British Airways 2 v Kensington Dragons Reserves 0 – MCFL Snr Reserve Division Cup
Looking to respond from back to back defeats, the Dragons arrived in good spirits but lacking one of their center backs who went AWOL. Sadly this meant playing the returning striker in defence and this cost them going forward, the team still lacking experience in making decisive moves forward.
They were on the back foot throughout but were defending superbly, particulary Ethan Meyers and Miles Spooner, until after 30 mins the linesman was distracted by an injury and missed two massively offside passes allowing the little striker to stand in front of the goal on his own to score. The Dragons pleaded for the referee to see the situation but he simply stated ” if your linesman does not flag what can i do?” It was the last thing the away team needed. It got worse on half time as a terrible throw found the opposing midfielder who played a first time ball over the top for the number 9 to gallop through and score again.
After a few home truths were issued and a nothing to lose shape change was implemented, the Dragons looked a different side. Just 3 minutes in and Steve Cahill delightfully crossed and Jon Laycock’s flick header was heading in until the keeper back pedalled to finger it on to the bar. Belief had returned and the last 30 minutes were dominant for the Dragons. However youngsters Shegun Beckley and Romone Bedeau had moments to forget as both sliced wide when a pull back to the striker would have levelled the scores.
A disappointing result but there was an air of positivity after the game knowing that positive results are around the corner with players returning and youngsters realising their need for a cooler head at key times.