NMJFC U8 Hawks v Chapel Town Blues
🏆 CUP FINALS DAY AT BUXTON FC 🏆
What an occasion to mark the close of the season! The Hawks travelled to Silverlands, the home of Buxton FC to face Chapel Town Blues in hopes of lifting the HPJFL Premier Cup.
Chapel Town Blues have without question, been our toughest opponent this season and every time we play it’s always an end-to-end thrilling encounter.
Today was certainly no exception! Lots of high intensity passages of play, exciting chances at goal with unbelievable defending at both ends of the pitch keeping it close all the way. I seem to say this a lot about this team, but the performance on the day was one of their best to date. Every single player had their part to play in this game and worked tirelessly to do their job and deliver with TOGETHERNESS.
Harley Bailey - This young man has stepped up massively this season and staked his claim on the number 1 jersey with some incredible goalkeeping. It’s often been a voided area for us as a team with most of our team “filling in” between the sticks. Harley, with the back up of Kian, has really taken to the role and seems to have found his preferred position in this team. Countless times he’s kept the ball out of our net with some superb saves at times where it looked almost certain we would concede.
Kian Adrio - Again, another player who has provided some serious solidarity between the sticks and has a fantastic record of pulling off magnificent saves at times where the only outcome appeared to be going a goal behind. Kian bagged his first couple of goals for the team this season and has really pushed himself. It’s clear to see he’s enjoying his football more than ever.
Liam Smith - This young player’s ability to read the game and remain calm under pressure in defence is like watching someone twice his age at times. He’s consistently our brick wall at the back and puts in top drawer performances week in, week out. He also loves a drive forward and has bagged himself some incredible goals this season, one of the most memorable being a thunderbolt from inside his own half.
Joe Marsden - Joe transitioned from being our goalkeeper into an outfield player this season and I don’t believe anyone works as hard as he does when he’s on the pitch. Often playing in defence, I’ve lost count of the amount of times he literally throws his body on the line to block shots and make tackles that seem near impossible. Plays with a smile on his face every week. The officials on the day chose him as the Player of the Match 🏆 for his outstanding performance and more notably - his blocking of a thunderous strike from Chapel that looked certain to hit the back of the net, right in the final seconds of the game.
Ella Hardman - Ella is a warrior on the pitch. She leaves her opponent no time on the ball, constantly applying pressure to force mistakes. On the ball, she is always, without fail, looking for the pass, creating chances and always pushing forward. She never gives up, fights in every challenge and battles for every single ball. Every team needs an Ella, but only this team have our Ella.
Shea Bailey - This young man has at times this season been simply unstoppable. There have been countless instances where Shea appears to just dance his way through a sea of defenders, charge at goal and smash them into the back of the net. This is coupled with his desire to win the ball in the middle of the pitch and provide some fantastic through balls to create chances at goal. Although mainly playing in forward positions, his understanding of tracking back and helping defend against attacks really is a joy to see. He’s been a solid partner for Liam at the back in some very crucial moments. Shea is a beast.
Leo Petters - This lad is an absolute goal machine. Last season he racked up 30+ goals and I for one was interested to see if that kind of tally could be replicated again for a second season… The answer is yes. Yes it can. Again, another 30+ goals for Leo with so many of his strikes being absolute worldies. Goals aside, this lad has really shown another side of his game in recent times. Although I love the attitude of trying to score from any and all angles, seeing him look for the pass and fire some incredible balls into the box when his team mates appear to be in better positions to score, has really been an area of his development that makes him so much more dangerous. Leo is unfortunately leaving us this season and he will be dearly missed by all. Wherever he goes, I know he will be a star. We wish him all the best of luck in the world and thank him for the 3 years he has spent with us.
Brooke Crossland - After missing a large part of last season with an injury, you’d almost half expect Brooke to have come into the new season needing some time to build her confidence back up and settle in. Not this kid. She returned to training even more determined than she was previously and showed us all what a special player she is. Brooke has this aura of grace when she’s on the ball which is amazing to watch. Her twists and turns out of danger have often left her opponents on the floor and the flair that she displays is a joy. Many times this season, I have been approached by opposition coaches after the final whistle full of praise and in awe of how Brooke plays. Brooke is also sadly leaving us this season and will be missed greatly. Whichever team ends up with Brooke, will be gaining a superstar.
Also want to say a big thanks to Dave Adrio who has now stepped in to a coaching role alongside me, very much looking forward to working with him in preparation for next season as U9s and switching to a 7-a-side format.
Another season wrapped up and another season of seeing these players not only grow up, but grow in confidence, ability, development and the most important thing… grow in happiness playing their game. These kids are an inspiration and constantly remind me of how lucky I am to be their coach.
Dan Bailey | U8 Hawks Manager
#UpTheMillers 🟡⚫️🟡
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