NMJFC U9 Hawks v NMJFC Falcons
It was that time of year again, Cup Finals day at Buxton FC! This time was different as it was a New Mills Derby 🏆
The Hawks knew they had a tough challenge on their hands in this game as the Falcons have certainly become a force to be reckoned with, but they approached the fixture with the same attitude they do to every game - focussed and ready to give their all.
The match started brightly with some wonderful attacks towards the Falcons goal - Harley finding the net early doors with a very calmly finished strike into the side of the net. The Falcons weren’t going to take this lying down and very quickly levelled things up at the other end.
Kian was our number 1 in the sticks today and showed us more of what he’s been doing all season when called upon. Some superb saves from him kept it very competitive.
Joe and Bradley had to be on their A game today at the back and they worked their socks off to keep our opponents away from goal. The work rate from Joe is always second to none and this is complemented perfectly by Bradley’s cool and calm positioning on and off the ball.
Liam provided cover in a defensive midfield position - a role he has been very comfortable in for the later stages of this season and also means he has more freedom to join in with our attacks and get himself on the score sheet multiple times.
Ella played out on the right hand side today in midfield and put a shift in as always, never letting her opponents have much time on the ball.
Shea occupied the left wing, tracking back really well and providing support to our defence when needed, as well as offering an attacking channel down that side when breaking forward.
Harley as usual, was our striker in this fixture and after slotting home the first goal, followed it up with another brilliant finish - a side footed controlled volley over the Falcons keeper.
The Falcons were up for it today and this was plain to see.
The team went out for the second half unchanged and with a bit more fire and determination.
The Falcons however, did not allow themselves to be phased in the slightest.
Another goal from them after a scramble in the box, saw us really up against it now.
We continued to do what we do best and apply pressure from the front - this was rewarded again when Harley picked up the ball from out on the right wing and smashed home a long ranged effort into the bottom left corner to complete his hat trick.
A tactical change for the last 10 minutes saw Shea make way for our new recruit James who finished the game with a spell in goal. This was his first season playing football and his first taste of cup finals day - well done on your first season James, you’ve been a great addition to our squad. Kian moved out the left wing and gave everything he had to try and get his team back into the mix.
The real winners in all of this were the players from both of these teams. They all represent this fantastic club and epitomise their passion and love for the game every week in training and every Sunday on a match day. As a coach on the sidelines I was proud of every single one of them on that pitch and couldn’t have asked for any more.
Well done Hawks and well done to Mark and Paul with your amazing team 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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