Match Report NMJFC U7 v Richmond Rovers U7 Lazio - 13/09/25

The second game for NMJFC's youngest group of shining stars.

Most them arriving early with the coaches, and keen to get on the pitch to warm up.

The weather was kind for the early 9am fixture. Dry & bright, perfect conditions for football.

The opponents were Richmond Rovers Lazio U7's, an unknown quantity so far, but the New Mills boys lined up looking confident.

The starting line-up was:

Henry is goal, Tobias in defence, Joseph & Ollie in midfield, and Charlie, back from his holiday up front for his first experience of the SMJFL.

Charlie kicks off, and the boys look to hold the ball & move forward. RR Lazio had other ideas, seeking to steal the ball at every opportunity.

Tobias working hard at the back, Ollie & Joseph trying to combine, to feed Charlie.

Lazio put on pressure, Charlie was tracking back to help the back line, they hit the bar, the cross bar, but Henry was there with some fantastic saves.

Fresh legs were required so on comes Seb, up front for Charlie. The change gave New Mills a stronger push forward, but still being pushed by a strong Lazio. Shortly after Louie for a tiring Joseph, Alfred for Ollie and Angus on for Tobias.

Half time came, drink & a regroup. The New Mills boys still buzzing.

For the second half: Angus in goal, and with Henry out outfield, and what a difference it made.

Henry was battling all over the pitch. Angus made some great saves, making the coaches sweat with his calmness with the ball on the line.

The team started to connect and play more in the Lazio half with a great second half performance.

The game finished with handshakes for the opposing team, and referee. Thanks to Arlo (referee), coaches & players of the RR Lazio, and of course, the NMJFC parents.

Angus: Replaced Tobias in defence...👍🏻 Great performance in goal in the second half...👍🏻

Alfred: Nothing phases this boy, anywhere on pitch...👍🏻👍🏻

Charlie: Up front for the first half...👍🏻, solid in defence for the second...👍🏻

Henry: First half goalkeeper...👍🏻 No stopping him in the second half...👍🏻

Joseph: Troubled the opposition throughout, so much running...👍🏻👍🏻

Louie: Defence, attack, always battling...👍🏻👍🏻

Ollie: Put everything into this game, always pushing forward...👍🏻👍🏻

Seb: Great team player, was all over pitch, taking the ball in defence, trickery midfield to push forward...👍🏻👍🏻

Tobias: A great performance throughout, some great clearances...👍🏻👍🏻

A great performance by all the team, but player of the match went to Ollie. He gave everything, and had nothing else in his mind but going for goal. Well done Ollie...🏆

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers