There is a chilly bite to the air as we hurtle towards the Christmas break:
The Firsts were narrowly beaten 2-3 at home by Catholic United in the Anagram Records Trophy. A hard fought game from the Dragons who took the lead after 20 mins with CU equalising just before half time. In the second half CU demonstrated their underlying quality by scoring two quick goals to stun the home fans. The Dragons rallied to pull one back and their continual pushing was rewarded with a penalty. Linford Christie stadium held its collective breath – but alas the ball missed the goal and the Cup tie ended in CU’s favour.
The Blues lost 1-3 to NPL away in Round 2 of the Middlesex County FA Junior Cup. The Dragons contested well on foreign soil and were unfortunate to come out on the losing end. A bitter pill to swallow but the Seniors training camp will look over the game and look to reduce the margins.
The Old Dragonians lost 2-4 away to Egham Stags. After the match, the Dragons agreed that this was a wasted opportunity to play their brand of football on an excellent pitch. Whilst competitive throughout the Dragons only on occasions played with composure they are capable of and on the day the Stags were the better team.
The U11 Girls beat Whetstone Wanderers 2-0 away. In all, this was a fantastic footballing display and the attitude from the Dragons from start to finish would rival the most mature of squads: composed, supportive and hungry.
The U14 Girls beat Actonians 2-0 away. On a bright and sunny Saturday the Dragons played some fantastic football and decisively beat local rivals on their home turf. A good day’s work.
The U13, U15, U16 and U18 Girls had no games.
The U18 Boys drew 1-1 to Ickenham at home. This was a hard fought encounter with neither team taking a back foot. A huge Ickenham team tested the Dragons in every aspect of the game, physicality in particular. Although going behind from a set piece, the Dragons are a resilient bunch and equalised 15 minutes before the end and then gave everything to push on for the win. It was not to be and credit must be given to Ickenham for repelling the Dragons in the closing stages.
The U17 Boys beat Harrow St Marys 3-2 away. The Dragons hate to lose and so it eventually proved again, with scant regard for their massed fans blood pressure. The Dragons dawdled and drifted to the early morning match with complacency pushing aside urgency. The coach warned they were heading for a loss and challenged them to “Prove Me Wrong”. In contrast Harrow were keyed up, with a full bench, and stormed onto the pitch determined to win. Before the average Dragon could shout “Wake Up” Harrow had scored. The Dragons clawed back to 1-1 then to 2-1 ahead before Harrow pulled back to 2-2. The seconds ticked by. Harrow pressed but it was the Dragons who shrugged off weariness and pulverised their way to win – 2 minutes from the end.
The U16 Boys lost to Singh Sabha away. The Dragons were playing against the top of the division which called for a big performance. The Dragons stepped up and were only 0-1 down at half time, yet playing well and holding their own – they were still in it. SS scored early on in the second half and from then on seemed to convert all their chances, being particularly strong from corner kicks.
The U15 Boys lost 1- 4 at home to 360 Talent. Once again the Dragons dominated the play for the full 80 mins but are just not having anything go their way this season. The Dragons will lift their heads and go again, keeping faith in their hard work, knowing that a win is coming.
The U14 Boys were awarded an automatic home win to Princes Park who could not field a team
The U13 Boys lost to Wealdstone at home. A big game against the league leaders that didn’t go to plan. On a freezing cold morning it was a combination of some late drop outs and a catalogue of individual errors that proved fatal. A reality check for the team of where they are currently at, as the Manager remarked “The boys will have to up their game.”
The U12 Boys Red beat Forest United 5-0 away. A great performance from the Dragons on a cold morning who were only fully warmed up by the second half and from then on completely dominated the play.
The U12 Boys White had no game scheduled so played a friendly away at Pitshanger.
The U11 Boys beat Titans 3-2 away. The Dragons found themselves behind on two occasions and had to dig deep to find the resolve to keep battling. By the full time whistle they had not just levelled but found a third, claiming a deserved win.
The U10 Boys trained.