New Mills Juniors U7s – Trophy Event Final Lives up to the billing…

With the league season finishing with a bang last week, all that was left to finish the U7s journey in their first season in the Stockport Metro league was their play-off final against Didsbury FC U7s.  

This team over the season have progressed so much and taken everything that is thrown at them in their stride.  

This week was our first final, latest kick off (3.25pm) and new location at Stockport Sports Village in Woodley.  The team arrived ready and prepared in glorious spring sunshine.  We had the full squad available although we were unable to play our usual 6-a-side as Didsbury only had 5 players.  

The team to start would be Kingsley in goal to give a solid platform as he has all season, Leo at centre back, our calm and composed attack destroying machine.  

The driving force of Logan in midfield with Jude and Elliott as strikers.  The pitch was large so the team would have to work hard forward and back.    

Kit, Thomas, Lily and Alistair would be the first game-changers this week.  We spoke to the team beforehandabout working hard together, play as they have been and have fun.

The game started with both teams trying to get on top early.  The pressure from New Mills told early with numerous attempts being created by Logan’s direct approach and Elliott and Jude linking well.  Leo was making sure the team had a solid platform to work from and Kingsley covered when called upon.  The opening goal would come from the Millers with Jude playing a smart pass across from the left which Logan latched onto with a powerful effort past the keeper.  

This goal gave the team a lift but also encouraged Didsbury who came back straight away, forcing Kingsley into some smart saves.  

Energy levels were waning so the four outfield players were switched to the bench with Kit at the back, Alistair in midfield with Lily and Thomas in attack.  

Thomas and Alistair have been showing their adaptability in recent weeks in new positions and did the same again for their final game.  

Lily was relentless as ever with her pressure but unfortunately struggled to create chances. But it was Didsbury who managed to get on the scoresheet to make it level at the break.  

While both teams took on fluids, the coaches agreed the pitch was a little large and it was shortened to help the players.  The words of encouragement were simply – keep working hard together and keep smiling.

Captain for the game Logan would take keeper duties for the second half, with Leo back in defence, Kingsley in midfield and Elliott partnering Thomas in attack.  Didsbury started the brighter and put Logan to work straight away; he managed to smartly save an early effort but Logan’s quick thinking with a long ball allowed Elliott to run through on goal for the opening goal of the second half.  

Kingsley then turned provider with Elliott finishing again before Logan setup Elliott for his hattrick of 1v1 finishes.

Didsbury did manage to get a great effort back but then our bench took over.  

With Kit, Jude, Alistair and Lily taking over the final part of the game.  The mini-millers went to town.  Lily, was rewarded for her efforts with not one, not two, but three goals and her first hattrick for her superb play, tremendous hard work and great attacking skill as she put the defence to the sword.  Jude was relentless in attack as well helping to create two of the goalswith Alistair and Kit trying to keep Didsbury out in defence.  

Any nerves that existed at half-time from the players and supporters were extinguished by a great team performance from back to front.  As the final whistle blew the team celebrated wildly and thanked their opponents for a great game – but every Miller can be proud of their own performance:

Kingsley – superb in goal in the 1st half, created a goal in the second and was determined to drive New Mills forward.

Logan – always a willing runner forward and back, deserved his goal and his quick thinking created two more, with some cracking handling as well in goal.

Kit – solid at the back, although he loves bombing forward with the ball, more disciplined role which gave the team and platform.

Leo – exceptional composure, stepping in to win the ball countless times and play simple passes forward.

Thomas – relentless energy, timing his tackles well and working hard for his teammates to put pressure on and win the ball.

Jude – creative, determined and energetic as ever, rewarded with two assists for Lily’s goals.

Alistair – adapted well to new role, helped defend and built attacks from the back – superb effort and passing throughout.

Elliott – always a willing runner and rewarded with a hattrick thanks to determination, bravery and finishing skill.

Lily – superb hattrick and willing recipient for opposition coach’s player of the match – determination, tackling, pressure, finishing – it was all there.

After another brilliant game against a great team in Didsbury, the team got to collect the reward for their season’s hard work – their first trophy.  A well-deserved reward for an awesome first season in the metro league.  A massive well done to every player who, whatever the weather, whatever the result – plays the beautiful game in a beautiful way… with a smile on their face.  

Thank you to the club and parents/families for their season long support…. We can’t wait to see what U8s will hold…. but we have New Mills tournament first…. could we add to the cabinet?

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers

#withyouharrylad