Match Report – 22nd November 25 – New Mills Vipers U8s vs Buxton YB Purple.

The first of a double header for the Vipers coming up against Buxton Purple this week before Buxton Green in the cup next week.  The Vipers were depleted this week with Jude, Kingsley and Thomas unable to play but the remaining six would play the full game and put in an awesome performance.  Captain this week would be Kit, who would take the gloves for the first half with Logan taking his turn in the second.  Leo would play centre back, Alistair on the right with Elliott on the left with Logan and Lily through the middle.  

The first half was a breathless affair with chances for both sides and great football on show.  Buxton showed their passing ability but the Vipers did too.  Some great defending right from the start from Leo and Alistair, cut short Buxton’s attacks and Kit was called into action to make a smart save.  

From the clearance, Logan managed to race through and slot past the keeper with a composed finish.  Buxton came back strong though pushing the Millers back putting in crosses and passing moves to get through, eventually pressure told on the Vipers goal despite Kit’s best efforts.  What shows though with this team is their character and resilience.  Despite being shorthanded and up against tough opponents, they didn’t back down and they never gave up.  

Elliott proving a spark time and again down the left trying to get crosses into Lily and Logan.  The tide began to turn before the end of the first half, Alistair getting some joy with some running down the right, after a bit of a scramble and some tough tackling from Lily the ball broke to Logan to fire home his 2nd of the game.  

Half time came and the team took the welcome breather, some fluids and prepared for the second half with a slight shuffle in positions.  Logan in goal, Kit to the left and Elliott through the middle.  A few words of encouragement from the coaches to keep working hard for each other and realise they are playing a tough team, but they are a tough team too.  

The second half was even more breathless than the first as both teams put in the extra effort to get further chances.  Buxton came out firing again but Leo, Alistair and Kit were tackling hard at the back so to not allow easy shots in on Logan.  

When Buxton worked opportunities, he was up to the task.  Kit was full of energy down the left keen to take players on and managed to setup Elliott for the Vipers 3rd of the game, Elliott taking the chance with power and precision into the corner.  As the Vipers tired though, the extra players for Buxton were felt but Lily was relentless as ever.  She made tackles and put pressure on players constantly, even providing Elliott with a goal thanks to great work in winning possession to passing the ball perfectly for him to score.  Elliott was full of running too, forward and back.  Alistair and Leo though were the tough tackling heart of the team.  When they tried to get around Leo, Alistair was there to cover his teammate and vice versa as Leo covered well for his teammates also.  Leo doing his best to set Kit, Elliott and Lily forward as much as he could.

By the end of the game both teams had put so much effort both sides took a lot of credit from a superb game of football.  Credit to the six vipers, but to the Buxton team who showed their ability too.  The coaches, parents and spectators who came to watch witnessed an enthralling game of football which, hopefully will be matched next week with the next round in the cup.

Come on Vipers, keep showcasing your abilities, character, heart and determination – amazing job team…

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers