With Dragons everywhere still buzzing from the nail biting Old Dragonians Cup victory the previous weekend, it was time for the youths to shine:
The U11 Boys drew 1-1 away at Old Actonians. The Dragons dominated but missed three great opportunities to get ahead. Their defence improved throughout the game, but one mistake proved costly and the score ended one apiece. An initiation by fire, the Dragons were coached on the matchday by a volunteer dad. Teamwork!
The U12 Boys beat Harrow Utd 2-0 away. In a cagey first half, the Dragons were getting to know Harrow, with several unsuccessful attempts on goal. The second period was utterly different as the Dragons set up camp in their opponent’s half with the team pulling together to score twice. At the post match press conference, the Dragons Manager attested, “If we reproduce this form at every game, we will be unstoppable.”
The U13 Boys won 2-0 at home to St Joseph’s. This was an incredible win against a very tough opponent and close rival in the league. Despite missing players and fielding a reduced side, the team rose to the occasion and were brilliant. The Manager proclaimed, “All players should feel very proud of themselves.” Well done the Dragons.
The U14 Boys were beaten at home by Parkfield. It was a challenging weekend for the Dragons with a tough game against opponents challenging for 2nd spot in the League. The weather began to match the Dragons mood as Parkfield compromised the home defence. Nevertheless, the Dragons have a Cup tie to look forward to and will take to the training ground with new determination.
The U15 Boys beat Pro FA 6-2 away. The first challenge was competing with 10,000 Saracen fans for parking before then finding Pitch 505 amongst the wilds of Barnet Copthall Park. The Dragons Manager feared disaster, only to be reassured by the sight of the entire squad wandering happily over the hill having somehow found each other amongst the crowds. The Dragons scored first and mostly dominated, and from there on it was never in doubt who would win. There are important matches ahead.
The U16 Boys narrowly lost 2-3 away to Hilltop. The Dragons found a very well-drilled opponent who moved the ball around extremely well. Being unable to stop Hilltop’s wide play and nullify crosses into the box, the Dragons suddenly found themselves 3 nil down. This was enough for the Dragons and the defence was finally inspired, allowing the Dragons to claw back two goals before running out of time for the equaliser.
The U10 Boys trained.
The Firsts were drawing 1-1 with league leaders FC Soma away, before the game was abandoned at 70 minutes due to an injury. This looked to be an important point for the Dragons, who were hopeful they could snatch a win in the closing stages. Unfortunately, the Dragons goalkeeper suffered an injury which required immediate medical care, and the game was called off. Nevertheless, the performance shows steady improvement from the Dragons as they look to climb the table.
The Blues were beaten by FC Irish of London at home. This was a midtable clash that the Dragons were keen to triumph in but were handicapped from the very start without a full squad to field. It was a valiant effort to withstand the FC Irish onslaught and to score with a reduced side but the Dragons were eventually overcome. The Blues look to reproduce the form they showed at the beginning of the season.
The Old Dragonians lost at home to Richmond Saints. With a taste for blood after a hard-fought Cup victory the week before, the Old Ds couldn’t find their shooting boots this time round. They travel to West Drayton next weekend for an important League clash and a point to prove.
All Girls games were cancelled due to pitch closures and covid cases. Our U16s rested, while the U14s played the U13s in a friendly. The U12s trained and the U11s put their collective feet up.