Match report New Mills Junior's U8's - Denton Youth FC Easter Tournament - 18/4/25

Coach Dan report:

What better way to prepare for our cup final day next week than a good Friday tournament down in sunny Denton 🌞

Last season we came so close in our summer tournaments, making it to 2 x semi finals and 1 x final, which we sadly lost on penalties. Could we get one over the line this time? 🙄

Game 1 vs Moorside Rangers - probably our most composed performance of the day, with lots of passing and movement off the ball, the lads created loads of chances for each other but we just couldn't put one away. First game nerves? Maybe... but we took the positives from the game, a point on the board and the lads came off the pitch buzzin!

Game 2 vs Tintwistle - the goals came and it was Myles who got us off the mark, after missing a few chances in game 1 he was smiling like a Cheshire cat after a cool finish, the nerves had gone and the kids were getting into their rhythm. Reuben made an outstanding save for the cameras (literally) parrying a powerful effort onto the post!

Game 3 vs Salford Devils was a clash of the giants, the coaches watched their 2 opening games and we came up with a gameplan... we blew them away with some early goals... the gameplan worked perfectly! No doubt we would see them again in the knockouts but after that display we were ready to take on anyone!

Game 4 vs Denton Youth Girls - by far our toughest game! We struggled to break them down early on but when Finn put us ahead at the halfway mark we had to work hard to hang on to our lead. These girls were no push over and they moved the ball about so well, cracking little team!

Game 5 vs Denton Youth Greens - after qualifying for the knockouts we were determined to finish top of the group. The lads were well into their groove and after Max had bundled in his first of the day, Teddy tried his luck from way down town but his effort crashed off the bar! Finn finished things off with a sublime free kick and the lads made a big statement finishing top of the tree!

The Semi final was a rematch against Moorside Rangers, our opponents in the opener and after drawing a blank in that game it was time to turn it on... after taking an early lead it was time to tighten things up and who better to call upon than our super subs Ryan and Ned. Ryan gave us some much needed energy on that left hand side, whilst Ned stopped everything down our right. He went on a rare venture forward, looking for that first goal of the season and we even told his Dad "if Ned scores we are climbing the fence"!!

The final was set up perfectly, the gameplan worked in the group stage against Salford but this time it went out the window, at times you can mark their best player, boot it long, sit deep... but we wanted to win it by playing the football we've played all season, courageous and composed in defence, aggressive and ruthless in attack!

Their keeper pulled off 3 world class saves in the opening minutes, "it's going to be one of those games init?" One of the Dad's said! Our pressure eventually paid off when Finn broke free and buried one into the corner to send us all crazy! Salford came back strong and with 2 minutes left and the lads hanging on they equalised, the lads were stunned, flashbacks of last seasons heartbreak, we didn't want penalties, nobody did 😔 coaches Joe and Tom rallied the troops, encouraging the lads to be brave, gamble, roll the dice, go for it!!! And then it happened... someone had a shot I can't remember who... the keeper saved it and as the defender tried to clear the ball Finn appeared out of nowhere and slammed the ball into the net... you would have to be there but I reckon our cheers were heard as far away as Crown Point! "How long left Wayne?" I asked... "About 30 seconds pal" and we were off, sprinting round to the cage as the ref blew the whistle for full time, my hamstring went on the way round but I didn't feel it at the time (I did on the way home) the lads were all smiles, the Mum's in tears, the Dad's trying to hold ours back 😅 they'd done it, not only did they win it but they went unbeaten the whole day, scoring 13 goals and only conceding 2!

Coaches Joe and Tom gave them the courage to believe in themselves and the confidence to play the football they've played all season, it doesn't always come off but it did today!

Big shoutout to the Mum's who managed to keep the kids hydrated and their bellies full throughout the day, they played a massive part inbetween games 🙏🏻

No doubt we will lose games and tournaments in the future but that first one will always be remembered by everyone involved, a special day and a memory to cherish. Our two captains Teddy and Max lifted that trophy high into the air, proud as punch with massive smiles on their faces, that's what it's all about init... get in!!!! 💛🖤🏆

Coach Joe report:

Good Friday turned out to be Absolutely Incredible Friday as our Under 8’s turned on the Easter Magic and put in a performance that simply blew away everyone attending The Denton Youth FC Easter Tournament.

The first game was a bag of nerves but our Mini-Millers composed themselves and never looked back. It wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination…… but something clicked! I honestly think it was our parents & the time off the field preparing them.

Everyone understood what was needed and all of the boys played their part in this success. We are a team of different abilities but when all of them turn up and give it 100% - NOTHING CAN STIOP US!

First trophy in the cabinet this season for this tremendous group who are building friendships & trust that will last a life time.

Champions!! Let that sink in my boys – WELL DONE! 🏆💛🖤⚽️

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

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