Evening sports fans from around the Black Country and the posher areas too! What a feast of quality, full throttle football we were privileged to witness from the little Dragons! A change of Soccer Centre’s meant that the parents had to alter their plans, and it obviously affected some more than others! One parent turned up at the 11th hour looking like he had dressed in the dark, at least his son Ben was dressed appropriately. The pitches were in good condition which was a good sign that the ‘proper football’ that the Dragons promote could be achieved.  Gaffer Nicholls had a full compliment of Dragons at his disposal to which he gave them their instructions on how best to dispose of first opponents Shire Oak Saints.  The game kicked off  with the Dragons eager to apply pressure with surging runs from Ash ‘The Flash’ and Dynamo Jim, their efforts just wide of the mark.  The Dragons were also showing their resolve at the back with the dynamic duo of Niall and Phoebe, who’s tackling capabilities would rival the premier league’s best.  The signal in Pelsall must be strong as our Matty aka ‘Wireless’ was having an absolute stormer between the sticks.  Every effort on his goal thwarted with great composure that resulted in the Dragonettes raising the noise level from the side lines.  Ash was bossing the middle of the park and a mazy run into the deep, dark defences of the Saints resulted in a Exocet esque shot whistling into the back of the net.  The Saints restarted and attacked immediately, resulting in a 1 on 1 with ‘Wireless’ being the last man standing! Like a young Peter Schmeichel he stood tall and made the block to deny the chance.  Relief was apparent in various guises from the Dragons and their supporters.  Sighs of relief were heard from the Dragonettes whereas a nasty aroma lingered around the coaches, either Chris or Dan had trouser coughed in sheer excitement / terror – thanks boys! The guys and girls regrouped and Jim played a delicious through ball to Reubs ‘The Rocket’ who shot straight at the keeper.  Freya ‘The Slayer’ was being her usual tenacious little terror on the wing, ensuring that the opposition were fully aware of her armoury.  Half time cam with the Dragons taking a slender lead into the interval.  The Gaffer rang the changes with Reilly, Dodger, Kenzie and Ben replacing Phoebe, Jim, Ash and Freya.  The game restarted with the Saints pressing the Dragons to seek an equaliser.  A shot that cannoned off a Wyrley body gathered enough spin that when it hit the ground it looked for sure it was going in, for it to spin back away from the goal for Matty to then boot it to total safety. Ben ‘The Beast’ decided enough was enough and embarked on a lung busting run from deep within his own half, the resulting shot just missing the crossbar. Time was ticking on and Kenzie ‘007’ found himself unmarked in the box and took receipt of a throw in, to which he turned and shot past the keeper.  The crowd erupted with delight as Kenzie and Co celebrated with gusto.  The Saints pulled one back after the Dragons failed to clear their lines but there wasn’t enough time to capitalise further as the whistle sounded for full time.

Time for a quick refreshment break and de-brief from the gaffer before they embarked on the tough challenge of Brownhills Colts.  Reilly ‘The Rock’ was back between the stick but not for long as he hit the deck during a Colts attack and was clearly in pain.  The call for Matty was sounded as he replaced the injured Rock in goal. The pace of the game was electric and the tackling was thunderous from both sets of players.  Phoebe ‘Captain Marvel’ was standing firm at the back, reading the game with consummate ease.  Freya and Dodger were working the wings well and attempting to create and every opportunity.  The Colts were well versed and composed on the ball, attacks were constant! It wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock with a smart finish in the bottom corner of the goal.  the Dragons held their heads high and continued the pursuit and continued to battle.  Ben ‘The Beast’ was showing great resilience in his defensive and attacking duties and supported with Phoebe ensured that the Colts didn’t pass through.  Ash was having a harder battle in the middle of the park but his efforts produced the through ball to which Jim slotted the equaliser into the back of the net.  Again, not enough time to seek a winner but the performance provided a shot across their bows showing the quality of the Wyrley Dragons.

For an absolute stormer of a game Matty ‘Wireless’ Noguiera was awarded player of the game for his efforts against the Saints.

For a colossal performance and leading by example, Captain Phoebe Nicholls was given the award for her efforts against the Colts.

The kids celebrated with the cheap, out of date sweets that I had got from out of a bin (only joking).

Thanks to the coaches, parents and players, always a pleasure never a chore!!!