Spring in the air and sun in the sky made for perfect conditions for football last Saturday for the Mini Millers. At full strength the team would be up against new opponents, Buxton YB Blue. We knew they would be tough opposition as they had been cup finalists in SMJFL U7s knockout cup.
Elliott would take the gloves to start, Leo at centre back, Kit and Logan either wing with Kingsley and Alistair through the middle. As always the full team change the game and Lily, Jude and Thomas were ready to do just that.
The game kicked off and Buxton came out the traps flying putting the team under pressure early but Elliott showed his skills with some super saves. Kit and Logan were trying to drive the team forward but kept being forced back to help Leo defend. The team stood firm and started to get forward, linking play with Kingsley and Alistair to push the higher which led to a shot from Kingsley which nestled in the bottom corner. This fired up Buxton who came straight back with one themselves.
Great teams are full of character and resilience, no matter what happens, heads don’t drop and they keep working for each other. This team really started to show their character. Our game changers came on and New Mills started to get hold of the game.
A great corner from Kit and Logan led to Kit’s cross being deflected in. Logan himself then found the net with a great strike past the keeper. Lily and Jude pressed high and Kit and Thomas supported either side with Logan at the back. The momentum had shifted but half time came at the wrong time.
Half time and some well earned rest for the team who were hot in the spring sun. Today’s captain Lily would take the gloves for the second half, and what a half in goal she had. At the beginning of the second half, a shot from Buxton flashed across the goal but she flew across to tip it away. That wasn’t the only outstanding save she made in the second half - a particular favourite was a powerful strike she caught above her head and made it look easy.
The character of the team was evident with heads held high and the momentum swung fully to the Millers. Logan put pressure high with Elliott and Logan managed to get two more goals to complete his hat trick. Elliott also managed to get on the scoresheet with what is becoming a trademark poachers effort. Kingsley played some great passes, Thomas and Alistair tackled hard and worked forward and back for the team, Jude’s pressing and work ethic was super, Kit was tireless on the wing, Elliott’s passing and dribbling causing Buxton problems, Leo was calm and composed at the back with Logan awesome further forward.
The whole team played superb and showed what they are made of. At the end of the game they all had huge smiles after a fantastic game of football which was a superb watch for the parents and coaches.
After a terrific game, it’s difficult to point to individual performances. The team played as a team, worked hard for each other, passed the ball to each other, crossed, tackled and never gave in. Heads didn’t drop and they kept doing what they do well. The came up against one of the best in the league and pushed them to the end, that they can be proud of.
Awesome job Mini-Millers we can’t wait for more next week…
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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