Match report NMJFC U11 Hornets V Wythenshawe Wanderers - 15 / 11 / 2025

Saturday afternoon under the floodlights at Benchill (in Wythenshawe) was a great way to get back to the league campaign after we were on 'Cup Duty' against Bollie Bears then 'Friendly Duty' against High Lane over the last two-weeks.

As Coaches, we were hoping the lads could carry their recent uprise in form into this game against a Wythenshawe side that quite simply blew The Hornets to smithereens on the opening day of this season! 

Much has been made of the slow start to this years season but we have reassured the boys to stick to their principals of football and how the game should be played and the performances are beginning to take care of themselves now. We requested the use of our Scorpion friends and Leo & Rocco T made a tremendous impact on the game. Rocco ⚽⚽ bagging himself a brace and Leo ⚽ adding to his every increasing goal tally this season with a really neat finish. Thanks as always Scorpions for your help, it's really appreciated. 

Goal of the Day most definitely belonged to Oliver B though. He has slotted into his new defensive role perfectly and now he is adding an attacking presence to his position, he's proving very difficult to contain. Oliver B ⚽ hit an absolute worldie  in the 2nd minute and it nestled nicely in the top right corner of the net. Superb from Oliver B and the impact of this goal settled The Hornets and allowed them to play with more freedom. It wasn't long before Oliver B's partner in crime was getting in on the act. Albie ran his socks off in Center Mid today and he was all over the pitch in a very impressive display. maestro took his goal perfectly and all seemed very calm in The Hornets camp. Calmness isn't usually a word to describe our lads and especially the coaches. One thing that has changed this season is our No.1 and Oliver L oozes calmness. Mr Mature meets Mr Cool and he has most certainly settled things down at the back. Commanding and dominant, Oliver has learnt so much in such a short period of time and is looking like one of the best keepers in this league. If only he could get his Dad to navigate that A6 a little better then we could all be a little more calm before the games kick-off!

Another one of our Cool, Calm & Collective Crew is Ollie M,  who has found a new lease of life on the right-wing. He gets you when you're least expecting it?! Out of nowhere, Ollie M unleashes a shot none of us could see coming. Today wasn't as easy for him but without subs, Ollie M perceived and was involved in multiple chances and was extremely unlucky not to find the back of the net today. Get that head up Ollie M and assess what's available and the goals will follow my man🤞

Wythenshawe had drafted in a new striker in and he was a Peter Crouch type of forward. We were concerned with the match-up as Frankie was playing further up and it meant Finners was tasked with dealing with The Big Man. I suppose it depends on how you describe 'Big'. If it's height, Finley wasn't beating this lad. If it's guts, determination, grit and will to win . . . . . Then Our Finners is the biggest you've ever met! Tough & calculated at the back, he's now added another dimension to his game. Winning the ball back and beating a man or two before creating the counter-attack. Another who'd benefit from lifting his head up before passing but the improvement in Finners has been sensational.

Sticking with the improvement theme . . .  Step-up Kai Bosh. This lad has come into his own in recent weeks and can literally play in any position on the pitch. In his first season, Kai would go wherever he wanted and we'd have to have a chat about keeping your position. Not anymore. Kai was POTM last weekend in our friendly against High Lane and he has been performing week after week this season. Today was no different. He was solid at left back and totally calm in attack. If his wonder strike had gone in, he would have had the goal of the season but unfortunately it hit the underside of the crossbar, then the goal-line and bounced out. Agonisingly close, but Kai showed us what he is capable off. Keep it up kai Bosh

POTM went to Captain Marvel. Frankie 🏆 has been solid all season and now the defence has slightly reshuffled, allowing him to step into a more creative role in midfield. It's no coincidence the early goals were being converted as we seemed to have so much more freedom in the middle of the park. Frankie was winning the ball back and spraying it out to the widemen and the football felt so much more enjoyable when played in the opposition's last third. Frank's dominance in the centre allowed all 3 defenders to get forward and pose an attacking threat whilst he slipped in to cover them. An intelligent performance from Frankie who was involved in every positive bit of play today.

Next week is Adswood before we face the other Wythenshawe side in the Cup. Keep improving lads and keep it calm as it seems to be working.

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers