Saturday comes round again and another game for our Mini-Millers.
Their penultimate game of their first foray into football playing in the Stockport Metro Summer League would be against Bramhall North.
When we previously played Bramhall, it was a good battle against two evenly matched sides.
As usual we played 6 and had a full squad to pick from. Kingsley started in goal, with Alistair and Thomas in defence, Logan and Kit in midfield with Elliott as striker. Our game changers this week would be Leo, Lexi, Lily & Jude.
Before the game, we spoke with the team about continuing what they have been doing, working hard together, not giving up, being brave to take chances and being confident in our ability.
The game kicked off and the Mini-Millers tried to be on the front foot straight away, Logan was trying to get his foot on the ball and progress the team forward. Alistair and Thomas were working hard at the back with their enthusiasm to win the ball back high up the pitch really showing.
Kit this week was almost acting as a screen in front of his defenders, nothing he was instructed to do, but he held position and tried to play forward to Elliott and Logan.
Elliott’s movement was causing Bramhall problems, and Logan managed to pick him out with a great pass which Elliott duly controlled and shot to get his name on the scoresheet. Bramhall worked hard after the goal to press forward but the defence was up to the task, our defenders were trying hard to protect the middle of the pitch and conceded a few corners in doing so.
So fantastic deliveries from Bramhall led to Kingsley being put to the test and he stood up to be counted. It was time for our game changers to make the difference with all four coming on giving Kit, Elliott, Logan, and Alistair a break.
Leo slotted into the defence, Lexi as striker, Jude and Lily into midfield. The game changers lived up to their name and immediately Lily and Jude were putting the Bramhall midfield to the test trying to feed the ball towards Lexi, who was at her sparkling best putting loads of effort and pressure on the opposition. Leo was reading the game well in defence alongside Thomas and when Bramhall got a freekick, the shot was on target but Kingsley stood tall to make a commanding save.
After this point, Leo tried to take control of the game with some superb passing from the back and with a nice touch on from Lexi, Lily was away to get a shot off which was at the keeper.
Half time sounded and after some water and a quick encouragement to keep doing the same, Jude took his turn with the gloves. Logan slotted in at the back with Alistair, Kit joining Lily in midfield and Elliott back upfront.
The second half was a superb display by the whole team who showed what hard-work and determination lead to…great things, in sport and in life. Jude was exceptional between the sticks, going after the ball with all the determination he shows every week. Logan was supreme at the back not only winning tackles but as our creator of attacks – alongside Alistair who grows every week he plays – this week his energy levels didn’t wane, but he got stronger as the game wore on. Kit showed his usual energy in midfield but particularly emphasised being brave on the ball. He was trying to take players on this week and although it didn’t always work, he never gave in.
Lily was at her effervescent best driving the team forward and creating chances through skill and sheer will. She has the most assists for the team this season and added more to her tally during this game. Leo was our ultimate game changer in defence this week. His reading of the game and positional play was outstanding – as Bramhall tried to launch counter attacks during the second half, he knew right where to be to snuff out the danger. When they tried to go the other side they met the composure but strong willed and determined Kingsley who never gives up on a ball…ever! He was determined as ever to not let Jude have too much to do in net.
Thomas was also a bundle of energy at the back and determined to get his tackles in high up the pitch and support the team.
Lexi this week showed her confidence at football is increasing and she kept working hard, tackling and supporting her teammates. It is amazing to see her growing and starting to get to grips with the game. Elliott, our super striker was on fire as ever this week. His shooting was superb but he is trying to work with others more in midfield to build attacks and create for his team which is great to see.
At the final whistle the smiles across all 10 children’s faces showed how much they had enjoyed this game and they all love playing this beautiful game.
Another amazing and positive game, week after week they grow a little more and although next week will be our final game of the Summer League, the Mini-Millers have shone throughout and soon will be lighting up another league soon.
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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