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.

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.

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

With the Dragons everywhere revelling in the bracing conditions few were dreaming of lying on sun drenched beaches:

The First beat Brentham 1-0 away. After last week’s big win this game was even bigger as it would consolidate the result. Brentham started with intent but gradually the contest started to become more one sided in the Dragons favour. Opportunities were missed and at the interval it was still 0-0.  After the break neither side was really threatening to score though the Dragons remained in control and solid at the back. It was this foundation that meant a slip in Brentham’s concentration would get the result. With a corner on 70 minutes the ball managed to miss everyone at the near post to leave a Dragon to stab the ball home from eight yards. Both teams huffed and puffed to find the next goal but it did not come and a gritty one nil win was satisfactory for the Dragons who now entertain in the cup next week.

The Reserves had no game

The U17’s had no game

The U15’s beat Yeading 6-2 at St Marks. It was never in doubt that the Dragons were going to win. What was in doubt was could they keep their shape knowing they were going to win; or were they going to gallivant all over the place practicing back heals, kickovers etc etc. The verdict must be a bit of both. The Dragons remain unbeaten in the league.

The U14 Eagles beat Pitshanger 7-2 at St Marks. To quote the Manager “There were those who supposed this might be a stroll in the park. And so it appeared as we practically walked in two goals in the opening ten minutes. But this, of course, is football and the truths of the universe prevail. So however much talent you’ve got on the pitch it’s worthless without that magic ingredient – Hard Work. And as if to admire our early rewards, we sat back and watched Pitshanger respond in kind. Two swift hits, the first a text-book example of the striker’s predatory art, saw the Eagles knocked unceremoniously off their high perch, hard-earned pride momentarily scorched. The response, however, was as magnificent as it was immediate. A quick double substitution, some generalised shouting and the mighty Dragons were roused once again. Within minutes the lead was restored through a strike of rare quality (a high and rising half-volley from 15 yards kept so low and hard the keeper could be grateful he was nowhere near it). From there on in the Eagles applied themselves faultlessly ­into the break at 4-2 and pressing on right from the restart. It finished 7-2, with Dragons en-masse hungry for the ball, memories of the early wobble fading with the midday light”

The U14 Nighthawks lost 2-3 against Portobello in dubious circumstances. The close match was ultimately decided by two bad refereeing decisions. The linesman signalled a player carrying the ball with his hand as he assisted in a Portobello goal. The referee saw the lineman’s raised flag but blatantly ignored it, despite a Portobello parent commenting “it was a clear handball”; when asked why, he said “I’m the ref and I make the decision”. later when the Dragons scored the 3-3 equaliser the referee confirmed the goal. The linesman, a timid teenager from the Portobello team, under pressure from his coach who was shouting “offside” belatedly stuck his flag up. The ref duly changed his mind without consulting the linesman to see who was offside and disallowed the goal. When asked why, he said “the linesman raised his flag”. Outrageous.

The U13’s lost 1-3 to Yeading Wanderers. If this had been a boxing match the fight would have been stopped by half-time. The Dragons played an outstanding first half, dominating possession and territory. The midfield and defenders won the ball at will and the attack always looked dangerous. Eventually the opening goal came as the Dragon winger bobbed and weaved passed a couple of defenders to play a killer pass into his striker who clinically finished to give the Dragons a well-deserved lead. Yeading were on the ropes but the Dragons could not land the killer blow and this proved to be their undoing as they were caught with a sucker punch in the last minute of the first half. The second half was more even. As the Dragons started to tire however on the heavy pitch Yeading took cruel advantage to take the lead. The game was then held up for several minutes when the Dragons centre half took a blow to the nose from the ball and despite valiantly trying to carry on had to leave the pitch with a bleeding nose. The remaining 10 Dragons were now out on their feet and Yeading used their 5 subs to give the knockout blow. The Dragons tried to respond and created a couple of chances but had to settle for an undeserved loss. But like Rocky they will look forward to the re-match.

The Dragons lost 1-5 to Wealdstone in unusual circumstances. The Dragons arrived with a full squad only to be held waiting for hours in the freezing cold for the game to start. An exhilarating first half was dominated by the Dragons who came back from 0-1 down to equalise 1-1 from a well executed goal before half time. The second half saw a solid performance from Wealdstone resulting in the Dragons conceding four soft goals and as the Dragons came back into the game they ran out of time to pull back.