Stats so far this season

Goals -

Thomas Walsh 6

Ellis Hendry 17

Matthew Walsh 13

Jay Atkinson 1

Edward Hardman 2

Jude Lampard 13

Alex Hughes 8

Great Saves

Patrick Hardman 40

Mk Dons Academy v Toddington Rovers Cobras

Wow what and incredible game.

If ever our boys needed a big pat on the back it was today, they did were a real credit to the club, their coaches and to all the parents and supporters who braved the cold to watch them. The boys entered the game with a real upbeat positive attitude and were incredibly focused and alert from the off. Mk Dons boys were incredibly sharp and it was obvious right from the start that this was going to be probably the most challenging match to date.

The Toddington boys were very disciplined, kept their positions and would not give up on the ball. Mk Dons were very talented and passionate players who were chasing every ball whether in possession or not which made for a real head-to-head with neither side having time to lose focus for one minute.

There were several things that made this fixture different from those in the past, firstly a seven a side match which we have only played a couple of times before, a game played over 3/3rds, this was without doubt the largest and most talented team we have played, spectators were distanced from the game, therefore having no influence on the play and lastly the game was almost self refereed with no official on the pitch.

The last two of these points were really refreshing and I believe kept the game extremely fluid and gave the boys responsibility for the flow of the play. Despite this being one of the most competitive games we have played it flowed beautifully and he boys were very respectful of each other and there were no tears, frustrations, bad tackles, aggression etc……is this the way forward for youth football at this level?

Anyway back to the game….

Mk dons rotated there players each 1/3 giving Toddington a fresh set of legs and different talents to deal with each time making it almost like three different games. As usual our boys rotated positions each third taking full responsibility where ever they were playing which makes them such a strong squad.

Mk Dons scored 9 goals in total several of which were very well deserved with some lovely passing and movement off the ball. A hat trick from the right wing in the 2^nd 1/3 was well deserved with some amazing blasts from his right boot lifting the ball to the top of the net.

Toddington scored a total of six goals with Alex scoring two well orchestrated goals with a great finish and almost completed a hat trick. Ellis scored a cool headed pass into the net and claimed an OG from a great cross bouncing off an MK defender into the goal, Jude was again in the right place in the right time to put away another for his collection and the sixth goal was an OG from a great shot from Thomas rebounding off the keeper and bouncing into the goal off the MK defender.

Eddie was solid as a rock as always in defense today, Jay worked hard going forward and was vocal organizing in the area and tracking back, Mathew was solid with very little getting past him and some very clever little passes to push our team forward. Jude was well positioned as always and chased the ball well when it wasn’t going our way; Alex showed very persistent and intelligent play creating chances for himself and the team, Thomas had an incredible game and was all over the pitch in attack, defense and round the goal, Ellis was focused and committed and put in some good hard challenges  when it mattered and last but by no means least Paddy was the best I have ever seen him in goal with lots to do. Brave, committed and alert, he has totally taken responsibility for his position an excellent job this week and well deserving of Man of the Match alongside Ellis for the other M of M - well played!

Overall one of the most challenging and refreshing games we have played with some superb football played, the boys ended the match in high spirits with lots of smiling faces knowing they had all put on a cracking performance……….excellent job! 

Toddington Cobras v Bedford

We had a 7 a side match today which our boys are not used to but the game started quite evenly matched and in the first quarter Toddington had a few opportunities and a couple of goal mouth scrambles that could have resulted in a goal or two.
This was to be the run of things for the whole of the game with our boys having many opportunities but for one reason or another the ball was not hitting the back of the net partly due to Bedford’s 6 foot tall, 18 year old Keeper!!!! Only joking, their keeper played a blinder!
Just before the end of the first quarter Bedford’s small bit very nippy No 10 ran free towards goal and slid the ball very neatly into the bottom left hand corner of the goal to take Bedford 1 -0 up.
Paddy came off after the first quarter after not feeling to good and Alex, Jay and Matthew were brave enough to step up to the challenge of keeper. Big boots to fill!!
Even though our boys heads went down they got stuck in in the second quarter with some good strong tackles which won us lots of opportunities. This quarter brought several goal mouth scrambles but the ball just wasn't going in. The boys really kept the pressure on and didn't allow Bedford much of the ball at all and in fact there was not one shot on goal from Bedford during this quarter. Toddington were finally rewarded with a wonderful dribbling run from Thomas and a little tap in to bring the equalising goal. This goal brought on the funniest celebration of the season so far with a "head shoulders knees and toes" rendition with all the Toddington boys in fine voice.
The 3rd quarter saw more really good procession from both sides and some really brave strong challenges. Matthew and Eddy were really strong with their tackling and played with great energy throughout. This quarter saw one of Toddingtons best moves of the game with a five pass move involving four of the boys with the final touch being a lovely pass from Thomas to the back post and unfortunately Alex could not quite get enough on the ball to plant it in the net. Jay had a great 10 minutes and two fantastic runs down the right hand side really putting the pressure on the Bedford defence. Bedford did break at one point and left Toddington standing but an amazing run back from Thomas covering nearly half of the pitch managed to keep the score line at 1 - 1. Minutes later Jude connected with a corner from Thomas to add another goal to his collection and put Toddington 2 - 1 up.
In the last quarter the game did slow down but saw some good passing and a great final run from the half way line from Ellis who smashed the ball with his left boot but it was well saved by the Bedford keeper.

Altogether a good, strong performance against a very good side. The boys worked hard and were noticeably tired towards the end of the game with no substitutions, nevertheless they didn’t give up.

A well deserved win and good performance leaving the boys "heads, shoulders, knees and toes" ahead of the opposition.

Congratulations to Thomas and Jay for receiving this week’s man of the match trophies both had an excellent game and played a major part in today’s successful result. 

Tournament Saturday 21^st , Buckingham

On a cold wet and windy day the Toddington Cobras put on another gritty and determined appearance with some wonderful teamwork and yet again never giving up on the ball especially if they were dispossessed. The tournament was incredibly well organised and despite the odd shower and chilly breeze was great to watch with some very nice football being played. Some of the games were quite physical but fair and it was great to see good sportsmanship with most of the boys being encouraged to shake hands after the odd clash, something some of our premiership players could learn from!

The boys played six games in total drawing the first game 0 – 0 and going on to win the next five games quite convincingly. As always all the boys played their part in a number of different ways which is why they have become such a successful team. Alex had a great day and set up several goals with his cool calm head and clever little touch and pass, he consistently delivers week in week out and was rewarded this week with no less than 4 goals. Mathew was our usual work horse this week, never giving up on the ball and probably covering twice as much of the pitch than anyone else, whenever we lose possession you know Mathew will be one of the first to try and win it back. Mathew played a major part in last game ending up with a hat trick against Preston Gorcott. Thomas the dribbling machine took the ball for a run on several occasions in true Messi and set up several goals as well as scoring 2 for himself. Ellis kept a cool head this week and made some good passes to set up some of our goals, he was our top goal scorer this week with 5 in the net one possibly being a contender for goal of the season ...a cracking volley from a lovely cross by Alex. Jude always seems to be in the right position at the right time and was again this week with 2 goals to add to his total, great positional play. Jay like Mathew was very hard working this week and held a really tight defence especially in the 5^th game with not a lot getting past him; Jay also does not give up or drop his head but sticks with it even when he has lost the ball. Eddie was our player of the week this week and had a really good all round game, his positional play was excellent which created time and space which together with some short, accurate and intelligent passing not only created chances but got us out of trouble once or twice too. Last but by no means least a very well defended Paddy was left cold on a few occasions but as always was there when he was needed with a really brave boot hugging save in the 4^th game, yet another clean sheet and well deserved.

All in all a great day where all the boys put on a great display and did themselves proud.

Results;

Toddington v Southcott Owls 0 – 0                     

Toddington v Tatennhoe Jaguars 5 - 0

Toddington v Tatennhoe Pumas 2 - 0

Toddington v Leighton Corinthians 2 - 0

Toddington v Tatenhoe Tigers 4 - 0

Toddington v Preston Gorcett 4 – 0

Goal scorers;

Ellis 5

Alex 4

Mathew 3

Thomas 2

Jude 2

Eddie 1 

December 2011

Cobras Versus Harold and Carlton

Today’s game was a tough game against a physical side that had been well trained to close down the opposition quickly. This proved a big problem as this was by far the smallest pitch our boys have played on so finding any space to pass and move the ball was very difficult, something they have done very well in the past few weeks. Toddington certainly did not have the time on the ball they have been afforded in the past which did create a few missed passes and a panicky start to the game.

In true Toddington fashion the boys knuckled down Mathew had a fantastic shot on goal which was well saved by the Harold keeper but it wasn’t long before Mathew was back for more and put one in the back of the net just before the end of the first ¼. Within a minute of starting the second ¼ Harold’s very large and able No 8 went on to equalize and only 2 minutes later scored another to make it 2-1 to the home side. Things really could not have been any closer with some real end to end football. To even things up Ellis chipped a lovely goal into the right hand top corner just before the end of the second ¼ making it 2-2 and minutes later added another one to take it to 2-3.

The game went on to see Harold’s no 8 get a well deserved hat trick but  to no avail as Ellis followed in fine form by hitting the post (almost knocking the goal of it fixings) and picking up the rebound to pop it in the net for his hat trick. The game was tough and evenly balanced throughout but Jude finally nailed it adding another goal to his collection in the 38th minute.

Although this was a tough game with a shaky start, there were some outstanding individual performances, Thomas had a couple of amazing dribbling runs and displayed some good strong tackling, Eddy had an outstanding game never giving up on the ball and over the last few weeks has become a real problem for any opponent wanting to get past him. Jay soldiered on despite taking a couple of knocks and was also very solid in defence. Jude and Mathew both did some intelligent, firm and long throw-ins which created chances and on occasions got us out of trouble.....(do remember, both feet on the ground and ball behind your head boys).

