Match report New Mills U11 Scorpions v Chinley U11 - 16/11/25

Again a familiar opponent in Chinley, we knew what to expect and started brightly.  It was silent support weekend, so as coaches we said very little throughout the game (well, we tried to) and let the team encourage and direct each other.

The game was end to end to begin with, a shot from Leo and equally at the other end a save from Frankie the cat….. seemed like rinse and repeat with another Leo shot and another excellent save from Frankie.

Good pressure from New Mills saw our other Frankie (H) pick up the ball quite far out and hit a great looping shot over the keeper ⚽️👏🏻 this sparked the attack to start to press full on… Alfie, Callum playing really deep and Rocco all had shots saved or just wide.

Next up was Dylan and Oliver L trying to beat the Chinley keeper who had a great game today 👍🏻 Dylan had another shot just wide, then our other winger Leo.. ‘El Capitan’ received the ball from a cross, controlled then right footed into the net ⚽️

It wasn’t all one way and the defence of Will, Callum and Finley had to be sharp and on their toes to close down the Chinley attackers.  The half time team talk was done by the players themselves, with little comment from the coaches (other than encouragement)

Second half and the sun was very much in the faces of the mini Millers, so it was going to be tough.  We started the second half slowly … but once we got going it was a different story. Rocco T had a fire in his belly and was constantly getting involved on the edge of the penalty box. He had a couple of shots… just setting his sights accurately…

Dylan and Alfie were also a huge threat, tricking their way forward and beating defenders with ease, both having a few shots each.  Another Wonder run from Dylan on the left, crossed for Rocco T to plant the ball firmly in the net ⚽️

More pressure from a resilient Chinley team sparked the team back into life. Rocco was immense today and made a great run to score another great goal ⚽️

Rocco hadn’t finished just yet and after a cross from Leo, Dylan couldn’t quite finish, but the loose ball fell to Roc who smashed in his hat trick ⚽️

The Millers hadn’t quite finished and after a carbon copy of an earlier run, Leo picked up the ball, left everyone behind and hit a deft right foot flick into the bottom corner ⚽️

Every player - Frankie C, Will, Callum, Finley, Oliver L, Frankie H, Dylan, Leo, Alfie and Rocco T.

They all put in the hard work to keep fighting and keep playing for every ball.  The team looked after themselves …. So in future Jordan and I will just keep our mouths shut (as if……)

PoTM today wasn’t just for his goals, but for his never say die approach to the game. Rocco T has had a good football weekend 👊🏻

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers