This was yet another mostly good week. We hope all our players and fans are enjoying the season. We rely on voluntary donations to pay considerable costs of running the club so please help by clicking the DONATE button if you are able.
The coaches are not told who donates so your only reward will be in heaven – and an invitation to the Supporters’ Reception in the new year.
The Firsts beat Civil Service Reserves 4-1 at the Den in the third round of the MCFA Intermediate Cup. A fierce Cup tie with a young Dragons side against an experienced, organised and spikey Civil Service could have been a banana skin, but the Dragons stayed on their feet with superior fitness and skill. This was a hard-fought victory that in reality could have been even more emphatic!
The Blues just lost 1-2 at home to FH Whistlers Originals. After an astounding run in the League – unbeaten in 7 games – FH inflicted the Blues’ first loss in a tight contest that, on another day, could have gone the Dragons’ way. The Dragons still look to be in the upper echelons of the table by the Christmas break.
The Old Dragonians beat Grove Rangers 5-0 away. A clinical performance from the Old Ds where perhaps not the goals, but the clean sheet was the hallmark of their victory.
The New U10 Boys beat Harrow St Marys 9-2 away. The Dragons put in an outstanding performance, showing excellent ball movement and real teamwork from start to finish. They supported each other well, stayed organised, and played as a strong unit throughout – their hard work continues to pay off.
The U16 Girls beat Alexandra Park 5-0 at home. What a thoroughly professional performance from the Dragons. With numerous absentees the Dragons only had a dead 11 but they proved far too strong for their opponents. They were on the front foot from first to last and created chance after chance. The only negative was that they could have scored more from their plethora of chances.
The U15 Girls were beaten 1-3 at home to Regents Park. Despite the scoreline, the Dragons put in a good performance and displayed all the tenacity and spirit that has been typical of this squad. It was a top-two contest, which RP got the better of this time around.
The U13 Girls beat Ruislip Rangers 2-1 at home. A well controlled and energetic performance by the Dragons ensured they were worthy winners in a highly entertaining match.
The New U11 Girls trained in preparation to start the League.
The U11 Boys beat the similarly named Dragons Red 3-2 away. A second consecutive 3-2 win away on a tight astro pitch had the ORIGINAL Dragons digging in to discover a wealth of grit, fight and determination. The opposition had several players with fierce strikes but the Dragons defence and midfield shield held firm to defend the lead.
The U12 Boys beat St Joseph’s 3-0 at home. St Joseph’s were determined to avenge their early-season loss to the Dragons. Despite missing their regular goalkeeper, the Dragons’ stand-in – returning from injury – held firm. The Dragons dominated from the start, scoring within five minutes and leading 2–0 at half-time. They maintained their intensity after the break, adding a third to seal a confident 3–0 victory. The teams meet again next week in the Middlesex Trophy.
The U13 Boys beat Pro FA 2-1 away. The Dragons survived some controversy with the referee awarding a phantom penalty and ruling multiple offsides without the guidance of the linesman. This was yet another strong performance.
The U14 Boys Red narrowly lost 3-2 away to Spartans Youth. This was an incredibly tight game and a tough contest for the Dragons, who travelled to top of the League Spartans on their home turf. As well as they played, the Dragons could not inflict a first loss on Spartans, but showed they can compete with the best.
The U14 Boys White drew 2-2 to Pro FA Harrow away. The Dragons snatched a draw from the jaws of victory. They were 2-0 up at half time and in complete control. Pro FA could not fashion a chance in the Dragons penalty area such was their brilliant defensive effort. Two fortuitous shots provided two goals and gave Pro FA a point that on the balance of play they did not deserve. Lots of positives from the Dragons, but next time they can’t be so charitable.
The U15 Boys lost 2-5 away to Harrow United. The Dragons are still trying to find their way – the good news is that there is still plenty left of the season to find their stride. There were lots of positives from the Dragons who played a much stronger second half after a difficult start.
The U16 Boys lost 1-3 away to Hanwell. The Dragons preparations were held up by too many players arriving late to the morning match. Hanwell had signed new players and are finding their and played well. The Dragons are probably a better team, and will reverse the result at home.
The U17 Boys beat Pitshanger 8-3 at home. This week the Dragons came flying out of the traps from the kickoff and throughout the whole 90 minutes attacked Pitshanger’s goal. The Dragons’ striker was on top form, scoring five goals, although it was a great all round team performance.
Chris Shirley
Chair
Kensington Dragons FC
honsec@kensingtondragons.com
kensingtondragons.org