The new U11’s beat Acton Ealing Whistlers 5-1 at St Marks. With both diminutive teams darting around the huge pitch between blades of grass it was not always easy to distinguish play. The Whistlers started well with an opening goal momentarily deflating the Dragons. The game then ebbed and flowed before a tremendous Dragons run ended with the ball being slammed into the Whistlers’ net. The Dragons then never looked back and controlled the game to the end, scoring as they went, to secure their first win.
The U13’s drew 1-1 with Ruislip Rangers at St Marks. After conceding 14 goals in their last two matches the Dragons Coach had worked on their defensive organisation to good effect. The first 50 mins was dominated by both defences snuffing out scoring opportunities. As the teams tired the opportunities became more frequent and eventually some neat passing lead to an opening Dragons goal. Ruislip pressed and were rewarded with a looping header just going over the Dragons keeper to level the scores. Frustrating but possibly a fair result
The U14 Eagles walloped Pitshanger 8-1 away as a just reward after a tough season in which their commitment to style and imagination had too often been bludgeoned by the opposition’s dedication to the aerial game. The Dragons started well, passing, moving, thinking their way forward but it was some time before their first sure shot found Pitshanger’s net and the Eagles could spread their wings. The Dragons coach experimented with three at the back and when Pitshanger scored at 5-0 down it was a reminder to keep ones collective football head when things seem, unusually, to be going so well. This was a second great well deserved League win, built on a fresh centre-back pairing that is surely the finest this side of the Hanger Gyratory. There will be tougher tests but something else is certain: there’s a sense in the Eagle’s camp that we might just be starting to fly.
The U14 Nighthawks had no game
The U15’s beat CB Hounslow 4-3 in a thrilling game at home. With a full squad and most players on their best behaviour the Dragons were the equal of a large, tough Hounslow side. Goal followed goal and as the Dragons tired Hounslow pulled ahead in the last 15 minutes to lead 2-3. The Dragons dug deep and did what they do best – play fast, competitive football to overwhelm Hounslow in the final few minutes to score again to then to lodge a magnificent winning goal.
The U17’s had no game
The Reserves beat British Airways 3-2 away to remain unbeaten. BA started well via a long ball catching out the centre halves for their striker to score. The Dragons woke up and controlled possession in midfield but struggled to create chances against and well marshalled BA back 4. The second half was dominated by the referee who constantly punished the Dragons by awarding dangerous free kicks which had to be well handled by the keeper. Eventually the Dragons fell behind again on 65 minutes. The coaches replaced the Dragons front two and suddenly the West London boys were dominant and a terrific pass lead to a calm finish. With 5 minutes left the Dragons pressed for victory but smashed the ball over the cross bar before the BA goalie fluffed a scuffed shot to let it trickle home. This was a really well earned, hard fought victory.
The First Team beat Hounslow Wanderers 2-1 at Birbeck in the first round of the Cup. Early pressure created chances and it seemed only a matter of time before a goal came. An attack down the left resulted in a Dragons free kick and the delivery was kept alive to be finished beating the keeper. Another free kick extended the Dragons lead. The Wanderers found a way back into the game with yet another free kick and a possible epic second half battle was on the cards except that such was the Dragons dominance that it was they who went thorough to the second round.