With the weather being as unpredictable as our results we held our first international fixtures this season:
The U11 Boys and the U13 Boys both won matches against a touring side from Chicago, USA. The U11 Boys won 4-0 to extend their winning run in all competitions to five matches and the U13 Boys won 6-2 in a dominant display after a quick turnaround from their weekend fixture. Both games were entertaining and played in good spirit. It is the first time that any of the Dragons’ Boys teams have beaten travelling American counterparts so celebrations all round.
The Firsts just lost 1-2 away to Kodak. Football is a labour of love. To play on a muddy pitch, in driving winds and frozen rain, players must love football! As a result of the conditions the game was ugly and random. Kodak, a team lower in table, were able to get a result against the 10 Dragons who for long periods outplayed them.
The Blues had no game.
The Old Dragonians narrowly lost 2-3 at home to Newton City. Both teams served up a great match considering the conditions. The Dragons opened the scoring as their Midfielder rifled a shot past Newton’s GK and increased their lead just before half time. With Newton City playing with the wind in the second half, they piled on the pressure to grab three goals and snatch the points away from the Dragons.
The U17 Girls drew 3-3 to Bloomsbury at home. The Dragons took to the field with 9 players and finished the match with 8 players due to injuries against Bloomsbury who had a full squad. Undeterred, the Dragons played on the front foot and were 3-0 up by the break. The second half saw Bloomsbury make some heavy handed challenges and were overly physical which resulted in the heroic Dragons’ keeper having to leave the field injured. The wind picked up and the Dragons were pegged back and conceded 3 poor goals but know they could – and almost did – win the game.
The U15 Girls and the U14 Girls had no games.
The U12 Girls lost 1-2 to St Josephs away. A good first half performance from the Dragons but ultimately they didn’t take their chances in front of goal.
The new U11 Boys game to St Josephs away was postponed.
The U12 Boys beat Brent United 3-1 away. The Dragons came through a frustrating first half playing against strong winds. They then took full advantage when the teams swapped sides as a long-range shot danced through the air to open the scoring.
The U13 Boys Red lost 2-4 at home to St Lawrence. In a mid-table scrap the Dragons knew the three points would lift them more comfortably into the upper half of the division. They played well but despite scoring a brace St Lawrence bagged twice as many this time around.
The U13 Boys White just lost 3-4 at home to Larkspur Rovers. The Dragons can be proud of their performance in difficult stormy conditions against a strong Larkspur team currently sitting third in the League. To take Larkspur all the way to the line and nearly clinch not just a point but a win is testament to the bravery of the squad.
The U14 Boys lost to Southall Athletic away. A third loss in a row against Southall that the Dragons have not yet managed to beat – they eventually will!
The U15 Boys had no game.
The U16 Boys lost 3-5 at home to Challenger Youth. Playing in horrendous conditions, the Dragons made the most of the high winds and were well deserved leaders going into halftime. In the second half the Dragons were against the wind, which had grown in strength, and unfortunately went down 3-5.
The U18 Boys had no game.
The U10 Boys trained in preparation for the League.