Saturday 30th January 2010

Toddington Rovers v Water Eaton White

9.30a.m. Kick Off

It was freezing cold but thankfully the sun was out for the first game of the New Year and the first time the team have played together in 2010!

The first quarter saw Luke, Diego, Ashleigh and Thomas on the field with Jay in goal. Kick off and within seconds Water Eaton had scored their first goal. Some good attempts were made by both teams, with many throw-ins and some good saves. A good pass from Luke, followed by a cracking goal from Thomas to equalise. (1-1)

James, Ollie, Eden and Jay were on the pitch for the second quarter with Diego in goal. There was some good action in this quarter and effective attacking and defending by both teams. Eden took the ball up the pitch and scored. This was swiftly followed by another goal from Water Eaton to make it 2-2. Water Eaton then had a man down and a substitution was made. Shortly after this Water Eaton scored again. This was an eventful second quarter with some great saves from Diego (2-3).

The third quarter had James, Max, Freddie and Maisie on with Luke in goal. There was some good football again in this quarter. Some great passing between Max and Maisie resulting in Freddie scoring a super goal to bring the score to 3 all. James was strong in defence and there were some good saves by Luke. Another injury to the Water Eaton side saw a second substitution. A good attempt was made by Water Eaton on goal. The quarter ended with a scramble in front of the Toddington goal which was finally saved by Luke. (3-3)

The score was 3 all going into the final quarter. James was in goal with Thomas, Luke, Ashleigh and Diego on the pitch. Within a few minutes Water Eaton scored, the pressure was now on. The Rovers continued to play well. Luke made a good attempt at goal which unfortunately was saved. At this point Ollie was substituted for Ashleigh. Despite some strong attacking by Luke and Thomas and good defending by Ollie and Diego they were unable to equalise and the game ended 3-4 to Water Eaton Whites.

Although not a win, the team played really well on such a cold day and this was a good start to the New Year.

Saturday 5th December 2009

Following a disappointing run of defeats this was Rovers opportunity to get back to their winning ways of the start of the season. With a full squad to choose from and the usual good turn out from family and friends on another cold morning there were no nerves to be seen as Rovers lined up as if they had the talent of Arsenal. We kicked off against Leighton Corinthians with James in goal and Thomas, Ashleigh, Luke and Diego out on pitch. It wasn't long before Luke reminded us that he hadn't lost his touch with a cracking early effort which was matched by an equally good save. Not to be out done, a lightening quick Ashleigh flew down the wing and put a pass through to Luke, whose first effort was saved but on the follow up finished in style. 1 -0 Rovers. Rovers were on the attack again when a busy Thomas was brought down on the edge of the area. There was concern as he looked in serious pain but it was all part of the plan as he drove in a powerful free kick for 2 - 0.

John called time for a change as the skilful Ashleigh and Diego our defensive rock were replaced by a confident Ollie and the emerging defensive talent, Jay.

It wasn't long before Luke was on target again with a great shot into the bottom corner to make it 3 - 0. Then before Leighton had time to recover Luke who seems to have emerged from his scoring drought put one into the bottom left corner for 4 - 0.

As if to prove they were no push over's Leighton started to attack before the end of the first quarter and a great save on the line followed by another diving save from a corner meant James kept a clean sheet. Rovers were now showing that they could defend too but gave away a free kick on the edge of the area which was blocked by who else but Luke! Great start Rovers.

All change for the second quarter as Rovers start with Max, Eden, Maisie, Freddy and Diego in goal. Leighton started where they left off attacking our goal and only for some good defending by Eden and crucial saves from Diego we would have conceded. Rovers couldn't get out of their own half as Leighton piled on the pressure only to be stopped with some good defensive work from Freddy; but following 4 straight corners Leighton got a deserved goal in off the post to make it 4 - 1.

