January 28th, 2012 – away against Ridgeway
Vs Ridgeway Rockets: 3-3
Unanimously voted by the coaches and parents as one of the most exciting games of football they’d ever seen, this was a classic game of two halves in which the Yodas pulled off one of the most dramatic turnarounds witnessed in under-8s football. The Yodas kept their positions well in the first half, but this was their first game for a while and were perhaps a little rusty after the Christmas break. The Rockets were confident and convincing in all positions, and their goals were screamers into the top corners of the Yodas goal, leaving Dominic H little chance and the yellow team were 0-3 down at half time. But the Yodas had done little wrong, and it might have been expected that their persistence would pay dividends.
And pay dividends it did in the second half. The Yodas pushed forward more confidently in the second half, with Sammy making some excellent runs from midfield, leaving the Rockets standing. Whenever Toby got the ball, his turn of pace left the opposition for dead. Freddie was an absolute rock in the midfield, giving 100 per cent commitment to his tackling and running down the wings. Max R dazzled with his ball skills, weaving through the opposition defence at will. He was beaten not once, but twice by the woodwork, hitting both the post and the crossbar. But Max’s determination finally paid off with a well taken goal. The Ridgeway were on the back foot now, and a scorching individual run from Toby led to the Yoda’s second. Dominic J is another player making serious strides in his football, showing good commitment and concentration in the midfield and contributing to the excellent passing game that left the opposition dumbfounded. Matthew B and Jacob were reliable in defence, but had so little defending to do that Jacob was able to pop up and tap in the Yoda’s third. What a comeback, and with the wind in their sales the Yodas seemed unstoppable. Well done to the whole team – what a fantastic game.
Vs Ridgeway Galaxy: 0-7
Having given 110 per cent in their first game the Yodas were tiring by the time they had to face this very accomplished Galaxy team. Still on a high from the end of their last game, they quickly went 0-2 down. Freddie continued to show what an improved player he is, with his concentration and determination never wavering, and Matthew B, moved into midfield, kept the ball well and tried some good passing moves, but was often to be found helping out in defence out of necessity. With only one sub this week, the Yodas were stretched against a team with more resources. But honouring their proud tradition, the Yodas did not let their heads drop and kept battling away and doing their best right up until the final whistle. The Galaxy played well though, and their was often little that could be done to stop them.
Player of the week - Freddie
November 26th – away against Pembury
Vs Pembury Gunners: 1-1
The talent, teamwork and application were all on the Yodas’ side today, but the luck unfortunately wasn’t. Dominating most of the play and ahead from early on, the yellows were incredibly unlucky not to notch up their second win of the season when the home team equalised with literally the last kick of the game. The Yodas dominated the first half, keeping the ball in the opposition half for nearly the whole ten minutes. A couple of players played out of their usual positions today and performed extremely well. Max S moved from midfield to defence but continued with his usual high energy and commitment in his new position, making some important tackles. He partnered well with Matthew C and they were able to keep a high line for most of the game. Even from his high line it was still a very powerful shot from Matthew that was drilled low into the corner of the net, though a forest of opposition player to put the Yodas ahead in the first half. Also out of his usual position, Matthew B moved from defence into attack, where he provided a constant threat to the Pembury defence, getting himself into some good goalscoring positions. Passing and movement from the whole team was excellent and they well deserved their lead at half time.
Max R, partnering Matthew B up from made a number of penetrative runs, dribbling well, and the pressure was still on Pembury for the second half. Dominic J, Jacob and Sammy moved the ball around well in midfield, holding their positions and making it difficult for the other team to get the ball. The defence remained secure, with Dominic H called on only a couple of times, but on both occassions running off his line to make confident kicks. This was some of the best play we’ve seen from the Yodas yet, and their growing confidence was clear to see. Just when everyone thought they had the game in the bag, a momentary defensive laps of concentration allowed Pembury to score from a corner. The ref blew his whistle and there was no time to mount a comeback.
Vs Pembury Broncos: 1-2
The Yodas weren’t downhearted after their first match, and continued with their high octane passing game in the second match. Toby contributed to the attacking threat with a number of excellent dribbling runs – that boy is quick! The midfield trio kept up their passing tempo and kept their concentration well. The Yodas seemed to have the upper hand until Pembury scored against the run of play. But the Yodas went on the counter-attack with renewed vigour. Matthew B’s clever positioning and good running finally paid off when a good pass found him one on one with the keeper. It still required a cool head to slot the finish low into the corner though. Matthew B is now the team’s leading scorer, with two goals so far this season, despite spending most of his time in defence.
We still had the measure of the opposition in the second half, but it seemed that their high work rate on this larger than usual pitch was starting to take its toll in the second half and the Yodas were starting to look a little tired towards the end. But the team spirit was typified by Max S, still in defence, who never gives up and is always giving 110 per cent. The ideas and passing were good, but the team started to bunch up a little towards the end, with tired legs starting to show all round. Pembury went ahead in the second half, and despite keeping up the pressure on the opposition goal right to the end, the Yodas again just lacked that bit of luck that might have given them an equaliser. The team had given their all after these two matches and should be very proud of themselves. Still one of the newest teams in the leagues, their continually improving teamwork is paying dividends against often much more experienced sides. The touchline support is really enjoying their sons’ progress and some very exciting matches to boot. And everyone is looking forward to the Yodas’ continued progress in the new year.
Player of the Week – Matthew B
November 19th – at home (friendly)
Vs Rusthall Tigers: 1-2
After a torrid time last weekend the Yodas had obviously learnt some lessons and turned up meaning business. Their new-found passing ability, good positioning and excellent team work meant they were all over the opposition in the first half. Strong at the back as usual, with Dominic H making some excellent saves and the two Matthews strong and reliable against a side that were quick on the break. Mid-way through the first half a good pass out from Dominic saw the ball passed swiftly upfield with nearly every Yodas player having a touch at some point. Toby’s lightning speed saw him in front of the goal with only the keeper to beat – it wasn’t easy but he put the ball in the corner of the net with some aplomb. Excellent teamwork, great goal – the crowd went wild with appreciation. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in concentration saw the opposition score from a set piece just before half time.
The second half saw some more outstanding work between the posts by Dominic. The opposition were awarded a penalty, and sent it just wide, but Dom had it covered anyway. The Yoda continued to press, with Freddie making some good runs into the opposition half. The midfield trio of both Maxes and Sammy continued some good passing moves, but the Yodas couldn’t quite make it happen in the final third. We had more shots on goal than Rusthal, but somehow couldn’t quite hit the target. Ultimately we were perhaps a little unlucky to go behind to a beautifully worked move from the opposition, with such a powerful finish the keeper had no chance. Despite finishing 1-2 down, this was some of the best play we’ve seen from the Yodas, who continue to progress well as a team. Keep up the good work everyone!
Vs Rusthall Lions – 0-1
Again, the Yodas continued their excellent passing play, but found it a little harder to find space in the middle of the pitch against another well organised team. Tiredness was perhaps a factor, due to their constant hard work and concentration. But we matched this Rusthall team in every area, the back three again put in an impeccable performance, with more good saves from the keeper, Dom H,, who was deservedly crowned Player of the Week. There was some good penetrating runs from midfield, with Rusthall struggling to contain the pace of Toby and Jacob. Much of the play was in the opposition’s half for this game, but again we couldn’t quite make it count with a goal. A free kick looked dangerous, but just went wide. At the end of the day, the Yodas were rather unlucky to lose this game to an own goal resulting from something of a goal mouth scramble. Everyone played well, and the team spirit continues to be great – a bit of luck and it could have gone our way.
Player of the week – Dominic H
Saturday November 12th – at home (friendly)
Vs Chipstead Falcons: 0-2
The Yodas turned up brimming with confidence after last weekend’s good show, but these two Chipstead teams provided something of a reality check for the relatively inexperienced Langton squad. Chipstead Falcons were extremely well drilled and passed and controlled the ball well, but the team in yellow were more than a match for them during the first half, proving a little unlucky to go behind just before half time to another one of those cross-cum shot long balls that we seem prone to. The Yodas kept their shape well, defending strongly again and leaving Jacob little to do in goal. But they struggled to get the ball out of a congested midfield to Max S in attack. Max R put in a brave performance in midfield but was obviously carrying an injury and had to go off at half time. Hopefully with a little rest he’ll be fit again for next weekend.
With a full squad to choose from and playing seven a side, the coaches made wholesale changes at half time, with Dom J and Sammy bringing some fresh legs to the second half performance. The midfield worked hard in the second half, with Max S, Sammy and Freddy doing their best to supply Jacob up front, but this was a difficult team to break down. Both Matthews were again excellent in defence, holding a high line and putting in some strong tackling. The Falcons didn’t get many chances, but a well worked counter attack saw them double their lead before the end.
