NMJFC U11 Hornets V Adswood United - 22/11/25

Youth football is all about learning & improving.The result doesn't matter they say, and this is completely true. Sometimes though, it doesn't feel like that...... particularly in the heat of battle! Mid Afternoon kick-off on Saturday, under the floodlights again but this time at a totally new venue for us. The Mike Doyle Centre awaited us and the first thing we noticed was the size of the massive pitch. This suits us down to the ground and allows the boys to play more expansive football and "let the ball do the work".

To a man, every single one of them bought into the coaches instructions and our lads showed everybody watching, how easy football can be, when played correctly. The only thing missing was putting that ball in the back of the net but I can honestly say, I'd rather see that work-rate from our attacking players every single week, even if they don't score a goal!! We know you're capable so keep doing the hard work. Ollie M was unstoppable. Gliding past the opposition and putting in some incredible crosses that would normally have been buried. Ollie M 🏆 took home the POTM award for putting in his best performance of the season. Ollie M is growing quicker than bamboo right now and he seems to be growing in confidence too. Albie was also running his socks off and on another day may have scored a couple. Apologies for repeating myself, but I'd take this Albie all day long! Putting himself about & challenging for every ball. Ollie M & Albie were simply sensational upfront.

Sometimes it takes different players to bring out the best in some individuals. This may have been the case this weekend with the addition of Callum, Rocco K & 'Young Stanley'. Cal & Roc were available to help out from The Scorpions and both of them were fantastic. Starting from the bench, both were ready when needed and kept things tight in a very close game. We will be calling on you both again, very soon lads, Thanks as always.

Young Stanley was fired up and boy did he turn the magic on for The Hornets. I don't say this lightly but on the eve of the 20th Anniversary of George Best passing, watching Stanley play, draws a resemblance to the great Belfast Boy. He is as tough as old boots, never ducks a tackle and has the quickest feet to deceive the opposing player. In addition to that, Stanley is prepared to fight for the team and his sheer determination to win the ball back is evident and was a joy to watch. Fantastic performance 'Young Stanley'- Keep it up pal!

In defence we were solid again. Oliver L loved the bigger pitch and this played into our advantage. He dominated his area then spread the ball to all 4 corners of the ground, allowing us to create chance after chance in the other half. He never put a foot wrong. Infront of Oliver L is Finley who was also on top-form. We've played Adswood multiple times now and Finners knows every trick in the book. A 'Cultured Centre Half' is how they describe it now but just in case you're not sure what that means.... Finley turns defence into attack. He has added an intelligence to his game and his comfortable passing out from the back. Most impressive of all though, he still gets stuck in! Time after time Finners out-ran the centre forward and took the ball off him whilst creating the next attack. Alongside Finners was Oliver L & Kai. The pair of them are currently going for most improved player of the season award right now. The progress in both has been incredible and their desire to protect the team and fight for the ball is showing, week after week. It's called grit and us coaches are loving it.

In the middle, Frankie & Ronan were winning everything and easily dealt the oppositions style of play with real composure and kept things simple. Quick decisive passing created attack after attack and we had a genuine spine to the team.  There is a real partnership growing in there and it is happening at the perfect time. An immaculate performance from all involved and a real sense of togetherness whilst witnessing some bad scenes on the sideline. You did us proud lads! 

Next up, Wythenshawe in the cup. C'Mon my boys - This is our year 

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers