Dragons were entertained by Tipton Town for their first game in Division 1 today and what an exciting game it turned out to be. The game was played at a fast pace from the start with Tipton not letting Dragons to settle into the game and this told as Tipton opened the scoring after 5 minutes. Dragons kept on playing their game but a mistake allowed Tipton to put a second on the score sheet and although the play was even it looked not to be Dragons day. The second goal spurred Dragons on and they started to force Tipton onto the back foot with Ewan and Carl battling hard in the centre of midfield to win the ball. The passing Dragons had shown over the past few weeks started to show itself with Tom H selflessly slotting the ball to Liam R whose shot forced the keeper to make a good save.

Dragons first goal came from a corner, Kieran S whipped the ball in where Tom F rose above everyone at the back post to head the ball into the goal leaving the goalie stranded. Dragons now seemed to be controlling the game and any attack Tipton made was dealt with confidently. Dragons second goal was a scorcher, Kieran S was standing 10 yards into the Tipton half and as the ball came out from a clearance he comfortably struck it on the half volley leaving the keeper no chance.

Half Time 2 -2

At the start of the second half Dragons looked to build on the momentum they had gained in the latter part of the first half but Tipton had other ideas. Tipton took control of the game and scored two goals in quick succession and despite  Dom, Liam H, Tom F and Moggy’s best efforts in defence they added a fifth goal 10 minutes in as they rode high on confidence. That was the start of the roller-coaster ride as Dragons dug in and never showed signs of giving up, Cieran W, Ewan, Ryan and Brandon got stuck in and looked to take control of the midfield and it paid off feeding Liam R the ball who burst into Tiptons penalty area from the left and stuck the ball into the back of the net. Dragons were pushing for a forth now and it came from Tom H who cut inside from the right hitting the ball towards the back post, just as the Tipton keeper looked to have it covered it took a deflection from a defender to send it crashing into the back of the net.

Dragons fifth goal came once again from Kieran S who hit another wonder goal from some 25 yards out. Dragons confidence was now sky high and things were certainly going their way. Carl came back on to the field of play after being substituted some 10 minutes earlier and had the bit between his teeth, after winning the ball he surged through two challenges and another on its way towards him he calmly slid the ball round the oncoming defender and the keeper to score putting Dragons into the lead for the first time. With minutes left on the clock Dragons looked likely to gain the three points but all credit to Tipton, who never gave up despite losing a commanding lead, they made Nathan work hard in goal and although he pulled off some great saves they eventually scored with only twenty seconds left in the game.

Congratulations must go to both teams who put on a display that was exciting and fun to watch and with a point away from home hard earned, Dragons can be proud of themselves.

Full Time 6 – 6

Managers Man of the Match – Tom F

Parents Man of the Match – Kieran S