Nothing gets players more excited by a cup match and the thrill and drama of competing in that type of game. This week our U7s played against Bramhall North Black Lions, who we had played 2nd game of the season, in the second round of the Allan Crowe KO cup.
The full team was available for the match with them all fighting fit and raring to go.
We spoke before the game about continuing the great play they had been doing the last few weeks, passing and moving the ball, tracking back to defend and working together as a team. We started with Kingsley in goal with Kit as centre back in front of him. Kit would have Elliott to the left and Leo to the right and Thomas and Lily playing further forward to try and press and high and get some shots away. Jude, Logan and Alistair would be our first subs this week but as always, everyone plays as much as possible to make their difference to the team.
We knew beforehand from our previous game against the Lions, they would be technically great, well organised with some talented players, but this mini-millers team aren’t half bad either and it was on full show this week.
Kingsley was put under some early pressure with some shots but stood tall and kept as many out as he could. He is becoming very dependable between the posts which gives the rest of the team confidence. When he came out in the second half, he showed his ability with the ball at his feet, tackling and taking players on. Kit had one of his best games at the back this week, he was positionally strong but he was cutting out numerous attacks from the Lions stopping them getting too many shots at Kingsley. He also managed to get a few shots away after half-time. Kit was working well with both his wing-backs, Leo and Elliott.
Leo is flying with confidence at the minute and it shows in how he plays. Not only does he play with a smile, but he is confident to trust his instincts whether to track back, fill in for a teammate, drive forward with the ball, he is a great allrounder for the team.
Elliott on the other side is normally our goal machine but has been working hard at the other side of his game, and this week he was marauding down the left to try and get crosses in but also tracking back to support the defence as well. He was a massive team player this week and was unlucky not to get a goal himself in the second half but shot straight at the keeper.
Thomas is another player who is growing every week. To speak with him, he seems quiet and shy but he is a very different person once on the pitch. He is ruthless in the tackle, driven to dribble and beat his man but wants to pass and work with his teammates and this week was another demonstration of this. Lily is another, at training she is quiet and unassuming but put a ball on the pitch and she is winning it whether you want her to or not. This week it wasn’t just her tackling determination which was on show, but she was picking passes wide and forward once she won that ball. A couple of chances to get shots away as well but was unable to add to her goal tally this season.
As always, its not just about those who start, it’s the full squad and those who came on made as much a difference as ever. Jude has become king of the press. He came on when the Lions had a goal kick, as soon as the ball was kicked, he had gone to hunt the ball down. He has learnt quickly how he can help the team by pressing the ball high up the field and not allowing the opponents time on the ball. He leads the line by example and his pressing game has grown week on week. Not only Jude but Alistair too came into the game to make a difference. Alistair is pushing himself each week, trying to get the ball and play his passes to his teammates and although they don’t always come off, he keeps trying and that is the most important thing. No matter what happens he enjoys his football and keeps working hard for his team.
Logan was our final game changer and what a game changer he is. Whether it is his superb defending, driving runs, tracking back for last ditch tackles and blocks he is driven to help his team.
What showed in the performance this week against a tough team was how much this team had developed. They really competed all over the pitch against a very good side.
The mini-millers are growing in ability every week but in confidence too. They believe they can compete against any team, they will give you a game and no matter what the result, they always love playing together.
An early Christmas treat for those watching and looking forward to the showcase next week.
Awesome as always, U7s!!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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