Match Report NMJFC U9's vs Team Goal Girl's U10's - 07/12/25

Season 3 - Episode 13: "If you switch off like you did last week then laser tag is gonna be rubbish!!"

If yesterday was day 6 then today was day 7 on the advent calendar 😁 and we had a busy day planned for the under 9's, a Laser Tag Christmas party followed by a trip to burger king was on the cards, lots of fun for kids, double whoppers for the coaches! A festive treat for the kids after an intense start to the season... but first up, we had a quarter final to play! After last weekend's late drama it was the 2nd leg of the Richard Gregg KO Cup, with a place in the semi finals at stake and once again we faced the girls! With a full squad to choose from again, the coaches had their hands full trying to ensure everyone got on the pitch ⚽️⚽️⚽️

Coach Joe gave Finn detailed instructions before the match "don't do too much with the ball, drive down that wing n put balls in the box for Leon"... he couldn't have been more specific! It was like ordering a goal off amazon and just like the postman does... Finn delivered ✅️ After a cagey first 5 minutes he was off down that right wing, dancing his way past their defence and when he drilled it across goal Leon was there to put it away! He set the tone for a physical battle and refused to be thrown off the ball by the girls! We only had him for the first half though, he was off to Carrington to play against United, the life of a Liverpool keeper eh! When he grabbed his stuff at half time and jogged over to his Dad it gave the girls a massive lift, he was right little menace! With Leon getting off the mark early doors it was time to defend from the front and he does that so well! He was holding the ball up and playing it wide, following it up with dangerous runs into the box! He came up against physical defenders who shoved him from pillar to post but he kept on coming back for more, we love that and you can always guarantee that he will make himself an option, classic centre forward play from the New Mills Berbatov! Reuben made a smart stop in the first half to keep the game tight, a powerful shot found it's way through a couple of our defenders legs but he watched it all the way and just when it looked to be heading in he stuck a foot out and sent it wide! His long balls over the top in the 2nd half gave us a much needed breather as the girls tried to pin us in!

Teddy had his hands full again at the back, he was often outnumbered when they caught us on the counter attack but he made the right choices holding them off, giving his team chance to get back and help out! His block in the 2nd half fell to their attacker and when it went in those shoulders dropped... we all told him "get your head up Teddy" and he worked through it, after a nervy 5 minutes his confidence was back! We were under immense pressure throughout that 2nd half and just like Reuben, Teddy's long balls forward gave us a much needed breather, sometimes you've just got to hoof it forward! He was back to full fitness this week Harrison, so we knew our engine room was firing on all cylinders again! Another proper shift put in, chasing after every ball and not shying away from his tackles! He sat infront of Teddy and Max when they needed protection and when we won the ball back he was always an option for the forwards, he's understanding of that midfield role is spot on right now and the coaches are made up with his progression this season! We moved Myles to the opposite wing to start the game and he didn't half get stuck in, when he cuts inside onto that right foot it's a problem for any team! He did his defensive duties in the 2nd half though, teaming up with Teddy on our right hand side, helping out his mate when he was outnumbered! He saw the space opening up as they pressed us high and when Max had the ball for a kick-in on the opposite side he screamed for the ball... the pass was on point and his first touch was perfect, the ball was out of his feet and as we've all muttered under our breath... "hit it"... he's absolutely buried it! Get in Myles!

Just like he did last week, Ryan had a blinder! He came on in the first half and wasted no time in getting stuck in! Fighting fire with fire down the left hand side! He was reading the danger well in the 2nd half and dropped in to help Max out but as we started to find our rhythm again he was off down that left wing doing what he does best, taking people on and causing them problems! His mojo is back and he's buzzin again! These girls were relentless and when they pushed their midfield high up the pitch we had to call in reinforcements... "sit in the middle Ned and stop those attacks" it was a great move from coach Joe and Tom, as Ned provided a screen for his defenders and he was intent on not letting anything get through! He did his job perfectly, flying into the midfield getting stuck right in! He would take some stopping and when he won the ball and went to play it out he was tripped to floor, as the ref waved play on the ball fell to their number 6 and she's set her feet and smashed one right into the top corner, nothing you can do about them Ned, he dusted himself off and went again, brilliant attitude! It was game on again and we needed to keep our heads, tired legs and constant pressure will eventually take it's toll so we rung the changes once again. We needed fresh legs, loads of energy and none stop running... we looked to the bench for our number 6 + our number 7 (don't do it 😳) Joseph set about defending from the front,  trying his hardest to push the girls back! He did a great job just when the team needed it! He was switched on for the kick-ins this week, which was awesome to see! He had to come off near the end though, his face bright red and his little heart pounding, he literally ran himself into the ground, what an effort Joseph!

We needed Mia to be smart today, be confident on the ball and get us forward! She's been on a roll in training in recent weeks, showcasing her dribbling skills, we know she's fast but she's been looking absolutely rapid! When the opposition keeper was playing high up the pitch we encouraged her to get forward, force their defenders to sit back! She picked up those loose balls and drove us forward, never giving up and refusing to be intimidated! Keep working hard Mia!

They all put a shift in today and just like he was last week, Max was fantastic! We asked him at half time to find that next level, take it up another gear and he cranked it up big time! When they broke through our midfield he was the first one there, strong in the challenge, determined to win that ball back! 💪🏻 Defensively he was brilliant, an absolute rock... but when Finn went off at half time we needed our ball carriers and Max stepped up! He drove us forward at every opportunity, with his head up always looking for that pass. He was smart with the kick-ins, choosing when to dribble or send it long, his vision to play that long ball to Myles for his goal was class! He deserved a goal for his hard work and when a free kick was awarded right in the middle of the park it was time for one of his trademark rockets! Hands on hips... waiting for the refs whistle... he smashed an absolute thunderbolt that nearly took the net off! 🔥🔥She's quality their keeper but in his own words "nobody was saving that"! Goal number 11 of the season... from a defender, unbelievable Jeff!

Double football for Max this season is really paying off, he's been phenomenal, keep it up mate you were outstanding today! This week's player of the match and the sharpest shooter in laser tag... went to big Max 🏆

It's been a tense couple of weeks in these cup games but it's back to the league next week... thankfully... it's been stressful 😅 but we've loved it! You can't beat having competitive games week after week! It's so important to switch off after matches, regardless of the result, it's easy to forget they are kids and it's all about having fun with your mates! When today's match fell on the day of our christmas party it was ideal! Go and enjoy yourselves kids, you work your socks off every week and you deserve it! Stay out of the arcade though... you might find some Dad's in there 🤣

Now get me a burger... or two!! 💛🖤

Leon ⚽️

Finn ⚽️⚽️

Myles ⚽️

Max ⚽️🏆

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers