Match Report NMJFC U11 Girls vs Richmond Rovers Girls U11s Tigresses 03/01/26

Fresh from the Christmas break and stepping into their first game of 2026, our girls returned to action on a cold but beautiful day that felt perfect for football. Despite the chill, there was plenty of energy and enthusiasm as play resumed, and the team looked eager to get back on the pitch.

Millie started in goal and her presence immediately gave confidence to the whole team. The girls were clearly pleased to see her between the posts, and she repaid that trust with a series of good saves. She used her hands well, distributed the ball calmly, and produced a particularly nice drop kick to get the team moving forward. Overall, it was a really strong performance in net.

On the right side of defence, Paige took on a role that was relatively new to her and handled it extremely well. She worked tirelessly, running her socks off throughout the game. Paige made a couple of important interceptions, cleared her lines effectively, and showed great commitment in an unfamiliar position. On the left, Poppy J was everywhere, getting thoroughly stuck in. She made crucial last-ditch tackles, cleared the ball off the line when needed, held the ball up well, and wasn’t afraid to push forward. Her performance at the back was excellent from start to finish.

Further up the pitch, Annabella played on the right and made several nice runs, linking up well with Martha in the middle of the park. Martha balanced her role well, dropping back when needed and then pushing forward to support the attack, creating some good chances on goal. On the left, Ava was outstanding, making excellent runs down the wing and cutting into the centre. Her one-twos with Annabella and Martha were sharp, and she held the ball well in midfield.

Up front, Stevie led the line effectively, holding the ball up and laying it off to teammates to create shooting opportunities. She also managed a few decent shots on target herself. As the game went on, Jessica and Poppy D were introduced. Jessica covered a lot of ground, getting stuck in around midfield, making good tackles, and laying the ball off nicely for Poppy D to run through on goal. Poppy D caused problems with her runs along the byline, constantly pushing the ball forward.

In the second half, Millie continued to organise the defence well and made more important saves. Her confident drop kicks regularly put the girls on the front foot and were exactly what the team needed. Paige continued to cover huge amounts of ground, even pushing the ball forward into attacking areas. Poppy J drove the ball out from the back, tackled strongly, and dropped into midfield to play others in when required.

Annabella moved more centrally and became a real menace in midfield, giving the opposition no time to think. Ava pushed further forward as the team looked to attack more, while Martha switched to the right and made good runs down the wing, cutting inside into dangerous areas. Stevie moved to the left and played some nice balls back into midfield to set up shots.

Poppy D and Jessica returned to the wings later in the half, with Jessica holding the ball up well and passing strongly. Poppy D had several shots on target and was unlucky not to get a goal for her efforts. At the final whistle, Player of the Week went to Poppy J for an outstanding display at the back. She used her body well, listened to the coaches, and played with strength and confidence throughout.

Well done to all the girls on a strong return to football in 2026

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers

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