All welcome to the Adults “Final” Cup Final v Broadfields this Saturday 27 April at Uxbridge FC’s superb ground at Honeycroft, Horton Road, West Drayton Middx UB7 8HX. Kick off 7.45.
The weather has finally turned with the sun making a very welcome return:
On Wednesday the Reserves drew 1-1 and then lost 1-3 in extra time in the Cup Final against Barnet. The Dragons arrived in great spirits and were well prepared despite having lost their key striker the previous night to injury. The Dragons created many scoring opportunities whilst Barnet created only one – but it was Barnet who went into half time 0-1 up. The Dragons again created chances and eventually were awarded a penalty. The ever reliable Dragon, having never missed a Dragons penalty, stepped up only for Barnet to irritatingly claim the ball had moved and it had to be reset; the taker changed his mind…. and frustratingly blasted over from 12 yards. The minutes agonisingly ticked away; the Dragons were awarded a free kick; the right back leapt acrobatically to bicycle kick into Barnet’s top corner to equalise. Minutes later Barnet were awarded a penalty which they also blasted over the net and it was into extra time. Through injury and substitutions the Dragons had now lost 3 experienced players and the average age was down to 19. Could they give one final push to win? Sadly no, the Cup was lost but What a Game! What Excitement! What Entertainment! It is now onto the last Cup Final – against Broadfields.
On Saturday the exhausted Reserves lost 0-4 away to probable League Champions Southall. The last thing the Dragons needed was an away game to the league leaders 65 hours after the galling Cup Final defeat with the whole team either carrying knocks or sore from the extra time. Southall, an excellent Combined Counties side, wanted blood from the off. However it took a dodgy penalty mid first half for them to take the lead and then just before HT they scored a very good goal from the left to make it 0-2. The Dragons fought hard and had their chances but as tiredness and more injuries set in Southall scored twice more in the closing stages to win comfortably and deservedly.
The Firsts beat Hillingdon Abbots 2-0 to maintain their promotion plans. This was not a great display by the Dragons against a relatively poor Hillingdon side but such is the quality of the Dragons that they kept a clean sheet as they scored twice.
The U17’s lost at Birbeck to Hillingdon 3-8 in their worst defeat in a long time. The Dragons were rusty as it had been some considerable time since their last game due to poor weather. With some notable absences and lack of concentration, the Dragons allowed Hillingdon to slot in easy goals. With the score 1-4 to Hillingdon at half-time it seemed the Dragons could still pull the game around. Despite most of the play now being in Hillingdon’s half, the Dragons were simply unable to capitalise on their opportunities with headers the wrong side of the cross-bar or just wide of the posts. It was not to be the Dragons day, and although their goals were superb, it was a question of too little too late.
The U15’s beat Harrow St Mary’s 2-0 away. The Dragons had a full chirpy squad as they gallivanted in the sun. The game proved to be a typical Dragons display with them demonstrating their skills whilst very occasionally scoring goals. The Dragons are on the cusp of being a great side – not quite there yet but not far away. They will be Middlesex Cup Winning contenders one day.
U14 Nighthawks drew 2-2 away with Ruislip Rangers in a exciting tense game.
The U14 Eagles beat Hillingdon at home 4-2 and then 6-1 in a double header to bag the second promotion spot. Hillingdon arrived confidently discussing already their hopes for promotion and they certainly started strongly, taking the lead from an impressive cross. The Dragons response was magnificent – the finest team goal we’ve seen this season and while Hillingdon pulled ahead again, this time it was against the run of play. the Dragons were forced to raise their game to new heights and to watch was the greatest pleasure. Hillingdon were ground down with power, subtlety, movement and imagination. Hillingdon took the first leg defeat hard and the second game was one way with a Dragons 6-1 victory that proved the hunger of each and every Eagle to perform to his very best. A landmark 50th goal for the Dragons tireless striker capped a display of genuine class from squad and coach alike. These Eagles have landed!
The U13’s beat Kodak 3-1 away. The spring sunshine brought out the Dragons best display of the season. From the opening kick-off they dominated to put Kodak’s defence under early pressure which eventually lead to a fine passing movement and finish. Later failure to deal with a long kick saw the Kodak striker get behind the Dragons defence and equalise. The Dragons were not deterred as they continued to confidently pass the ball around and then striking along the flanks as space opened up; one such move released the Dragons right midfielder to drive into the box only to be brought down by Kodak’s rushing keeper. The Dragons centre half duly stepped up and placed the ball in the net. The Dragons continued to control the game and a third goal came from a fine run and finish from their striker to give the team a well deserved victory
The U11’s lost 2-8 away to Acton Ealing Whistlers. A full Dragons squad, confident from last week’s victory, started the game well only to concede an early goal. The Dragons fought well to stay in the game and the first half ended with them 0-3 down. The second half started with the Whistlers scoring a further goal to spark the Dragons into life as they scored a very well worked first goal. It just wasn’t however to be the Dragons day, the Whistlers scored again and the game was lost.
An increasing number of U10’s trained for their next match v Spain.
The Girls came out in force to train for their next tournament.