Nuneaton Town's league campaign began with defeat against established step four outfit Mickleover, who recovered from a goal down to win 3-1.
Brad Stretton put Town ahead in the 16th minute after initially seeing a penalty saved by Mickleover goalkeeper Aaron Chapman. Stretton made amends shortly after, finishing a move set up by Harry Chesterton to send Nuneaton in at half-time with the lead.
Second Half Turnaround
The visitors struck twice in quick succession early in the second half to overturn the deficit. In the 54th minute, a defensive mix-up allowed Theo Rowe to deflect home an equaliser. Terry Hawkridge then put Mickleover ahead moments later with a sharp strike into the bottom right corner that left goalkeeper Finn Osborn with no chance.
Mickleover then sat deep and defended resolutely, hitting Town on the counter-attack. The Derbyshire side limited Nuneaton's chances and added a third goal through Jude Taylor to seal the win.
The match highlighted the quality difference between step four and step five football, with Mickleover's organisation and fitness levels standing out as Town continue to settle into life at their current level.
