A good set of Results with the wins deserved and the fewer losses reportable:
The Firsts beat Sporting Duet 5-2 away. The Dragons had taken on board the lessons learned from previous performances and knuckled down. It was their solid work rate that was the key to their win.
The Blues beat Feltham Town 5-4 away on penalties after drawing 1-1 at full time in the Cup. This was a strong performance from the Blues who were unlucky to concede a penalty which allowed Feltham to draw level after having limited them to barely a single shot on target. The Dragons went on to dispatch their penalties with aplomb and move to the next round. Even more satisfying was the back-to-back victories against Feltham who had been posting excitable content about the rivalry between the teams. Action speaks louder than words.
The Old Dragonians were beaten at home by Uxbridge Athletic in the Roger Perry Cup. With some players pulling out on match day and others who were available carrying injuries, this was always going to be a tough match. Despite taking the lead and having a goal disallowed for a late offside flag the Old Ds found themselves 1-3 down at half time. They toiled away in the second half but injuries took their toll and Uxbridge played well.
The U11 Boys Red drew 3-3 to Foxes at home. A very challenging game for the Dragons, but they pushed through, stayed composed and never gave up. Great teamwork, some brilliant passing and plenty of determination was shown throughout as the Dragons kept their heads up and worked together right until the final whistle.
The U11 Boys White just lost 0-1 against 1 LLJ Frontiers at home in their first ever match. This was a really good performance for their first game and the indications are that they will develop into a very good team.
The U12 Boys lost 2-3 at home at Headstone Manor in the Middx Trophy. It was a heartbreaking result for the brave Dragons who fought until the whistle blew away their hopes to progress. They went down one goal and went up one goal, but were beaten by a well organised and determined lot. Despite this, the Dragons played their best match so far.
The U13 Boys beat Northfields United 3-0 away. The Dragons travelled across West London, with the first challenge simply making kick-off thanks to road closures for the Ealing Half Marathon. Once there, the Dragons battled hard from the start, opening the scoring within five minutes. They kept pressing and, just when it looked like more balls might end up in the blackberry bushes than the back of the net, two more goals followed before half-time. Northfields tightened up in the second half, closing down the Dragons’ attackers but limiting their own chances in the process.
The U14 Boys beat St Josephs 5-0 at home. Despite last week’s defeat the Dragons were really looking forward to playing their first League match at the Den. It was obvious after 10 minutes that the Dragons were the better side and it was a case of when and how many they would score. Slick passing, interchanging of positions and deadly finishing saw the Dragons comfortably win and it was only the opposition keeper and the woodwork that limited them to five.
The U15 Boys Red drew 4-4 away at FC Starz. A thrilling game to start the season. The Dragons will be elated that they netted four and proved they have the capacity up front to do so – but equally disappointed they conceded the same number. Even so, it is a good footing to work from as they chalk up their first point of the campaign.
The U15 Boys White were awarded an automatic home win against Foxes who could not raise a team.
The U16 Boys beat Hanwell Town 3-1 at home in the Middx cup. Again, what a performance from the Dragons today! The coaching staff are proud of everyone involved after they delivered a solid team performance, with everyone working hard, supporting each other and showing great commitment on the pitch. There’s still plenty to improve, but the Dragons are heading in the right direction.
The U17 Boys were awarded a home win in their Middx Cup match against Hadley Wolves who could not raise a team.
The U18 Boys narrowly lost 3-4 to Wealdstone away. A difficult first away fixture on a terrible pitch that made playing difficult – the Dragons fully appreciate the Den and must remember that such luxuries aren’t afforded League-wide! The Dragons worked hard in spells but need to be more clinical and up the intensity to match the talent.
The U14 Girls drew 2-2 to Actonians away. The Dragons started well, creating 5 good chances to score within the first 15 minutes even if they were unable to take advantage of this. The Dragons kept pushing and scored twice – including one from the spot – to make it 2-0 by the break. In the second period, two almost identical defensive errors allowed the Actonian’s striker through on goal – a reminder to beware of the bounce from long balls.
