The Firsts deservedly beat NPL in the Middlesex Cup away. This was a lovely day to play and on a decent pitch. Unfortunately NPL really were shockers and tried to intimidate and bully the Dragons into defeat. The situation was not helped by the Referee having no assisting officials. The Dragons went 2 goals down after mistakes but stuck at it to capitalise on NPL’s shocking behaviour being rewarded by justice being served and one player being sent off and another being sinned binned. Parity was restored to 2-2 and it was on to penalties. The Dragons dominated with excellent keeping and composure on the ball. It is on to the next round!!
The Blues drew 3-3 with Elite FC at home. The Dragons snatched a draw from the jaws of victory. The game oscillated from end to end but as the final minutes ticked away the Dragons were 3-2 up and one could sniff a win in the gentle breeze. Unfortunately Elite kept pressing and a bit of a muddle ended up with them scoring to draw just as the match ended.
The U12 Girls lost 2-5 against Vicky Park Rangers at home. This was a competitive match with the newly promoted Dragons conceding goals due to little mistakes rather than being outplayed.
The U14 Girls beat Actonians 3-2 at home in the most thrilling of matches. This was a very close fought game with the Dragons playing uphill in the second half and leading until minutes from the end when the Actonians romped down the inviting slope to score and draw level. The Dragons refused to give up and, as the referee raised the whistle to his lips to signal full time, the Dragon scored to win to the rapturous cheers of the home fans.
The U17 Girls lost to Limehouse. The Dragons had a depleted side due to illness but never the less fulfilled the fixture and acquitted themselves well.
The new U11 Boys beat Princes Park 4-0 to win their first ever home game. This resounding victory was built on a calm but tough defence combined with clinical finishing. That the Dragons could record such an impressive result in only their second ever game bodes well for the future. It would even have been 5-0, but for a particularly zealous Princess Park linesman.
The U12 Boys just lost 1-2 to Hanwell. The Dragons played well but they just could not get the ball into the back of Hanwell’s net despite creating myriad opportunities. Nevertheless, a good game.
The U13 Boys Reds match against Titans away was brought to an untimely halt. The underlying problem was probably that the Dragons have had a marvellous start to the season which the Titans were determined to bring to a halt at any cost.
The U13 Boys whites lost 2-7 to Acton Ealing Whistlers away. The Dragons are a new formed team so were always bound to take a little time to get into the footballing swing.
The U14 Boys walloped London Athletic 7-1 at home. The Dragons really are a very good, well coached and managed team which are reflected in their excellent results. This was another good win for the Dragons.
The U15 Boys lost away to LPOSSA. The Dragons are not their footballing best at the moment. They became used to cruising to a win after win last season to secure a well earned promotion. The challenge this season is to face up to the challenge.
The U16 Boys beat Challenger 2-1 away in the most pleasing of results. Historians will remember that last season Challenger’s coach refereed the same match badly which gave analysts much to ponder on. It was particularly pleasing to play them again so early in the season and come away with a win.
The U18 Boys lost away 0-4 to Middlesex Cup Winners Brentham. The Dragons actually played well but were still a little rusty in this their second match of the season. It was unfortunate that they had been awarded a walk over win last weekend as the extra playing time would have been invaluable.