Match report NMJFC U7 - 17/01/26
- R.Oakes
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The second match of the new year, this time with a training session before to try to prepare for the weekend fixture.
This week, Stockport Tigers were the opposition, but regardless of who the other team were, the U7's needed to be match ready.
The weather was warmer than last week, and with an 11.15 kick off the U7's seemed ready to go.
Seb in goal for the first half, Charlie at the back, Henry & Ollie in midfield, and Tobias up front. Joseph & Louie the game changers waiting in the wings.
All season the coaches have been encouraging the U7's to keep the ball in midfield, play in the oppositions half, find space and pass.
The U7's took the game to the Stockport Tigers from the opening whistle. Charlie standing strong, Henry driving forward at every opportunity, Ollie & Tobias finding pockets of space, pulling the Tigers out of position.
The pressure paid off with the Tigers putting the ball out for a corner on the right-hand side. This would ordinarily be Sebs territory for an inswinger with his left foot, but with him in goal, Henry stepped up to take the corner. We have practiced corners throughout the season, and Henry put the cross straight into the danger area, Ollie drifted into space at the back post to smash the ball into the top corner on the half volley...⚽️
The game restarted with a similar level of pressure from the NMJ U7's, but the Stockport Tigers were finding their feet and starting to creep into the New Mills half.
Charlie stood strong, and with Henry dropping back when required, the ball was moved into the Tigers half.
Ollie was twisting & turning, trying to get a yard of space, Tobias chasing down the loose balls and was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.
It was Henry's determination that showed and with a breaking run through the Tigers defence, he saw a gap and slotted the ball home with a very composed finish...⚽️
Charlie & Tobias off and Joseph & Louie on. Louie maintaining the solid back line and Joseph linking up with Ollie & Henry.
Louie held the back line, moving towards every ball coming into the New Mills half. He defended from the half way line, Joseph tussling in midfield and his connection with Ollie, there was only one outcome, Ollie finding the back of the net...⚽️
Half time whistle, quick change of personnel, Tobias in goal, and Seb unleashed.
Henry holding the back line, Charlie up front.
From the start, Seb tormented the Tigers. A twist & turn and forward he goes, the goal was in his sight. As the Tigers were deciding how to deal with the new threat, corners were coming thick & fast.
It wasn't long until Seb stroked in a neat finish from wide on the left...⚽️
Another change, for fresh legs, Louie up front for Charlie. Louie was in the mix from the start.
New Mills were battling for possession everywhere on the pitch.
A New Mills exchange inside the Tigers half, saw Louie run through to strike the ball home...⚽️
There were tired legs on both sides, endless running throughout, but with Seb having been in goal for the first half, he still had a mission.
This time popping up on the right side, cutting inside for a very cute finish inside the near post...⚽️
This game was a fresh sight of seeing some of the things we've been doing in training.
All the NMJFC U7's should be proud of a very good performance:
Charlie: Absolutely solid, never shirks a challenge.
Henry: A talisman wherever he plays.
Joseph: Always driving the team forward.
Louie: So strong at the back & a threat going forward.
Ollie: The shielding & passing was joy to see.
Seb: Dynamite in the second half, unstoppable.
Tobias: Really tested the Tigers up front. Unlucky not to be on the score sheet.
Player of the match could have been given to any one of the NMJFC U7's, but for the consistent determination & drive throughout, Henry got the medal...🏅
Well done Henry & all the U7's.
We go again next week...
⚽️🖤💛⚽️