Another change as we sacrificed the attacking Eden for a defensive Jay, but Leighton still piled on the pressure and were only held with some brave keeping from Diego and an off the line clearance by Jay. The crowd were now getting restless which unfortunately led to some embarrassing dancing by Lucy - the FA may impose a fine! Hard work by the ever improving Maisie couldn't stop Leighton pushing forward again which lead to a debatable penalty for handball. The resulting penalty was put wide.

The third quarter and a change of ends started with Luke in goal, Ollie, Eden, James and Ashleigh out on pitch. Leighton started strongly again and a good long range shot just beat a frustrated Luke to make it 4 - 2. The pressure continued from Leighton. Rovers worked hard to defend with Ollie attacking the ball with a brave clearing header in midfield and some good work in goal by Luke but Leighton's pressure paid off as they pulled another goal back for 4 - 3. The game now really opened up with full length of the pitch runs and shot from Ashleigh and James which both went just wide of the post. Max then came on for Ashleigh and made an immediate impact with two good efforts that were matched by a good keeper.

The last quarter started with Jay in goal, Luke, Thomas, Freddy and Diego on pitch and continued at the same fast pace. Great defending again by Diego set Freddy through on goal but the keeper saved. Luke then followed up and the keeper saved again. Freddy then made a great tackle in front of his own goal and with in seconds had another shot saved at the other end. The game could have gone either way with Leighton racking up more corners and Jay and Thomas making last ditch goal line clearances. Then a break through as Luke danced through Leighton's midfield to shoot and make it 5 - 3. James came on for Freddy and with in minutes had latched on to a Luke through ball to power a shot past the keeper who had no chance, 6 - 3 - an inspired substitution by John! More pressure from Rovers and James in particular, matched by Leighton's defense saw an exciting game finish 6 - 3 to Rovers.

Rovers finish the year in style with an impressive first half of the season winning 4, loosing 4. Well done everyone.

Saturday 7th November 2009

Toddington Rovers v AFC Dunstable

For the first time in several weeks the U7’s were back for a home game in Toddington. That fiery cauldron known as The Glebe was the scene for the much anticipated Rovers v AFC Dunstable game postponed from last week. The largest crowd of the season were there to see the team defend their unbeaten home run. Expectations were high.

Coaches Jon and Lucy were able to draw on a full squad for the game and their initial selection appeared inspired in the opening encounters.

Within the first minute Thomas picked up a loose ball on the left. After rounding two defenders a sharp right footed shot into the right corner of the goal put Rovers 1-0 ahead. More was soon to follow. A Luke throw in, again on the left, found James in space and with a powerful run and impressive shot he made the score 2-0. I hardly had time to write the details down and it was 3-0, James putting his name to the score sheet again.

Was this too good to be true? Unfortunately for the euphoric Rover fans it was. As fast as Toddington had gone ahead they were pegged back by two goals from AFC. In both cases thundering shots left goalkeeper Diago with no chance. In reality he did amazingly well even to get a hand to the second.

Freddy came on for James but a resurgent AFC were in full flow and it was 3-3 after 10 minutes.

At this point coach Jon made changes that put Ollie, Max, Diago and Freddy out on pitch and James in goal. This couldn’t prevent AFC from going ahead 3-4 straight form the restart. Nevertheless, Rovers heads remained high. Freddy turned quickly and fired a shot that hit the post. Ollie and Max worked tirelessly and effectively in midfield and Diago was as reliable as ever at the back.

Despite this, a penalty and a full length run of the pitch gave AFC two further goals to lead 3-6. Eden and Maisie came on and immediately made some strong tackles and put the AFC defence under pressure but there was no change to the score at half time.

In the second half, coach Jon made further changes and brought Jay on for the first time. He made some strong challenges and along with Eden produced some good defending. Ashleigh made some runs that put the AFC defence on the back foot and also worried the goalkeeper from corners, nearly curling the ball in from one set piece. Luke, in goal, kept the ball out on two occasions when a goal seemed the more likely outcome.

Despite the efforts from all of the team , whilst never outplayed, just couldn’t get back into top gear. They did score four more goals from Thomas, Ashleigh, James (to complete his hat-trick) and Luke but AFC replied immediately each time, and were never less than three goals ahead. The final score ended at 7-12.

At the final whistle the team shook hands with their opponents but were clearly disappointed. The engine was running on three cylinders today but with some fine tuning they will be back on pole position next week.

Saturday 17th October 2009

Woburn Lions

V

Toddington Rovers

Starting Team 

Ashleigh, Luke, Diego ©, Eden, Thomas 

Ashleigh & Luke are to start us off, It looks quite a promising game, Woburn had some big lads in particular their #12 & # 5.  

Some good passing going on, then Woburn gained possession, a good tackle from Thomas with a sly pass added on for Luke and then to Ashleigh who then just beaten to the ball before snatching the net.

A goal kick for Woburn gave Luke a throw in only for the Woburn team to intercept and attempt a shot at us, HUH that didn’t work as Diego got there first, well done…. 

Luke then had two opportunities at goal only for one to be saved and another to deflect off the end post, what a shame!!! Oh dear not on your usual form today Luke!!!!  

Woburn got the possession and thought they would have a quick fire attempt at goal, again NOT A CHANCE!!! 

Luke takes a corner Ashleigh gets the play and WHAT A GOAL!!! This now puts us in the lead.  

With the ball now back in play its Eden’s turn, with a good pass back to Luke, he had a run with the ball just to get tackled, they are just too good. 

With Luke wanting revenge he put in a blinding tackle on their #5 to stop them scoring; Now that’s football.  

With Eden then taking the ball up the pitch, a good pass to Ashleigh, it was looking good but not to be. 

A throw in from Woburn left us open for them to try and score, BUT Thomas managed to get control and running up the pitch kicked that ball right behind the keeper IT’S A GOAL!!!!!!!! Superb. And that’s just the 1^st quarter. 2-0 YEY!!!!

 Some changes at half time brought Luke into goal. Diego and Max in defence, with Oli and Freddie up front. 

In the first instance there was a lot of chasing the ball around by all, they need to clear it and with his quick thinking Diego put in a cracking header and did exactly what it says on the tin, well done Diego.

 At this point Woburn decided we were to good for them and put on an extra player!! And they tried but failed to get past the Lukemeister. With a pass to Oli, and a touch from Freddie this almost lead to an own goal from Diego, but Luke was on the case.

Woburn had a lot of possession on the ball in our half this quarter, quite scary at moments, but we pulled it back.

At this point John made a quick substitution Oli off and Ashleigh on. 

Ashleigh came on and almost immediately had to take a corner, but their keeper was on the ball… literally. 

Some good passing going on from our lads and lasses, with some good use of the ball from Freddie, Ashleigh and Diego. Lots of enthusiasm from all and a great save from Luke ended the 2^nd quarter. 

Masie and Luke, up front, Thomas and Jay in defence and Freddie in goal. 

Well Woburn have really stepped up now, another attempt at our goal but this time thwarted by Masie GET IN!!!!

Corner Woburn, cleared by Luke, with a bit of a fluffed goal kick now 2-1, GAME ON!!!!! 

A good shot at goal from Luke, again not to be, saved by keeper. Another throw in for Toddington breaks down, Woburn gets throw and scores 2-2. 

Downhill from here!!! With Luke taking the ball, got tackled at the last bit, shame. 

Great corner from Luke to Masie, and an attempt at goal from Freddy but their keeper was too good.

Jay kept us in the game by clearing a fastball from #12, good job Jay.The next was not so good, we tried but the ball went in. 3-2 to Woburn. 

Luke got control, took the ball up, looked for the cross pass, but nobody there…. We lost the ball back to Woburn who then scored off the back of a goal kick. Now 4-2 to them. 

Last Quarter. 

Ashleigh and Luke up front, Oli and Diego in defence and Thomas in goal. 

A throw in for Luke to Ashleigh, cleared by Woburn, throw in from Woburn cleared by Diego. 

