Fellow Dragons – the season has restarted for most teams with the Dragons machine leaping, or at least stumbling, into action – almost as if there had been no break:
The Blues lost 3-5 against Goan FC in a friendly match at home. This was a useful exercise for both sides after so may weeks without playing. Next week the hastily dawn up Covid Cup starts with the Dragons in Group A: CB Hounslow; London Titans and Rajputs del Mundo
The U18s Boys beat Pitshanger 3-1 away. On a glorious day, with excellent parental support, the Dragons were keen to get back into action. They started strongly, playing excellent football to get an early 1-0 lead. Pitshanger replied but it was the Dragons who ended the half 2-1 ahead. A dominant second half saw the Dragons add another goal and it could have been many more. This was a great display from the Dragons who are chasing the title.
The U17 Boys just lost 3-5 at home to their old foes Headstone Manor. The Dragons started their first match since 1st of November last year with a good number of returning players and a brave lad volunteering to go into goal. Headstone scored within 10 minutes but then, on the stroke of half time, the Dragons got one back from a debut player to draw level. The second half was a thriller with Dragons going 3-2 into the lead but unfortunately they then succumbed in the final quarter, conceding two poor goals. A disappointment but a good first workout.
The U15 Boys beat AP Stars 4-3 away. The Dragons drew a tough post lockdown match vs AP Stars lying third in the division. They got off to flying start with a quick goal but quickly went down to 1-2 at half time after a handball in the box. The Dragons pulled back to level before falling behind again to 2-3. Then disaster struck AP Stars with their goalie being Red Carded, after coming out of his box and using his hands to defend against a breakaway from the new Dragons striker. A harsh result but “Rules are Rules “ and the Dragons took advantage to score two quick goals to lead 4-3. It was then a question of relying on their trusty keeper with a fingertip save in the last minute to win.
The U15 Girls had no match with their next fixture due on 10th April, 17 weeks after their last match.
The U14 Boys had no match.
The U13 Boys played well against Celtic, despite to losing 1-3 at home. This was a fine effort from the Dragons who had a few new players to add to their solid core.
The U13 Girls restart the season next Saturday, the 10th April
The U12 Boys were awarded 3 points as Headstone could not raise a team. Instead they organised a training match against the Dragon U11s, which proved to be an excellent workout in preparation for next week
The U11 Boys were awarded a win as Wealdstone could not raise a team. Instead they played the Dragons U12s who generously gave them a couple of players at half time to make it a very competitive workout.
The U11 Girls and U12 Girls played each other in an in-house friendly. This was the first time the U11s had played on the big pitch in a 9-a-side format. The younger squad showed their talent, training and form, holding the older girls in check for most of the opening half. In the end the U12s proved a bit too strong, notching four goals and preserving a clean sheet. It was a wonderful return to the beautiful game!
The U10s trained before playing a friendly against the U11 Boys. It will not be long now before they are entered in the League so there is a some catching up to do.
Best Wishes