On Remembrance weekend our Mini Millers would not only show their respect to those who have previously given everything for us by perfectly observing a minute’s silence, but they would give us a performance to remember as well.
We would be facing a new opponent in Richmond Rovers Napoli. We had faced Richmond teams before and knew we would be against a good, well organised and coached team.
We were at full strength this week and now everyone had taken their turn as captain, Elliott would take the armband for his turn again and Kit would take his turn in goal in the second half. Kingsley, as always would play the first half in goal, with Kit playing right back, Logan centre back, Thomas left back and Jude together with Lily playing further forward.
As always, it’s not just about who starts but who comes on that can make as big a difference with Elliott, Leo and Alistair ready to make that difference.
The first half was a very tight, close game of football with both teams working hard to keep the ball away from their goal and trying to pass through their opponents.
Some superb defending and team-play were on show with the goals at a premium. Jude fresh from his first goal last week, was very driven in his efforts. He was determined as always to press Richmond and multiple times won the ball high up the field. He was also linking up well with his teammates.
Lily was at her tackling best and together they didn’t allow Richmond to settle into passing the ball.
Logan was cutting out all through balls and making sure no clear shots were made on the New Mills goal.
Kingsley though was up to the task when he did have shots to save not only saving but holding tightly onto shots then playing some great balls out wide to Kit and Thomas.
Thomas again continued to show his love of the game with his forceful tackling, great runs and each week continues trying to dribble past players.
Kit was showing his forceful running too and managed to take players on as well. Positionally Kit did really well as when Logan pressed the ball on the opposite side or covered into the middle, Kit slotted in at centre back to cover him.
Our game changers entered the field with Leo for Logan, Elliott for Jude and Alistair for Thomas. All three came into the game seamlessly and continued with the great work of their teammates.
Alistair pressing high on the left and trying to link up with Elliott and Lily through the middle.
Leo doing the same on the right by taking players on and working hard forward and back.
Elliott with his tireless running all over the pitch to not only dribble forward but track back to help his team.
The highlight of the first half was the opening goal which was a superb team move with all players passing the ball before it hit the back of the net thanks to Elliott’s strike and Jude’s great through ball.
After half-time, Kit took the gloves and Kingsley slotted into centre back.
The second half got underway with New Mills working hard to press high, win the ball and work together as a team. The second half was a lot more end to end than the first with both sides finding the back of the net.
Excellent defending was on show and superb driving runs from the team kept the pace of the game high. Kit was put to work in goal and although not the most enthusiastic keeper, did his best to try and keep Richmond at bay. Kingsley was also tireless in front of him trying to link the play from the back and drive the team forward, even notching himself an assist. Some switching around of positions with Logan and Elliott driving New Mills forward from wide and Alistair and Thomas taking turns to play forward. Alistair almost getting on the end of a great run and cross from Elliott for that first goal, unlucky Alistair, keep working hard, it’s coming.
Leo was following in on that cross at the far post to slot it home.
All the players continued their excellent effort in the second half and those watching were rewarded in watching goals, excellent passing, crosses, tackles, saves and sheer grit and determination from every player. By the end of the game the Mini Millers had showcased their unity as a team and how they work well together.
There were too many highlights this week to count but the main one was the team goals that were scored. They all came from great passing moves, crosses with follow-up runs, pressing together to win the ball high and to setup chances for each other.
This team is really loving their football whether win, lose or draw, rain, wind or shine. Great football U7s, we go again next week.
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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