Match Report NMJFC U8s -vs Buxton Junior's Cobras U8's - 09/2/25

You keep an eye out for certain teams when the fixtures get released and Buxton Junior's are right up there, we've had some quality battles with 'the Warriors' in the last 18 months but 'the cobras' are not to be messed with... and I'm not just saying that because I'm scared of snakes! 🐍

We missed Myles, Aiden and Finn again but as always it gave the players plenty of minutes to keep warm... because the forecast in Glossop is always the same... cold, proper cold! The coaches opted for shorts again, if the kids are wearing them then so are we! 🥶

The opposition coaches suggested 6 a side, so we took this opportunity to give some of the players slightly different positions and they took no time finding their rhythm...

Reuben was vocal from the start, something he's been working on, having the best view of the game he was letting his defenders know when they drifted too far forward. His distribution is improving every week and he made some brilliant saves to go with it 🚫

Usually part of a defensive pair, Ned was given the role of 'sweeper'. Sitting infront of his keeper ready to clear the danger when Buxton caught us on the counter. Plenty of tackles from Ned, some good forward passes and a big tumble in the 2nd half but he was straight back up to check that the floor was OK 🤘

Max played lwb, understanding his role he was just as quick getting back to defend as he was going forward. He carried the ball into the channels, cutting inside onto his right foot, picking out some lovely passes forward and unleashing some powerful shots from distance! 🎯

Teddy was our rwb, he played it safe in the first half, sitting deeper and organising the right hand side. The second half saw him push further forward, he was bang on it playing the short corners when Buxton were caught napping, getting himself into the perfect angle to let off some rockets that Adriano would be proud of! 🚀

The instructions for Mia this week were simple... "get upfront and get some goals"

On another day she would of scored a hat full but the Buxton keeper was in fine form! The cobras tried their best to kick her out of the game but after some encouragement from coach Joe and Tom she was back on the pitch and as always... she gave us 100%! Well done Mia 💪🏻

12 months ago we literally had to carry Harrison onto the pitch to join in with training! Look at him now! He's still the cheekiest on the team though 🤣 he kicks you in training, squirts you with his water bottle and if the coaches get a ball to the back of the head in training you know it's come from him!

It was oreos for breakfast and it showed... relentless, resilient and full speed from the off 💨💨💨

Another player who was ready from the first whistle was Ryan!

His crosses from that left hand side were outstanding, his final ball is getting better every week! Encouraged by the wing backs he drifted inside where he tested the Buxton keeper with some powerful shots into the corners. He emptied the tank in the first half but a handful of Jaffa cakes from the coaches buffet at half time saw him charged up and raring to go! He cranked it up and was involved in everything... goals, assists, tackles, you name it Ryan was there! He was tenacious, brave and never stopped running!

Our player of the match this week went to Ryan, our silent assassin, who even managed a bit of a smile for his trophy photo, only a bit... but I will take that 🏆

A break for half term and a break in the footy, no game next week for valentines weekend, it gives us coaches plenty of time to prepare...

We've got poems to write and cards to choose, visits to the flowershop to ask for "whatever you think my Mrs will like"...

Oh and if you see us in the co op with a Thorntons in one hand and a cadburys milk tray in the other, help us out please! 😅

Top day of football from our under 8's topped off with Liverpool getting knocked out of the FA Cup by mighty Plymouth, get in 💛🖤

Teddy ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

Ryan ⚽️⚽️

Max ⚽️⚽️

Harrison ⚽️⚽️

Ryan 🏆