Today’s fixture between New Mills and Stockport County nearly didn’t go ahead due to Stockport not having all their girls available, but the spirit of the game prevailed as the teams played a 6-a-side match instead.
The weather may have been a little chilly at the start, but it didn't affect the enthusiasm of our girls in their second league game of the season.
Starting our match today we had Agnes in goal, Ebony up front, Poppy was our captain for today’s game and started on the on left. We had Ava playing on the right, and Emily in middle, Annabella was defender.
New Mills started the match with a high tempo, immediately challenging Stockport’s experienced squad. Ebony led the charge up front with some early shots on target, while Emily controlled the midfield with composed passes out wide to Poppy and Ava, who worked tirelessly both in attack and defence. Annabella, the lone defender, was immense at the back, putting in some crucial tackles, and Agnes made some strong saves to keep Stockport at bay.
As the game progressed, Paige, Seren, and Millie were brought into the match, providing fresh legs and attacking intent. Seren impressed with some attacking runs, and Millie put in a thoroughly solid performance. The breakthrough came when Paige scored New Mills’ first goal, calmly taking the ball around a defender before smashing it into the back of the net. It was a moment of quality that had the New Mills supporters on their feet.
In the second half, Poppy took over goalkeeping duties and proved fearless between the posts, making several important saves and showing great awareness in when to leave the ball for goal kicks. The game continued to be evenly balanced, with Stockport pressing hard, but Millie made some great runs, one of which culminated in a one-on-one with the Stockport keeper, but keeping composure, Millie scored a brilliant solo goal from a run from the halfway line.
Ebony, playing as a box-to-box midfielder, contributed in both attack and defence, while Ava made her presence felt with well-timed tackles and powerful runs down the right. Emily orchestrated the midfield, spreading the play and connecting with her teammates, including Seren, who made some key passes.
Annabella remained a defensive stalwart, breaking up Stockport’s attacks and even launching an impressive run of her own.
With New Mills playing well, Paige continued to hunt for goals and her persistence paid off with a second superb strike to secure her brace. Agnes, now outfield on the left wing, bulldozed through the midfield and kept the pressure on Stockport.
Today’s match was played in a fantastic atmosphere, with positive support from both sets of parents and fans. The County manager personally thanked our own supporters for their encouraging chants, a reminder of how vital it is to motivate the players, especially at this level in the girls’ football career.
Paige was deservedly named Player of the Match. She followed the coaches’ instructions closely, made some brilliant runs, and netted two excellent goals, showing her determination and ability to chase down opportunities.
There were plenty of positives for our New Mills girls, with their hard work over the summer now paying off. The team showed great resilience, teamwork, and skill, building momentum for the rest of the season. Well done girls!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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