TODDINGTON ROVERS COLTS 2011 - 2012 CHILTERN YOUTH LEAGUE DIVISION 2

SQUAD

1. Jordan Bassett

2. Ben Poulton

3. Ryan Callanan

4. Mark White

5. Owen Walker - CAPTAIN

6. Tom Steere

7. Elliott Smith

8. Simon Poole

9. George Franklin

10. Stuart Lutes

11. Gianni Bianco

12. Ben Marshall

14. Max Randall

15. Eddie Prior

16. Rhys Shekle

17. Luke Whitby

18. Levi Yearwood

19. Jacob Christie

20. Henry Hewitt 

Sunday 19 February 2012

League : Away v Ampthill Town

The rollercoaster season continued with a very disappointing performance and result v Ampthill.

After 2 weeks without a game due to the weather, the impetus from 4 consecutive wins was lost.

As with most of our losses this season, team spirit was not as good as it had been, and it followed a below-par training session in midweek.

Despite this, we were by far the better team in the first half, creating a series of chances that in previous weeks we have taken. This time however, things didn't go for us, and as frustrations grew the team became more disjointed. Just before half time Ampthill took the lead from a free header.

The lads didn't deserve to be behind after the first half display, and we hoped that they would show the character that they have done lately to recover, but the second half was poor - disjointed, players not holding their positions, and giving the ball away too easily.

Ampthill are second in the table on merit and played some good football, but in all honesty we made it easy for them and they run our 5-0 winners.

A couple of bright spots - Man of the Match to Ben P for a committed and focussed performance throughout, and to Luke for working his socks off, and again showing a great attitude, despite carrying an injury.

A bad day at the office ! We need to see a positive reaction from the lads in the coming weeks to get back to their recent standard.

Squad : Jordan : Ben P(MOM), Owen(c), Ryan, Tom : Simon, Henry, Rhys, Gianni : Levi, Elliott : Max, Ben M. Luke, George, Jacob.

Sunday 29 January 2012

League : Home v Barnfield Colts

The boys made it a 100% record in January - 4 wins out of 4 - with a hard fought victory over a battling Barnfield Colts.

It was an important victory as it gave us good space between the two teams near the bottom of Div.2.

We did not play the flowing football of the previous weeks, but this was mainly down to the tenacious approach of Barnfield who battled for every ball.

Earlier in the season we would have struggled to secure the win, but our new-found strength and determination held firm.

We took a two goal lead in the first half, firstly with Owen firing home from 12 yards after a corner, and then Luke converting a penalty that he had won himself due to his skill and trickery inside the box. We switched off briefly at the back and Barnfield pulled one back just before half time. HT : Colts 2 Barnfield 1

We were on top for most of the second half but didn't add to our lead, despite a dubious offside given against Elliott after he combined with Levi to apparantly extend our lead.

At the other end Barnfield thought they had been awarded a penalty but this was over-ruled with an offside award.

Overall we deserved our win, despite not being at our best.

Man of the match to Luke - he worked tirelessly and showed great skill throughout. Other strong performances from Gianni, Rhys, Ben P, Henry. In all, another strong squad display. 

Squad : Jordan : Ben P, Owen(c), Ryan, Tom : Gianni, Henry, Rhys, Luke : Levi, Elliott : Ben M, Max, Simon, George, Jacob.

Sunday 22 January 2012

League Cup : Home v Crawley Green Athletic

The lads great start to 2012 continued with an excellent cup victory v high-flying Crawley Green, who are 3rd in our division and who had beaten us before Christmas.

Crawley had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half, but the game was very even. Clear-cut chances were rare as both defences were strong.

Crawley had the league's top scorer playing, but he was well-handled as we were strong and organised throughout the half, which ended goal-less.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first - as is often the case, it proved to be easier to play football in to the wind, and after 15 minutes of the half Crawley broke away and took the lead.

Going behind seemed to inspire the lads, and they turned it around in to a victory for the third consecutive game.

With 15 minutes to go Levi broke clear and finished superbly (again!) to bring us deservedly level.

With 5 minutes to go we won a corner and Elliott appeared to force the ball over the line to give us the lead. However, the linesman didn't give the goal and it seemed like we would be heading for extra time.

With 3 minutes to go however, Henry sent a long ball forward and George glanced the ball over the keeper and in to the net to secure our victory.

This was another excellent squad performance - good performances throughout. The back four of Max/Ben M, Owen, Ryan and Tom contained a very good Crawley forward line. In midfield Henry and Simon battled fiercely throughout, and down the flanks Gianni, Ben P and Luke worked hard and showed great skill. Up front Levi, Elliott and George shared duties and were dangerous throughout. A word for Eddie and Rhys, who got limited game time due to the game being so tight, and for Jordan in goal who continued to be solid and dependable.

Well done - keep this run going.

Man of the match to Owen for an immense captain's performance.

Squad : Jordan : Max, Owen(c)(MOM), Ryan, Tom : Ben P, Henry, Simon, Gianni : Levi, Elliott : Ben M, Luke, George, Eddie, Rhys.

Sunday 15 January2012

LEAGUE : Away v Harlington Juniors

First, and most importantly, a special mention for Rhys, Luke and Mark. With so many injuries and unavailability this season we have had to sign on 19 players to ensure we could put out a team. This week all were available and therefore 3 had to miss out as we can only take 16 to any game. The 3 lads were randomly chosen to take their turn to miss out : it was great to see Rhys and Luke there to support their team-mates. This season is all about gelling a new team together - this highlighted how good the team spirirt is becoming.

To the match, and the first time in 4 years that we had played out local rivals Harlington. We had never beaten them.....until today !

We carried on our good form from last week, despite falling behind again, to record our best result of the season so far - a stunning 10-3 win !

Man of the match was Levi. Following on from last week's hat-trick, this time he hit 4. Elliott and Ben P hit 2 each, with further goals from Owen - from a corner routine rehearsed in training - and a header from Eddie, the goal being missed by his dad Colin after he sneaked off for a 'natural break' after disappearing to the pub for a crafty pint before the game !

Good performances throughout the team. Some great football, particularly in the first 20 minutes of the second half as we ripped Harlington apart down our left hand side, with Tom, Gianni, Elliott and Levi linking up superbly. In midfield Henry had a stormer after settling down to his new position, and Simon found his form in the second half after missing last week. Ben P thoroughly deserved his 2 goals, and Ben M did a great job stopping the dangerous Harlington no.9. Elliott had a great game, with lightning pace as well as delivering some great through balls for Levi, and Gianni was strong and quick and unlucky not to score. George was powerful and strong when on the pitch, with Jacob Max and Eddie all solid throughout. Finally, Jordan didn't have too much to do but made a crucial save when it was 2-2 before we ran away with the game.

The big difference over the last 2 games ? The return of Ryan at sweeper - works so well with Owen and also a natural leader. And Levi up front - a genuine goal scorer, converting the chances we have been creating. The only downside - 2 of the 3 goals were conceded were due to sloppy defending when we again didn't clear our defence : we need to improve on this in forthcoming games against stronger opponents.

More than anything though, a great squad performance - well done lads !

Squad: Jordan : Max, Owen(c), Ryan, Tom : Stuart, Henry, Simon, Gianni : Levi, Elliott : Ben M, Ben P, George, Jacob, Eddie.

Sunday 8 January 2012

LEAGUE : Home v Wilstead Harriers

The lads started the New Year in style, winning their first league game of the season.

We welcomed back Ryan and Stuart after injury and illness. This enabled Henry to move in to midfield, making us stronger all throughout the team.

For the first half however, it looked as if the story of our season so far would be repeated - playing well but not getting the rewards. After 13 minutes we failed to clear a free kick properly and Wilstead scrambled the ball home to give them the lead. We created a stack of half-chances but none of them went in, and we all thought it was going to be a case of "here we go again".

