Under 11B Match Reports

Sunday 3rd May 2009

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Lewis McCarthy, Alex Kerr, Alfie Waters, Flint Stanbury, Olly Tompkin, Ethan Ward, Tarsaim Rayat, Aidan Gregory, Harry Batcock, Chris Harvey Sub: Daniel Cocking

Last game of the season and off we went to Sandy to the league champions Mid Beds Tigers.  The morning didn't start well as we got stuck on Junction 12 by a horse out of his horse box!  This made us late arriving in Sandy.

The game itself started pretty badly too.  Mid Beds Tigers started well and we simply did not start the game.  We found ourselves 2-0 inside the first 10 minutes.  The lads were second to every ball and we were being out battled all around the pitch.  If it wasn't for the outstanding Ben, Alex and Alfie we could have been even further behind.

All of a sudden though the lads seemed to realise they were in a football match.  After a good move involving Chris, Olly and Tarsaim the latter jinked past a couple of players on the edge of the box and slotted the ball home for 2-1.  Game on.  All of a sudden we had all of the ball and created chance after chance.  Harry came close after hitting the post, Tarsaim hit the cross bar.  On thej break Sandy were dangerous but Alex and Ben dealt with everything coming their way.

Daniel Cocking came on for Ethan and he did well.  He played with passion and got involved with lots of tackles.  Half Time.

The second half started with Ethan coming on for Aidan up front and we continued to create chances, but the ball just would not go in.  We hit the post again and Chris had a good left foot shot saved by their keeper.  Aidan came back on this time for Dan with Ethan moving to the left.

Towards the end of the second half we began to get tired and Tigers had a few chances that again Ben dealt with.  One chance saw them hit the cross bar from 3 yards.  Up the other end Olly went close again and again, but it just wouldn't go in.

Although we lost today it was a good performance in the end.  If only we had been alive when the game kicked off maybe we wouldn't have gone 2-0 down so early.  Maybe our late arrival contributed to this?

High praise for all of the lads today.  Ethan did very well finding space on the left, Daniel had a good first half, Alfie continued his excellent form with a good display, ben was superb in goal, Aidan worked his socks off, Lewis won lots of tackles, Tarsaim was his "Mashca" best, Flint was again superb in defence, Harry did very well in Midfield and on a different day would have scored a couple, Oliver was his tricky best and Chris used his strength up front.  Man of the match today though was Alex Kerr.  Simply awesome in defence and in attack when he had the chance.  Well done Alex and well done boys.

It's performances like this that make me proud to be your manager.  I think you gave the league champions a bit of a fright today.  You know that next season if teh squad stays together you will have a chance to do something special in our league. 

 Don't forget the presentation is to be held at Chalgrave Village Hall on June 7th in teh afternoon.  We will have a BBQ and the speed gun for an afternoon of fun.  Will advise of the time nearer the day!

Sunday 19th April 2009

Barton Rovers V Toddington Rovers 

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr, Alfie Waters, Flint Stanbury, Olly Tompkin, Jack Perch, Tarsaim Rayat, Aidan Gregory, Harry Batcock, Chris Harvey Sub: Ethan Ward, Craig Peck Daniel Cocking

The game started well for Toddington with a few chances created in the first coupld of minutes.  We took the lead from a smart left foot shot from Chris. 0-1.  There was some good football at times although a few lads looked as though late nights had caught up with them!  Chris grabbed his second goal mid way into the half for 0-2. 

The subs came on and immediately got involved.  Ethan got stuck in with a few good tackles and made an impact.  Jack Perch came close with an excellent volley that would have been goal of the season. 

Barton had a rare attack and from a corner Ben made a fine finger tip save.  Tarsaim and Alex swapped places with Alex having a run in Midfield.  The immediate impact was a great exchange of passes with Jack and a superb run and shot into the bottom corner of the net.  Superb goal.

Our final goal came from a mistake from the Barton Keeper, although he had been excellent all day.  He tried to catch a spinning ball and could only palm it to Harry to chest in to the empty net.  Well done Harry, you have to get in the positions to get the goals and as we keep saying follow in to the keeper to pick up and fumbled balls.

It could have been more with Ethan just failing to make contact at the far post from a great cross from Olly.  Craig had a go up front and used his muscle to try and grab a goal.

Man of the Match today was Alfie Waters.  His perfomances at either left back or right back have been outstanding for a long time now and today he quietly went about his duties with superb efficiency yet again.  It's good to see his ankle problems seem to be clearing up.  Well Done Alfie.   Well deserved. 

Sunday 22nd March 2009

Toddington Rovers V AFC Luton

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr, Alfie Waters, Craig Peck, Lewis McCarthy, Daniel Cocking, Olly Tompkin, Jack Perch, Tarsaim Rayat, Aidan Gregory  Sub: Ethan Ward, Chris Harvey

After an almightly mix up we ended up with 3 Toddington teams arriving at Ridgeway Avenue on a bright and sunny morning.  Poor Tony and the 12a's had to travel to a different pitch which no doubt ruined their match preperations.  Sorry Lads.

Once we got underway we started like a train and Olly had 2 great chances inside the first 5 minutes.  On another day we could have been 2 up.  Slowly though AFC Luton started to come into it, with more of the ball and lots of pressure.  On a counter attack through Olly we won a corner which Lewis expertly delivered a great ball which fell to Jack to score for 1-0 to Toddington.

Now the pressure was on.  AFC ploughed forward but were kept at bay by the excellent Ben Rolf-Payne in goal.  The ground at ridgeway was rock hard and the bounce of the ball was catching everyone out and this proved to be our downfall.  A long punt into out box bounced over Ben, who made an outrageous save by somehow managing to back peddle and touch the ball onto the cross bar.  However the rebound has tapped in by Luton.  Ben did not deserve that as his save was top, top draw. 

After this Alex picked the ball up and threaded a superb ball through to Jack who was almost in our own half (and miles onside) he ran with it and despatched the goal of the season only for it to be wrongly crossed off for off side.  Strange really considering he made the run from his own half, surely the linesman must have seen another Toddington player offside?  Having overcome this injustice AFC Luton cranked up the pressure and Ben was called into action on many occassions.  One such moment saw a powerfull dive from the 6 yard box into the corner of the goal for 1-2 Luton.  BUT NO!!!!!!!  Somehow and still I don't know how!  Ben managed to get a reflex one handed save to tip the ball over.  Remember the famous Dudek saves in the Champions League final?  Well they were easy compared to this!

 Half Time.  We told the lads to watch the  bounce of the ball and if possible not allow it to bounce.  Lewis came off for a while leaving Tarsaim as the holding player.

The seond half was much the same as the first with Luton pinning us back.  Our dogged defending was superb with Alex, Jordan, Alfie and Craig doing a superb job at keeping the Luton boys at bay.

On the break we were dangerous with Olly and Jack on the wings looking threatening.  Poor Olly took a couple of knocks as the Luton players decided that the way to slow him down was to foul him.  On one such occasion he took an elbow to the cheek.  But, being brave he continued for a while and skinned them again.  Unfortunately though a Jordan clearance caught him clean in the face just to add to the pain he felt and he had to come off.  A very brave performance Olly.  It is only because of your skill and speed that players have to deal with you in that manner.  The best way for you to pay them back is to laugh it off and beat them again. 

Now the moment of the match.  After a goal mouth scramble Ben came out to punch the ball clear it fell to a Luton player who shot with Ben stranded it looked a certain goal.  This time though Daniel Cocking arrived on the line to power the ball away.  Well done Dan.  A captains job!

Man of the Match.  Tricky one.  A great team performance but special praise for the whole back 4 who were superb today.  Jordan ran himself into the ground.  Alex made a few of his trademark tackles, Alfie was superb and one header back to Ben stuck in the mind, Craig did well also in breaking up attacks down our left.  Tarsaim in midfield was a monster in the mould of Mascherano.  But today it had to be Ben Rolf-Payne.   An awesome performance in goal today.  Simply amazing.  Well Done Ben.

Next Up.  Sandy Colts.  Anybody remember them.  2-0 up at half time!!!  Bring it on.

Sunday 15th March 2009

Dunstable Colts V Toddington Rovers

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr. Flint Stanbury, Alfie Waters, Harry Batcock, Lewis McCarthy, Daniel Cocking, Olly Tompkin, Chris Harvey.  Sub: Ethan Ward, Aidan Gregory, Craig Peck 

A lovely spring morning and a short trip to Houghton Regis.  Does it get any better than this?

