Match Report NMJFC Scorpions U11 vs Whaley Bridge Athletic Blues U11 - 07/09/25

An early kick off at a new venue against a familiar opponent.  First game nerves weren’t evident in the Scorpions, just an eagerness to get our season started.  The increase to 9 a side and 30 minutes a half should mean we build our fitness up and play a lot more football.

We lined up with our full squad of Frankie the Cat, Callum, David, Will, Rocco K, Ted, Alfie, Dylan, Leo and Rocco T.

The first half kicked off and was immediately end to end with fast and furious attacking.  A Scorpions corner came over, a deft touch from Dylan and Leo got the Scorpions season started ⚽️

More end to end play brought the defence of Will, Callum and David into the game, each making crucial tackles and clearances.

Another break down the right from Dylan, switched the play to Leo who hammered home his second ⚽️.   A switch around brought Rocco K into defence and Alfie into Midfield. More tackling and pressing from Ted pushing forward, passed out to the left…. Leo brought the ball back, crossed and Rocco T buried it ⚽️

More magic by Ted on the right who was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.  At the other end, ‘The Cat’ was on fire making save after save …. A superb double save was a highlight of the game.  Rocco tried a long shot which hammered the crossbar. A break down the right saw Dylan cut inside and hit an absolute peach of a left foot past the keeper ⚽️.

Half time and a well deserved breather. The second half belonged to Alfie …. Tenacity doesn’t do him justice… he kept going and had shot after shot… a goal was coming.. that was clear.

Leo and Dylan switched wings to mix things up and it paid off when Dylan set Alfie up to ghost in and hit his first of the season ⚽️

The solid defence of Will, Callum, David and Rocco K will have a great season….. they were immensely strong today. Callum was his superb, consistent usual self and very little got past him today. The play out from the back to the wings was a pleasure to watch.

Another run from Dylan on the left, slid across a pass to Rocco T who hit home his second of the day ⚽️ a slight injury to Dylan saw a swap with Will playing on the wing … and how he adapted! He received the ball from Ted… took it past a Whaley player and crossed it for Rocco T to bury it ⚽️

With nearly a final effort, Leo let fly with a powerful shot which cannoned off the crossbar.

A fantastically well played game from both sides to kick off the season. 

POTM could’ve been all of the team as they all stepped up. Callum edged it with his consistent defensive performance and coolness on the ball.

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers