As January ended, the Dragons had mixed results in sometimes glorious sunshine:
The Firsts drew 1-1 at home to Indian Gymkhana. Gymkhana scored first only for the Dragons to equalise. It was then a question of who scored first to win – neither team it turned out! The Dragons are steadily improving, despite having a stand-in keeper.
The Blues had no game.
The Old Dragonians drew 2-2 away to West Drayton Reserves. The Dragons were to rue missed opportunities and some eccentric officiating that prevented them taking the 3 points their performance deserved. Nevertheless, this was much improved on last weekend’s display.
The U16 Boys beat Hilltop 4-2 Hilltop at home. The Dragons faced off against Hilltop for the second week in a row, with tensions flaring early as the opposition were caught trying to field an unregistered player. The Dragons coaches pushed for higher intensity after last week’s defeat, which led to their leading 2-0 at halftime. Two more second half Dragons goals, including a textbook header from a beautiful corner, ensured a comfortable (and much needed) victory.
The U15 Boys narrowly lost 2-4 away to league leaders Headstone Manor. The Dragons did well to arrive on time having been sent the wrong postcode by Headstone. For 70 minutes this was a fantastic match. With both teams playing delightful football to leave it 2-2 minutes from the end. Then, a Dragons player was unwise to point out to the referee that she had missed a Headstone hand ball. Rather than award the Dragons a penalty she sinned binned the Dragons player for dissent. In a very close match Headstone’s numerical advantage proved decisive as they then scored twice. A great shame to spoil an otherwise great match.
The U14 Boys did not play.
The U13 Boys were just beaten 2-4 away by Pitshanger. In a tale of two halves, the first was even as the Dragons went one down via a penalty, only to equalise and then score a 30-yard belter to take the lead. Alas, after making it 2-2 before half time, Pitshanger grew into the second period and found two late goals to clinch the win.
The U12 Boys were awarded an automatic home win as Harrow St Marys were unable to field a side. A win is a win.
The U11 Boys drew 2-2 at home with Pinnstars. With a full compliment of coaches to guide the young Dragons through each half, the Dragons found themselves winning 2-0 at half time. Unable to maintain their first half form, the opposition took advantage of a weakened defence to equalise by the end of the game.
The U10 Boys trained.
The U16 Girls narrowly lost 3-4 at home to Actonians. Another close game for the Dragons who, despite not playing for 2 weeks, showed bursts of intensity and great individual skill. The Dragons had no keeper or subs but kept pace with Actonians for the entire game. The Coach was happy with several aspects of play but lapses in concentration meant the Dragons were caught on the break that cost them. Work to do at training.
The U14 Girls beat Ruislip Rangers 4-1 at home. The Dragons relished playing against an unbeaten RR team and, in truth, dominated from start to finish, despite going into the break 0-1 down. The Dragons had been 0-4 at the same stage in the reverse fixture. The Dragons started the second half strongly and scored 4 unanswered goals. The Dragons must be congratulated for their maturity in what was, at times, an intimidating atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
The U13 Girls beat AFC Leyton 3-2 at home. On a bright but windy Saturday morning, the Dragons were 1-2 down towards the game’s closing stages. With jaws set, the Dragons threw everything they had into the final minutes, scoring twice, and sending the home fans into hysterics.
The U12 Girls were beaten at home by Ickenham. The Dragons were resilient throughout the entire game and displayed some very good play against a well-matched side with one outstanding player. The Dragons fought back with a stronger second half that shows what they are capable of.
The U11 Girls just lost 1-2 to Limehouse away. In a tight fixture, the proof is in the pudding that the Dragons are improving every week. Having lost 3-8 to Limehouse 2 weeks ago, the Dragons showed grit and just missed out on a point. Despite a 1-2 final score, the Dragons were very happy with their performance.