The game started well for Toddington and Olly continued his blistering form.  We controled the match and had most of the ball and created chance after chance.  Eventually Olly got his reward and scored for 1-0.  Daniel has playing well in midfield as was Harry B.  Jack Perch scored next for 2-0.  Olly was skinning their left back and they continued to foul him to try and stop him.  We won a series of free kicks in dangerous positions which Lewis flighted into the box.  Harry nearly converted one with a header.

The subs came on after 15 minutes exactly for Alfie, Daniel and Chris.  We continued with our good play and eventually scored another this time from Olly again.

Dunstable had a couple of half chances through our defenders playing whilst still asleep!  But Ben snuffed out any danger.  Half time came and we decided to switch Olly and Jack on the wings to catch out Dunstable the starting 11 came back on with the expection of Lewis having a rest and Craig playing holding midfield.

Craig immediately played a superb ball which found Olly on the left and nearly resulted in another goal.  After this there was a handball and Craig strode up to power the free kick.  Unfortunately it hot a defender and bounced to safety.

The next goal came from Chris and was a good finish.  Olly and Jack switched back to their own wings and Jack found himself free and scored his second of the game.  The subs came on this time for Jordan, Flint and Daniel.  We went back to 4-4-2 with Lewis in central defence, Alfie and right back and Craig moving to left back and Aidan up front with Chris.  We continued to dominate and eventually Jack completed his hattrick.  Chris grabbed another to make it 7-0.  The excellent Jordan came back on upfront with Chris moving to left wing and Jack coming off. 

Jordan hasn't scored all season as he has been out rock at the back.  He loves to score goals so he had a go up front.  unfortunatly though the ball wouldn't drop for him in the last 5 minutes and the score stayed 7-0.

Man of the Match?  Harry did well today having played the whole game in midfield.  Jack scored 3 and Olly was superb again.  Today though the honour fell to Daniel who had a good game.  One run into the area nearly resulted in a goal and infact he was pushed off of the ball, could have been a penalty.  Today he tried for his whole time on the pitch and worked his socks off for the team.  Well done Daniel.

In summary.  Although we won 7-0 today the performance wasn't great.  We can pass the ball better than that.  A couple of times players ran with the ball when a pass would have given a clear goal scoring chance.  Also we have got to watch our off sides.  Players should be aware where the last defender is and make sure they stay on.  Still a 7-0 win when we havn't played our best isn't bad is it!

Sunday 8th March 2009

Toddington Rovers V EB Lions

Sunday 25th January 2009

Toddington Rovers V Brache Sparta

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr. Flint Stanbury, Lewis McCarthy, Craig Peck, Tarsaim Rayat, Ethan Ward, Olly Tompkin, Chris Harvey.  Sub: Alfie Waters, Harry Batcock, Aidan Gregory, Daniel Cocking

With a last minute change of venue, we managed to get this fixture played. 

Things didn't start well with a mistake gifting Brache Sparta a 3rd minute lead.  However the Toddington Boys found their form and started to play some good stuff.  Against the run of play though the Brache number 4 hammered in a shot with the out side of his boot into the top corner for 0-2.

We attacked again and again with Chris, Olly and Jack all going close.  After one quick exchange of passes Olly got free in the box and was brought down for a penalty to us.  With Lewis off with a muscle injury Chris grabbed the ball.  Unfortunately the goals at Downside are very low and Chris' well struck pen just clipped the bar and went over.

The subs all came on for Flint, Craig, Ethan and Lewis.  From a long Brache throw in another goal was gifted to them for 0-3.  Half time came and we found ourselves 4 Nil Down!

The second half was a different story though.  Toddington played much better with Harry at right back playing very well along with Tarsaim, Olly and Chris.  One pass from Chris to Olly was simply superb and it resulted in Olly sliding the ball under the keeper for 4-1.  A great finish and a great pass.

Toddington kept pouring forward and again Chris produced some good work down the right and he managed to whip a great cross in for Lewis to score 4-2.

Unfortunately though another mistake up the end allowed Brache to score a fifth.  Final Score 2-5.

At least we managed to win the second half.  Cut out the mistakes and it was 2-2!!!

Overall not a bad performance.  It is not easy though when you have 4 subs to bring on.  It detracts from the performance.

Man of the Match?  Today Harry, Tarsaim, Alex, Jordan and Olly would have been worthy winners.  However it went to Chris.  Although he didn't score today, his passing, tackling and vision was first class.  Well played Chris.

Sunday 18th January 2009

Maulden Magpies V Toddington Rovers

Starting LineUp:  Ben Rolf Payne, Alfie Waters, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr. Flint Stanbury, Lewis McCarthy, Craig Peck, Tarsaim Rayat, Aidan Gregory, Olly Tompkin, Chris Harvey.  Sub:  Ethan Ward

Having beaten Maulden in our last meeting, we were invited to play this friendly match as we didn't have a fixture.  I think Maulden wanted to put the record straight.

The lads started really well, playing some very nice one and two touch football.  Olly, Chris and Tarsaim in particular.  Approx half way through the first half Olly was fouled just outside their box.  The free kick was beautifully flighted in by dead ball specialist Lewis and Tarsaim rose above the defenders and produced a top quality glancing header to give us a 1-0 lead.

Maulden did come close on a couple of occassions, but the inform Ben snuffed out any danger by taking complete control of his area.  Jordan and Alex both defended well.

Towards the end of the half after some swift attacking football, bu us one of the Maulden players handballed in the area.  As we shouted for the penalty, Olly lifted the ball into the net for 2-0.  I think the ref was about to give the penalty, but allowed us to play on.

I don't think Maulden knew what had happened.  This wasn't in the script.  Half Time Came and the lads were promised a play in the park if they could hold on to the lead.  Motivation Eh?

As expected the second half was very hard.  Maulden poured forward and looked like scoring.  On 2 occassions I actually said goal, but somehow through our dogged defending and never say die attitude we kept the ball out.  Alfie Waters produced one goal line clearance which was simply breathtaking.  He injured his knee in the process, but was brave enough to carry on.

Thanks to Jordan, Alex, Ben, Flint and Alfie we manage to see the game out for a 2-0 win.

Another good performance today.  Very impressive.  It was great to see Alfie play a full match after his persistant ankle problems.  Some top perfomances from all of the lads.  Especially Craig, Chris and Olly.

Man of the Match?  Could have been any of you, but today its Tarsaim Rayat.  Simply outstanding, covered every blade of grass on the pitch.  Superb tackling, great vision with his passing and THAT header!  Well Done.   

Sunday 7th September 2008

Starting Lineup:  Ben Rolf-Payne, Craig Peck, Jordan Bough, Lewis McCarthy, Alfie Waters, Ethan Ward, Alex Kerr, Jack Perch, Oliver Tompkin, Aidan Gregory, Chris Harvey.  Subs:  Harry Batcock

First game of the season is always an important one.  The boys needed match practise and a bit of confidence after our last friendly defeat.  With our home ground being out of action friendlies and match practise had been in short supply.

 The venue of Edlesborough School was a lovely place to visit.  A nice pitch in a great location.  Given the rain in the last 72 hours the pitch was also very playable.

 Once the match kicked off Toddington Rovers started very brightly with lots of pressure of the Lions goal, however they were unable to make the pressure count and score the all important first goal.  On the breakaway EB Lions took a shock lead through a defensive mix up.

In the past Toddington have had a history of letting their heads go down after losing the opening goal.  Not today though.

 Within 2 minutes we were level thanks to a peach of a goal from outside the box by Jack Perch.  It was great to have Jack back playing and fit.  He is always capable of coming up with something special as he did today. 

A subsutition was made with Ethan Ward coming off for Harry Batcock.  After yet more pressure Toddington took the lead.  It was a scrappy effort after a goal mouth scramble. Once the ball hit the net the fresh sub Harry Batcock  took the plaudits.

 Toddington were coasting and should really have been out of site, however EB Lions managed to get level through another defensive mix up.   Really the Lions had had 2 attacks and had scored 2 goals, the game was that one sided.

Alex suffered a ball in the face and had one of his nose bleeds.  This was a nasty one and he was cleaned up on the sideline by the Rovers "Medical Team"

 As half time approached Chris Harvey scored with agreat strike to put us 3-2 up at the break.

 The second half saw Alex come back on.  Again more pressure from Toddington Rovers and plenty of chances to score.  Harry could have grabbed his second of the game but failed to make contact when it mattered.  Ethan also found himself with a good chance which he failed to convert.

 Two more goals from our striker supreme Chris Harvey saw Rovers home with a comfortable 5-2 win.  Could have easily been double figures today lads.

 On the whole this was a much better showing.  Lots more passing and calling for the ball.  Most importantly the boys really had fun.  That's what it's all about.

Next week its Oakley Rangers away.  Long may the good form continue.

Man of the match?  With a hat-trick who else but Chris Harvey.  Well done Chris and well done lads.

Sunday 14th September 2008

Starting Line Up:  Ben Rolf Payne, Alfie Waters, Lewis McCarthy, Jordan Bough, Craig Peck, Ethan Ward, Alex Kerr, Jeck Perch, Olly Tompkins, Chris Harvey, Ethan Ward

Sub: Aidan Gregory

 On the road to Bedford on a lovely sunny Sunday morning.  No Peter today so the management of the team was down to Lucy.

 The lads battled really hard against a decent Oakley Rangers team who by their own admission shouldn't be in this league.  The game could have gone either way with the final score being 4-2 to Oakley.

 Highlights of the match include JP scoring direct from a corner and a good effort by Chris Harvey.

 Other performances of note were Ethan Ward for one of his best perfomances for the club and Man of the Match Ben Rolf-Payne.

 Ben was excellent throughout the match.  His control of the area was superb and he constantly claimed the ball with assertive shouts of "KEEPERS"  - Well done Ben.

Another toughie next week.  Against Maulden Magpies.  They beat us 4-1 in pre-season and have scored 20 goals in 2 games this season. 

 Be great to turn them over!   

 Sunday 12th October 2008

Starting Line Up: Ben Rolf Payne, Flint Stanbury, Lewis McCarthy, Jordan Bough, Craig Peck, Ethan Ward, Jack Perch, Alex Kerr, Oliver Tompkin, Chris Harvey, Aidan Gregory

Subs: Alfie Waters, Harry Batcock, Daniel Cocking

A difficult game again.  Having not played for some time I have to say that it showed in the boys performance. 

We went behind to an early goal scored inside the first 5 minutes of the game.  With the game looking a bit ragged and our defense all over the place we had the impression that this game was going to be very hard.

We were attacking up the hill with the sun shining in Bens eyes.  Even more going against us.

With the score still at 1-0 we won a corner on the right after good work by Olly.  Lewis trotted the length of the pitch to take it and we delivered a peach right onto the keeper who flapped it.  It looked as if it crossed the line but the ref didn't give it.  The ball dropped to Ethan who volleyed it into the net.  1-1.

This was pretty much the highlight of the first half.  We suffered a nasty stud injury to Jordan who had to come off for Harry with Alex dropping back to the role of central defender. 

Daniel came on for goal scorer Ethan and Alfie cam on for Flint at right back.

The change casued panic in our defence and allowed Beecroft to score another scrappy goal.  Shortly after they scored again with a high cross from around the corner flag.  Poor Ben couldn't see the ball dropping from the sky with the sun in his eyes.

We went into half time 3-1 down.

After half time Jordan was fit enough to come back on and we reverted to the starting line up full of hope as now their keeper had the sun and we were attacking down hill.

Things didn't start well though.  A long ball through the middle which Jordan cleared with his head on the edge of the area.  What does the ref do?  Gives a free kick.  Even the Beecroft supporters cannot beleive it!  True to form Beecroft score with a thunderous shot into the top left hand corner of the goal.  Ben had no chance.

We then managed to rally a bit and had some decent spells of pressure.  However we keep finding lads straying into offside positions when we are in on goal.  We have got to work on that!

We scored next with a long ball over the top for Chris to race onto and smash the ball into the net with a trademark finish and celebration.  With thoughts of a comeback on the cards unfortunately Beecroft found another gear and went on to score 3 more goals.

That's not the end though!  The game wouldn't be over without a goal from Jack Perch.  A great bit of football from Alex and Jack put the Jack through on goal.  He finished with a sneaky poke under the advancing keeper.

 Final Score - Beecroft 7 - TRFC 3

Man of the Match Ethan Ward.

Thoughts?  It's such a shame that this team sometimes just do not turn up.  Our last few games (although we were beaten) we played some great football.  Didn't happen today though.  From start to finish we were second best and the defence seems to have forgotton all of the good things we had done in the last few games.

Next up Barton Rovers.  They are just above us in the table and seem to be conceeding lots of goals too.  Hopefully we can get back to the form of a few weeks ago and give them a game.  If we win we will leapfrog them in the table. 

Sunday 19th October 2008

Starting Line Up: Ben Rolf Payne, Flint Stanbury, Lewis McCarthy, Jordan Bough, Craig Peck, Ethan Ward, Jack Perch, Alex Kerr, Oliver Tompkin, Chris Harvey, Aidan Gregory

Subs: Alfie Waters, Harry Batcock,

At our borrowed home ground again (Thanks EB Lions) we faced Barton Rovers.

The lads started well and should have had a couple of goals inside the first 10 minutes.  Eventually we won a penalty for hand ball.  Taken by Lewis who went for placement rather than power.  Unfortunately it just sneaked wide of the post.

Our first goal came from Chris Harvey as he just managed to power the ball and nearly their keeper over the line.  1-0.  Our second goal came yet again from Jack Perch.  A good finish again from JP.

At 2-0 I think we went to sleep a bit and let them gte into it with sloopy defending 2-1.  Harry and Alfie came on for Ethan and Aidan and Harry immediatly scored to put us 3-1 up.

 Half Time.

A good start to the second half didn't earn us any goals and yet more sloppy defending allowed Barton Rovers to score twice to level the scores at 3-3.  At this point it looked as if Barton Rovers were going to win the game.

Credit to the lads though they battled and battled and Jack Perch put us in front again with 5 minutes to go.  A late goal from a corner from Alfie put the final score at 5-3.

We have got to stop leaking these silly goals.  We should have been out of sight in the first half and nearly gave the game to Barton.

Next up Brache Sparta.  Should be another very tough game, we will need to play better than today to earn anything.

Man of the Match and Moment.  Flint Stanbury.  Another huge performance from our new right back.  Played the whole game and did a superb job yet again.  He was run close by two goal hero Jack Perch today though.

Sunday 2nd November 2008 Toddington Rovers v's Langford

Starting Line Up:  Ben Rolf Payne, Flint Stanbury, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr, Craig Peck, Alfie Waters, Jack Perch, Harry Batcock, Oliver Tompkin, Aidan Gregory, Chris Harvey

Subs:  Daniel Cocking

Really struggling for numbers on this match.  Lewis away on holiday, Ethan with a dislocated knee cap, Alfie still struggling with his ankle, Jack Perch not feeling 100%.  A real problem.

Doesn't help when you start the game so badly.  Toddington struggled to keep a hold of the ball and were second to every second ball and simply did not close down quick enough.  This allowed Langford to race into a 2-0 lead.  In the first half we had our chances, but some dodgy off-side calls didn't help.

The two goals were again very soft goals to concede.  We really have got to tighten up.

At half time there was a few home truths delivered to the boys and immediatley it made a difference.  A completely different performance to the first half.  Flint broke though and sidefooted into the side netting.  Chris Harvey went 1 on 1 with the keeper who saved bravely and Jack Perch clipped a superb strike into the top corner.  With me celebrating I couldn't believe it when George (Langford's Excellent Keeper) somehow managed to get a hand to it.

The onslaught continued and with 20 minutes to go Oliver broke down he right and delivered a great finish in off the far post.  Game on.  Olly was creating chance after chance with his pace down the right and another great ball to him, this time from Jack saw him grab his second of the match 2-2.

With 10 minutes to go, there looked to be only one winner.  Us.  Daniel Cocking had a chance to grab the points with a volley into the open goal, just over.  Chris had a couple of half chances but it wasn't meant to be.

It's frustrating to see the lads only play their football in fits and starts.  If they had all played to their potential for the whole match we would surely have won comfortably.

Man of the Match today Oliver Tompkin.  Well done Olly.

Sunday 16th NOvember 2008

Starting Lineup

Starting Lineup:  Ben Rolf-Payne, Craig Peck, Jordan Bough, Lewis McCarthy, Flint Stanbury, Tarsaim Rayat, Alex Kerr, Jack Perch, Oliver Tompkin, Aidan Gregory, Chris Harvey.  Subs:  Harry Batcock, Alfie Waters, Daniel Cocking, Ethan Ward

Sitting here soaking wet I still cannot understand how on earth we lost that game of football.  And by 4 clear goals.  Simply astonishing.

The game started well for us with some seriously great football which should have resulted in a goal inside 2 minutes.  The passing and movement in attack was superb.  However such is our season we conceded yet another incredibly soft goal, quickly followed by another.  When we should and could have been leading we found ourselves 2-0 down.

On came the 4 subs with Alfie at left back, Harry at right back, Daniel in Centre Midfield and Ethan up front.  All of a sudden it was all Toddington again.  Lewis nearly broke the crossbar with a thunderous freekick and several other good chances just slipped by.  Alex suffered yet another nose bleed and had to come off with Tarsaim slotting backinto midfield.

Half Time 2-1.  The same 11 that finished the first half started the second and they poured forward.  Some really great football at times.  5 minutes into the half Chris squared the ball to strike partner Ethan who took one touch and buried the ball in the corner.  2-2.  It only looked as if one team were going to win this game, us.

However the sloppy mistakes took over once more and we soon found ourselves 6-2 down.  Once we had sorted out our crazy 10 minutes we took control again with chance after chance created.  From a corner Tarsaim expertly swivelled and volleyed in his first for the club (on his debut) and Lewis scored a penalty after Chris was fouled. 6-4.  With AFC Luton rocking it looked as if we could still get back level.

You guessed it.  More dodgy mistakes and Luton cantered to an 8-4 victory. 

In summary.  If we could cut out the stupid mistakes we would be near the top of the table, no doubt.

Today there were some simply superb performances.  Ethan was superb with his tracking back from his role as striker.  Olly was again excellent down the right.  One trap and turn totally bamboozled everyone.  Jack was great (although he didn't grab his customary goal today), Jordan was, as ever a hero as was Lewis.  Man of the match could have been any of the above.  But! That honour was passed to our new signing Tarsaim Rayat.  He covered every blade of grass, never gave up and scored a great goal.  When he runs with the ball he is so powerful it reminds of Steven Gerrard. 

If any of you read this.  Don't be downhearted.  You played some of your best football of the year today.  In attack we were superb.  In defence we were at best dodgy.  Not because anybody had a bad game, just because some of the decisions you make in certain situations are the wrong ones.  If you had a video of the match to watch back you would see that of their 8 goals there was not one that you would hold your hands up and say, Great Goal.  They were all down to errors in our defending.  If you look at our 3 goals (not including the penalty) you would see 3 well worked goals and also countless chances created by some good passing football.

Keep your heads up.  Sooner or later we are going to get a Sunday when everyone performs to there top level and you will give some poor team a real hiding.  Lets make it next Sunday.

Sunday 14th December 2008

Maulden Magpies 3 - 4 Toddington Rovers

Starting Lineup:

Ben rolf-Payne, Flint Stanbury, Jordan Bough, Alex Kerr, Alfie Waters, Lews McCarthy, Tarsaim Rayat, Ethan Ward, Olly Tompkin, Craig Peck, Harry Batcock

Subs:  Aidan Gregory and Chris Harvey

It made a change to get up on a Sunday morning and it NOT be raining.  Off we went to high flying Maulden Magpies.  Having conceeded 8 to them in Pre-Season and a hefty panking in the home fixture, we had to be at our best to get a result.

Missing Jack Perch, Daniel Cocking to illness and an under par Flint and Ethan.

The game started well for us with a few chances created through the tricky Olly, however we went behind to a goal quite early.  Against the run of play I would say.  We battled back and after a great move involving Olly the ball was squared to Harry to side foot into the net 1-1.

We then conceeded a penalty, some parents thought it shouldn't have been, but it was a stone wall.  Ben Rolf-Payne made a great save and was quickly on his feet to stop the re-bound also.  Well done Ben.  That was vintage keeping.

We re-gained our composure and pressed forward for the second goal which we got from a wonderful guided header from the excellent Tarsaim.  2-1.  We were well on top at this point and we would have bet our houses on Lewis scoring when he had a sight of goal, not to be.  Lewis was running the show as our holding midfielder and Jordan at the back a rock.

However for some reason the boys simply stopped when they thought Olly was off side.  The ref didn't blow and all of a sudden Maulden had a 4 v 2 and they scored to equalise.   On came the subs Chris and Aidan for Ethan and goalscorer Harry.

Almost immediately Chris was involved in a great move which allowed Tarsaim to power his second of the game and then managed to socre himself with a great finish.  4-2 and Half Time came.

The second half was slightly different.  Maulden came back into the game and put us under pressure.  We were still a threat on the counter with Olly's skill and pace and his link up with Chris.  Half way through the half Maulden scored to make it 4-3 and we really had to cling on. 

Jordan was fouled badly and looked as if he was going to lose his temper, some of the Maulden lads looked a bit scared and didn't like to tackle him for the rest of the match.  That aggression is all part of Jordan's makeup.  We wouldn't have him any other way.

We managed to hold on for a great win.  Pay Back Time on Maulden Magpies after our heavy home defeat and pre-season defeat.

Man of the match was a tough one.  Ben had his best game of the season today.  Back to his brave best.  Well done Ben.  Olly was superb and created mayhem whenever we ran at the back 4.  Chris scored a good goal and Tarsaim scored 2 and had a great game also.  But Man of the Match had to be Jordan.  Simply outstanding today Jordan.

Next week is Dunstable Colts.  We have to go out there expecting a tough game.  The lads seem to perform better against the better sides in the league and seem to lose the aggression against the "lesser" teams in the league.   Lets get the win and continue our climb up the table.

Sunday 21st December 2008

Toddington Rovers V Dunstable Colts

Starting Lineup:  Ben Rolf-Payne, Craig Peck, Lewis McCarthy, Alex Kerr, Harry Batcock, Tarsaim Rayat, Oliver Tompkin, Daniel Cocking, Aidan Gregory, Jack Perch, Chris Harvey

Subs: Ethan Ward

Following on from last weeks fine performance we were all expecting a bucket load of goals this morning.  However it didn't quite work out that way.

Toddington started well and managed to score first through Chris Harvey with a cool finish.  However things atarted to go wrong from here.  Dunstable Colts managed to score twice very much against the run of play.  In the first half Toddington had chance after chance, but just couldn't add to the first goal.  Lewis powered a freekick against the crossbar and the Dunstable 'keeper made some top draw saves.

The Boys were not at their best however.  A lot of the lads were playing in different positions due to us missing 4 players on the day and it showed.  The defence were all over the place and not holding their positions at all and we seemed to be second to every loose ball.  Add in the fact that the Dunstable Players kept rolling around pretending to be injured and generally time wasting. 

Half Time came and a few harsh words were spoken and it seemed to work.  Ethan cameinto midfield for Daniel Cocking and the game changed.  All of a sudden the boys remembered how to play.  They showed more willingness to win the 50-50 balls and we poured forward. 

A neat finish from top scorer Jack Perch pulled us level and a powered finish from a corner by Tarsaim put us in front.  Dunstable had a few half chances on the break, but Alex Kerr managed to get back each time with last ditch tackles.

The ref had to warn Dunstable Players about time wasting on more than 2 occassions, which was strange and very sad.

However there was only going to be one side to win this match and another good goal from Jack gave us a 4-2 win. 

The second hald performance was more of what we are after.  Some good passing and interchange play and more desire.

Unbeaten in 3 matches now, so we are climbing the table.  If we can win against Beecroft on the 4th January we will be up to the comfort of mid table.

Many of the Match?  Ben in goal continued his good form and had he been a little busier would have picked up the award.  However Alex Kerr won again.  Back in the centre of defence he seems much happier and his pace helps us greatly.  One tackle at the end sticks in the mind.  Even the ref commented on it at the end!

Happy Christmas to you All.  See you on the 4th January.