Match Report New Mills Junior's U9's vs Team Goal U10's Girls - 07/09/25 Season 3 - Episode 1: Welcome to the Metro!

Everything was new for our New Mills under 9's this Sunday... new league, new venue, new teams and some new faces! Questions were asked... do we have to pay to park? Can keepers score? IS THERE A BUTTY VAN?! There wasn't 😭

But on the bright side we've added Leon and Joseph to our current crop of young superstars, making their debuts today they were our gamechangers, ready to come on and help the team when needed!

We came up against an unknown opposition in our first game of the Stockport Metro League, not only were they playing a year up but they were an all girls team! We spoke to the kids about sticking to our football, playing to our strengths and enjoying ourselves, if anyone thought they were in for an easy ride they were in for a shock... their goalkeeper was outstanding and the 6 ladies in front of her were technical, composed and as strong as they come, these Lionessess were an absolute force to be reckoned with! ⚽️⚽️

They tested our defence out right from the kick off with Ned making some crucial tackles early on, Reuben had to be switched on when the kick-ins were drilled across our box but Max and Teddy picked up where they left off from last season, cutting out the danger balls and making some great clearances!

Ryan and Myles were our wizards out on the wings, making themselves constantly available, they both had their hands full when the girls doubled up on them, shoulder to shoulder fighting for every ball. Harrison applied great pressure from the front, leading the line on his own he had a great chance in the first half but fired his effort just wide. Mia came on to sharpen up our attack and picked up where Harrison left off, closing down their defenders into making mistakes and winning the ball back.

Leon and Joseph had their first taste of "a proper match" and they both did brilliant! Leon is great with his feet and helped us get the ball out when we were under pressure. Joseph was full of energy and didn't shy away from getting stuck in which is brilliant to see in his first game. Both Leon and Joseph have settled into the team with their positive attitudes and enthusiasm in training, keep it up lads.

The half time whistle gave us a much needed breather and a chance for the coaches to settle the kids down (and some of the parents)

The 2nd half started just like the first but we had fire in our bellies after the half time Oranges and Jaffa cakes!

Max was doing his best to carry us forward, we needed a goal and he popped up with a great finish, Harrison got himself an assist when he laid the corner off for Max to rifle it into the back of the net ⚽️🎯 We created a lot more chances 2nd half, Mia and Harrison were unlucky not to score but their keeper was just awesome!

Myles won 'best hair of the game' and almost 'best goal of the game' when he hit an absolute rocket that looked to be going in only for it to be palmed away into the stands!

Leon was finding space down our right hand side and went on a great run, roared on by all the parents on that side he beat 2 players and was so close to scoring on his debut!

Ryan carried his brilliant form from the summer tournaments into today, driving us down that left wing at every opportunity, we love seeing that every week.

Captain Teddy had his work cut out with their number 7 (and number 8) he was turned inside out a few times it even made me dizzy watching it but he recovered so well, he always had his head up looking for them diagonal balls and he took on the pressure as captain brilliantly, never giving up and encouraging everyone around him!

Ned had his best game ever, a couple of shakey moments where he wandered out of position but that will improve as the games come thick and fast, he made some crunching tackles and played some key passes in the 2nd half.

Our first player of the match went to Reuben, our number 1! I told him this league would be tough "you won't be having quiet games mate these teams will pepper your goal"... I wasnt wrong! After a mistake in the first half he dusted himself off and showed why he was last seasons most improved player! He was quick and brave coming off his line, closing down shots and parrying some powerful strikes away from goal. We played out from the back in the first half but coach Joe told him in the 2nd half "get us up the pitch Roobs do a big kick" and he sent a few flying into the girls half to set us on our way to attack! He earned that extra Yorkshire pudding with his dinner today! 🏆🫶🏼

The kids were knackered at the final whistle, all shaking hands and showing great sportsmanship, we will see these girls again later in the season and good luck to them, they are great to watch!

As for us, these kids never gave up today, something which we have focused on in training over the summer. It's not always about skills and scoring goals, its about staying positive, encouraging each other, learning from mistakes, this is our little football family and we stick together.

When they all come off the pitch with smiles on their faces and laughing with each other it's what makes you wanna do it all again!

The Sunday dinner is on, the kids are back in school tomorrow, FOOTY IS BACK! Happy days 💛🖤

Max ⚽️

Reuben 🏆

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers