The Firsts lead the charge on this crisp spring-like weekend to secure their place in the Premiership Cup Final:
The Firsts beat Brentham FC 1-0 away to reach the Final of the Alec Smith Premiership Cup. The Dragons scored a quick footed goal and then held steady in defence. This was a strong performance from the Firsts who have been duly rewarded for their hard work.
The Blues had no game.
The Old Dragonians were beaten 0-3 by Inter SFC in their much-postponed Semi Final. The repeated postponements due to waterlogged pitches proved a disadvantage to the Dragons as it lead to vital players having to be absent. The Dragons can howver hold their heads up high for the jubilation they brought the Club with this electric Cup run.
The U16 Boys beat League Leaders Brunswick 4-2 at home. The Dragons game plan was to put immediate pressure on Brunswick’s back three. Before Brunswick woke up it was 4-0 to the Dragons. Two second half goals gave Brunswick some hope but the Dragons defence and, in particular, their goalie remained resolute to ensure a fantastic win.
The U15 Boys lost 2- 4 away to Belmont in the Group Stage of the Trophy Cup. This was a rude awakening for the Dragons who are not used to losing. Excuses could be made – two players, particularly suited to the fast conditions, were absent. The match was played on an unaccustomed 3G pitch which sped up the game considerably. The result could have gone either way, but Belmont’s two lightning-fast predatory strikers allowed them to pull ahead. All is not lost however as the Dragons can still progress to the knockout stage.
The U14 Boys lost to Norseman Youth in the Middlesex Trophy Cup. Norseman are a good side, but the Dragons could have just about matched them but for a wobble in confidence. Team games are fascinating as small differences in teams can lead to wide margins. In this case Norseman won, but not decisively so, and it would take little for the Dragons to beat them in the future. The Dragons must be congratulated for reaching the semi final – never an easy achievement.
The U13 Boys beat Hanwell 1-0 away. The Dragons started strongly in this physical match against a tough opponent. A solid defence made the difference in the first half and both teams were evenly matched going into half time. The Dragons then started to control the midfield to create chances which finally lead to the breakthrough, 5 minutes from time. This makes 3 wins in a row with the Dragons capping another strong, mature performance.
The U12 Boys just lost 0-1 at home to Celtic. The Dragons were unlucky not to score, whereas the decider was from a Celtic header. Despite their best efforts, the Dragons could not find a response. An exciting match, which was a joy to watch, but for the Dragons, frustrating to lose by one little goal.
The U11 Boys had no game.
The U10 Boys trained.
The U16 Girls drew 2-2 with Alexandra Park at home. A draw made for an exciting, competitive match but it must be confessed that the Dragons would have preferred to win.
The U14 Girls thumped Ickenham 7-2 at home. Every Dragon worked hard and played well as a team. Their effort and goals scored are a testament to the hard work the Dragons put in as a team to win the ball and counterattack with pace, allowing them to dominate the game. Another fantastic performance from the squad.
The U13 Girls had no game.
The U12 Girls were beaten away at Pitshanger. The Dragons played extremely well, holding back the Pitshanger advance. In the first 10 minutes, it was the Dragons who had possession to test Pitshanger’s resolve. Alas in the last 10 minutes, tired legs succumbed to allow Pitshanger to score the 3 goals that made the difference.
The U11 Girls drew 2-2 away at Ruislip Rangers. In an unlucky result, the Dragons were 2-1 up until the last few minutes when a kick from far out found its way into the net. The Dragons are playing well as a team and working hard week on week.