NMJFC U8's Hornets V Chapel Town Blues - 27/11/22
The game we had been waiting for all season. This is where you find out how far you have come in the development process of working with 7 & 8 year old children since they were 5 years old. The Hornets have had some outstanding matches so far but we are very aware as a team, we still have loads to learn and as coaches we love seeing how they improve and to test our amazing group against the Top-Performing teams in The High Peak Junior League!
This was the first time we have faced a team from Chapel this season and I noticed as The Hornets arrived onto the pitch, there were signs of nerves but most of all excitement and it’s mornings like this when you don’t even really need a team-talk. This little squad of ours are well-drilled and they know what is expected of them and they just never fail to deliver! Albie took the gloves and once again showed everybody watching how absolutely amazing he is at shot-stopping. His footwork between those posts as he anticipates the arrival of the shot is the reason he saves so many goals. Outstanding Albs!
I’m never one to criticise our team but I felt the occasion may have slightly got to some of our more experienced players and just to begin with, they seemed to be a little tentative and lacked that normal zip & flare they have in their locker.
Changes were made and words of encouragement were given to the players coming off….. But what about the three that came on! They were brilliant – Oliver L, Ollie M & Jessica ran their socks of and competed for every single ball. The game began to swing in our favor and chances were being created. Ollie M stepped up to the challenge of leading that front-line and he was fantastic. Simply running past defenders and he was unlucky not to get a goal for his unbelievable energy & belief in himself.
Whilst at the back Finley & Oliver L kept us safe. Then we thought Jessica was going to hit the back of the net but somehow it just didn’t happen on this occasion. The half ended with Oliver L taken one for the team. Massive collision with the opposing player and the whistle was blown as he lay on the floor. The boys at the back had shown true grit & desire to get to half-time. Oliver L got up, grabbed a drink and put on the goalie top for the second-half. Super kid!
Second half we had settled and reminded the parents on the sidelines how much quality this team possess. Albie was pulling all the strings in midfield and Finley was utterly incredible playing as the last-man. Nobody could get past him and this created a platform in which Frankie & Ronan could thrive on.
Oliver B was so unlucky not to score and on another day he would have had a hat-trick.
Albie scored an absolute screamer ⚽️ and The Mini-Millers were right back in the game. Oliver L made an outrageous save towards the end of the match that was greeted by huge applause by The Hornets supporters. What a passionate group of parents we have who cheer every single child on like they are their own!
As the final whistle was blown, you could see on our kids faces, they had given it their all! That’s all we will ever ask of you on these early Sunday mornings. As coaches, we are so proud of you all and the effort you put in!
Next week, we get to do it all again.
Special mention to our excellent goalkeepers – Albie & Oliver L and an extra special mention to Jessica who won Player of The Match 🏆 for her commitment and ability to fulfill every instruction in the toughest of games. #UpTheMillers💛🖤⚽️
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