On 28 September 2025, Millmoor Juniors Blacks U8 travelled to face Nether Green U8 Dynamos in a 5-a-side league away match at the Nether Green venue, kicking off at 12:15pm. The match lasted 40 minutes plus injury time and ended in a 5-1 defeat for Millmoor Juniors Blacks. Despite a spirited effort, the Juniors were overwhelmed by the home side’s physical prowess.
Millmoor Juniors Blacks lined up in a 2-2 formation, a tactical setup designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield support and attacking opportunities. The team deployed two defenders, two midfielders, and a goalkeeper, with Lelan Woodthorpe-Martin guarding the net. Ivan Voronovich and Teddy Cooney were expected to operate in midfield roles, linking defence and attack, while Archie Jenkinson and Stan Jenkinson took up the defensive positions. The formation demanded disciplined defending and quick transitions, with the midfielders tasked with both supporting the defence and creating chances. The substitutes available were Dom Openshaw and Ruairi Nicholson-Fearnside, ready to provide fresh legs and tactical adjustments as the game unfolded.
The match began with Nether Green asserting early dominance, scoring within the first five minutes. This early goal unsettled Millmoor Juniors Blacks, prompting immediate substitutions at the 5th minute as Dom Openshaw replaced Stan Jenkinson and Ruairi Nicholson-Fearnside came on for Ivan Voronovich. These changes aimed to shore up the defence and midfield but did little to stem the tide initially. The home side continued their pressure, forcing Millmoor’s goalkeeper Lelan Woodthorpe-Martin into a full stretch save just a minute later, showcasing his alertness and reflexes.
Nether Green capitalised again at the 8th and 9th minutes, scoring two more goals in quick succession to take a commanding lead. Despite this, Millmoor Juniors Blacks showed resilience. At the 11th minute, Woodthorpe-Martin produced a point-blank reaction save to deny another attempt, keeping his side in the contest. Just a minute later, Teddy Cooney responded with a moment of quality, unleashing a right-footed strike from outside the area to pull a goal back for Millmoor Juniors Blacks. This goal offered a glimmer of hope and demonstrated the potential threat from the midfield.
The game saw further tactical adjustments at the 18th minute with Ivan Voronovich returning to the field in place of Teddy Cooney, and Stan Jenkinson replacing Archie Jenkinson in defence. Woodthorpe-Martin remained busy, making another full stretch save at the 19th minute to keep the scoreline from widening further. The first half concluded at the 20th minute mark with Nether Green leading 3-1.
Early in the second half, Millmoor Juniors Blacks made two more substitutions at the 24th minute, with Teddy Cooney returning for Dom Openshaw and Archie Jenkinson coming back on for Stan Jenkinson. However, Nether Green’s dominance resumed as they scored twice more at the 30th and 31st minutes, extending their lead to 5-1. Millmoor responded with a substitution at the 31st minute, bringing Dom Openshaw back on for Ruairi Nicholson-Fearnside.
In the closing stages, Woodthorpe-Martin continued to impress with two crucial saves: a parry at the 37th minute and a point-blank reaction save at the 38th minute, preventing the scoreline from becoming even more one-sided. His efforts earned him the player of the match accolade, highlighting his vital role in keeping Millmoor Juniors Blacks competitive despite the heavy pressure.
Ultimately, Nether Green U8 Dynamos secured a 5-1 victory on their home turf, although the scoreline suggested a one sided game, this wasn't the case as Millmoor battled hard and were unlucky. The Juniors showed flashes of promise, particularly through their goalkeeper and midfield, but were unable to contain the relentless physical threat posed by their opponents.