The message at half time was clear - keep going as you are and the rewards will come, and they duly did as we hit a purple patch of 4 goals in 11 minutes.

After 56 minutes a long throw from Owen was flicked on by Henry, and Levi battled between the Wilstead centre back and goalkeeper to force the equaliser home. You could see straight away the relief and confidence the goal gave the team, and just 3 minutes later Tom's corner was flicked home by Owen to put us in front. Richard and Brian celebrated in style on the sidelines - finally the practice in training had paid dividends !

Levi then scored twice - in the 65th and 67th minutes - both well-taken "poachers" goals, to complete his hat-trick and secure the victory.

FINAL SCORE : TRFC COLTS 4 WILSTEAD 1

This was an excellent result, and a good performance by the whole squad. Jordan was solid in goal despite a leg injury, making a superb save when we 2-1 up that helped take the game away from Wilstead. Max and Ben M at right back did a great job on keeping the Wilstead flying winger quiet throughout. Tom at left back defendly solidly, got forward well and delivered superb corners throughout the game. Owen was rock-solid at centre-back, caused problems with his long throws and fully deserved his goal for another captain's performance. In midfield, Henry and Jacob/Rhys were stong throughout in the centre; Gianni,Luke,Eddie and Ben P all did well on the flanks, and Levi and Elliott again looked dangerous throughout. Levi's ability to poach a goal is something we have been badly missing, and on another day Elliott could have scored a hat-trick as the ball just didn't really run for him.

A special mention for Stuart - great to see him back, and he did particularly well playing left midfield in the second half, linking up with Tom, Gianni and Henry in particular as we kept possession far better than recently and looked dangerous going forward.

Man of the match however to Ryan. Missing for 2 months through injury he put in a superb performance. Wilstead are quick and dangerous up front, but Ryan's tackling and organisational skills were outstanding as we contained them and limited them to a handful of half-chances.

A good start to the year then, but it is vital that we build on this result and performance to try and climb the table. Still areas for improvement, in midfield in particular, but well done to the lads.

SQUAD : Jordan ; Max, Owen(c), Ryan(MOM), Tom ; Luke, Henry, Jacob, Gianni ; Levi, Elliott ; Ben P, Ben M, Stuart, Eddie, Rhys

Sunday 11 December

League : away v AFC Dunstable

Playing against the league leaders, we were again decimated by missing and injured players and were soundly beaten - our heaviest defeat for several years.

The coaching team have been worried that with 19 players now signed on, but only being able to pick 16 for any game, how would we handle the problem when we have more players than places for a game. On the basis of recent weeks we needn't worry !!

We conceded poor goals in the first minute of each half, two soft penalties, and ignored the warnings about their long range shooting and danger at set pieces as we conceded 8 goals at a steady rate throughout the match : the most in a game since we were Under 10's.

The lads gave their best, but were we simply missing too many important players on the day. In particular we were over-run in midfield as we struggled to cope with Dunstable's slick passing game. There were positives : Levi and Elliott looked very good together up front, but didn't get enough service. Ben M, Max, Gianni and George all performed valiantly in unfamiliar roles. Simon and Jacob played part-games in spite of injuries, and it was good to see goals from Elliott and Luke(penalty). Man of the match to Henry for valiant defending throughout, despite picking up a booking for dissent as the frustration of the day boiled over.

We knew this season would be a roller-coaster with a new team gelling together. The lads need to learn from this match - we are in a tough league and we need to improve to compete. Equally, Dunstable are a very good team who would hold their own in Division 1, so not all doom and gloom !

Squad: Jordan: Ben M, George, Henry(c), Max : Ben P, Simon, Gianni, Luke : Elliott, Levi : Rhys, Jacob.  

Sunday 4 December

County Cup Round 4 : Oakley Rangers v TRFC Colts : Match report Colin Prior

Squad: Jordan, Ben M, Owen, Henry, Tom, Rhys, Simon, Jacob, Ben P, Eddie, Gianni, George, Luke

An already thin squad was further reduced before kick-off when Luke injured himself in the warm-up, leaving 12 fit players available at the start of the match and George as the only substitute.

Oakley, kicking downhill, are a strong & aggressive side & they enjoyed the bulk of the possession in the early stages. They pressed us hard in midfield & their first chance came when we lost possession & their striker shot high & wide of goal from a good position. Next, Jordan did well to push a shot away for a corner which was cleared.

The Colts had their first chance when Jacob’s pass found Eddie on the left hand side & his flick went just wide.

When the boys managed to win possession they played some good football, but generally Oakley were on top & Owen & Henry had to be at their best when danger threatened. However, we had a big let off when Oakley hit the post from a left wing cross.  Jacob nearly scored an own goal in his attempt to clear, but we survived & the resulting corner came to nothing.

It was not all one way though & Eddie & Tom combined to play in Ben P on the right. His shot was cleared for a throw & then Gianni had a half chance.

Oakley continued to press & we had another scare when one of their players arrived late in the box for a corner & his free header went narrowly wide.  

Then came a passage of play which summed up the season so far. Rhys played in Eddie on the left who scored with a neat finish only to be flagged for offside. It looked marginal, but from the resulting free kick the ball found its way to an Oakley player who ran through unchallenged to make it 1-0. It was route one football & a disappointing goal to concede.

Oakley continued to threaten & Jordan twice had to kick clear before Henry cleared off the line from a corner.

George came on for Rhys mid-way through the half & we soon forced our first corner from which George shot wide. We then won another corner after Simon played in Ben P & the Oakley keeper saved smartly at his near post. 

However, Oakley continued to dominate the midfield & we had another lucky escape when Jordan’s clearance was kicked straight back by an Oakley player & his shot hit the bar.

George was causing Oakley’s defence a few problems & only a last ditch tackle prevented him from having a clear run on goal before he took a knock & had to be replaced by Rhys. The half ended with an Oakley free kick being cleared for a corner which came to nothing.

Half Time:  1-0

Luke was fit enough to play in the second half, but we made no changes at half time & we kicked off only to lose possession almost immediately. Oakley broke swiftly on the left, but Jordan managed to push the shot around the post for a corner which Ben P cleared off the line.

Gianni battled well on his own up front, but he often found himself crowded out. Rhys put a great ball through to him, but an Oakley defender managed to get in a last ditch tackle & the chance was gone.

Play switched back to the other end & Jordan again kicked clear when an Oakley striker almost got through. He then pulled off another couple of smart saves, but was fortunate when Henry headed the ball out of his hands for a corner from which Oakley scored, only for the referee to disallow it because he had blown for an infringement a moment earlier.    

Luke came on for Eddie & we were unlucky when Rhys chipped a free kick into the area with three onrushing Toddington players just failing to get a touch. A Jordan goal kick then nearly found its way to Gianni before Oakley doubled their lead. We again failed to clear our lines & an Oakley player smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the left to make it 2-0.

George came on for Jacob to join Gianni up front & we then enjoyed our best spell of the match. Ben P won a free kick on the right & Rhys shot just over & the Oakley keeper had to be smart to intercept a Tom through ball with Gianni & George bearing down on him. We then created our best chance of the game so far when Gianni’s cross to Luke from the left was deflected onto the post for a corner.  This was blocked & further half chances came & went before we got the goal we deserved. A Gianni flick on found Ben P unmarked in the six yard box & he made no mistake to make it 2-1. 

Both sides then had further half chances before the most controversial moment of the game. We gave away a free kick in a dangerous position which Jordan managed to push away for a corner. This was cleared & our linesman flagged that the ball had gone out of play for a goal kick (or was it offside?).  In any event, Jordan handed the ball to Henry & for some reason the referee then decided to award a penalty for handball! Cue absolute mayhem. Our players surrounded the referee to protest, perhaps a little too vigorously, & in the melee which followed Henry was sent off.  The referee, who up until then had had a reasonable game, completely lost control & added insult to injury by changing his mind & awarding a goal kick!

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the boys continued to press although Oakley nearly scored a third late on when a lob went over Jordan, but also the bar. The referee blew for time shortly afterwards.

Full Time:  2-1

Whilst Oakley were a strong & aggressive side & dominated for long periods, they were not the best footballing team we have played this season & when Toddington had the ball, they played some good stuff, particularly in the second half. It is unfortunate that the game will be mostly remembered by all who were there for a controversial refereeing decision.

Man of the Match: Gianni

Sunday 27 November

Friendly : Houghton Regis Boys v TRFC Colts

A good work out for the lads, against a team against who only two years ago we would have been in the same division as. With Ryan, Stuart and Elliott all injured/ill, and Luke only able to play part of the game, we welcomed Levi and Jacob for trials and both played very well in a strong overall performance.

Houghton had a number of our ex-players in their team, which helped give the game a competitive edge, but we played controlled football throughout and we strolled to an 11-0 win.

Levi scored twice in the first 12 minutes, and further goals by Rhys(pen) and Simon gave us a comfortable 4-0 half time lead.

All the lads got at least half a game on the pitch, but despite many changes we continued to play well and second half goals from Rhys - 2 more(including 1 pen) to complete his hat-trick, Gianni hat-trick and Luke (2) completed the rout.

The lads need to take confidence from this performance and carry it on in the coming weeks, when we have a very tough schedule of games in the run up to Christmas. Well done lads.

Squad : Jordan : Ben M, Owen(c), Henry, Tom : Ben P, Rhys, Simon, Gianni: George, Levi : Jacob, Max, Eddie, Mark, Luke

Sunday 20 November

Wilstead Harries v TRFC Colts

Having won at Wilstead in the Cup two weeks ago, the lads returned for a league match in good spirits, but came away with a disappointing defeat.

Individually there were some good performances, but the team spirit was not as good as it should have been and it cost us the game.

The first half followed a very similar pattern to the previous encounter, with us dominating possession but Wilstead dangerous on the break.

The difference this time was that we didn't take our chances, and in fairness the Wilstead goalkeeper had an inspired afternoon by saving everything we threw at him.

We had 4 or 5 one-on-ones in the first half, but each time we either missed the target or the keeper made brave saves. Inevitably we got caught on the break, and Wilsted took the lead from their first attack after 15 minutes.

We responded well and continued to create and miss chances. Wilstead only had 1 other shot in the first half - brilliantly saved by Jordan with a flying dive to his left.

Just before half-time we deservedly equalised when George strongly won the ball, created space and found the corner of the net for an excellent goal. Half time arrived with the score 1-1.

The second half was poor. In the second minute we defended a rare Wilstead corner very badly and the ball was scrambled in to give them the lead.

The expected fightback didnt really happen. We had most of the possession, but didn't pass the ball well or create many clear-cut chances.

We got very frustrated as decisions didn't go our way, arguing too much between ourselves and with the ref.

Tom got a very poor decision given against him, and from the resulting free-kick a carbon-copy occurred of the scrappy Wilstead second goal, with them scrambling home from close range as we again didn't clear the ball out.

We just could't raise our game, and the final score was WILSTEAD 3 COLTS 1.

Overall, very disappointing : a game we should have won.

The lads need to learn quickly. Firstly, they need to take their chances. Secondly, they need to clear their lines better when defending set-pieces. More importantly, they need to stick together and play as a team, in spite of any frustrations that grow if a game isn't going their way.

There were very good performances from Jordan, Owen, Max, Luke and George, but MOM went to Tom for a faultless display at left back.

 SQUAD : Jordan : Max, Owen, Henry(C), Tom(MOM) : Ben P, Simon, Rhys, Luke : Gianni, Elliott : George, Ben M, Eddie, Mark.

Sunday 13 November - match report by Richard Callanan

Crawley Green Athletic  v  Toddington Rovers Colts

The benefits of a large, competitive squad became evident on Sunday when Ryan, Tom and Stuart were unavailable and Rhys, who was unwell all week, took a turn for the worse on the morning and was unable to start. Despite this a very strong side took to the field, whilst the subs once again, were very unlucky not to be starting.

We started the match very strongly and soon began to dominate. The work rate was exceptional and the lads were doing all they had been asked. This pattern was maintained throughout the half and at 0-0, we were very unlucky to walk off at half time, without being in the lead.

The second half started more evenly, although we always looked more likely to make the breakthrough. The game changed midway through the half though, when a blatant handball by the Crawley player was spotted by all but the referee, who waved play on. The Crawley players broke quickly and we conceded a definite penalty. It was well taken and Jordan had no chance of repeating his penalty save of last week.

Soon after, Luke made a great run into the box and was clipped by the 1st Crawley defender, tried to stay on his feet to get the shot in, but he seemed to be fouled by a 2^nd player. Again, I thought a penalty should have been awarded, but the ref had a different view (maybe better than mine) and awarded a corner.

As we pushed forward for a deserved equaliser, Crawley scored a good second goal from outside the area, that nobody could be blamed for.

The effort that the lads put in today and the way that they attacked every loose ball was all the coaching staff could ask for. Sometimes you can be the better side, but decisions and luck go against you and you end up losing a match that you deserve to win. That’s football, but you should all take a lot of positives and pride out of the performance today.

Everybody put in a great shift today, but Ben P was MOM, who was outstanding whatever job he was asked to do.

Squad : Jordan, Ben M, Henry, Owen, Mark, Ben P(MOM), Simon, Gianni, Luke, Elliott, George, Max, Eddie, Rhys

Sunday 6 November - BEDS COUNTY CUP ROUND 3

WILSTEAD HARRIERS v TRFC COLTS

After four weeks without a game, the lads returned to action with a County Cup game against Wilstead, who are in our division and have enjoyed a reasonable start to the season. During the break the lads have been training hard, and working to gel together as a team, and it really paid off as they put in an excellent performance to secure their first victory of the season.

Wilstead played with the slope and the wind in the first half, and started strongly. They were "route one", but had fast lads up front who caused us problems in the early minutes.

However we soon settled, and after the first 10 minutes we started to boss the game as the passing game we had worked on in training came to the fore.

After 15 minutes Gianni released Elliott with a fine pass, and Elliott's pace took him clear and he finished well to give us the lead. You could see how the goal increased the lads confidence, and we started to create a steady flow of half-chances.

Ben Marshall came on for his debut after his arrival from AFC Dunstable and looked assured on the ball straight away, and George came on to give us some more physical power up front. The plan worked a treat !! On 33 minutes George burst free on the right wing and delivered a superb cross which was met be Elliott again to double our lead - fully deserved.

We continued to dominate the game but didn't add further to our tally in the first half : HT : Wilstead 0 Colts 2

As in the first half, Wilstead opened the second half strongly and scored a good goal after 4 minutes to bring themselves back in to the game. We wondered how the lads would react, but needn't have worried as we stepped up a level and got back on top straight away.

After 52 minutes Luke found some space on the left and hit an absolute screamer from 25 yards in to the top corner to restore our 2 goal cushion. A few minutes later and Elliott created space in the box to complete his hat-trick.

At 4-1 we seemed to be coasting but the ref then awarded a dubious penalty against Jordan in goal, to give Wilstead a chance to get back in to the game. However, Jordan launched himself to his left to make a brilliant save, and from that moment on it was game over as Wilstead's confidence went.

Our fifth goal summed up the day for us. Everything that the boys have been doing in training came together in one move. We won the ball stongly at the back. and then played flowing passing football across the whole midfield, before Gianni was released to race clear and finish expertly - a brilliant TEAM goal.

FINAL SCORE - WILSTEAD 1 COLTS 5

This was a great result for the lads. 9 out of the 15 lads on duty have been with us for less than a year. For them to have turned in such a great team performance is testament to the way they have started to bond together. We know that we will have many more difficult games as we progress in to the season, but it was good to see so much progress made in a short time. All of them played well, and did everything that was asked. It was a really close call for MOM - with Simon, Ben P, Tom, Rhys, Luke and Elliott all superb - but in the end it was given to Jordan for a positive and faultless performance on return from injury, culminating in a great penalty save. Well done to all of them !

Squad : Jordan(MOM) : Ryan, Owen, Henry(C), Tom : Ben P, Simon, Rhys, Luke : Elliott, Gianni : Eddie, Ben M, George, Max

SUNDAY 2 October - CYFL Div.2   

Barnfield Colts v Toddington Rovers Colts

The lads picked up their first league point of the season against a team who were in Division 1 last year, and in fact we were unlucky not to have won.

There was a howling wind blowing across the pitch which made playing good football difficult, particularly in the second half.

Two new siginings from the now defunct South Luton made their debuts - the skilful Rhys Shekle in midfield, and the flying Elliott Smith up front.

At the start of the season the lads were told that it would take at least half a dozen games for the team to settle down after so many new players coming in over the summer, and in this game there were encouraging signs that progress is being made.

We got off to a bad start however, with Barnfield taking advantage of some hesitancy at the back to take the lead after 5 minutes.

After that though we dominated the first half. We played good football and created a number of half-chances. Barnfield had a new goalkeeper making his debut and he was having an inspired game, saving everything we could throw at him.

However, after half an hour, Stuart and Gianni linked up on the left wing and released Elliott who raced through and slotted home our equaliser - a debut goal.

The rest of the match followed a similar pattern, with us in control but Barnfield dangerous on the break. The Barnfield centre backs were very strong, and we could not quite get the winner that we deserved.

Overall it was a good point and performance despite the conditions. Jack stood in between the posts due to Jordan's injury and was as reliable as always. The back 4 of Ryan, Owen, Henry and Tom looked far more solid than in previous games, with Max offering the same when he was on the pitch. Up front Elliott looks like he will be a real asset, working well with Gianni, Stuart and Luke in particular. We missed the steady influence of Mark in central midfield, but Simon, George, Ben, Eddie and Rhys all did well. Still work to do, but a big improvement. Well done lads !

FULL TIME : BARNFIELD 1 TRFC 1

Squad: Jack : Ryan, Owen(MOM), Henry(C), Tom : Ben, Rhys, Simon, Gianni : Elliott, Stuart : Eddie, Max, Luke, George.

SUNDAY 25 September - CYFL Div.2   Match report by Carm Bianco

Toddington Rovers Colts v AFC Dunstable

Thanks to the mild weather there was a good turn-out of support for Toddington.  The team looked smart and keen, ready for the second game of the season. 

Dunstable also looked keen and were very focused right from the start.  They started well and were quick and strong in the challenge and first to most of the loose balls.  With this they began to build up the pressure on Toddington who, despite valiant defending and lots of effort in midfield, struggled to get out of their half.  Dunstable created a number of chances that Toddington repelled through stoic defending or brave goalkeeping but eventually Dunstable broke through via a clever turn and shot in the area. Toddington Rovers Colts 0, AFC Dunstable 1.

Toddington tried to rally and the forwards tried harrying defenders to reduce the time Dunstable had on the ball but on the day Dunstable’s speed and movement was too much and Dunstable continued to dominate the game and scored another before half time.

HALF TIME:  Toddington Rovers Colts 0 – AFC Dunstable 2

The second half started and Toddington seemed up for the challenge. Although Dunstable still dominated possession and field position, Toddington seemed more energetic and quicker to the tackle than in the first half, even making rare forays into the Dunstable half.  Dunstable continued to put good moves together and create chances.  A fine flowing move which started with their goalkeeper ended with a cross and a header just wide. Then from a free-kick another header hit the bar and the rebound was blasted over the top. Even with Dunstable still on top the score remained 2-0 for much of the second half and with about 10 minutes left Toddington’s efforts were rewarded with their first corner.  A fine delivery led to a scramble in Dunstable’s penalty area that Toddington could not turn into an effort on goal and finally it was cleared.  Almost immediately, Dunstable worked the ball upfield that led to a third goal.  This seemed to finally deflate Toddington’s belief.  While they continued to battle Dunstable suddenly looked dangerous every time they went forward and two more goals followed for them before the end.

FINAL SCORE: Toddington Rovers Colts 0 – AFC Dunstable 5

This was a tough game against a very well organised, skilful and fit side.  I am sure there are many lessons that the management and the team learnt from this and the key will be to use this experience to improve. 

Squad : Jordan : Ryan, Henry (C) (MOM), Owen, Jack : Tom, Mark, Simon, Gianni : Luke, George : Ben, Eddie.

Sunday 18 September - Todd Rovers Colts v Ampthill Town - CYFL Div.2

For the third consecutive season, the lads opened the season having been promoted, this time to Divison 2 of the Chiltern Youth League. They could not have been given a tougher opener, against Ampthill Town who won the league last season.

There were no less than five new faces in the squad : new goalkeeper Jordan Bassett and forward George Franklin had joined from Leighton Town, our new captain and centre back Henry Hewitt from Caddington, the skilful forward/midfielder Luke Whitby from AFC Dunstable and midfielder Ben Poulton from Luton Dynamos.

With this many new players it is going to take a period of time for the team to settle down. On the day we were also missing Stuart Lutes, our top scorer from last season.

Despite these factors, the boys put in an excellent performance and were desperately unlucky to lose the game 2-1.

Ampthill had more possession in the first half, as our team were still adjusting to their new positions. However, they threatened very little, other than a lob over Jordan in- goal from which Henry made a superb goal-line clearance. After 25 minutes though, they scored with a 25 yard shot flying in to the top corner - a good goal, but the sort of shot that only goes in once a season.

As the half wore on, we got more and more in to the game, particularly with George's strength and power up front causing their defence lots of problems. Half time arrived with the score - TRFC 0 Ampthill 1

The message at half time was to be braver and to take the game to Ampthill, which the boys duly did. The second half performance was superb, as they out-fought Ampthill and pressed them back, culminating in a fully deserved equaliser when George's cross was smashed home by Luke.

Ampthill were very rattled - their attitude and arrogance was as bad as it had been when we played them last season in the cup - with the ref in particular on the receiving end of unacceptable verbal abuse. Luke felt the physical side, as he was flattened by a bad tackle.

Despite this, the lads kept pushing forward looking for a second goal.

In the last 10 minutes however we seemed to be tiring, and the game appeared to be heading for a draw, until a long range Ampthill shot (which was heading well wide) took a vicious deflection off one on their players and sailed in to the net for an undeserved winner.

FINAL SCORE : TODD ROVERS COLTS 1 AMPTHILL 2

Despite losing, the boys can be very proud of their efforts. As well as the new players coming in and gelling in to the team, Jack has moved from goalkeeper to full back, Tom from defence to midfield, Ryan from centre back to full back, and Mark from full back to central midfield - effectively a whole new team. Each and every member of the squad did well, including all of the subs when they got on the pitch. Jordan looked solid and kicked well in goal, Owen and Henry gelled increasingly well at centre back, with plenty of positive talking and organising from both of them. Ryan was very consistent at full back. The midfielders Ben, Tom, Simon, Mark, Max and Eddie all worked hard and used the ball efficiently. Up front, Gianni, Luke and George showed skill and commitment to cause Ampthill's defence lots of problems. Man of the match however went to Jack - his first ever competitive game at full back was marked with an assured performance. A big thank you to Richard for being ref at short notice, and to all of the parents for their great support. Most of all, well done to the squad - you deserved at least a draw for your efforts. Keep it going !

TEAM : Jordan ; Ryan, Owen, Henry(C), Jack(MOM) ; Ben, Mark, Tom, Simon, Luke : Gianni : George, Max, Eddie.