Match report NMJFC Under 16s - 2nd May 2021

Signol Athletic 1-4 New Mills Under 16’s

The Millers Under 16’s completed their league campaign with a fine performance, defeating Signol Athletic, as side fancied by many to be title winners in pre-season, comfortably at Brabyns Park. The victory ensured that The Millers completed their league fixtures without losing a single game, winning all but one, and this group of players can claim to be ‘The Invincibles’ alongside Preston North End and Arsenal, while obvious comparisons can be made to the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1974 when the Lions, under the captaincy of Willie John McBride, won every game bar one (which ended in a draw) on the tour.

Max Gravestock was ruled out with an ankle injury sustained the previous weekend, and The Millers were also rocked on the eve of the contest when Kai Harman withdrew from the squad with injury. Harman’s return to top form has been a key component to The Millers championship form, but with Ben Spedding returning from injury himself Chris Culkin’s side had a ready made replacement.

After a slight delay to kick off awaiting the match official the game got underway and Signol settled into their stride quickly, playing their neat football in midfield, meaning Joel Boyes was forced to drop deeper alongside Harry Wyatt and Kit Maddox to enable The Millers to get a foothold in the game.

After the tactical change The Millers took control and went ahead on 22 minutes, Alex Capraro firing home from 25 yards to register his first goal of the season. Jake Brooks had a chance to double the lead almost immediately but saw his effort saved by the keeper, and his stumbling follow up clipped the post before bouncing to safety. Boyes saw a close range header cleared off the line before the lead was doubled right on half time. Noah Smith launched a long goal kick which was missed by the home defender and Brooks raced on to the loose ball to fire home left footed.

Any hopes that Signol had of a comeback were thwarted just three minutes into the second half when Frank Woodrow raced clear on goal, firing home his 24th goal of the season to end the game as a contest.

Signol were awarded a penalty on the hour mark, but with Noah Smith in goal penalties are no more dangerous than a goal kick, and he produced his trademark save from the spot, although the rebound was tucked home to reduce the deficit.

With five minutes to go Capraro added his second of the game to clinch the win and bring the league season to a very satisfying close. The Millers will be presented with the Stockport Metro League Premier Division Championship trophy following next weeks game at Poynton.

With the league now in the bag The Millers turn their attention to the Divisional Cup where they face two tricky away games at Poynton and Chapel Town, with a home fixture against Whaley Bridge slotted in between.

Man of the Match: Harvey Smith