Match Report NMJFC U7s - 21/03/26
- R.Oakes
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
U7's Torkington Trophy Event (Group Stage)
Sat 21 Mar 2026 11:15 Droylsden Youth Centre Pythons U7-v-New Mills Juniors U7, Venue: THE MIKE DOYLE CENTRE Pitch C
After a couple of early kick-offs, it was 11.15 for this one, and the sun was out giving us a perfect spring day for the U7’s second group match of the Torkington Trophy Event.
There was no Alfred or Tobias for this one, despite this the remaining 7 took to the field in bright spirits.
Seb volunteered to go in goal for the first half, so we would be without his goal threat in the first period.
Charlie was having an issue with his shin pads, so the outfield U7's lined up with Henry & Angus in defence, Joseph on the right, Louie on the left and Ollie up front, with Charlie on the touchline with the coaches, eager to get on pitch.
A rock, paper, scissors to determine the team kicking off, and the whistle went with Droylsden kicking off. Their intent was clear from the outset, using the strength of their larger players to pile on the pressure & test us from range.
New Mills were not shaken, and matched every attack with well-timed tackles & interceptions, every time looking to release an attack. Angus won virtually every challenge coming towards the New Mills area, allowing Henry to move forward to intercept on the half way line.
Louie worked tirelessly up & down the left, and Joseph & Ollie were beginning to connect.
Charlie replaced Angus after an intense 10mins.
The tempo was changing and New Mills were looking dangerous in the Droylsden half. Louie finding the passes into the middle, Joseph battling through challenges to send Ollie on his way.
The Droylsden goalkeeper and defence were proving tough to crack.
The challenges were flying in at both ends of pitch resulting in free kicks for both sides. When called upon Seb was in outstanding form between the sticks. Diving to palm wide, coming out to meet the on the oncoming threat, and so strong in those goal line scrambles.
The whistle blew to end a well fought first half, and the NM U7’s came to the touchline for some coaches encouragement and big drink on what was a surprisingly warm March day.
Louie replaced Seb in goal, so Seb took a familiar position on the left, Charlie up front for the start of the second half and Ollie having a well-earned breather.
From the restart there was a familiar flavour, with both teams going toe to toe, every ball challenged and chased to gain possession.
Charlie's presence and Sebs energy unsettled Droylsden. They were still trying to push forward, but more & more with the long ball, which Henry easily mopped up. A couple of their dribble-ins caught NM off-guard, but Angus & Henry were more than a match.
Ollie went back on and Charlie dropping back to defence replacing Angus.
Having been in goal for the first half, Seb seemed to have energy in abundance. His midfield trickery, tearing up the left wing and Joseph on fine form on the right, pulled Droylsden all over the pitch.
Joseph had chased everything in the Droylsden half all game, but with Ollie back on their link-up play was really clicking, and with Seb & Henry breaking Droylsden's momentum, gaps were beginning to appear.
New mills finished the game with strength & confidence & they should be proud of their performance.
NMJFC U7's (in alphabetical order):
Angus: He didn't get a run up front today, but he was outstanding. Watched the oncoming attack and met them for every ball...👍🏻
Charlie: Doesn't like playing in defence, but he does it so well. That left foot is becoming a dangerous tool, particularly when he's released up front...👍🏻
Henry: This boy reads the opposition. Outstanding performance against a physical opposition he matched throughout...👍🏻
Joseph: Looked ready for this. Covered every blade of 3G, tracking and recovering. Was a threat throughout...👍🏻
Louie: He wore out the left side of the pitch in the first half. Always looking for the pass, tracking back, and unlucky not to be on the scoresheet...👍🏻
Ollie: Battled all game in a very busy Droylsden half. Always there to cover at the back. Came so close to getting on the scoresheet...👍🏻
Seb: For a boy that is so good with his feet, the first half performance in goal was phenomenal. In comparison, he caused a threat throughout whilst chipping in with vital defending...👍🏻
Player of the match went to a boy whole ran tirelessly, challenged the opposition throughout, took a ball in the face, but most importantly took some of the training to the match day, in the pass & move. Well done Joseph!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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