Match Report NMJFC U7s - 15/11/25

It was a chilly day at the Mike Doyle centre for this week's fixture against Bowden Athletic FC Blues.

There were nine NMJFC U7's available this week, as there has for most of the season so far. Credit to the kids and the parents for their commitment!

A quick chat with referee & the Bowden coach, and it was agreed to play 6v6 to give all the kids more game time, less of them waiting on side lines.

Louie was our volunteer for goalkeeper in the first half, and with the low temperature, the coaches decided to make frequent outfield changes to keep the kids moving throughout.

It was Silent Support weekend, so the kids were encouraged to make their own decisions on the pitch, with only positive reinforcement from coaches.

So far this season the U7's have tended to start the games slowly, and getting into their flow in the second half, but not this time. They were on the front foot from the kick-off, pushing Bowden back and playing the ball in their half of the pitch.

A couple of exchanges in midfield and Henry latched on to the loose ball, powering towards the Bowden goal, and tucking the ball into the bottom corner.

Seeming to be playing with confidence, New Mills defended from the front. When the ball did break into their half Tobias & Charlie were more than a match for the Bowden forward line. When called upon Louie looked solid between the sticks.

With fresh legs on the pitch and a slight change of shape, New Mills continued to press, but Bowden weren't lying down. Their tactic was clear, get the ball to their big lad who will let fly with a shot from anywhere.

The game changers were clearly raring to go.

A midfield battle & Ollie emerges with the ball to break free of the defender & slide the ball home.

The games resumes with the same midfield battle, an exchange and Ollie is through again, shrugging off the defender's challenges to find the back of net.

After consulting with the referee, Bowden insisted the game continued as a 5v5, not 6v6 as the game had started.

The change in personnel turned the tide. Bowden looked to get their lively winger pushing forward, and to their big lad. The game was on.

Half time, and the message was, more of the same, play with confidence.

With Charlie in goal for the second half, Louie started as the defensive front.

Waves of Bowden attacks were met by saves from Charlie, blocks from Louie & Angus.

Changes again, and with a twist & a turn Seb smashes home.

In an end to end battle, New Mills were getting the better of their opponent towards the end of the game.

Seb managed to scramble through the Bowden back line, but too wide, or not! 

He slid the ball in off the far post with precision.

With the game drawing to a close, and both teams giving their all, Henry breaks loose with the ball, and as the game started, he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

NMJFC U7's:

Alfred: Whether in defence, midfield or attack, he covered the pitch tirelessly. Got some key challenges in to help the team stay on the front foot.

Angus: A menace to the opposition, always in the mix, looking to get the ball forward. Not afraid of a tackle and won most.

Charlie: A rock wherever he played, that left foot is dangerous! Brilliant in goal in the 2nd half, kept us in game a few times.

Henry: What an all rounder! Commands the defence, a natural in midfield and finding the back of the net.

Joseph: Gave everything to keep the ball and link up with his teammates. Troubled the opposition throughout. Some great touches & unlucky not to be on the scoresheet. 

Louie: Fabulous 1st half in goal. Really strong 2nd half wherever he played. Some of his touches & turns gave Bowden real problems.

Ollie: There is only one thing on this boys mind, but there was more today. In the mix defending the corners, and battling to regain possession.

Seb: The touches, turns & the break of pace had the opposition dizzy. Not afraid of a challenge, and helped out at back when called upon.

Tobias: Yet another solid performance. The defensive anchorman, too often, but he does it so well! Rarely missed a challenge & links up so well with all the team.

All the coaches were very proud of the team performance. 

The resounding message in my ears was: "when can I go back on", "when can I go back on".

A great message that the team enjoy their time on the pitch, and their football journey.

Player of the match went to scorer of the first & last goals, but not for that. Resilience, and covering for the team over the whole pitch.

Well done Henry!...⚽️🟡⚫️🟡⚽️

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

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