Match Report NMJFC U10s Hornets v Inter Cheadle North - 01/02/25

The Hornets welcomed back Albie who was missing last week and this week we were without another striker in Charlie for our epic encounter against Inter Cheadle North.

Goals were definitely on the coaches wish list as we repeat the fixtures since our promotion back in the autumn. It was November when these two teams last met and the great thing about playing these top teams again in such a short timespan is the boys remember everything about the previous matches. So do the coaches and even more so, our wonderful parents who were well up for this match and the boys could feel your support.

The energy levels were through the roof in the first half and although the lads were clearly nervous, they settled quickly and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. Albie, Oliver B & Ollie M were working tirelessly up top and The Hornets looked the stronger team against last year’s Champions.

At the back we had Finley return to a familiar role at centre back. Finners had been suffering with illness during the week and as coaches we wanted to preserve his fitness level. It also helps that Finley is quite possibly the hardest kid in the metro league and that also helps as a last line of defence. He never missed a single tackle all game.

The Millers started with Frankie as right wing-back and Ronan on the left. This is a safe option as both of them are extremely comfortable on the ball and were oozing in class & confidence. These two link the play from defence to attack but sometimes (I mean JUST sometimes, not all the time . . . . please?!) you need them to go for it. Ronan The Rocket🚀  ⚽️ delivered and smashed the ball home and Inter Cheadle knew their were in a proper game!! Important goals is Ronan’s speciality.

Oliver L & Kai both played in the wing-back role too and we have some incredible competition for places in defence. Oliver L quite literally couldn’t have given us anymore. 100% and more from Oliver L who never stopped running up down that wing. He was feeding the ball forward with accuracy but also ready when needed to chase back and cover…. Excellent performance Oliver L. I don’t know what they are feeding the boys at St Georges Primary right now but long may it continue. Kai also put in a very impressive display. So comfortable dribbling the ball forwards, he was going round the opposition like they were not even there. This boy has worked hard in training and put in some incredible tackles. Brave & tough, he simply refused to allow the Inter Cheadle attack to get past him. In attack he was keeping the ball under control and allowing our hardworking defenders a well earned breather by setting up our forward players. This earnt Kai🏆  another POTM award

We’ve not even mentioned Fenn, our Keeper . . . . . I’m running out of superlatives to describe this young man! You can’t have a good defence without a good goalie and we have the very best in the business right now. His form has mirrored The Hornets progression and this is no coincidence. The boys are blessed to have Fenn between the posts and he is improving every week.

At the final whistle, the coaches were bursting with pride. Everyone of you went up another level at weekend and we will never ask anything more from you than constant improvement. There is still stuff to work on and in training we went over how we can be more clinical in front of goal. Let’s see if it works….

Next up -  Wythenshawe Wanderers Wasps

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