Match Report NMJFC U11 Girls vs West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC U11 Girls 13/09/2025

The team kicked off the new season with some fresh faces and plenty of energy. We said goodbye to a few over the off-season, but the transfer window was kind to us, bringing in Florence, Poppy D, Martha, and Stevie. A huge welcome to the girls - we’re so excited to have you playing with us!

Millie started our season in goal and wore the captain’s armband with pride. She pulled off some great saves in the first half and, thanks to the new no-retreating rule for U11s, was able to set us on the attack quickly by getting the ball downfield to her teammates.

At the back, Florence and Poppy J were rock solid. Florence threw herself into some brilliant last-ditch tackles, while Poppy J controlled the left side beautifully—at one point holding onto the ball with half the opposition swarming around her!

In midfield, Seren on the left linked up well with new signing Poppy D in the middle, both combining to push the ball forward and carve out several shots on target. Ava bossed the right side with her determined runs, always tracking back when needed, while up front Paige was a constant threat. She capped her strong performance with a fantastic looping finish to bag hers and our teams first goal of the season—“Power Paige” indeed!

We saw more of our new signings as the game went on, with Stevie slotting in up top and showing great awareness to collect the ball, while Martha made some powerful runs and threw herself into the action. Annabella, as always, was a menace for the opposition—up and down the pitch, tackling hard, and never giving them a moment’s peace.

The second half brought more of the same energy. Millie stayed sharp in goal, quick-thinking to keep us moving forward. At the back, Poppy J pushed play upfield with some great turns and runs, while Florence not only stopped a dangerous attack with a big tackle on the edge of the box but also surged forward before calmly slotting back into position. In midfield, Paige moved wide with Ava in the centre and Seren on the left, all three making strong tackles and carrying the ball well. The highlight came when Poppy D broke through with a superb run, calmly going one-on-one with the keeper before tucking away a beautiful goal.

It was a fantastic team performance, but Girl of the Game went to Poppy J for her rock-solid defending, smart passing, and great attitude—always listening and always giving her best. That said, every single player played their part in what was a really enjoyable match. Well done, girls!

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers