The U18’s drew 2-2 with LNER away. The game started after many disruptions – no ref, LNER trying to play ‘ringers’, and a bad pitch with no corner flags! Once the game finally started, the Dragons coach wished it hadn’t as they were 0-1 down within 5 minutes. LNER were very aggressive as the Dragons tried to impose their passing game on the match. The equaliser came with a cross from the right as the striker beat the offside trap and the keeper with a cool composed finish. At this point the Dragons coach was confident of a rout. However the defence imploded! A hopeful punt was seized on by the LNER striker who was brought down in the box before converting the ensuing penalty. At this moment the Dragons coach was grateful for the lack of experience of the stand in ref who didn’t book the defender. The Dragons were now all over the place and deserved their half time ticking off. They started the second half completely out passing LNER but lacked the cutting edge to open up an organised defence. The Dragons coach then changed the formation which paid dividends 5 minutes later when great football saw a perfect through ball beat the keeper to equalise. The Dragons then looked like stealing the game when their midfielder struck from 30 yards, only to see LNER’s keeper make a great save. The Dragons played the better football throughout, but were out worked in the first half. They left the game with a point which is better than the last two weeks. The Coach was disappointed not to win but happy with one point instead of none.
