Match report New Mills U14 v Atletico Middleton Presidents cup - 07/12/25

The Millers were in League Cup action against a team who had won all seven games played this season, so the challenge was clearly going to be a tough one on what was a tricky surface at the Rec.

The Millers started the game brightly, playing some nice football but coming up against a strong opposition back line who defended their goal superbly. Atletico grew into the game and saw the woodwork rattled twice from distance with long-range efforts.

The Millers battled hard from front to back and were not going to roll over in this cup tie, as the resilience was there for all to see.

Bobby opened the scoring with a long-range strike that gave the keeper no chance, setting the Millers on their way. Archie made several strong saves to keep the Atletico attackers at bay.

The Millers’ back line of Indi, Alfie, Daniel and Alex were being worked hard but defended superbly to protect the lead.

In midfield, Bobby, Jess and Fletcher were battling hard, recovering possession and setting up counter-attacks where possible. The front line worked tirelessly, with Mayson, Bertie and Darragh all causing problems for the opposition defence with their endeavours.

The Millers managed to go in at half-time with the lead and needed to try and re-establish control of the game. On came Stan for Daniel to maintain the quality defensive energy, and Mayson selflessly dropped in at left-back to allow Greeny to carry on the battle up front, leading the line for the Millers.

The Millers started the second half strongly and created several half-chances that were not taken. Then Jess stepped forward and smashed in a left-footed piledriver into the top corner after more fantastic wing play from the relentless Bertie.

The Millers then sat back and were quickly put on the back foot. Atletico scored two well-taken goals to bring the tie level with 13 minutes left to play.

The game was now end-to-end and chances were aplenty, but both keepers made superb saves to keep the game tied.

Bertie, now operating from the left, combined with Greeny and nearly scored the winner, with his effort drifting just wide of the post.

With penalties looming and with a minute left to play, the Millers crafted one more chance as a superb pass through the middle from Bobby saw Darragh time his run from the right and arrive to clip the ball past the onrushing keeper. The scenes were fantastic as all the players, including keeper Archie, celebrated the goal.

The Millers this time saw the game out to the final whistle and now have a quarter-final to look forward to.

The coaches were immensely proud of the efforts of the whole group. This bunch of kids work so hard and play with real passion and spirit, and that got them a richly deserved win against an excellent, unbeaten opponent in Atletico.

Player of the Game for the Millers was a tough one, but deservedly went to Archie for an outstanding goalkeeping display from a lad who is fast becoming a fantastic last line of defence for the team. 👏👏👏

Up the Mini Millers! 👍👍👍

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#upthemillers

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