Benchill Community Centre was the location of the latest match in the U9s football journey.
This would be against Reddish North End Whites, a team we haven’t faced previously but facing other Reddish teams, we knew this would be a well-coached, well organised side.
The Millers were at full strength with new captain Charlie T back from illness to slot into defence alongside Rhys.
James would take the gloves for the first half, Teddy in centre midfield, Stanley and Jackson either side with Charlie J upfront.
Pavak and Dylan would be ready to have a big impact on the game from the bench.
The game began and after some early pressure, New Mills had an early chance from a corner, a good clearance from Reddish led to a counterattack and a mistake from Charlie T led to the opening goal.
Captain Charlie though did not let this affect his confidence, knowing mistakes happen in every game Charlie showed his mental strength to shake off the mistake and defended brilliantly against pressure from Reddish.
Rhys alongside him cut out attacks brilliantly as well building attacks with great vision and passing ability.
Stanley was creating down the left but was struggling to link up with Charlie J in the middle.
Jackson on the right, was doing the same but Reddish stood strong. Teddy kept the pressure up in the centre, cutting out attacks and pressing forward with Charlie.
Eventually after numerous attempts, and super saves from the North End keeper, Teddy finally latched onto a cross from Dylan which deflected into his path for him to slot into the corner.
This boosted the Millers and shortly after Dylan was the provider again, crossing for Stanley to net before the break.
Pavak and Dylan had entered the fray for Charlie T and Jackson and had helped make a difference to the game.
Pavak at centre back used his strength to win his duels, keeping James quiet in goal. At half time, the team took time to reflect on a tough first half, but the emphasis on belief and to keep working together in the second half worked wonders.
Teddy took the gloves for James who came into defence with Charlie T, Rhys pushed into midfield with Jackson giving Stanley a break. Dylan would lead the line to start the second half.
The second half was not only a superb team performance but individually each player gave everything for each other.
Teddy was calm and collected in goal, Charlie T was vocal and decisive in defence with James calm and collected alongside.
Pavak, playing in defence and midfield, was tough and relentless, Jackson, unlucky not to score, was creative and battled supremely well, not allowing his opposite number a break. Stanley was at his creative best and unfortunate not to add more than one to his tally in the second half as the Reddish keeper kept him out time and again.
Charlie J’s link-up play was excellent as well as his work rate and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. Dylan worked hard for the team and added the goal his industry deserved thanks to a superb ball from Rhys.
But the star of the team was Rhys, superb in all aspects of play, he was calm on the ball, creative in midfield, relentless in defence and the driving force throughout. This was why by the end of the game, the coaches were agreed on him as Player of the Week.
A superb team performance, quality football and a great game to watch. Our superb Under 9s…
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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