Match Report NMJFC U12 Girls vs FC Blue Star U12 Zodiacs - Away 12/09/2026
The first game of the season brought a new challenge for the girls as they took on the new 9-a-side format, with 30-minute halves, nine players on the team, so no substitutes.
It was always going to be a test of fitness and determination, but the girls stepped up brilliantly and gave everything from the first whistle to the last.
In goal we had Evie who took up this position for the first time. Evie showed fantastic confidence making some really good saves and looked increasingly comfortable as the game went on.
In front of her, Martha and Stevie formed a strong defensive partnership. Stevie was excellent at the back, making important interceptions and showing great strength, while also pushing into midfield when needed and playing some lovely through balls.
Martha was superb as the sweeper, always seeming to be there to deal with the goal threat and showing great awareness by dropping back to collect the ball from Evie before playing some excellent wide passes down the left.
Ahead of them Annabella and Ava worked tirelessly as wing backs, providing plenty of energy up and down the wings. They were disciplined enough to drop back and help defensively, but also pushed forward into midfield and delivered some beautiful balls into the box.
In midfield, Millie was determined to get forward and make things happen. She made several excellent runs, drove towards the byline and came incredibly close to scoring, including an effort that rattled the crossbar.
Next of her Poppy on the right.. was quite simply everywhere, covering every blade of grass, making important interceptions and driving forward with real determination.
With her Florence on the left, showed great desire to push forward and was also excellent at communicating with her teammates.
And up front Paige worked hard and showed great versatility, dropping deeper to help pick up the ball in midfield.
The breakthrough for our girls finally came when Millie made a great run down the right and struck an effort at the goalkeeper. The keeper could only parry the ball, and it found its way into the net to give the girls a deserved goal.
The second half saw more of the same. Annabella produced one of the moments of the match when she picked the ball up in defence, raced down the right and took on three opposition players before finding Florence, who finished brilliantly into the back of the net. A fantastic team goal.
The majority of the game was played in the opposition's half, and whenever they tried to break forward, Martha and Stevie were there to mop things up.
The girls showed excellent teamwork, energy and determination despite having no substitutes to call upon.
Player of the Match went to Stevie, and it was thoroughly deserved. She returned from the summer looking stronger, more determined and with a real drive about her. Her defensive work was excellent, but it was equally pleasing to see her confidence to push forward and influence the game further up the pitch.
As a manager, I can only be incredibly proud of every single one of the girls. With the new format, longer halves and no substitutes, every player had to put in a huge shift –and they did exactly that.
What a fantastic way to start the season. Super proud of every one of them! Well done!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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