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Results W/E 9th February 2025

Despite yet another wet weekend the Firsts battled through in difficult conditions and the U18 Boys came out  from behind their sofas – where they had been hiding since the previous weekend’s wobble – to record the most entertaining of tremendous wins:

The Firsts beat Indian Gymkhana 4-1 at home in extremely challenging conditions. A rapid start by the Dragons led to them scoring in the first few minutes to put IG on the back foot in an otherwise scrappy first half. The second half started in the same manner with another Dragons goal and from there on in their performance improved – as did the score line! A good win for the Firsts.

The Blues home game to Eastcote British Legion was postponed.

The Old Dragonians lost 1-6 Grove Park Rangers away. The Old D’s poor run of form continued with potentially their worst performance of the season. But the Old Ds approach this coming week with a sense of urgency to put things right as they go into their Cup game on Sunday. A make or break for their season.

The U18 Boys beat Regents Park 4-2 at home in the Premier Division in the most entertaining of matches. The Dragons have had a penchant for wobbling of late and were given every opportunity to follow suit in an extraordinary match. The Dragons pulled ahead  to 4-1 when, 20 minutes from the end,  a naughty Regents Park player was told to take a rest after confronting the Dragons goalie. In a cruel twist, a strict interpretation of the FA rules led to TWO Dragons players also being forced to take a rest – including their goalie. The Dragons were left with 9 players, and no recognised goalie, against 10 fired up RP players – including their goalie. If ever there was an excuse to wobble this was it. To compound the potential misery Regents Park scored a quick goal and were then awarded a penalty against the Dragons’ stand in goalie. There were squeals of joy when the shot hit the crossbar.  The Dragons dug deep, stayed focused and held Regents Park at bay, whilst almost scoring two more goals, to record an eventual tremendous win.

The U13 Boys Red, U13 Boys White, U14 Boys, U15 Boys and U16 Boys all had their games postponed due to unplayable pitches.

The U12 Boys home game to London Athletic was abandoned at 1-2 in the closing minutes due to a LA parent not displaying the behaviour that one would reasonably expect.

The U11 Boys drew 1-1 with an undefeated Wealdstone at home.  This was an excellent, well fought match which the Dragons almost won – against a team that had won every match so far this season. So close but in the end a draw was a fair result.   

The U10 Boys trained in preparation for entering the League.

The U12 Girls, the U14 Girls League Cup Quarter Final to Regents Park, and the U15 Girls League Cup Quarter Final to Aspire FC were all postponed due to unplayable pitches.

Results W/E 2nd February 2025

This was mostly a very good weekend for the Dragons with, in particular, the outstanding result of the Under 13 Boys White team making up for the blushes  of the U18 Boys team:

The Firsts home game to Kodak was postponed.

The Blues lost 0-2 away at London Saracens. The Blues played well and stuck to their game plan, despite being at the disadvantage of having only 10 on-field players. They were left to rue their many clear chances to take the lead and claim what would have been an incredible underdog victory.

The Old Dragonians away game to DAR United was postponed.

The U11 Boys home game to Larkspur Rovers was postponed.

The U12 Boys beat Northfields United 5-0 away. The Dragons came out on top with a strong performance, not only netting five,  but also locking Northfields out completely to earn an impressive clean sheet.

The U13 Boys Red beat FC Marylebone 1-0 at home. The Dragons played incredibly well against top of the League Marylebone who have dropped only just six points out of a possible 45 all season. The scoreline reflects how well the Dragons played and how close the contest was.

The U13 Boys White beat Hanwell Town 13-1 at home. What a performance, to score 13 and be disappointed not to have double that tells you how good the Dragons were offensively. Apart from the regular band of loyal parents, at least 39 casual park goers-cum-supporters also stopped to watch something truly amazing. Every member of the squad was magnificent and importantly humble in victory, showing maturity beyond their formative years. A fantastic response to last week’s defeat.

The U14 Boys beat St Joseph’s 2-1 away. This was a struggle for the Dragons as the Christmas/NY break, bad weather, and oppositions defaulting, meant that most unusually this was their first match for two months. The Dragons knuckled down  and played exceptionally well, considering the long break, and thoroughly deserved their victory.

The U15 Boys away game at Kodak was postponed.

The U16 Boys home game to Brazil Development was postponed.

The U18 Boys lost badly at home against  Wealdstone. Player by player the Dragons are a talented team but with a critical balance too prone to ”wobble” when the play goes against them. There are 3 matches left in the League to prove to the footballing world how good they really are. The Dragons will relish the experience when they eventually rock their oppositions back on their feet. They will then have to decide whether to enter the Supplementary Cup or have a rest.  

The U10 Boys trained in preparation for entering the League.

The U12 Girls had no game.

The U14 Girls League Cup Quarter Final to Regents Park was postponed.

The U15 Girls League Cup Quarter Final to Aspire FC was postponed.

Results W/E 26th January 2025

The weather may be against us but we are making progress in other directions:

Patience Fergus, who joined the Dragons as an aspiring U11 player, has joined the England Pathway League. During the 2022/3  season with the Dragons, she scored over 70 goals with 10 hattricks and 3 double-hattricks so we hope to see her performing similar feats for England one day.

The Dragons are working with LBHF  and the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust to improve the artificial  pitches in the Linford Christie Stadium

The Firsts lost 0-2 away to Pitshanger Dynamo. After dominating rom the onset, the Dragons missed chances that eventually cost them. When they should have been 3 or 4 up, Pitshanger scored with a high-quality finish, leaving the Dragons chasing the game. They did not match the quality they had showed in the first half and after a couple of injuries the game was lost. A disappointing result as the Dragons know they should have won.

The Blues had no game.

The Old Dragonians away fixture to DAR United was postponed.

The U11 Boys lost 1-4 to London Athletic at home.  The Dragons did not deserve to concede 4 goals. They played brilliantly in the first half but just could not put the ball away. Playing down hill in the second half would have normally been an advantage but not so in the increasingly miserable, wet conditions.

The U12 Boys beat Ealing Trailfinders 1-0 away. The Dragons came out on top and in so doing increased the gap with the team directly below. A first half goal and a late goal line clearance ensured victory and all three points.

The U13 Boys Red drew 3-3 to London Athletic at home. The Dragons played out a tightly contested draw in front of home fans. LA sits just above the Dragons in the League and so are not out of sight. A loss would not have suited the chasing Dragons. While they could not find a decisive winner, they did well to hold a point.

The U13 Boys White lost at home to Brook House. As the Coach said “at the office you have good days and bad days. Sunday was a bad day. In spells the Dragons were very good but those spells were infrequent. There is always another game around the corner and next Sunday is an ideal opportunity for the Dragons to improve.

The U18 Boys, U16 Boys, U15 Boys and U14 Boys did not play due to unplayable pitches.

The U10 Boys trained in preparation for entering the League.

The U12 Girls lost 0-2 at home to League Leaders Enfield Town in the Cup. The Dragons did well but a few little mistakes led to Enfield scoring two goals to which the Dragons could not find a response. They can be proud of their performance against a tough side that has been the bane of the Dragons on many occasions. 

The U14 Girls, U15 Girls and U17 Girls had their games postponed.

Results W/E 19th January 2025

Finally, with the cold snap behind us, the second half of the season started with the Seniors rebounding not quite as well as youngsters who recorded well deserved wins:

The Firsts drew 4-4 to Camden United at home in their first home game of 2025. The Dragons started well to go 1-0 up. Camden, flying high in the  league, soon recovered to go 2-1 ahead before half time. Things started to look bleak when Camden went 3 and then 4 up.  The Dragons however were having none of it and roared back into action to draw level. It would have been a complete comeback with the last touch of the match when the Dragons almost clinched a win.

The Blues were beaten 0-3 at home to Wisemen West. This was an evenly competed match. It looked destined to finish a 0-0 draw until tiredness overcame the Dragons, playing uphill on the claggy ground, and they let Wisemen score unwelcome, and possibly even underserved, goals towards the end.

The Old Dragonians lost 2-5 to Chiswick Celtic at home. This was an entertaining game to open 2025. The result flattered Chiswick as the match was more even than the scoreline suggests with the Dragons hitting the woodwork 3 times.

The U18 Boys lost at home to RC Lens London in the Premier Division. The Dragons had not played since well before Christmas and it showed. For much of the time, the teams were evenly matched but every now and again RC Lens showed why they are an excellent side and scored to overtake the one Dragons goal.

The U16 Boys will be awarded a win as Pinnstars could not raise a side.

The U15 Boys drew 3-3 away to Cademy. This was a good Dragons performance that might have been great – but for the last 30 seconds. Cademy pulled ahead twice before the Dragons drew level each time from well-deserved penalties. The Dragons then scored the winner – forgetting that matches are not over until the final whistle and to their dismay let in an equaliser in the final seconds. Great fun but disappointing not to win.

The U14 Boys had no game.

The U13 Boys Red beat Titans 3-0 at home. This was a really good performance from the Dragons who scored some amazing goals. They played in harmony, and kept possession well.

The U13 Boys White drew 3-3 at home to Northfields United. A six goal thriller in the Dragons’ backyard in a very important game as both sides tussle for position in the League. With neither side finding a decisive goal, they had to settle for a share of the points.

The U12 Boys beat SpiderOne Bees 6-4 away. The Dragons battled their way though some unbelievable refereeing calls to finally win. Playing against 12 on field opponents made the game much harder than it should have been.

The U11 Boys beat Acton Ealing Whistlers 4-1 away. What a start to 2025. This was an all-round great performance from the Dragons which bodes well for the rest of the season.

The U10 Boys trained in preparation for entering the League.

The U12 Girls beat Harefield United 2-1 away in the Middlesex Cup. An incredible win for the young Dragons in the Cup as they were the only Youth Girls side to progress. With the game in the balance at 1-1 by halftime, the Dragons rested, regrouped, and took control of the second half, earning them an opportunity to claim victory which they grasped with all hands.

The U14 Girls lost away to Vicky Park Rangers in the Middlesex Cup. A tricky game to travel to after the seasonal break but nevertheless the Dragons made their way across London to face old adversaries VPR. After taking a bit of a bruising in the first half, the Dragons couldn’t recover.

The U15 Girls lost at home to Watford Ladies. A score line by no means reflecting the efforts and skill of the Dragons. A well-established Watford side got the better of the Dragons.

The U17 Girls did not play.

Results W/E 12th January 2025

The weather was against us and most Dragons stayed tucked up in bed praying for warmer weather:

The Firsts drew 2-2 to Jolof Sports away. The journey was a shocker for players and management alike and added an unnecessary challenge before playing Jolof who are second in the League. The Dragons rose to the chilly challenge and, despite going behind twice, dominated the game and with better finishing should have comfortably won. The Dragons scored what was thought to be a winner only to have it eventually ruled offside. This was a very positive result showing that the Firsts are moving in the right direction.

The Blues had no game.

The Old Dragonians away game against Pro FA Hammersmith was postponed.

All the other Youth Girls and Youth Boys teams were raring to go across League and Cup competitions, but sadly did not play due to frozen, unplayable pitches across the capital. 

Results W/E 5th January 2025

We wish you a happy, if a cold, New Year. We started 2025 with most players still tucked up in bed waiting for the fixtures to re-start and/or the weather to improve. The indominable Firsts however did play and secured a great win to start 2025 in style:

Results W/E 5th January 2025

The Firsts beat Eagles Land Cricklewood 3-2, theoretically, at home. As the only senior side to play, all eyes were on the Dragons as they rose from their Christmas/NY slumbers to brave the elements. With 5 minutes to go before the break the  result hung in the balance at 1-1 with both sides desperately trying to pull ahead. It was not to be for either side and the second half started still at 1-1. The Dragons stuck to their game plan to play fast, passing football against the physical ELC and took the initiative with a clinical individual goal and could have scored another soon after. Alas, ECL then beat the Dragons press with a long ball hoofed upfront that their striker finished off to equalise. With the game getting scrappy, the Dragons found a third and managed to hang on until the final whistle, despite hot ELC tempers. A great start to 2025.

The Blues and the Old Dragonians had no games.

The U12 Girls were beaten away by Vicky Park Rangers. The brave Dragons travelled across London for a very cold encounter – in more ways than one. Unfortunately the Dragons never quite warmed up enough to thwart the home side and were soundly beaten. However, the good news is it can only get better.

All other Youth Girls and Youth Boys did not play as they had no games scheduled or the pitches were frozen and/or waterlogged so unplayable.

Happy Christmas

We have battled through varied vicissitudes to arrive at the Christmas break in fine fettle, eager to move forward in the New Year. Thanks must go to all our officers, coaches, managers, trustees, parents, players, supporters and partners who have worked together so well to provide training and football matches for local young people out in the healthy, fresh, if somewhat bracing, air  to the benefit of all.  Indeed, there is a certain foolhardy charm in being on Wormwood Scrubs on a freezing December morning in the relentless rain with the wind howling, and the referee refusing to acknowledge a clear offside – if that does not breed resilience then little would! All in all, It has been a great deal of fun whilst we all look forward to the sunlight uplands of spring.  The losses have been “character building” whilst the wins satisfying – as in life.

We wish you all a Happy Christmas

 

Results W/E 15th December 2024

Thank you all those who so kindly donated  to the club via the Big Give campaign  last week. We did well on the wet winter pitches over the weekend:

The U18 Boys away game against North London Stars was postponed – at the very last minute to the consternation of the eager Dragons. NLS told the Dragons at 9am on the Sunday morning that their pitch was unplayable. Sceptics could be forgiven for being sceptical.

The U16 Boys beat Blue Moon 10-1 away. The Dragons planned to finish 2024 with a bang and they certainly did. They dominated from start to finish making the battle for Player of the Match extremely tough. Bring on 2025!

The U15 Boys drew 4-4 at home to Inv3ntive. The Dragons went 0-2 down before the average fan could say “the pitch is a bit muddy” and it looked as if they might wobble.  That was not to be the case however as they dominated to pull ahead to 4-3 and almost win but for a last-minute goal from Inv3tive which some thought was offside.

The U14 Boys away game at Pinnstars was postponed.

The U13 Boys Red beat London Eagles 4-1 at home. To end the year on  a high the Dragons put on a great display at home. Spectacular goals and quick passing made for an honest day’s work, as the Dragons earned all three points.

The U13 Boys White lost 1-3 away at Acton Ealing Whistlers. With several players missing, it was an opportunity for the Dragons’ ‘game changers’ to start. The Dragons dominated from start to finish but just could not capitalise on the chances they created. AEW absorbed a lot of pressure but were clinical with their few chances and the Dragons were left to rue missed opportunities. Still, this was a really good performance against a side whom they lost 7-2 to a few weeks ago.

The U12 Boys drew 0-0 to Hanwell Town away. The Dragons no longer control their League destiny as they failed to beat title contenders. However, with half a season ahead who knows what is in store. A goal line clearance ensured the Dragons got at least a point.

The new U11 Boys narrowly lost 1-2 to London Athletic away. LA scheduled the match for a very early 9am KO, contrary to  league rules. Such is the spirit of this Dragons side however that they accepted the challenge and trekked out in the early dawn  to the wilds of  North London. LS scored right at the start, before the Dragons had woken up, but from then on it was a close match with the second half scoreless.

The U10 Boys trained in preparation for the League.

The U12 Girls drew 0-0 in a friendly at Vicky Park Rangers away. A good, end of the year friendly game played in festive spirits. Despite the absence of goals there was action from end to end, and the Dragons kept a clean sheet for their stockings.

The U17 Girls, U15 Girls and U14 Girls had no matches.

The Firsts home game to Larkspur Rovers was postponed.

The Blues home game to Eastcote British Legion was postponed.

The Old Dragonians lost to Princes Park away. We have all heard the terrace chant of ‘football in a library’ – well this was ‘football in a farmyard’. Despite the pitch conditions both teams played well and the result was on a knife edge early in the second half at 2-2. The turning point happened at 60 mins when the Dragons’ GK was injured attempting to save PPs 3rd goal and was forced off. Down to 10 men and striving for the equaliser, the Dragons left gaps at the back and were punished.

Results W/E 8th December 2024

Results w/e 8th December 2024

Not the most exciting of weekends with Storm Darragh winning:

The Firsts, the Blues and the Old Dragonians had no games.

All the scheduled Youth Boys and Youth Girls games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches and foul weather conditions.

Results W/E 1st December 2024

We have hit winter with the inevitable muddy pitches as we hurtle towards the Christmas break and the promised sunshine in the spring still a way off:
 
The Firsts home game against Jolof Sports and the Blues away game at Elite London were both postponed.
 
The Old Dragonians drew 3-3 with London Samurai Rovers away. The Dragons started slowly with their keeper pulling off some great saves to keep the score at 0-0. As the game progressed the Dragons grew into it to finish the half stronger – hitting the post and creating a few half chances along the way. After the goalless first half, the start of the second half was explosive with the Dragons grabbing a quick-fire brace. Samurai responded just as quickly to draw level. The game then fluctuated from end to end at a furious pace. The Dragons recaptured the lead only to see Samurai draw level again to share the points.
 
The New U11 Boys drew 4-4 to Princes Park away. In a fiery contest, that at times threatened to be called to a halt, the Dragons managed to keep their cool to draw level with Princes Park by the final whistle and return with a well-earned point.
 
The U12 Boys lost to Northwood at home in the Middlesex Trophy. The young Dragons bowed out of the cup after failing to hold on to their 1-0 advantage at halftime. A late flurry from Northwood left them in despair.
 
The U13 Boys Red lost to London Athletic away. This was a good performance from the Dragons who were without some of their usual firepower due to seasonal chills and illness. They go again.
 
The U13 Boys White beat Northfield 5-2 away. This was an emphatic result and great performance from the Dragons. From the first to the last minute, they were on the front foot, camping in Northfield’s penalty area. On a very bad surface the Dragons quickly realised that width was the key to winning and they did just that by constantly attacking down the flanks and creating chance after chance. The brilliant Dragons number 9 helped himself to 5 goals further emphasising why he is the best number 9 in the division.
 
The U14 Boys beat Parkfield 7-2 at home. A great match where for most of the first half the game was tight and hung in the balance. The second half was an entirely different kettle of footballing fish as the Dragons woke up and the rest is history.
 
The U15 Boys lost at home to Youngs FC. The conditions were miserable with the rain starting just as the whistle was blown to start. The Dragons were not at their best with their stand-in goalie having to bravely fill in whilst their striker had to pull out.
 
The U16 Boys beat Forest United 5-2 away. The Dragons came flying out the blocks and put constant pressure on Forest Utd’s goal. As soon as the first went in, the flood gates opened. A fantastic away win for the Dragons.
 
The U18 Boys lost away in the Premier Division to RC Lens. The Dragons arrived at this far off place to play at 2pm only to find that RC Lens had muddled up their booking on the artificial pitch so the match finally started as the dark clouds obscured the setting sun. The first half was fast and furious between the two well matched sides despite the Dragons having to play a goalie outfield. The second half was more tiresome with the Dragons wilting and then one goalie getting injured reducing the side to 10 players. Not ideal. 
 
The U10 Boys trained in preparation for the League.
 
The U12 Girls drew 2-2 at home to Alexandra Park. This was one of the best games this season from the Dragons. The action was end to end from both teams and it took great saves from the magnificent Dragon’s goalie to keep them in the game along with a marauding midfield putting in non-stop challenges. A great performance from the Dragons.
 
The U14 Girls had no game.
 
The U15 Girls lost at home to Broomwood 2-5. It’s hard to see how the Dragons lost by such a wide margin. For long periods the Dragons matched the League leaders and created good opportunities. They were 1-2 down at the break and it was game on, but two soft goals gifted the leaders some breathing space and they saw the game out, limiting the Dragons to one further goal.
 
The U17 Girls had no game.