Match Report NMJFC U10s Hornets - 01/06/25

Last tournament of the current season for our U10 Hornets before the boys go up to 9v9 for 25/26  season after the summer. We were down a few players too with Charlie, Fenn & Oliver B all on holiday, we needed to dip into our U9’s and borrow Stanley who was our only sub.

Match #1 – SK Whites

As we lined up for our first game, the heavens opened and a heavy spring shower greeted the lads at kick-off. At this moment both parents & players were wishing we’d selected to go on holiday rather than be on a big field in Stockport with nowhere to run for cover . . . . . . We all got soaked before a ball had even been kicked!

After an exceptional performance in our home tournament quatre-final, Oliver L was between the sticks for the whole tournament this time and he was in fine form from the very start. How he could even see the ball was staggering as the rain came in sideways. He was commanding in the area and athleticism allowed him to spread himself and tip numerous balls around the posts, preventing certain goals. Oliver L was keeping us in the game and when Albie slotted home neatly, our boys looked every bit as good as the academy opposition.

Match #2 – FC Northern Galaxy

By far the best team we played all day. This group played beautiful football and some of their patterns of play meant we struggled at times to get anywhere near them. Very humbling to watch and important for our lads to see the level we strive to reach. How this team didn’t leave with a trophy is unreal and shows the quality of teams that we were competing against.

Match #3 – Adswood

Never easy against the home team and with lots of local support, this young team came flying out the traps. Again Oliver L was in top-form and he was being helped out by Frankie & Finley who were solid infront of him. Stanley B (our loanee) was very familiar with the opposition and today was his opportunity to get the result he wanted and he was relentless. Flying down the left-wing and doing an incredible job at filling in for Ronan who normally occupies that position but was carrying an injury. Ironically, it was Ronan he set-up and ‘Our Rocket’ finished perfectly…… GREAT GOAL!

Semi-Final – SK Blacks

Out of the frying-pan and into the fire. With little rest The Hornets were up against SK Blacks and if we are being completely honest, the occasion got to them and they were making hard work of the simplicities of the game. We needed someone to step-up and this time it was Kai-Bosh! He struck the ball perfectly and we were heading to the final. Well done Kai!

Final – SK Reds

Last chance saloon for The Hornets. How much do you want it?!

Luckily there was one boy who decided today was going to be our day. Not all heroes wear capes . . . .  This hero wears goalie-gloves and my word he was going to need them. Oliver L was on top-form all tournament but when we needed him most he delivered. Our Mini-Millers were up against the third SK Academy Team of the day and we needed some magic to get that precious goal to win the cup. Lo and behold it was our Goalkeeper who scored. Stanley B did a great job putting of their goalie but it was Oliver L who got us infront. He then produced a series of stunning saves to keep SK at bay but one managed to trickle in and we were off to penalties.

I can’t tell you how impressive the next chapter was . . . . . .  Oliver L made four amazing penalty saves so when Ronan & Ollie M both scored The Hornets were champions of Adswood! There was only one person to be named Player of the Tournament – Oliver L, you were incredible!

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

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