If I was to be to asked to sum up the Dragons season in one word it would have to be ‘outstanding’. We formed roughly 4 months ago enlisting players who wanted to play in a fun / no pressure environment. The kids we have are an absolute joy to train and supported by appreciative parents that recognise the ethos and objectives.
Our own statistician Marie Nicholls had informed us that if were to beat Lane Head Olympians and that Silverdale Scorpions drew or lost then the title would be ours. The gaffer calmed the kids down and focused on the immediate task in hand, Lane Head were an established side and no pushovers. Notable absentees Niall and Reily meant the gaffer had to change his formation / tactics.
The game kicked off and the battle commenced, the Dragons rolled up their sleeves and dug deep. The Dragons were fizzing the ball around and providing some great interplay exchanges that were straight off the training ground. Orchestrated by Phoebe Nicholls, who is always looking for a quality forward pass. Supported by the Beast they provided a solid defence that thwarted many an attack. Matty ‘Wireless’ Noguiera donned the gloves and absolutely dominated the game. His bravery, diving at the feet of on-rushing attackers quelled many advances and also produced some magnificent saves to keep the Dragons in the game. Down the other end Freya ‘The Slayer’ was tormented the defence with her mazy runs, one of which provided Ash ‘The Flash’ an opportunity on goal to which he deposited into the back of the net. The Dragons supporters erupted with a wall of noise to which the kids seemed to fed on. Jim aka ‘Dynamo’ was using his silky skills to beat the defence and his efforts were just wide of the mark. Reuben ‘The Rocket’ plays a lovely through ball into the feet of Ash who rifles his shot hard against the upright, the emotion from the sidelines is becoming fever pitch! Phoebe sends an Exocet esque free-kick just wide of the mark, Jim peppers the goal, Ben ‘The Beast’ makes some crucial tackles – its all going off!!! Halftime comes with a slender lead for the Dragons. The gaffer brings Dodger and 007 into the fray replacing Reubs and Jim. Kenzie ‘007’ Bond has shown recently some great improvements and this carried on with his industry and effort. Dodger was attacking at every opportunity but with the vision for a pass when given the opportunity. The second half ebbed and flowed and the whistle blew to signify a Dragons win. It had a profound effect on the Gaffer as when calling for the ‘3 cheers’ he emitted a muffled noise that was totally incoherent to everyone, he gets so emotional!!
Next up was a cup match against Lane Head Albion.
The Dragons started brightly with Dodger attacking the deep Lane Head defensive duo. His efforts paying off with a neatly taken goal that his team mates greatly appreciated. Ben tries to get on the score sheet with a rifle of a shot that is tipped around the goal by a good goal keeper. Matty was having a stormer of a day as he was making strong saves again in this match. However could not stop a strong strike from the Lane Head striker. Jim and Ash were combining well and taking speculative volleys that were testing the keeper from all angles. Freya decides to try her look with a hard strike that whistles just wide of the upright. Another sortie into the opponents half had Jim striking from distance to which the keeper spilled (Adam Federici styley) that trickled over the line.
Final whistle blows with the Dragons victorious.
Player of game #1 awarded to Matty for his heroics between the sticks.
Player of game #2 awarded to Ben for his tenacious performance.
We congregated to watch Silverdale Scorpions draw with Lane Head which handed the championship to the Wyrley Dragons. Official confirmation was later received in the form of a league table update to which I woke my son up to show #proudparent.
Thanks to our supportive parents, your efforts are much appreciated!!
Congrats to the gaffer Chris Nicholls – immense season, 3 finals with his Panthers, 1 league Championship with the Dragons – Manager of the Season – he gets my vote, what say you?
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