A well deserved pat on the back to Paddy for another outstanding performance for stopping what could have been a pan full of opportunities to shoot on goal. Paddy just seems to get stronger and braver every week and when the ball enters his “18” yard box there is only one person’s name on it. Great saves, brave defending and even some of his big goal kicks were deserving of a goal on such a short pitch!! ( Chris...If he carries on like this he will need his rugby skullcap, armour and gum shield for his football matches too)

Last but by no means least the “Man of the Match” went to Alex who displayed as always a very cool head which on several occasions not only dispossessed the opposition but created breaks that went on to score goals. Alex shows a great awareness of who is around him and keeps the game simple, rarely loosing possession and creating chances with short simple passes. Alex had a great game today, solid and reliable as always very well done!

A wobbly start but perseverance, bravery and above all” Team Work” brought another well deserved win for the Cobras. Great job well done! 

26^th November 2011

Cobras versus Linslade Galaxy Rio

 Well what huge difference from last Saturdays result and indeed in how well our boys played, every player without exception played a great game today and done themselves proud.

 Toddington were focussed and alert right from the first kick of the ball and got off to a terrific start putting Lindslade under pressure immediately.
  All of the boys were passing the ball well, were very aware of the space around them which made a huge difference this week, that together with some excellent defending against the huge Lindslade No10 and the super quick and skilful No8.
  Despite Toddington being well in control of the game in the first 10 mins, Lindslade were the first to score with a high cross whichPaddy got his finger tips to but it still managed to slip into the back of the net.
  It wasn’t long before Mathew walked the ball into the net in true Arsenal fashion to get the boys back on track and went on to score two more to become our third Hat trick hero this season.
  Thomas and Alex were on fire in today’s game both displaying some great dribbling skills and some good hard but fair defending. Alex kept a really cool head under pressure and several times passed the team out of trouble.
  Eddie was the teams tackling machine today with some really good strong defending and attacking which won us the ball on several occasions and scored a great penalty low and hard in the bottom left hand corner of the net. Jude had a really good game again this week and nearly scored a couple of times but for the first time in several games the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.
  Jay capped a great game of passing and tackling by scoring a lovely goal set up with a really good cross from Thomas on the right wing, and Ellis also got his name on the score sheet with a lovely chip into the top right hand corner.
  Last but not least....a very cold Paddy had an amazing game with some of his bravest saves of the season so far and some great distribution from the edge of his area.

 All in all one of the best games so far this season with some really good spread passing and link up play and certainly the best "team" performance so far.
  Congratulations to Eddie receiving the first man of the match for good solid consistent work however not just today but week in week out and also Ellis for a great attitude this week and despite getting knocked over a few times he got straight back up and kept a cool head. Well done to you both!
 

Cobras v Linslade Galaxy Racing

19th November 2011

A really hard fought game by two very evenly matched sides and “probably” the right result despite Mathew belting a scorcher in the 2^nd quarter Alex putting a shot right along the goal line in the 3^rd quarter, and Ellis ducking and weaving his way through 4 defenders only to be met with an outstanding save by Galaxy’s keeper. All of that said, Galaxy had their chances with most of them coming in the last quarter from the big duo No9 and No7 who were good hard physical players.

Thomas the dribbling maestro got us out of trouble on several occasions and kept Galaxy’s No7 under control by tackling hard and fair. All of the boys defended excellently and importantly stayed in position, Eddie was solid on the right wing with some good strong tackles in the 3^rd quarter with virtually nothing getting past him. Jay linked up very well with Thomas a several times and did some lovely passes creating some great breaks for the guys up front. Mathew and Ellis in both defence and attack were great distributors of the ball creating and taking chances which should have rewarded both of them with a goal with some real gutsy play. Alex in mid field was superb today and really made Galaxy’s defence work hard, he was constantly chasing the loose balls and had great awareness of his team mates around him. Jude “Owen” (our top goal scorer this season so far) didn’t disappoint again this week as he connected with a lovely cross from Mathew to put the ball in the net in the 3^rd quarter putting Toddington 1-0 up. Unfortunately Galaxy’s no7 scored to equalise in the last 3 minutes of the game however it could have been a lot more if it wasn’t for Paddy’s great brave defending. Paddy had an excellent game with great saves and really good distribution of the ball from the edge of his area.

All in all a very exciting game where every team member without exception played their part, important points raised at the end of the game and for which the boys were congratulated on where; keeping a cool head when under pressure, looking up when having the ball, great passing and use of the “touch and pass” move that we were practising before the game. One of the best “team” performances this season so far

Man of the Match

Mathew, very well deserved for good solid hard working play, excellent defence as well as great awareness during the game creating opportunities for himself, and for the rest of the team.

Manager Chris Walsh