Sandra Crowe KO Cup - NMJFC U11 Hornets V Wythenshawe Wanderers Wasps - 29/11/25

A place in Quarter-Finals was at stake as we matched-up against yet another Wythenshawe team. The Wasps are familiar to us and we knew it would be a tough match so prepared well. Each Hornet was required to win their individual battles and the objective was to keep the ball wide and to play it on the floor. All the Wythenshawe teams seem to be tall so the focus was to keep the ball wide and away from what proved to be a very congested centre-midfield.

First of all, it was time to welcome Charlie-Boy back. After being out for months he has dipped his toe in at training and it's looked like he's never been away. Charlie has even been down to support the boys in his time off and he's always been a team player. On the pitch, he was superb. Solid on the ball and creating opportunities for others as he's always done for The Hornets. Naturally, his stamina was being tested after such a long break but when others needed to take a break, Charlie leapt into multiple positions and was superb. Welcome Back Charlie Boy!

Albie got us going with a fantastic finish and I don't think our maestro will mind me saying, but he could have had more. It was great to see Rocco T again  and was putting himself about. Rocco got a knock to the knee unfortunately so had to miss some periods of the game but when he's on the pitch, everyone knows about it!

Albie asserted his dominance on the game and this is something we have been asking from him and he absolutely delivered this afternoon. The synergy between Albie & Frankie being created was evident in the middle and The Hornets were in complete control.

In defence, Finners marshalled the back line well at centre-back with Oliver B & Cal by each side. All 3 of them were fantastic. These 3 never put a foot wrong all day and what was even more impressive was the way they kept it simple in the 2nd half and managed to control the game. They all got opportunities to get more involved attackingly with Frankie dropping in to cover them. Behind them is Oliver L who made some sensational saves this morning. He was caught out by a corner but he managed to recover mentally and get his mind back on the game which was very impressive. This is all part of a goalkeeper's journey Oliver L. Well done pal.

In training this week we practiced 'individual battles' followed by corners. There is nothing more rewarding as a coach than watching these drills come alive on matchday.

Albie floated in the perfect ball and Frankie shook off his marker to head home. It was a delight to see and the first corner we have scored in weeks. Also from the training ground, we are beginning to see Kai's hard work flourish. Kai Bosh had yet another brilliant performance today and got properly stuck in even though he was deployed further up the field than normal. This will also happen to our other defenders as we plan to keep rotating them. 

On the other side was Ollie M who bagged one of the best team goals we have scored this season. Albie backheeled it to Frankie who switched the ball to the wing. Kai brought it down perfectly then drove forward creating panic in the opposition defence. Kai lifted his head and squared it to Ollie M who hit the sweetest strike into the top corner! It was simply majestic and shows what you boys can do when we are all on the same page.

Great goal from Ollie M who was about to be subbed for not tracking back......  WHAT DO WE KNOW?!

POTM went to Callum. This boy is so consistent we are scared to replace him. He never gives you less than an 8 out of 10 and today he deserved to be recognised for that. There was an awful lot of activity on that side of the pitch and both Cal & Kai controlled it perfectly.

This is our year lads! A great display of football from everyone of our boys today.

#UpTheMillers 💛🖤⚽🏆🤞

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