Category: Senior Reserve Team

Reserves earn a point in Osterley Derby

CB Hounslow Social Reserves 1 v 1 Kensington Dragons Reserves

Having had a couple of weeks off due to postponements the Reserves looked to gain a second win in a few weeks over the league’s feisty participants. After having upset the odds in the reverse fixture it was clear from the off that CB wanted blood and would try to win at all costs to stay top of the league.

The Dragons started superbly, using the wind along with Ade Akerdolu’s and Dean Humphrey’s long throws they gained solid territorial advantage. Humphrey launched one down the line and striker Laycock ran on in behind to force an excellent save from the small but agile CB Keeper. Steve Cahill, in a new No 10 role then could have scored with his head from close range but scuffed wide. At set pieces CB were trying everything in defending. Grappling, pulling, tripping and even a full on rugby tackle as they knew they were under the cosh. However they held out and late on in the half forced a tremendous save from Ian Whitmore on his debut, tipping over at full length. HT 0-0.

CB stepped it up in the second half and the game was very tight but getting very hot under the collar. Constant baiting from CB was handled well from the predominantly young Dragons but they were beginning to struggle in midfield with Adam Finch and Humphrey working tirelessly but not at their best in playmaking. As CB changed shape and pushed on they began to look dangerous but both Dragon center backs, Jon Dixon and Kieran Cox, were in imperious form against a very good striker. As they entered the final 5 minutes the No 9 finally turned Dixon well and his cross shot was hooked on the turn by his strike partner to wrong foot Whitmore and the home team celebrated as if they had won the Champions League final. Once the Dragons had listened to 2 minutes of outrageous taunts from CB they focused on trying to burst the home teams balloon with just a couple of minutes left. Into injury time they won a corner and everyone came forward, Humphrey drilled one in and Akerdolu rose to thump a header onto the inside of the post, it squirted through the 6 yard box and man of the match Cahill ran in to level the game. Ridiculous protests followed from CB but thankfully for once the referee was unmoved and the Dragons had preserved their 13 game unbeaten run whilst probably ending CB’s title hopes with Southall sitting a point behind but 3 games in hand.

Results Round-Up 10 March 2013

Spring opened the door and then firmly shut it again to allow the wind, wet and cold back in:

The Firsts beat LPOSSA 2-1 away in a mouth watering head to head intense match between the division leaders. The Dragons opened the scoring from twenty yards and then had LPOSSA pinned back in their own half to score again to make it two nil. As the interval drew nearer LPOSSA launched a long ball to catch the Dragons off guard to score and make it 1-2 at the break. LPOSSA came back out determined to claw their way back into the game and launched wave after wave of attacks. The Dragons held firm and were glad that three match officials had been appointed for such an important match when they judged correctly that an LPOSSA shot had not crossed the goal line and the win was sealed.

The Reserves drew 1-1 with Hillingdon. Unbeaten in 10 games the Reserves arrived confident of finally beating Hillingdon having lost to them in their last 5 encounters. The Dragons started superbly winning everything in the air and pressing high up the pitch. However in typical “football” style Hillingdon were first to net on the break when they scored from a tackled clearance. The Dragons responded well and finally, just before half time, equalised via a penalty. The second half was one way traffic with the Dragons creating the opportunities only to be thwarted at the last gasp to leave the final score a draw.

The U17’s lost 0-4 away to FC Kensington at Wormwood Scrubs in the local Derby. With a late 1.30pm kick-off the already inclement weather, with a strong biting north-easterly wind combined with the churned up wet muddy pitch, proved to be totally the wrong conditions for the Dragons. After having most of the first half possession the Dragons conceded a goal the only time FCK ventured from their own half. There was all to play for in the second half but, despite very skilful play from the dogged Dragons, they were rewarded with hits on the cross-bar and near misses whilst FCK went on to score run away goals. An odd result with the only redeeming feature being able to escape the cold and get home.

The U15’s lost 0-3 away to C.B.Hounslow on a dank dark muddy pitch in a most peculiar game. The Dragons played on occasion almost sublime passing football but were incapable of actually scoring. Time after time superb passing moves moved the ball up to Hounslow’s end but then nothing much happening when it arrived there. “Goals win Games”, not displays of brilliance which are better left to synchronized swimmers.

The U14 Nighthawks lost 0-2 then won 4-1 in a double header vs Princess Park B at the freezing Wormwood Scrubs. The Dragons could have won the first game but missed too many opportunities. In the second match the Dragons dominated from the beginning to win. Statisticians noted how the same teams playing on the same pitch produced two completely different matches where both teams deserved their victory.

The U13’s had no game.

The U11’s lost away 2-7 to Watling in a freezing cold Sunday in Burnt Oak on a pitch more suited for mud wrestling. The Dragons started with explosive style scoring a quality early goal and it looked like they were on fire. Watling had other ideas and started to ease their way back into the game. As the match turned from football to ‘stuck in the mud’ the Dragons sat back, lost their rhythm and conceded a hand full of goals to lose the game 7-2. A game not to be remembered.

The U10’s training was called off as the pitch was closed. Next Saturday they have the return leg with South Ealing Saints and the week after a match with the Spanish school

The Girls training was also called off due to the weather but will be on again this Friday.

Reserves miss chance to beat Hillingdon

Kensington Dragons Reserves 1 v 1 Hillingdon ReservesUnbeaten in 10 the Reserves arrived in confident mood of getting a first win over their bogey team Hillingdon. Having lost to them 5 times on the bounce in previous years, twice in semi finals, this was a great chance to put the ghost to rest, particularly with a strong looking squad.

They started superbly, pressing high up the pitch and midfielders Emmanuel Alexander and Adam Finch clearly winning their battles from the outset. Striker Jon Laycock was winning everything in the air and the wide men and number 10 had numerous attempts to get in behind from flick ons. However the ball seemingly wouldn’t fall as they needed. Reiss Corr had a good early chance but just missed the far post with his snapshot. Winger Steve Cahill then got onto another flick but pulled his finish when one on one. They looked comfortable and just needed the opening goal to open the floodgates. However in typical “football” style Hillindgon were first to net on the break. A tackled clearance flew upfield and found the striker lunging first time to catch keeper Erwin Guy going the wrong way and the ball found the corner.

The Dragons responded well though and continued to press, finally just before half time they equalised. Corr took on his man and drove into the box. His attempted pinged cross to Laycock smacked a hillingdon arm and the ref blew for a deserved penalty. Dean Humphrey, superb at the back again, stepped up and kept his composure as the referee took forever to locate the spot to smash home from 12, or possibly 14 yards!

The second half was one way traffic. Billy Maxwell, his ears ringing from a half time management rant, was superb down the left. 4 or 5 times he drove and jiggled his way to the byline but every lay back was missed or found a defensive boot. As time wore on Hillingdon became more ragged and under pressure. Humphrey’s quick corner found Maxwell but his deflected header fell to Laycock who leant back and blazed over from 5 yards. Five minutes later, Maxwell did brilliantly again to wrong foot his defender and laid off a superb ball for Laycock to run on to in the box with just the keeper to beat. However the out of form number 9 only found the Hillingdon keeper when he should have given him no chance at all. There was just time for one last chance, the much improved Corr bamboozling the defence and striking on his wrong foot from 20 yards but his shot agonisingly just grazed the post.

Dean Humphrey Kensington Dragons Reserves — Dean Humphrey Kensington Dragons Seniors and U13s Manager

KD Seniors MCFA Cup final dates

It is with great pride that we can announce, both our Senior teams are through to their respective County Cup finals. Put the dates in the diary and come and support the teams. More details will follow shortly. Contact seniors@kensingtondragons for more information.

MCFA Junior Cup Final

Kensington Dragons FC (First) VS NPL Saturday F.C (First)

10/04/2013

KO 7.30pm

Ground: Bedfont Sports Club
Hatton Road
Bedfont
Middlesex
TW14 9QS

MCFA Junior Trophy Final

Barnet Municipal Officers FC (First) VS Kensington Dragons FC (Reserves)

17/04/2013

KO 7.30pm

Ground: Feltham FC
The Orchard
Hatton Road
Bedfont
Middlesex
TW14 9QT

Results Round-Up 03 March 2013

Spring is looking suspiciously close as the Adult Dragons booked their way into their second Cup Final:

The Firsts beat Cricklewood Wanderers 3-1 at home in the semi final of the Middlesex County Cup to continue their winning ways. The Final will be played on 10 April against NPL FC at Bedfont FC, Hatton Rd, Bedfont, Middx TW14 9QS. Kick off 7.30pm – all welcome.

The Reserves beat British Airways 2-1 away at the Concorde Stadium in the Middlesex League Cup quarter final. Despite the beautiful pitch and strong squad the Dragons started slowly but still managed to take the lead on 10 minutes via an unusual penalty – BA’s keeper saved well only for the ball to be smashed again but again the keeper made a brilliant stop only to be thwarted as the Dragons eventually found the net. With the ref seemingly trying to even things up BA were awarded their own penalty and it was 1-1 into the break. A stern talking to lead the Dragons to pick up speed to pull ahead to 2-1. BA almost pulled level but a superb Dragons full stretch save literally saved the day to leave the Dragons winners. The Reserves have already booked a County Cup final v Barnet Municipal Officers FC on 17 April at Feltham FC, The Orchard, Hatton Road, Bedfont, Middx TW14 9QT. KO 7.30. All welcome

The U17’s beat Ariana 3-1 away. The Dragons were missing key defenders and the game promised to be a challenge. All was well with the world however as the sun shone on a reasonable pitch with the Dragons pleased to play football. Despite creating chances it was not until the dying minutes of the first half that the Dragons went one up. Back on the pitch the Dragons scored again but then began to rest whilst scoring from another tap in before a late surge by Ariana gave them their own goal.

The U15’s drew with league leaders LNER 1-1 away. With the goalie and others released from duty to take part in DofE it was a potentially shaky Dragons squad who travelled to the depths of North Wembley. With the Dragons early retired striker stepping in as goalie without a tracksuit, coldness, indecision and lack of experience gifted LNER the first goal and the situation looked grim. The Dragons took a deep breath, dug in and fought back to 1-1 before the excitable referee gave LNER a penalty. The hapless Dragons goalie looked forlorn as the confident LNER striker strode up to whack the ball hard and low to the side. The Dragons goalie leapt into action and pulled off a remarkable save. The drama was not over as the even more excitable referee then sent off a Dragon. The Dragons however refused to give in and played as if they had 11 players and were unlucky not to score to win.

The U14 Nighthawks lost 2-3 at home to Pinner. The Dragons found themselves 1-0 up at the half but in an exciting second half could not quite win.

The U14 Eagles match against Pinnstars was cancelled in the unusual circumstance of the Pinnstars manager being very ill.

The U13’s beat Hillingdon 4-3 away with the Dragons having virtually a full squad. The game was a classic – swinging to and fro. Hillingdon scored first via a penalty but the Dragons responded with their midfield inter passing to the striker to score. The Dragons then took the lead with another well worked move from midfield. Hillingdon came straight back and won a penalty which went wide only for the ref to order the penalty to be taken again. Their 2nd effort was then well saved by the Dragons keeper leaving them 2-1 up at half time. The second half started badly with Hillingdon being gifted a goal before they then took the lead. It was now that the Dragons rotation of subs played a crucial role as relatively fresh players came on to attack and draw level. With the game in the balance the ball fell to the Dragon midfielder to unleash a wonder strike which ripped into Hillingdon’s net to give the Dragons a hard fought win.

The U11’s lost 0-4 to AFC Wembley away

The U10’s continue to train at St Marks on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11.30am in preparation for their game on March 16th against South Ealing Saints.

The Girls continue to train on Friday evenings on the big pick at the Westway from 5.30-7.00pm.

Reserves win to book MCFL semi final spot

British Airways 1 v 2 Kensington Dragons Reserves

The Dragons had the chance to make their second semi final appearance of the season and couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity on the beautiful show pitch at Concorde. Also boasting one of their strongest squads of the season the outlook was bright. Something wasnt clicking with the players in their formation in the early stages though and the signs were a little worrying against a clever, very experienced and powerful BA side. However they still managed to take the lead on 10 minutes. Ade Akerdolu drove a monster throw for Jon Laycock to flick on into Steve Cahill’s path. The winger drove into the penalty area and thumped a shot at goal but a lunging defender threw himself across the goal line but it hit his hand and the ref pointed to the spot. BA were incensed but so were the Dragons as it should have been a red card. The returning Luke Giles stepped up but the keeper saved well, Giles smashed the rebound toward the corner but again the keeper made a brilliant stop but amazingly the ball fell to Giles a third time and this time he found the net. It should have been two shortly after with Jon Dixon heading over from close range from a corner.

With a quick switch in swapping Giles into holding midfield and Dean Humphrey further forward, the Dragons seemed to have sorted themselves out. BA were now, expectedly, resorting to hurling long balls in to the two big strikers but Will Conway and Jon Dixon headed away comfortably. However after a succession of corners, Laycock headed away only for the loose ball to be collected by a BA midifelder. Adam Finch got to him and cleared but the ref bizarrely pointed to the spot, seemingly trying to even things up after all the BA protests earlier. This penalty was dispatched with less fuss and at HT it was 1-1

Player/Coach Laycock took a hard line with his players at half time as the opposing team shouldnt be causing them any problems with the level of the 11 Dragons on the pitch. The response was good and they took control. Humphrey was now dictating things and surely the goals would come. Full back Ethan Meyers put a great ball over the top for Laycock but the out of form number 9 failed to finish when one on one. However he made amends a few minutes later as he rolled his marker on the half way line and played a diagonal ball through the defence for Cahill to drive on to and finish clinically into the far corner.

The game should have been dead in the last 20 minutes with Laycock again responsible, first hitting straight at the keeper after great work from sub Reiss Corr and then from 6 yards with the keeper saving well after a sublime move involving Giles and Justas Krisciunas.

They almost paid a heavy price with a super rifled shot in the closing stages but 49 year old keeper Erwin Guy making an outstretched save that defied his years and the Dragons held on. Generally not a great performance but a very good win nonetheless.

Results Round-Up 24 February 2013

Winter is still with us as our new Girls Team lead the way by winning their first ever Tournament:

The new Girls team won the Golden Girls Hackney Tournament by beating Hackney Community Club 3-1 then 2-0 before carrying on to beat Hackney Laces 4-2 on aggregate. A terrific achievement in the biting cold playing away from home against experienced sides with questionable refereeing. A fantastic effort.

The Firsts beat Chiswick 3-1 away. Despite dominating the Dragons found themselves behind as a slip at the back lead to Chiswick’s clinical finish. The Dragons refused to panic however and pulled back before half time. With a changed Dragons set up Chiswick were pinned back from the restart as the Dragons attacked in waves but as hard as they tried they just could not score. Finally on 75 minutes the Dragons made substitutions whilst remaining calm and with six minutes left a swift move down the left lead to the Dragons taking the lead before hammering the points home with another goal from yet another move from the left.

The Reserves beat Sloane FC 2-1 at Osterley. With key First and Reserve team players unavailable the Dragons had a weakened squad with 4 players carrying knocks that on another day would have kept them at home. The match started badly with a Sloane long throw confusing the Dragons to score first. The Dragons composed themselves and were rewarded with an equaliser direct from a corner before half time. With the Dragons now effectively reduced to 10 men through cramp the game was drifting to a close when a late gamble plucked a Dragons defender into attack to try to avoid another home draw. Finally in injury time a shot was smashed with the outside of a Dragons boot straight into Sloane’s right hand corner of the net as the Dragons celebrated. The Reserves are now unbeaten in 9 games with 8 wins to boot.

The U17’s beat Ariana 3-2 at Birbeck. In the opening minutes Ariana scored from a penalty but their enthusiasm was blunted when the Dragons took advantage of Ariana’s goalie misjudging his advance to score. Ariana then became increasingly fractious as the Dragons were awarded a penalty for a desperate challenge to take them 2-1 up at the break. Ariana refused to give in and drew level 2-2 giving them renewed vigour as their nasty challenges and holding onto Dragon players made for a messy game. Virtue was finally rewarded in the dying minutes as the ref awarded a free kick to the Dragons and a great kick sent the ball sailing into the top right hand corner of the net to give the Dragons a well-deserved win.

The U15’s beat Kodak 3-1 at Wormwood Scrubs. Football has many delightful aspects but playing at Wormwood Scrubs in the winter is not one of them – many a Dragon’s dream has been crushed at this bleak venue. The Dragon players however ignored the biting wind and rutted pitch to hammer in 3 goals in double quick time and then fiddled around allowing Kodak one consolation goal for turning up in the cold.

The U14 Nighthawks lost to Pinner United 0-5 with a weakened squad due to players being away for half term.

The U14 Eagles beat Kodak 11-0. At the post match press conference the Dragons manager said “We returned to a crisp St Mark’s with the pitch looking good. Bad news for our opponents, promising for those who bolted their Sunday lunch hoping for a feast of February football. Our boys did not disappoint with Kodak simply overwhelmed by our movement, spirit and imagination. It took a while to warm up but after the first goal went in on 18 minutes these Dragons were breathing fire. Plucky Kodak were left exposed in all areas as six separate Eagles found the net including one of our indefatigable centre backs whose rasping penalty-box drive proved less of a goal than an industrial stress-test for RBKC’s fresh nets. But amid the feints and twists, the flicks and dribbles, what really caught the eye was the graft, the teamwork, the relentless application until the final whistle.”

The U13’s drew 1-1 with Kodak. The focused Dragons controlled the first half with neat passing and penetrating runs from their wide players but could not score. Kodak rarely threatened and the Dragons keeper was more in danger of developing Hyperthermia than conceding a goal so the half ended goalless. The second half developed into more of a battle but the game became bogged down in midfield with the Dragon players forgetting how successful they had been passing the ball as they now tried to beat Kodak on their own. Disaster struck and a soft free kick somehow found its way passed the Dragons wall into goal. The Dragons responded well but it was a familiar story with great crosses not being met or just being a whisker away from equalising. Just as the management team were about to accept another good performance without getting a just reward the Dragons were awarded a free kick which was fumbled by Kodak’s keeper and like a flash the Dragons pounced to equalise.

The U11’s beat Parkfield 5-1. Conceding an early goal the Dragons regained their composure to play some super slick football to end the first half 1 – 1. The second half started with the Dragons passing the ball around the field and breaking down the Parkfield defence to score a beautiful second goal. Parkfield then struggled to get back into the game and the Dragons dominated to play their best football of the season including some fantastic individual goals to win handsomely.

The U10’s continued to train for their return match against South Ealing Saints.

The Reserves beat Sloane FC 2-1 at Osterley

Kensington Dragons Reserves 2 – 1 Sloane FC

Preparation this week was a struggle with key First and Reserve team players unavailable. This left the Reserves with a heavily weakened squad and the starting line up containing no less than 4 players carrying knocks that on another day would have kept them off the pitch. But with needs must they strapped up and manned up on a bitter winters afternoon in Osterley.

The opening gambits seemed to imply that they would still have too much for Sloane who they beat 1-0 away with a last minute goal in January. However, with a barely fit midfield, possession was being gifted away putting them on the back foot. A Sloane long throw confused the Dragons and as the ball ran across the edge of the penalty area, the excellent Sloane midfielder smashed a first time shot into the bottom corner. But the Dragons composed themselves and for the most part dominated the rest of the half. Adam Finch put striker Jon laycock clean but as he raced clear failed to compose himself and found the keeper rather than the net. 10 minutes later the same two players combined again, this time the keeper producing a super stop with the ball headed for the corner. Finch however took matters into his own hands and direct from a corner found the net via a flick from the Sloane Center back. HT 1-1

The second half was predominantly one way traffic with Will Conway again having a blinder at the back to mop up, tackle, head, sweep up and even bring the ball out of defence to start attacks. Hassan Osman was also having a cracker at right back, helping defend and create down the right side. But the front 4 just couldnt take control of the scoreboard with Lyons, Laycock, Billy Maxwell and Steve Cahill all spurning good chances. With no subs left Maxwell cramped up and basically it was 10 vs 11. As the game drifted to a close a late gamble from the Dragons management pushed the excellent Dean Humphrey out of defence into attack to avoid another home draw. Although he wasnt directly involved it gave the home team territorial advantage and finally in injury time Finch played in Lyons who’s spin and turn found Cahill wide in the box. He’d had a frustrating 20 minutes and took it all out on the ball as he smashed a shot with the outside of the boot and straight into the right hand corner and the Dragons celebrated accordingly. FT 2-1 and the reserves unbeaten in 9 games with 8 wins to boot.

The Reserves beat top of the table CB Hounslow 2-0 at Birkbeck

Kensington Dragons Reserves 2 – 0 CB Hounslow Reserves

With the First team having no game due to marital affairs the Reserves were able to put out a more experienced team with 3 players from the senior squad in the starting line up. The management pleaded with the team to absorb the overly physical style of Hounslow and concentrate on playing football around the desperate and dangerous lunging challenges that would probably be evident.

The game began and within minutes the prophecy was hugely evident but the Dragons looked cool under pressure and slowly began to produce some lovely football on a barely playable pitch. Kieran Cox and re-signing Dean Humphrey looked commanding in defence with keeper David Hills sweeping up superbly to mop up Hounslow through balls. Pavi Bangoo, usually a first team regular, was coming back from a 3 month lay off and once the rust was shaken off he began to take control of the game with Captain Luke O’Donoghue in midfield. The wide men Jack Lyons and Billy Maxwell began to enjoy this midfield stability and caused trouble down both flanks. However the first goal was always going to be massive in this fixture and after 35 minutes Adam Finch swung in a beautiful free kick, as he has done on numerous occasions over the past few weeks. Center back Humphrey out muscled his defensive opponent to head home and the Dragons had the goal they deserved. 1-0 at half time with a super half of committed play in difficult circumstances.

The coaches simply asked to keep it going and avoid succumbing to the bizarre taunts and screams of their opponents. Taking it fully on board the second half was generally one way traffic with O’Donoghue in majestic form, tackling his heart out but also starting the play off on numerous occasions. A swift move ended with Maxwell hitting the bar but 10 minutes later the crucial goal was claimed. And what a goal it was. Hounslow were now under severe pressure and after a looping cross from Humphrey was cleared, Finch pounced on it to drift a cross over to the far post where Ali Soussi looked to have mistimed his run and arrived too early, as the ball crossed his body with his back to goal he through himself into a half somersault to overhead kick into the top corner. Outstanding technique and with 20 minutes left the points looked safe.

As Hounslow pushed forward, desperate to maintain their place in top spot, the Dragons cut them apart on the break and the only disappointment of the day was they couldn’t add to the scoreline. FT 2-0. MoM Dean Humphrey.

Results Round-Up 10 February 2012

A wet week dribbled into a damp weekend and many games were called off:

The Firsts beat C.B Hounslow 6-1 at home in the Quarter Final of the Middlesex County Cup.

The Reserves drew 3-3 at home to Sporting Hackney. With a weakened squad the Dragons needed to produce their best and the early signs were they would rise to the challenge. A frantic first half began with the Dragons pulling ahead to 2-0 only to make errors and concede before then scoring again to make it 3-2 at halftime. The Dragons dominated the second half before the sucker punch came from a loose pass from defence being miss controlled and Hackney pounced to make it 3-3 which is where the score stayed despite the Dragons best efforts.

The U17’s beat Hillingdon Borough 6-3 theoretically away but actually at Birbeck. Despite the biting wind and horizontal rain the Dragons opened the play with a lovely early goal slotted in by the right wing which was soon followed by a converted penalty. With Hillingdon becoming increasingly frustrated in the heavy rain they conceded another penalty before pulling back a goal to make it 3-1 at half time. Back on the pitch the weather had deteriorated even further and it was difficult to move about the pitch and the ball stuck when kicked. Not deterred the Dragons spirits remained high and they scored again and then again. Hillingdon plugged away to score twice but were finally thwarted by the final Dragons goal to leave it 6-3.

The U15’s lost 3-4 to Belmont away whilst playing magnificently. Finally the Dragons began to show what they are capable of and controlled the game playing thrilling football on a muddy pitch. With the Dragons deservedly winning 3-1 Belmont were effectively given the game when the Dragons goalie collided with their striker and had to leave the pitch. Belmont showed no compassion and quickly scored twice before the Dragons goalie returned. The Dragons were awarded a penalty to win the match minutes from the end but in sporting gesture booted the ball over the cross bar and then let Belmont score to win. Life is cruel and football crueller.

The U14 Eagles drew 1-1 with Heathrow. To quote “It was a day of what ifs and might-have-beens: what if just one of our many rasping shots had hit home? What if our defender had not slipped in the mud to gift them an early goal? What if our mighty captain’s last second header had struck the inside rather than the outside of the post? And what if the Dragons management had called the game off instead of forging bravely ahead on that cold, wet, fateful February morning? For such is the fine finesse of our game nowadays that a dodgy pitch will always favour our opponents and hit us hardest. We equalised soon after Heathrow’s surprise opener, and for the rest of the game we pushed and passed and ran and trudged and even, in one stunning passage of free-flowing improvisation, recalled the penalty-box ballet of George Best’s famous strike for the San Jose Earthquakes back in 1981 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2HWUbFGHMU). Except of course that our finish cleared the bar. And the only trembling here was from the spectators as the quagmire did its best to suck all quality from the game. With ten minutes to go the ball burst and along with it, our hopes. So when, with the whistle in the referee’s lips, that final rising header skinned the post we all knew which way the ball would fall. It is true we needed to take our chances. But we also need to take some heart: for the roaring cheer from the away support, management and players that exploded at the final whistle spoke volumes for our growing reputation. Heathrow had stolen a point from the mighty Eagles. For us it was two valuable points lost, but a whole lot of mighty pride maintained.”

All other games were called off due to waterlogged pitches