Match Report: New Mills Juniors U7s Sign Off League Campaign in Style
- R.Oakes
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
New Mills Juniors U7s delivered an impressive performance in their final league game of the season against Didsbury FC U7s, with the welcome return of Alistair from holiday meaning the team had a full complement of players available ahead of their concluding match next week.
A special treat for some parents and players alike, we used the New Mills Youth Matters minibus, to take the team down together, with a special football playlist of songs created for the journey.
The opening half saw New Mills line up with Kingsley guarding the goal, protected by the central defensive pairing of Logan and Leo, Lily operating in midfield, while Thomas and Jude formed an energetic attacking duo. Kit, Alistair and Elliott waited patiently on the bench as designated "game changers," with the team knowing they can make an impact from the start or from the bench.
Captain for the day Lily led by example throughout the first period before taking over goalkeeping duties after the interval. The defensive solidity provided by Logan and Leo limited the opposition's opportunities, with Logan frequently looking to initiate attacks from deep while Leo maintained positional discipline to provide defensive security.
Leo was a constant thorn in the attackers’ side, winning possession and creating attacks with composed passing.
Kingsley demonstrated his distribution skills with a perfectly weighted pass down the right flank that created the mini-millers opening goal.
Kit, seizing the opportunity, drove forward with purpose before unleashing a powerful low drive that found the net via the near post. Kit turned provider later in the half with a superbly delivered free-kick that prompted Didsbury defender becoming a second goalkeeper which the referee gave a penalty for. Logan stepped up with confidence, smashing the ball high into the net with unerring precision.
Up front, Jude caused constant problems with his relentless pressing and willingness to shoot, while Thomas positioned himself intelligently to get several efforts away despite the close attention of the Didsbury defence. Lily was a driving force in midfield, showing intelligence to know when to press and when leave her teammates to the task.
The second half brought a tactical reshuffle with Lily donning the goalkeeper gloves, Kingsley moving into central midfield, Kit and Logan forming a new defensive partnership, and Elliott and Alistair leading the line. The attacking intent was immediately evident as Kingsley produced a masterclass in finishing, completing a superb hat-trick that showcased both his technical ability and composure in front of goal. Kingsley was especially good at following Lily’s example, knowing when to press and when to hold.
Elliott added his name to the scoresheet with a well-taken finish, benefiting from Kit's pinpoint cross that highlighted the latter's delivery quality. The attacking threat was relentless, with every player creating or coming close to scoring as New Mills Juniors displayed their growing confidence and understanding.
Alistair marked his return from holiday with an energetic display, linking play effectively and providing a constant outlet in advanced areas. His movement created space for teammates, while his pressing from the front disrupted Didsbury's attempts to build from the back.
The scoreline at half-time reflected the competitive nature of the contest, but New Mills Juniors' second-half performance demonstrated their developing quality and resilience. Their ability to maintain attacking threat while tightening defensively proved decisive as the match progressed.
A real team performance with superb attitude throughout was exemplified by Kit when a the mini-millers had a free kick, he wanted to take it but Kingsley did also for his hat-trick, Kit simply said, “Go for it, Go get your hattrick!” That is the kind of team spirit and togetherness they have shown all season, they play together, the win, lose or draw together, and they do it all with a smile for the joy of the game they love to play.
It has been a pleasure to coach this team and watch them grow this season, if you keep working hard together, your attitudes right and have a smile on your face, you’ll do well in football and in life… I can’t wait to see what this team could achieve in the years to come.
Although the league games have finished, we play our ‘final’ next week to hopefully round off the season in style – lets hope they can maintain their end of season form to go and smash this game…. Then on to New Mills Tournament in less than two weeks’ time.
⚽️🖤💛⚽️