A stellar weekend for the Dragons in this early stage of the season. A huge congratulations to our Girls’ teams who all saw victories!
The Firsts drew a goal apiece at home with FC Soma in the Premiership. The Dragons demonstrated fantastic resilience with no subs but rather relied on excellent game management to grab a vital point after an injury meant finishing with 10 men. FC Soma scored an early opener after a questionable penalty. The Dragons equalised 10 minutes later and then showed great depth of character until the final whistle. They had 2 clear chances to steal a win but it was not to be. It was refreshing to see last season’s U18 players in the team.
The Blues triumphed against the odds away to get their first win of the season, beating Ruislip 5-3. After last week’s disappointing result, it was important that the Blues showed character. The day did not start well with the Blues goalkeeper pulling out 3 hours before kick-off meaning the centre forward had to don the gloves and a sudden change of formation. Yet, the Blues started on the front foot and took the game to their opponents and found themselves 2 goals to the good at half time. Even after a poor start to the second half, the last 20 minutes saw the Blues demonstrate their technical gifts and a free-flowing passing style. A brilliant late move by a young forward sealed a hard-fought deserved victory – beautiful to watch.
The Old Dragonians just missed an opportunity for a point with a 1-2 loss at home to West Drayton. Despite controlling the majority of the first half, the Dragons conceded from a corner due to a defensive lapse. If it wasn’t for the Dragon’s great goalkeeping it could have worse. It was then an uphill battle. Early in the second half they conceded again as a long ball went through the defence taking it to 0-2. A red card to the West Drayton player swung the momentum back into the Dragons favour. The Dragons upped their tempo to clawed one back through great link up play. However, it was too late for the Dragons to grab a point.
The U18 Boys had a gruelling day in the League’s top flight, but will not be disheartened. Without a complete team and no goalie this was not a result that truly reflects the young Dragon’s abilities. Onwards and upwards.
The U16 Boys thumped Harrow St Marys 10-1. After finishing near top of Division 1 last year, Harrow St Mary’s lost most of their squad but stayed in the same division. The result was a comfortable win for the Dragons. New players are fitting in well with the squad and making fantastic contributions. “Good momentum to carry forward”, said the manager.
The U16 Girls soundly beat Limehouse 5-0 at home.. With four goals scored in the first half, the temptation could have been to relax. However, the Dragons kept their focus, scored another and retained a solid clean sheet to extend their unbeaten run.
The U15 Boys impressed with an 8-3 win over local rivals Old Actonians at home. The Dragons had been rescued from oblivion last season with three stalwarts clinging to the footballing raft. This team had never played together before and it showed. They were 3 down within minutes from the start. Rather than take a few games to get accustomed to one another however they decided to play as a team and clawed their way back to 3 -3, then surged ahead to win 8-3. A fantastic achievement.
The U14 Boys just fell short in an away fixture to Wealdstone. Although The Dragons were 0-3 down at half time, the second half saw three goals from the Dragons – two from spectacular free kicks. However, they could not hold off Wealdstone’s barrage. Even the referee said that the result did not accurately reflect the valiant efforts of the Dragons. Heads will be high for next week.
The U14 Girls put away 8 and kept an incredible clean sheet to dispatch Brent at home. The girls were in buoyant mood after their great start to the campaign. The Brent girls had a huge squad, so it was important that the Dragons kept the ball well and made their opponents do the running. After dominating possession, goal number 1 was followed very quickly by goal number 2 and then, like the proverbial London bus, goals 3 and 4 followed shortly before half time and the Dragons equalled their tally in the second half. Whilst there is a lot of hard work that lays ahead, all is well in an extremely happy camp.
The U13 Boys had a friendly, meaning they have a game in hand in the League.
The U13 Girls controlled their fixture, scoring two fantastic goals to beat Broomwood FC 2-1. With consistent possession throughout the entire game and over 8 near chances to put daylight between them and the opponents, these Dragons are in good shape.
The U12 Boys won 4-1 against Harrow United. A comfortable first win of the season propels the Dragons up the table and the squad will build on this success to keeps the goals flowing. A commendable performance.
The U12 Girls beat Limehouse 3-1 away. The match hung in the balance at half time with each team scoring once. Yet it was the Dragons who came roaring out of the tunnel to score twice in the second half and hold their opponents at bay. A wonderful first 3 points to build upon.
The U11 Boys drew 2-2 at home against Hendon in their first ever match. The Dragons scored first, via a superb looping free kick, only for the gnarled veterans that were Hendon to equalise. The match ebbed and flowed, with both teams desperate to score the winner. Finally, the Dragons clinched it and the massed fans scented victory. Alas, in the dying minutes a kind-hearted Dragon made an untypical pass which was cruelly pounced on by Hendon to rescue a draw. This was a superb effort from all the Dragons who should be proud of such a great performance in their first match.
The U11 Girls had no game.
The U10 Boys trained.