Match Report – 18th October, New Mills Juniors U8s Vipers vs Alderley United Dortmund.

After a week off last week the Vipers slithered into action against a new opponent in Alderley United Dortmund.  We had played another Alderley team at the start of the season and knew we would be against a tough team.  The Vipers though, are very capable against any team and they showed it again this week.

This week our captain would be Leo, this season we have introduced a team rule that whoever the captain is, they decide who takes freekicks and penalties if the team get one.  A chance for our team members to show their leadership skills.  Leo would start the game in defence with Alistair on the right, Jude on the left and Lily and Elliott further forward.  Kingsley, would take his usual first half stint in goal.  Kingsley would play out in the second half with Alistair taking his turn with the gloves.  Kit and Thomas would be our gamechangers this week with everyone getting equal time to play in the game.  Unfortunately, we were without Logan due to an injury from school, heal up Logan, we’ll see you back next week.

What proceeded was a great game of football from both teams with everyone showcasing what they had learned.  Our opponents showed their technical ability with the ball but we showed our teamwork and determination throughout.  We tasked the team with enjoying the match and trying to make those passes to each other to move the ball across the field and forward.  They didn’t disappoint.  They created a well worked move with Jude across to Leo, wide to Alistair, who’s cross didn’t quite find Elliott but superb work from all players.  This was not an isolated example with Lily involved in build up play with Alistair and Elliott which resulted in a chance for Jude to get a shot on target.  Kit and Thomas did similar work with Kit always keen to send the ball quickly across the pitch to his teammates.

As well as the awesome teamwork on show going forward the drive to get back and support their teammates was shown in abundance.  Kingsley had shots to save, but Leo was not isolated at the back with everyone flooding back to defend and prevent shots on goal.  Jude showed his tackling skills, Leo was a calm influence at the back as always with Kit and Alistair covering too.  Lily is never afraid of a tackle which always shocks our opponents as she tackles hard to win the ball back.  Thomas also really got stuck into his tackles this week and worked hard to win the ball and play his passes too.  

Another attribute of this team was evidenced as well this week, bravery.  Bravery on the ball and bravery in goal.  Every week Kingsley shows his bravery in goal making saves against powerful shots, he is also brave out of goal, making runs, taking shots and linking up play.  Although the team are the Vipers, Alistair was spiderman in goal in the 2nd half.  He was brave in the face of powerful efforts and stood up to them brilliantly.  Every player showed their bravery in either their tackling, goalkeeping or being brave to take risks on the ball whether its Elliott taking a player on, Kit making a tough pass or Thomas taking a shot from a tough angle.

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Overall another step in the Viper’s football journey with evidence again of their development as players – keep up the good work team, your always a joy to watch…

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers