A mostly good week in the beastly cold:
The Dragons Quiz Team swept to 5th place in a crowded field at the Octavia Foundation Quiz. To win the squad now know that closer reading of Octavia’s Annual Report is a must,, as otherwise the number of boilers serviced by the Trust remains a closely guarded secret except to the winners.
The Firsts beat South Kilburn 5-1 away. From the off there was a marked difference in quality and application from the Dragons and their total domination was quickly rewarded by a goal and then another after 37 minutes, to make it 2-0 at half time. In the second half the Dragons upped the tempo with exciting football but a forced error allowed South Kilburn to score. Within minutes the Dragons chipped the keeper to restore their 2 goal cushion and then it was all one way to round off a very professional team performance.
The Reserves beat Hendon Springfield 3-1 to reach the Cup semi-final. The Dragons controlled the pace and tempo of the game throughout but looked vulnerable at times when defending on an extremely wet pitch. A goal before half time settled nerves slightly and 2 goals shortly after killed the game. Hendon pulled 1 back late on but to no effect on the outcome.
The Girls beat Ruislip Blues 4-1 at home. There was much pre match drama off the pitch as goal posts had to be manhandled to firmer ground but once started the Dragons settled into their stride to win a competitive match.
The U11s lost at home to Hanwell. The Dragons were unnerved in the first half before improving markedly in the second before letting in unfortunate goals at the end. The Dragons will be surprised how they will improve over the coming months. Learning to lose is the first hurdle in learning to win.
The U12s beat Acton Ealing Whistlers 3-0 away. The Dragons are developing into a good team as they manage to secure wins both home and away.
The U13s beat Pitshanger 2-1 at home. The Dragons were not at their best as they lacked vibrancy and exuberance in the cold with key players missing, on a muddy pitch. Finally the Dragons stepped up to the challenge in the second half and won a penalty…..which they missed but the game was on! Pitshanger scored which galvanised the Dragons and a great cross from the left lead to a tap in goal. The Dragons kept pressing and a superb corner curled into Pitshanger’s net to win the match.
The U14 thrashed Pitshanger 6-1 away. The Dragons were apprehensive as they reflected that their games with Pitshanger have always been laced with drama, including a 6-1 drubbing by them last season. Added to their worries the Dragons had s stand in goal keeper and five key team members unavailable. By halftime the Dragons were 3-1 up and following a hat-trick, they finished 6-1 victors. The Dragons are very strong team with great spirit and depth.
The U15Bs just lost 2-3 to Brookhouse away. The Dragons took the lead against the league leaders and dominated the first half. They could have added to their lead on numerous occasions but a combination of poor finishing, bad luck and good goalkeeping meant Brookhouse were always in with a shout. Just before the break they were gifted a soft goal and the teams were even. In the second half Brookhouse piled on the pressure and a defensive slip-up handed them the lead. The Dragons fought back to level but were undone by a dodgy penalty decision.
The U15As drew 1 -1 with Pitshanger away. After a good win last week, the Dragons came into the game confident. Although they went a goal down early on, the Dragons kept going to equalise. The first half was very end to end but neither team could take their chances. In the second half, the Dragons defended well , with a fantastic goal-line clearance, and had half chances of their own, but this game was always going to finish 1-1. All in all, this was a good away point for the Dragons .
The U18 match was called off due to the pitch conditions.