There were no seats thrown, players boots stolen or pitch invasions during this weekends games at Pelsall EDC. We all congregated at the ghastly hour of 08:50 due to the gaffer wanting some team pictures, even Ben’s dad turned up on time. Luckily for Chris he is supported with an understanding missus who can also operate a camera, if were to be left to him we’d have pictures of his trainers with the grass as the background. News quickly gathered that the ‘Dirty Glass’ saga had claimed another victim. Rui our resident policeman and security expert had been taken down by the said dirty glass. Too ill to raise his weary head, too ill to support his son – I feel your pain Rui, don’t worry brother I fully understand the extent of the illness, i hope you make it through this tough time! I spoke to your good lady to ensure that you were able to milk the illness, I mean suffer without being bothered by excessive noise.
First game up was against the Sikh Hunters and the honor of stand in captain went to Kenzie ‘007’ Bond, a task that he was obviously relishing. luckily for the Dragons our defensive stalwart Niall ‘Aniallator’ was on a mission to ‘Seek and Destroy’. Niall came out of the blocks like a raging bull but with the composure to make the perfect tackle. Nothing was going to breach his defences, he was definitely on a mission! Supported by Reily ‘The Rock’ who was resolute in his tackling too. Ben ‘The Beast’ was marshaling the pitch in a ‘Makelele’ type role and produced a mazy run to which he was scythed down in the penalty area. No dramatics, he dusted himself down and watched ‘Dynamo ‘ Jim deposit the ball into the corner of the goal. The Dragons were playing well from front to back and Matty aka ‘Wireless’ was producing some top drawer saves to maintain the lead. Halftime came really quickly 15 minutes to be precise, and the gaffer rang the changes. Reubs, Ash, Freya and Phoebe came on and settled into their positions with the instruction from the gaffer to make a difference. From the whistle the Dragons showed their teeth and were strong on and off the ball. Freya was causing mayhem on the wing with her pace and strength, to which the Sikh Hunters didn’t expect. A rare sortie into the oppositions half from Captain Marvel had her beating her man with a rollover and played an exquisite through ball to Ash ‘The Flash’ who gladly netted our second. The game restarts and Ash is taken out by the Ref! The crowds were calling for a card but to no avail. Ash then set off on a mazy run through the Hunters defence and his shot whistled just wide of the upright. Sikh Hunters manage to get a late consolation goal from a huge hoof up the field to which the bounce evaded the Dragon defence and was put into the neat by the on rushing attacker. No matter as the game was won and the Dragons celebrated their victory.
The second game was scheduled for a 10:50 start which meant a little leisure time for parents and players. I don’t know whether it was the break, the hot dogs or the weather but something happened to the Dragons. The weather had changed and that horrible wet rain (as opposed to the dry rain) was coming down. From the whistle the kids didn’t seem to be as ‘up for it’ as the previous game! Their opponents Black Country Ravens were a well organised team who seemed confident on the ball, the Dragons needed to wake up and soon!! A long punt from the Ravens keeper evades the Dragons defence and is tucked away past Reily ‘The Rock’ to take the lead. This was the wake up call that the kids needed as they immediately drew after Ash pulled the trigger and released a bomb of a shot. Halftime arrives and the game is in the balance. The gaffer brings on Kenzie, Bill, Matty and Niall with the instruction to work for each other and keep your heads up. The Dragons were immediately on the front foot from an effort by Matty that resulted in a corner. The corner was whipped in with venom to which Matty nosed towards the goal and consequently saved. Matty then appeared at the side of the pitch with claret spewing from his nose. We cleaned Matty up with the assistance of his shirt and he gets back on with it. The Ravens take the lead after a melee in the box where the Dragons didn’t clear their lines. Dodger was trying his best to carve out an opportunity but his shots were also wide of the mark. The gaffer brings Freya ‘The Slayer’ back into the fold in a bid to sneak an equaliser. She instantly has an effect as she hits a peach of a shot that rattles the crossbar. Rumor has it the crossbar is still shaking! The final whistle is sounded, a draw would have been a fair result but never mind!
Some great play by the Dragons where we are always looking at playing the pass. We need to also ensure that we clear the lines when we get the opportunity.
For his outstanding performance in game #1 Niall ‘Aniallator’ was awarded the player of the game award.
For her tenacity and industry Freya ‘The Slayer’ was awarded the award for game #2.
Great efforts by all and thanks to parents, aunties, uncles and everyone else for supporting the Dragons –
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