first 20 minutes gave the Legion the half time lead, Randy Sarpong getting a third shortly after the restart. A Cole Hassell double on 63 and 82 minutes tied up the points. Derby Singh Brothers were 4-1 winners at Holbrook St Michaels. Singhs were three up by the break, Daniel James, Kane Samuel and Khaleeq Shaffique the scorers, Tyler Johal getting number four and Archie Brown with the goal for Holbrook.

FRIDAY

The final match in Division One West resulted in a 4-2 win for Mayfield against Rowsley 86. Matthew Hopkinson with a goal after 11 minutes, Zack Yatest equalising three minutes later. Jake Walklett gave Mayfield a half time lead, Mason Smith getting two to extend the advantage before Noah Evans got a second for Rowsley.

SATURDAY
A disappointing end to the season for Elite AFC, losing 2-0 against Athersley Recreation Vets in the final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Junior Cup

Richard Lane