Another attempt from Luke, but their keeper got their first. Keep it up Toddington, fab attacking going on.

Now with Ashleigh taking a corner things were looking up. All by herself with practically the whole of the opposition on her case, up the pitch she goes.

With Woburn on the attack Ashleigh’s run was defeated, but not for long.

Luke had had enough at this point and took the ball off Woburn at the half way line, round all of Woburn’s players HE SHOOTS HE SCORES!! Finally..

4-3 not bad at all, they were a really tough team, but you did us proud. WELL DONE GIRLS AND BOYS.. Looking forward to the next game. COME ON ROVERS……………………

Saturday 26th September 2009



On a bright sunny Saturday morning we all had to be up at the crack of dawn for the teams first ever match.  To say that we were excited is an understatement.

We met in the Village Hall at 8.20 and having spoken to a few of the other parents I think the kids were nearly as excited as we were.  It was reported that Ashley was up at 6am already in her kit and I dfon't think she was the only one.  Still, the wait was nearly over as the match kicked off at 9am!

Our opponents Wing, had a lovely pitch in the local school.  I great place to have our first ever match.  Lucy and Jon had their work cut out as our whole squad of 11 players were available for selection.  It was certainly going to be tricky trying to make sure that everybody gets a good run out.

The starting 5 were. Diego in Goal, James, Thomas, Ashley and Luke.

Once the game got underway Luke set the scene with some competitive ball winning and a very early goal for 1-0.  No sooner had I written that in my pad and he popped up again with another goal, this time a left footed shot.  We had to wait a while for our next goal though.  Nearly 30 seconds in fact.  Luke again, this time with a half volley for 3-0.  Our fast start was not only about the superb Luke, he was assisited by the skilful Ashley, touch tackling Thomas and fast James.

Coach Jon moved things around and decided to put Luke back in defence.

Wing had some good players too though and to prove this fact they burst up our end for the first time and scored 3-1.  Poor Diego's first touch of the ball was to pick it out of the net!  Thomas who was now up front scored a good goal for 4-1.

Toddington made some changes.  Max and Fred "Fredregas" came on for the impressive James & Thomas.  Wing also made a change though and their fresh player scored two quick goals to close the gap to 4-3.

Luke was aware that Wing had nearly caught us up and seemingly decided it was time to score again.  5-3.  Ashley then went close to scoring arriving at the far post to meet a cross from Luke.

The ref blew for the end of the first period.  Some changes were made with Maisie coming on at the back and James moved to Goal.  Straight after the re-start Luke scores again for 6-3. 

James had some important clearances from goal.  One slide to prevent a corner was very impressive.

Now Wing really got into their stride.  They scored 4 quick goals.  The Wing goalkeeper was shouting encouragement to his team mates.  When they scored the 4th to go 7-6 in front he shouted " YYYYEEEESSSSS!  We are winning"

The end of the period.  Some words of encouragement from Jon and Lucy and some half time oranges and the Rovers were ready to put things right.

Almost straight away Thomas scored to make it 7-7.  Ashley wasn't to be out done and scored a cracking strike to make it 8-7 to us.  Thomas then completed his hattrick for 9-7.  The poor ref had lost count at this stage and had to ask me the score!

Diego was now at the back.  His no nonsense defending and tough tackling was impressive.  He cleared a couple of long throw in's with good headers and followed this up with a crunching tackle to set us on the attack.

Thomas and Eden came off for a rest and Jay and Max came on again.  Both had some impressive contributions to our game.

We entered the final quarter with Maisie up front.  Wing pegged us back to 9-8 and we looked set for a nail biting finish.  Jon and Lucy brought on Thomas and Luke for a final push for victory. 

This worked well as Luke grabbed another 2 great goals to put the final score at 11-8.  A very entertaining match indeed and the Toddington Players should be very proud this afternoon.  As for the Wing players, they played very, very well and scored some great goals and seemed to enjoy the match.

Saturday 12th September 2009