Vs Chipstead Eagles: 0-5
The Eagles proved even tougher opposition than the Falcons, but the Yodas kept up a good work rate and didn’t let their heads drop. The team spirit was good, but with the coaches making three substitutions before each half, a number of players were in unfamiliar positions and left without a coherent strategy from the touchline. Playing particularly well out of his usual position though, Matthew B found some good space up front but again the midfield struggled to keep the ball under huge pressure from a particularly strong Chipstead team.
Also out of his usual position, Sammy made a couple of excellent saves during one half spent as keeper – one particular ‘reverse backside’ effort a candidate for the end of season gallery. Dominic H put in a good performance on the right side of defence, but this was a very fast and very skilled counter-attacking side that asked a lot of questions of the whole team. Toby was hungry for the ball up front, but the Yodas spend much of this game defending valiantly in their own half. Matthew C was again excellent in defence, showing good positioning, communication and tackling, for which he was awarded the Player of the Week award. We were 0-2 down at half time, and we couldn’t stop the relentless attack in the second half so that it ended 0-5.
This was indeed a heavy defeat, with the whole team disappointed but not downhearted. And let’s not forget, the Yodas have only been playing together for a couple of months and they are still improving. As long as they maintain their excellent enthusiasm and team spirit the tide will turn and a well earned victory or two will come their way. And, as some football pundit or other once said, the league is never won before Christmas – there’s plenty of the season left yet.
Player of the week – Matthew C
Saturday November 5th – away at Seal (Sevenoaks)
Vs Sevenoaks Eagles: 0-1
The Yodas had something to prove today against Sevenoaks, having lost to another Sevenoaks team 0-3 in their first match of the season. And their performances today clearly showed how far they have come since the season’s curtain raiser. Today’s team were an altogether different proposition to the one that showed up for their first game, which let’s not forget, was only a few weeks ago. The Yodas that faced the Sevenoaks Eagles were well organised, very strong defensively and did not give away any easy chances. The Eagles are another strong team though, and the Yodas often struggled to get out of their own half. Matthew B and Sammy closed them down well in defence and Jacob was kept busy in goal, doing a fine job in keeping the score down. The Eagles only goal came in the first half and was a well worked effort with some good interplay between a number of players, leaving the Yodas’ defence little chance.
The Yodas matched the Eagles for skill and persistence in a very evenly matched second half. Toby, Sammy and Dominic J worked relentlessly in the midfield but few chances were created. Max S had to come deep to find the ball against a well organised Sevenoaks midfield. At the end of the day, the result could have gone either way but the Yoda’s concentration and positioning was excellent.
Vs Sevenoaks Hawks: 1-1
The Yodas had their work cut out here against another strong Sevenoaks team, but they rose to the challenge with a super team effort. The newly formed defensive pairing of Matthew B and Matthew C were outstanding, with echoes of Bruce and Pallister at their peak, making numerous strong challenges and good clearances. Dominic H made a number of classy saves, reflecting some good recent practice work. Dominic J has improved enormously over the last few weeks, getting stuck in and looking for good passing opportunities. Again, most of the action was in our own half but the Hawks’ only goal was a rather spectacular cross-cum shot that looped into the far corner of the net (did he mean to do that?!) towards the end of the first half.
The Yodas kept their concentration and positions well in the second half. The midfield, which now included Jacob and Sammy, worked hard to get the ball forward to Toby and Max S but couldn’t quite create the scoring chances in the last third of the pitch. But all the teams’ hard work finally paid off when a goal came from an unexpected quarter. Defender Matthew B’s fantastic, Beckham-style, long shot from the halfway line was adjudged to have just crossed the goal line and the Yodas had a well deserved equaliser. A 1-1 draw was a fitting result to this closely contested, exciting match. Ten out of ten to the Yodas for their excellent team play.
Saturday October 15th – home
Vs Ashurst Wood: 2-1
It’s all coming together for the Yodas, whose hard work, concentration and enthusiasm paid off today with their first ever league victory. They had most of the possession and looked most likely to score in the first half. Jacob didn’t have much to do in goal, being well protected by the strong defensive work of Matthew B, Dominic H, and Will, who fitted into the team quickly on loan from the Devils. Some strong tackling and good marking from all three meant the Ashurst Wood forwards couldn’t get behind them. Some good positioning and reliable marking from Dominic J helped keep the midfield under Yodas’ control. Matthew C, Freddie and Max Smith all worked hard at chasing the ball down and passing it forward at every opportunity. Max R and new recruit Toby up front both made a number of threatening runs, leaving the opposition defence standing, and were unluckly not to score in the first half. An excellent goal, rather against the run of play, from Ashurst Wood late in the first half meant the Yodas were very unlucky to be 1-0 down at half time.
But the Yodas came out for the second half with their heads up, and ready for more. Dominic went in goal and Jacob came out to join the midfield, in a more attacking formation, and shortly after the restart the Yodas had won a free kick on the edge of the opposition area. There was a goalmouth scramble and Max R was quick thinking enough to slot home an equaliser for the Yodas. Now they had the bit between their teeth the Yodas were playing some good football, passing well and remembering their positions. Some good clearances from Will and plenty of hard running and tackling from Max S kept the ball mostly in the opposition half. A darting run from Jacob, who fired the ball just inside the post, saw the Yodas take the lead. From then on they never looked like giving up the lead and great teamwork saw the Langton Green Yodas notch up their first win of the season. The team looks better with each match they play, so if they can keep this up, there will be plenty more to celebrate before the end of the season.
Player of the week – Max R
Saturday September 24th – away at Rusthall
Vs Rusthall Tigers: 0-2
New boys the Yodas continued their steady progress towards gelling together as a fully fledged Crowborough League team and serious contenders for end of season accolades. Despite the initial distraction of turning up at the wrong ground, the Yodas soon found their rhythm, working together well as a team, with everyone holding their positions well.
Freddie and Matthew C were strong in defence against another accomplished team that were passing the ball well and moving forward quickly. The midfield trio of Jacob, Aaron and Matthew B worked tirelessly to close down the opposition and supply the ball to Max S up front. A Yodas’ goal always looked like a possibility, but the opposition were difficult to break down and it never quite came off. Dominic put in a good performance between the posts, but a couple of long range screamers, one in each half, were simply unstoppable.
Vs Rusthall Lions: 1-1
This was the game where the Yodas really showed what they are capable of, displaying great teamwork, stamina, and finally opening their goalscoring account. A goalmouth scramble from a corner saw Jacob claim the Yodas’ first goal of their first season in the first half and the crowd went wild with excitement. Spirits high, the team pressed forward well, without losing their shape. Aaron, who very kindly stepped into defence from the Devils, to help out his Langton team-mates, made some excellent long passes that set up some of our best attacking moves. Matthew B, back to his favoured defensive role, marshalled the left of defence well, putting in some great tackles. The re-shaped midfield of Freddie, Matthew C and Max S passed the ball well, supplying Jacob up front with some perfectly measured through balls. Freddie was reliable in goal, keeping a clean sheet.
The second half saw Freddie and Jacob switch positions, with Freddie taking his turn up front and Jacob in charge between the goalposts. The rest of the formation, which had worked so well in the first half, stayed the same. The Lions snuck in a goal, but the Yodas didn’t give up. Having more of the possession and creating more chances, the Yodas controlled the second half well and their second goal always looked like a possibility, but didn’t quite happen. A great performance from every Yoda player – well done indeed!
Player of the week – Jacob
Saturday September 10th, 2011
Vs Crowborough Athletic Youth: 0-4
The Yodas faced stiff competition in the 2010/11 season curtain raiser at Langton Green. In their first game playing together the team put in a spirited perfomance against an experienced Crowborough Side. The Yodas worked hard, gelling quickly as a team, and never letting their heads drop, despite shipping a few goals.
Jacob was brave in goal, standing up well and marshalling his defence. The busy defenders Matthew B and Sam put in some excellent tackles, helping to keep the roving Crowborough attack under control. The midfield dynamos of Dominic J, Freddie and Matthew C didn’t let the opposition relax for a moment, while Max R and Dominic H were quick to attack whenever the opportunity arose.
Vs Sevenoaks Town Dynamos: 0-3
By the time the Yodas lined up for their second match, their team performance was already showing improvements all over the pitch. All players performed extremely well against an accomplished Sevenoaks side. Our midfield maestros Max S, Freddie and Sam paid close attention to their star player, giving him little chance to shine. Jacob and Max R were threatening in attack, with Jacob hitting the post.
Dominic H took over in goal, with a commanding performance. Matthews B and C and Dominic J were again reliable in defence. At the end of the day, the scoreline didn’t do us justice in this game and we were a little unlucky not to have scored a goal. But Steve and Simon were extremely proud of the Yodas’ performance and marked improvement – roll on the next match!