Wembley A 5 v 1 Kensington Dragons U11s

The under 11s travelled to Wembley A away, an undefeated Premier League side, in the fourth round of the Middlesex Cup. The Wembley team were extremely skilful, well organised and physically fit and intimidating. They started the better of the two teams, hitting the framework of the goal on multiple occasions in the first half. However, the Dragons broke the deadlock from a wonder goal by striker Ollie, his first time shot on the half volley flying in to the top corner from fully 25 yards. The Dragons dug deep defensively and took their one goal lead into half time. However, the opposition rallied in the second half, scoring 4 goal of the season contenders in quick succession. A volley on the turn from outside of the box, a free kick into the top corner and a pile-driver in off the post left the faultless Dragons keeper with absolutely no chance. The Dragons showed great maturity though, to regroup and give their opposition a real difficult game from there on in. Wembley scored again with 2 minutes left on the clock, with their 5″10 (no exaggeration) central midfielder pinging in a long range effort from 20 yards. All in all a tough day for the Dragons, but they come away with a proud manager and some lessons learned. Final score: Wembley A 5, Dragons 1. Man of the match was Tom, for an excellent performance at centre back.

The U11’s beat Old Actonions 4-1 at St Marks in the Middx Cup to proceed to the next round against AFC Wembley on Sunday. It was a relief to play the match. With Bessingby Park Rangers from the previous round fighting a rear-guard action to push the Dragons aside on a technicality it had taken the full force of the Dragon top legal team to fight for justice. With the Appeal Court deciding in favour of the Dragons Bessingby were offered the opportunity to rerun the match on their ground. After much technical manoeuvring Bessingby flinched before finally giving up to leave the Dragons play Old Actonions. The result of the actual football match was never in doubt and it is on to the next round.

Brook House B 0 v 6 Kensington Dragons U11s

Kensington Dragons travelled to Brook House B in their fourth league game of the season.

The Dragons started well, creating chances seemingly at will, with Frankie pulling the strings, whilst also thwarting the rare counter attacks Brook House embarked on. After missing a host of chances, Dragons finally took the lead on 20 minutes, when a scrappy corner was poked home.

Despite creating several more clear cut opportunities, the Dragons took the 1-0 lead into half time. The second half however, saw some contenders for goal of the season. Ollie scored a magnificent volley, Sam crashed a long range effort in off of the underside of the bar, and Stefano scored from distance too. The Dragons completely dominated the second half, with the whole match day squad outplaying their opposite numbers.

Ollie completed yet another hat trick, whilst Stefano recorded a brace as Dragons finished their dominant performance with a 6-0 win to make it four wins out of four.

It is also worth noting that the Dragons have now conceded one goal in their four league games, so well done (again) to the defence!

Man of the match: Frankie

Prince’s Park B 1 v 4 Kensington Dragons U11s

The Dragons went through to the next round of the Cup with a 4-1 away victory (AET) against Prince’s Park B. Despite being second best in the opening ten minutes, with goal saving clearances and tackles from Tom, Leo and Jude, the Dragons settled well before taking the lead five minutes before half time thanks to a long range free kick from Miguel. Dragons played some attractive attacking football with Sam, Ollie and Neon looking dangerous throughout the first half. Dragons then went on to completely dominate the second half, with an excellent team performance of pressing and harassing their opponents, epitomised by Franky’s battling performance in holding midfield. However, ten seconds from full time, the Dragons learned that that the adage ‘play to the whistle’ is of high importance as, thinking the ball had gone off, the Dragons turned off and conceded from a back post cross. Heading into extra time, the Dragons showed real maturity and didn’t let the late equaliser affect team morale. Neon put the Dragons back in front in the first half of ET with a bullet header from an inch perfect free kick from Danny. The Dragons quickly added to their lead, when captain Ollie showed excellent composure to cap an excellent individual all round display. The Dragons then capped their fine all round performance with a fourth, Sam slotting in from the penalty spot after he was felled by a Prince’s Park defender. Into the next round of the Cup and an exciting start to the season by the Under 11s!