Match report NMJFC U8's Hornets V Chapel Blues - 12/3/23
A wonderful morning at Glossopdale was made even better when our VIP guests were invited to join the New Mills U8’s ‘pitch-side’. Harry Budd was feeling well enough (Accompanied by his parents Rob & Becki) to watch both NMJFC Wasps (Harry’s Team) V Hayfield and NMJFC Hornets V Chapel Blues, simultaneously.
Positioned perfectly between pitch 2 & 3, Harry was able to get a taste of that match-day buzz he has missed so much and it goes without saying that everyone of us is looking forward to seeing him back in his footie-boots on a Sunday morning.
The Hornets were ready to put on a display for the Budd family and we spoke before the match about how we could adopt some of the qualities Harry has displayed whilst fighting this horrendous card he has been dealt. Strength, belief, positivity & never giving up were all discussed and the boys had it in abundance.
Chapel Blues are the one side who we haven’t managed to get the reward we deserve in the last two seasons and full credit to them. They have created a footballing standard we aspire to be at and we love nothing more than being given the opportunity to test ourselves at this level.
Ollie M took the gloves first-half and didn’t put a foot wrong. When The Hornets conceded an early penalty, Ollie M stood between the posts, took some deep breaths then manged to make himself ‘big enough’ to keep the ball from going in!
Upfront we struggled slightly to create that final pass, but as the half went on, Oliver B & Albie were beginning to settle and we were now playing with confidence. We always seem to have these nerves in the big games and I actually love it as I can see how much the boys want it!
Second Half, Albie volunteered to go in nets. He was marvellous! Although we missed his attacking ability, he kept us in the game…… NOT just him! Oliver L had taken a knock in the first-half but this didn’t stop him. Second half, Oliver L was a rock & steadied the ship. This allows Frankie to get further up the pitch and we began to find that passing game again. Splitting the oppositions defence in half, with Ollie M & Oliver B working their magic upfront.
Corner after corner, we just couldn’t find the back of the net. As we set-up more defensively in hope of taking something from the game, we invited on attack after attack from Chapel and luckily Albie was up to the test with 2 or 3 absolutely incredible saves.
The last word has to go to Finley. This little lad grows an inch a minute when he’s on the pitch. He doesn’t know how to give up!! Time after time, he made tackles that prevented the opposition from shooting. Not always the big hits (He does them too…. Perfectly) but at times it’s just a little toe-poke that breaks-up the attack. Fantastic Finners!
The final whistle was greeted with utter relief! The Mini-Millers had just put in a gritty, tough & confident performance. It could have gone either way but our boys have found a new level of togetherness.
Inspired by Harry & his family…… The Hornets did us proud!
💛🖤⚽️
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