Dragons suffer narrow defeat
Dragons fall to late defeat despite superb fight back.
First half – Harry MS (GK), Harry T, William, Thomas, Lennon and Edward
The Dragons started very well against a highly rated Crossley team. Dominating the possession in the early exchanges when suddenly a bit of hesitation in midfield allowed Crossley to break and make it 1-0 (against the run of play). The Dragons didn’t let their heads drop though with Lennon and Thomas working tirelessly in midfield and they got their reward from a Thomas throw in to Lennon who played a lovely through ball for Edward to bang in the Dragons first 1-1. Crossley hit back straight away when after clearing our lines one of the Crossley players fired in a cracking long range effort 2-1. The Dragons continued to dominate the half, Harry T had a back post effort cleared off the line from a corner, good pressure and passing created chances for both Lennon and William who both fired narrowly wide. The Dragons started to tire towards the end of the half, Crossley had a couple of good chances but Harry MS in goal made some super saves. A defensive mix up allowed a Crossley player to break and finish neatly to make it 3-1 at half time although this didn’t reflect the way the boys had played.
Second Half – William (GK), Harry T, Thomas, Lennon, Harry MS and Edward
More of the same in the second half the boys showing real team spirit, pressing and passing. The Dragons clawed one back early in the half when Harry MS surround by defenders squeezed the ball out to Edward who ran clear to finish 3-2. Crossley are a very good team and they came into the game more this half. They restored the two goal lead when a miskicked clearance from a Crossley corner squirmed under Tom in goal 4-2. The final 10 minutes of the game became very open with both teams attacking and defending equally well. Harry T took the game by the scruff of the neck, defending superbly and also making strong runs from deep at the Crossley defence. On one of these runs he took the ball the full length of the pitch taking on player after player and breaking free to score with a neat finish 4-3. The Dragons sniffed a chance to get back into the game. Lennon running at them causing problems, Edward pulling the defenders this way and that and Harry MS showing great energy. The Dragons equalised when Harry MS broke clear on the right and played a lovely cross into Lennon who fired home 4-4, a magnificent come back. During the final minutes it was end to end as both teams looked to win it. Unfortunately the Dragons couldn’t clear the ball from another Crossley corner, the ball breaking to their best player on the day who shifted the ball to his right and fired in a powerful shot 5-4. Only a minute to go yet the Dragons still managed to carve out a final chance but Edward fired just wide.
Summary
A superb team effort, the boys showing great team spirit and honestly didn’t deserve to lose. They dominated for long periods of the game not allowing the Crossley team to settle on the ball. The pitch played it’s part with a wicked incline that was an extra challenge for the boys to deal with. Of the five goals conceded two or three could have been prevented had the boys been a little less hesitant, as well as a long range screamer and an unlucky own goal.
Harry MS was superb in goal for the first half making great saves and in the second he showed great energy in midfield. William proved to be a solid partner for Harry T in defence, clearing the ball well and providing a threat with his powerful shooting when getting forward. Also had a solid cameo in goal making one great save of note. Thomas is our little midfield general, works tirelessly and helps out in both defence and attack. Lennon provided constant threat with his ability to run at players and isn’t shy at helping out his defence. He and Thomas make an excellent midfield team. Edward’s learned lessons from the previous weeks and caused the Crossley defence problems with his movement off the ball. This resulted in two very well taken goals. Finally our player of the match was Harry T so dependable at the back breaking up counter attack after counter attack. He also showed some adventure today making penetrating runs from deep and his goal was one to remember.
Well done Dragons. So proud of you all! Dudley Hill next week which will be a good bench mark for how much we have progressed this season.