The U11 Girls were awarded 3 points as Kinja could not raise a team

The U11 boys matches start on October 7^th

 The U12 boys lost 0-3 away to TFABushey in the League Cup. The Dragons were solid in defence but were missing a sparkle in attack. This was the type of match where teams collapse but the Dragons were resolute and if the ball had taken a different path on occasion, the result would have been very different.

The U13 Girls lost 0-2 at home to Stoke Newington in the Dragons first match on Wormwood Scrubs

 The U13 Boys beat Celtic in the League Cup at home. This was a great effort by the Dragons who had 75% of the possession in the first half but were only 1-0 up at half time. The second goal came soon in the second half but the Dragons then lost their focus and let in 2 goals to tie the match. They responded by waking up from their lethargy to put Celtic under massive pressure in the last 10 minutes to score twice and win.

 The U14s had no match

 The U15s drew 2-2 against Headstone Manor at home. Following the disaster in their opening game the Dragons regrouped but it quickly became apparent that they had another battle on their hands as HM scored from a sloppily defended corner. At halftime the Dragons trailed 0-1. Then in the second half they came alive to draw level. Again Headstone clawed another goal back. The Dragons were losing but, as full time drew perilously close, a Dragon was brought down just outside the box. The resulting extraordinary free kick went straight across the goal and into the net to leave it 2-2.  As the Manager said  “Pulling back to draw tastes pretty good”

The U16 Whites drew 5-5 away with Pinner Utd KD. The work-in-progress Dragons couldn’t deliver a birthday win for their coach but gave a 10 goal thriller instead. Attempting to compensate for the loss of 3 key players to injury the Dragons handed debuts to 2 new players and looked like a team that hadn’t played together before. The Dragons started well with the first score after 30 seconds and it was then ding dong all the way to the end ion an absorbing match

The U16 Reds beat Pitshanger 1-0 at home.  The Dragons continued their winning streak against a team they had failed to beat last season. The Dragons dominated but at half time it was frustratingly still 0-0. The second half was a repeat as again the Dragons still could not score.  Finally, with 10 minutes to go, the ball fell to the Dragons left winger 25 yards out and he seemingly easily, volleyed the ball over the keeper to give the Dragons a well-deserved  lead

The Firsts lost 2 vs 4 to PFC Victoria at home in the Cup. This was an evenly matched game. The Dragons tried to control the match but Victoria’s quick counter attacks lead to their scoring. The Dragons trailed 0-1 down and then 1-2 down before excellent play lead to it being 2-2 at half time. The 2nd half was difficult, with the Dragons having an extremely short bench due to injuries, and Victoria exploited to score twice

The Reserves lost to West SL Benfica away in a difficult match

Fellow Dragons

It was the Girls who lead the way this week:

The U13 Girls beat good natured Broomwood FC 4-1 away. The day started in good spirits, if a little haphazardly, but with various Dragons applying the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle in hoping to bump into fellow team members in the wilds of a common somewhere in South London. Once on the pitch however the Dragons were fantastic and could have scored many more. The new girls blended in really well and were great assets.

The U11 Girls beat Victoria Park Rangers 2-1 away. Despite not having their coach the Dragons began confidently, attacking from start to finish, but at the end of the first half the score was still 0-0. After a couple of half time substitutions the girls started again with renewed determination and were quickly rewarded with their first goal. Victoria refused to give in and equalized very late on.  Undeterred the Dragons kept pressing and fired their second goal to score a decisive win – well-deserved on a rainy day

The U11s start their season on October 7^th

 The U12s boys match was rained off

 The U13s boys match was rained off

The U14s beat Parliament Hill 4-2 at home. Earlier the rain had deluged down as if Zeus, the Greek God rain and thunder, had wanted to drench the Dragons. The rain eventually stopped and the sun shone to allow an afternoon of pure entertainment! The Dragons started with only 9 players and had to defend as a compact unit. With shin pads found and more players on the pitch, the Dragons became lethal, scoring twice.  Parliament had much to prove, having never previously lost to the Dragons and took advantage to come from behind to make it 3-2.  The Dragons held on and then, with 10 minutes to go, skilfully blasted the ball, beating  the keeper to claim a record breaking win.

The U15s suffered in the rain to lose 0-5 to Ruislip Rangers away. The great advantage of such a result it that it leaves room for improvement – as the wise manager reflected “ There is nothing worse than peaking too early”

The U16s Whites lost 1 – 4 to Celtic at home. The Dragons battled on a rain-soaked pitch but came up short against their table-topping visitors. It was actually a much closer game than the score line would suggest with the Dragons having a handful of chances that they just couldn’t put away. The Dragons return to the fray next week.

The U16s Reds beat Brook House 4-3 away. With a late kick off it was uncertain whether the game would go ahead due to persistent rain, but when it did the Dragons got off to a flying start. Two almost identical goals in the first 25 minutes from through balls gave the Dragons a healthy lead going into the second half. Within the first 15 minutes of the restart Brook House scored from a fantastic long range effort and then a good shot after a header to be followed by a dubious penalty. Although the Dragons had seemingly thrown away their 2 goal lead they did not despair and nicked a goal back when Celtic’s keeper spilt the ball to give their striker his second hattrick in as many games. The Dragons went on to get the winner when their new signing looped a perfect free kick in from the edge of the box. Heroic goalkeeping and goal line clearances kept the Dragons lead until the end.

The First Team Lost 1-3 at home to Brentham. Brentham opened the scoring before the Dragons equalised. Brenham then drew ahead from a corner. The Dragons then had no alternative but to press ahead and chase the game, with the almost inevitable consequence that Brentham exploited  an opportunity to score again. The Dragons are inching towards being a very good team.

Fellow Database Enthusiasts,

Whilst others were reading their GDPR handbooks the Dragons were playing their last matches of the season:

 

The Reserves walloped Southall 9-0 away. The Dragons started with no goal keeper leading to an outfield player taking up the mantle to become the hero of the day. The first half was evenly matched to leave it 0-0 at the whistle. The second half was bordering on a footballing miracle as the Dragons dominated to pulverise Southall and score a magnificent 9 goals, whilst keeping a clean sheet to finished second in the league The Dragons have the best league defence record, only conceding 15 goals all season, whilst scoring 53 goals in 18 games which, as the mathematicians amongst us will know, equals an average of 2.94 goals/match. A fantastic season.  

 

The U18s in the Premiership just lost 3-5 at home to Kodak. This last game mirrored the Dragons season as they played the better football with their midfielder twice jinking in from the left and unleashing brilliant shots from outside the box only to see the bar rattled. A swift counter attack saw Kodak go ahead, a further goal from a corner and then a sublimely taken goal saw Kodak go 3 up.  A flowing move saw the Dragons pull a goal back before the half. Two further Kodak goals in the second half saw the Dragons go 1-5 down. It was then that the Dragons fighting spirit showed, as both teams tired, a passing move cut through Kodak, to be followed by a great cross which left the Dragons striker to tap in. Shortly after the Dragons scored again and the comeback was on. Unfortunately, time ran out as Kodak defended to the last ditch.

 

The U13s lost 2-4 away to Bessingby Park to finish 3rd in the League. It was one of those days when the odds were against the Dragons. With no regular goalie due to injury, players had to shift to different positions.  The Dragons conceded 2 early goals as Bessingby’s confidence grew. The Dragons never gave up and scored a terrific strike and there remained the chance to turn the result around, but alas some of the Dragons were badly injured. In the second half the Dragons frustrated Bessingby as they controlled the game and were close to equalising, but basic mistakes lead to another Bessinby goal. With new found determination the Dragons scored a brilliant goal from a corner but again lost concentration when defending to allow the Bessingby to go ahead. The Dragons will be back stronger next year!

Fellow Sun-Baked Dragons,

With the youth games over the senior sides are wrapping up their last few matches – victoriously:

 

The Firsts decisively beat third placed Cricklewood 7-4.  An early Dragons own goal put Cricklewood in front before the speedier Dragons pulled one back from a header. Upping the tempo, the Dragons scored twice more before the break. Back on the pitch a fine piece of combination football made it 4-1 before Cricklewood replied to make it 4-2. The Dragons reasserted their superiority to score a brace, only for Cricklewood to play route one football and score twice to make it 6-4 with 5 minutes to play. The Dragons then dominated forcing a final goal to record a great result 

 

On Saturday The Reserves were awarded 3 points as Hendon was not able to field a team.

 

On Tuesday the Reserves beat Ruislip Town 3-1 at home after a delayed start due to problems with the pitch. The Dragons started well, creating chances, but it was not until the 25th minute that brilliant play, from the whole team, resulted in their first goal which was quickly followed by another. In the last kick of the 1st half Ruislip were mysteriously awarded a penalty which they converted to give them some hope. The second half again started well for the Dragons as Ruislip’s very attacking set up allowed the Dragons to counter attack and score and that is where the score stayed as Ruislip wilted. This was a very important game for the Dragons as it means they could finish 2nd in the League.

Fellow Sun Soaked Dragons,

With most teams having completed their season:

 

The Firsts Team beat Sporting Hackney 3-2 at home with the match actually played at Osterley. The Dragons lost a key player with an ankle injury after 5 minutes and were down to 10 players but never the less absorbed Hackney’s early pressure before a long ball lead to their conceding a free kick just outside the box. The kick was saved only for the ball to run to a Hackney player who tapped it in. The Dragons adapted to create a fine equaliser. The second half was played in searing heat with the Dragon’s dominated the increasingly tired Hackney to pull ahead with a well-executed move. A lack of defensive concentration then allowed Hackney to head home from a corner. Under the cosh, and outnumbered, the Dragons raised their level and was duly rewarded with a fine counter attack chipping the keeper from 25 yards to win. A great result!

 

The Reserves beat CB Hounslow 3-2 with the Dragons taking the lead after 10 minutes from a penalty in a lack-lustre game. The Dragons added 2 gaols after half time and seemed to be pulling away but CB pulled 2 back in the last 5 minutes making an easy game look competitive. The Dragons need to win all the remaining games to give themselves a chance of winning the league. 

 

On Saturday the U15Bs just lost 3-4 on the Scrubs against the runaway league leaders, Brook House –  having fought back from 3 nil down. The Dragons hit the foot of the post, the crossbar and had numerous chances to record a famous victory in the blistering heat but alas it was not to be – sometimes football can be cruel.

 

The U15As lost 2-4 to Celtic at home in a reverse score line from the game earlier in the season. The Dragons came up second best in a game clearly influenced by ill-judged previous suspensions. The Dragons went into the half 2-1 up with two very well worked goals, but in the second half conceded 3 quick goals. Overall this has been a good season, in a tough league which the Dragons aspire to win next season.

 

The U15Bs thumped Pinner United 8-1 away. The Dragons completely out classed Pinner who, via an unfathomable interpretation of League rules, were level on points going into the game. An unnamed source is quoted by others as saying, “Delivering an 8-1 thumping put them in their place”.

 

The Girls lost 1-4 away to Alexandra Park Youth.  The Dragons started well and at half time the score was 1-1.  In the second half however, the Dragons did not have the same pace in the heat and wilted to conceded goals.

Fellow Dragons

With the season over for some and with others finishing their last matches:

The Firsts beat CB Hounslow 1-0.  From the off the CB committed players pressed forward for an early goal, with several chances going wide. The Dragons reacted with a counter attack which resulted in a fantastic strike to score. In the second half the Dragon’s dominated but, despite numerous opportunities, could not score. More importantly neither could CB so it was a much deserved  1-0 win to the Dragons

 The Reserves beat rivals New Queens Park 3-1 away in a thrilling encounter to continue their superb season  

The U13s were awarded a win as TFA Totteridge defaulted.

The U14s walloped their big rivals Old Actonian’s 15-0 at home. With the OA’s having frequently been the victors in the past the Dragons feared the worse as the day approached. Recently however the Dragons had  been concentrating on communication and passing in training which happily clicked into gear. In short, the Dragons scored 5 goals in the first half and 10 in the second without shipping any. A brilliant display of fluent football.  The OA’s must be commended for their controlled good spirits despite their drubbing.   

The U15As played a most peculiar match against the Eagles at home.  The referee became increasingly erratic in the second half sending off players in increasing numbers until he was almost left alone in the middle by himself having caused havoc.

The U18s away drew 2-2 at full time and then lost lost 2-6 in extra time to  Tufnell Park in the League Challenge Trophy Cup Quarter Final.  The Dragons were firmly in control at 2-0 at the half. The second half saw Tufnell pinned at the back but somehow converting this pressure to  level the scores after 90 mins and it was into extra time.  The Dragons were caught napping and let Tuffnell score three goals in the first period of Extra time. Despite a strong finish the Dragons were unable to pull back the deficit.

The Girls beat Ruislip 4-2 away. The Dragons scored inside the first two mins to make it 2-2 at halftime.  The Dragons came out again pressing high up the  pitch  and were rewarded with two more goals. This was a really good performance from all the Dragons.     

 

Fellow Sweltering Dragons

In intense heat the:

Girls beat Actonian White 7-0 away. The Dragons went straight into the attack and were rewarded with their first goal within 5 minutes. They carried on dominating to make it 4-0 at the half.  The match then continued at the same blistering pace to earn the Dragons a well-deserved 7-0 win.  

The Firsts beat FC Assyria 6-1 away. Surprisingly Assyria opened the scoring but their lead was short lived as the Dragons pulled back shortly afterwards. With injuries Assyria could not keep up with the Dragons and by half time they had scored twice more before putting away another 3 gaols in the second half. The result was never in doubt

The Reserves beat Barnet & Harrow 7-0 at home despite having no recognised goal keeper. The Dragons started well, controlling every aspect of the game to take an early lead and by half time they had scored another 3 goals. The second half was a stroll in the park as the Dragons controlled the ball to score another 3 goals. The upcoming clash with the league leaders will be a bigger challenge .

The U15As lost by more than planned against Brook House

The U14s were awarded a win as  Old A’s  also defaulted

The U13s beat Premiership AFC Wembley 4-3 at home unusually on a Saturday.   Wembley came bolting out of the gates to stun the young Dragons with a goal within minutes.  After this initial shock the Dragons regained their composure and had drawn level 1-1 by half time. With their sun bathing fans anxiously awaiting the second half the battle re-commenced with the Dragons stunning Wembley with two quick goals. Wembley came back to make 3-2 to the Dragons and the game was on but it was the Dragons who cracked the defence to make  it 4-2.  With ten minutes left Wembley pulled a goal back but the Dragons held on to a very well deserved victory.

The U13s had to play again on Sunday, against Ickenham Youth away to draw 3-3. The Dragons were up against a well-oiled team and after a near Dragons goal Ickenham came back to convert a penalty. Not deterred the pressure was on again and this time the Dragons shot was on target to make it 1-1 at the half. The Dragons came out again like bullets and were rewarded with their second goal. Ickenham were determined to put a dampener on the Dragons excitement and worryingly then scored twice to pull ahead.  The Dragons had to dig deep knowing that ‘its not over until the fat lady sings’ and, as the clock ticked, the Dragons earnt a short from a corner only for it to be  brilliantly saved and then in the last minute the Dragons put the ball in the bottom left of Ickenham’s goal to draw. A fantastic fight back.

The U12s just lost 0-1 to higher placed  Hendon in the Cup. Hendon scored a lucky goal right at the beginning and then somehow managed to avoid the continuing pressure from the Dragons which should have resulted in a well-deserved equaliser and then win. Such is a footballer life.

 

Fellow Spring Loving Dragons

As the sun shone the pitches remained soggy leading the Council to cancel some games:

The Girls beat Ickenham 9-0 away. The Dragons scored within five minutes and then another from a free kick before a great shot gave them their third.  At half time the Dragons were 5-0 up. There was no relaxing in the second half as the Dragons pummelled home another 4 goals to record a fanatic 9-0 win.  

The U11s just lost 2-3 in a thrilling encounter to St Lawrence at home. The Dragons let in an early goal before pulling back to lead 2-1 before St Lawrence rather cruelly equalised to make it 2-2 at half time. There then followed a freak gaol when St Lawrence booted the ball up in the air from the half way line and were awarded with it miraculously floating from the sky to land in the top of the Dragons net  to win the match.

The U12s just lost 3-4 away to Hanwell Town in the group stages of the Cup. The Dragons played reasonably well in the first half but without the necessary intensity to actually score goals and to the despair of all were 0-3 down at half time. All seemed lost. Back on the pitch the Dragons again played reasonably well but this time with added intensity until suddenly it was 3-3 to the Dragons massed fans delighted surprise. Alas a set piece corner let the Dragons down and St Lawrence recorded a lucky goal to win.

The U13s lost 1-3 to St Josephs in the League Challenge Cup after having their home match switch to away with St Marks closed. Some holiday absences combined with the unsettling unexpected surroundings damped the Dragons performance.  

The U14s beat Hanwell Town 3-1 away. The Dragons were bruised from their previous encounter, where appalling and partisan refereeing cost them the match that they had dominated. This was an opportunity to settle footballing scores. At half time it was 1-1 with neither side giving way. Then, after the break, the Dragons switched up a gear to finished 3-1 victors. A good, solid victory by a team that has bonded very well.

The U15As were awarded a win against  Wealdstone  in the League Challenge Trophy as Wealdstone could not raise a team

The U15Bs could not play their match against Hillingdon Youth as St Marks had been closed off.

The U18s beat Old Actonians 4-3 in the League Challenge Trophy Group stage. On a pitch not conducive to supporting the Dragons passing style they had to battle every minute of the match and went behind early but settled into the game to be 3-1 up at the break. The Dragons then let the OAs  back into the game before restoring their  2 goal cushion but, like a pesky Jack Russell, the 0As would not give in and a fine shot found the Dragons net to make it 4-3 with 10 Mins to go. The Dragons showed great maturity to see out the remaining minutes to record 2 wins from 2 matches in their group

The First Team just lost 2-3 to  Assyria FC in the Alec Smith Cup semi-final. After a very tense start Assyria scored from a counter attack only for the Dragons to respond with a headed goal from a corner. Assyria drew a dubious penalty from a challenge which was outside of a vaguely marked penalty box and narrowly despatched it. The Dragons then forced the play  to also be awarded  a free kick  which was duly dispatched. In the second half, at 2-2, both teams had several opportunities but could not score and with the game seemingly destined for a penalty shootout a last minute mistake found the Assyrian striker who scored to win. O cruel world.

The Reserves were awarded 3 points as South Kilburn defaulted the match

 

Fellow Dragons

In unpredictable weather and with half term for some there were few matches:

The U12s beat Wealdstone 4-0 at home in the Challenge Cup.
This was a clash of cultures as much as football with Wealdstone not as equipped as some to cope with losing. The increasing agitation of the Wealdstone coaches infected their junior charges who became increasingly aggressive as the Dragons played on serenely with only the occasional blip.  

The U18s beat Hendon 7-2 at home in the Cup.
The Dragons made heavy going of the first half but were still 3-1 up at the interval. Hendon scored straight after the break to make it 3-2 but this only spurred on the Dragons who pulverised the Hendon Goal to run out easy winners.

The Firsts beat Cricklewood Wanderers 4-2 in the Alec Smith Cup Quarter Final after penalties.
The Dragons imposed themselves from the start to create several early chances before scoring from a well-executed strike, only for the Wanderers to quickly equalise from a  counter attack. The Dragons should have scored at least 4 goals in the second half but for the lack of quality and great saves from the Wanderers keeper and so it was on to penalties. The Dragons keeper then almost unbelievably saved 3, whilst scoring one, to help the Dragons into the semi-final against Assyria FC.

 

Fellow Dragons

Spring fought back against the Beast from the East to allow some football:

The Firsts beat Stonewall 1-0 away.
Despite logistic difficulties, causing the Dragons to start with 10 players, they pressed Stonewall straight from the off and created several chances before conceding a, saved, penalty. Finally after 15 minutes the late players arrived and the game significantly changed with more possession but with no goals from either side at the half.  Back on the pitch the Dragons again pressed Stonewall and finally broke down their defence to beat the keeper to his left and win the match.

The Reserves just lost 1-2 at home against top of the table Speedy United.
The match started slowly as neither team wanted to take any risks and no clear chances were created.  It was a typical 0-0 game. The second half started very badly for the Dragons as 10 seconds after the re-start Speedy won the ball in the middle and took a long range shot – the ball bounced off the post and went in the net! The Dragons were forced to open up and just 5 minutes later they won a converted penalty. The Dragons then forced attack after attack and were rewarded with a sure goal 5 minutes from the end  – alas a 1 on 1 with Speedy’s goalkeeper was missed after a superb 40 yards solo run. Three minutes later the Dragons once again looked like they were bound to score only for a last ditch goal line clearance, in front of an  empty goal, saved Speedy’s blushes.  Finally in the very last kick of the game Speedy scored to win.

The U14s beat Princess Park 3-1 away in a thriller.
The Dragons faced Princess Park with only ten players and no goal keeper. Princess scored quickly but the Dragons responded with one of their own. In the second half two more goals from the Dragons set the tone as they kept Princess Park (who had a full team plus 3 subs) penned into their half for most of the time.  As the Manager said “The Dragons did an amazing job – you don’t win like that unless you’re a fully bonded team”.

The U13s  beat LNER 3-1 away.
The Dragons did not take LNER for granted and they knew they had a job to do. They scored first with a spectacular free kick before scoring twice more whilst the defenders defended with all their hearts, led by their goalie who pulled off a succession of magnificent saves. To quote the manager “Well done to the team – you made us all proud!”

 The U11s just lost to Hanwell 2-3 away.
At their last encounter the Dragons had been thrashed 1-10 so it was with some trepidation that your correspondent tiptoed to the touch line to find out the score, only to be told the flabbergasting news that the Dragons were leading 2-0. Hanwell really were extremely lucky to pull back to 2-2 and then to  score the winning goal against the run of play.

There were no other matches.