Match Report NMJFC U10 Girls vs Hazel Grove United FC U10 Girls 16/04/2025

It was another exciting match day, and the team put in a fantastic performance from front to back.

Starting in goal, Millie had a strong game, showing great awareness of when to pick the ball up and when to play it to her defenders. Her confidence in dealing with the ball was clear, and she passed well to the backline, helping to build attacks from the back. Millie’s calm reading of the game set the tone, and she was well supported by Annabella and Ava in defence.

The two defenders worked brilliantly as a pair, covering for each other when one pushed forward. Ava made some excellent tackles and broke forward with some good runs, while Annabella showed her reading of the game, always ready to cover and push the ball back up the field.

On the flanks, Ebony and Poppy offered energy and threat. Ebony was strong on the right, linking up neatly with Annabella and showing real strength in tackles and in her runs forward. She even managed to get a shot off on goal after a powerful run. Poppy on the left combined nicely with Ava, cutting inside onto her right foot with growing confidence and showing off some new skills. Her running and willingness to chase the ball kept the opposition goalkeeper under constant pressure. In the middle, Emily did a solid job trying to control the flow of play, dropping back when needed and showing some lovely touches and passes. Up front, Agnes started as a real menace to the opposition, chasing defenders and making life uncomfortable for them.

As the first half progressed, Paige came on for Poppy and made an impact, driving forward with the ball and getting a number of shots on goal. She mainly dropped into the middle, allowing Emily to drift wider and attack down the left-hand side. A final change before halftime saw Jessica replace Agnes up front, who got involved by passing the ball around and keeping the pressure on.

The second half brought some new energy, with Ebony swapping into goal. She made several good saves and distributed the ball smartly. One brilliant moment saw her pass the ball all the way up to Millie, setting her up for a short run at goal. The team remained fluid, with Poppy and Ava anchoring the defence. Poppy’s versatility stood out, looking increasingly confident whether pushing forward or sweeping up at the back.

Emily moved just ahead of Ava, and the team executed a training ground move to perfection: Ebony passed to Emily, who fed Ava, who then played a lovely long ball back to Emily. It was a great example of the team putting their hard work from training into practice. Millie, now on the left, was lively, making good runs and firing a few shots on goal. Paige was strong in the middle, tackling hard and confidently playing the ball forward. Jessica continued her good work up top, while Agnes, now sitting deeper in defence, kept driving the ball forward, forcing mistakes. One of her relentless runs led to a failed opponent pass back, resulting in a well-earned goal.

Annabella came back into midfield late on and wasted no time making an impact, surging forward and getting several shots away. Paige maintained her strong presence, constantly attacking and pushing the ball forward with purpose.

This week’s Player of the Week was deservedly awarded to Poppy. Whether in defence or attack, she showed a real understanding of her roles, applied herself with great energy, and is quickly becoming a crucial part of the team. Her versatility and eagerness to learn stood out once again, and it’s clear she’s growing into a strong, all-round player.

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

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