Dragons v Dunmow Rhodes Tigers

Dragons v Dunmow Rhodes Tigers
Ryan

Finally, after a long Easter break, we were back at our home the Dragon's Den in Wethersfield. Today we welcomed the division's toughest opponents having gone the season unbeaten only drawing the 1 game along the way. Our two previous meetings with Dunmow Rhodes were 6-2 and 7-1 defeats for the Dragons so today we prepared for the game by just wanting to play our best football and focus on our own gameplay.

A very tight start to the game with the encounter being end to end during the first half with very few clear cut chances at either end. However George was called into action to stop a quick break away from half way to turn Rhodes strikers drive past the post for a corner with a superb diving save to his left. Despite the Dragons best efforts with great passing and moving between all the outfield players Kian, Conor, Roo and Ryan initially followed by Angus, Josh, Jenson and Ethan, we couldn't get a chance to score ourselves. Right on half time a long strike from Rhodes found the bottom corner and we went into the break 1-0 behind.

Restarts have become a problem for us as the season has progressed and today was no different, Dunmow kicking off and scoring almost immediately to double their lead. The Dragons rallied and were determined not to roll over for another heavy beating. Roo attempted to drive forward but was fouled just past half way. Kian stepped up and put the ball into Dunmow's penalty area where Ryan met the bouncing ball to convert past Rhodes 'keeper! 2-1 and looking good value to get back into it. As the half progressed chances were hard to come by again. Rhodes won a free-kick outside the area which the number 11 chipped over everybody into the top corner leaving George no hope of reaching it. At 3-1 the effort and determination levels didn't wain and the Dragons kept battling and trying to play football right until the final whistle.

In conclusion, it's a defeat but it was a superb performance from the Dragons and a big improvement on previous games with Dunmow Rhodes. I like to think it shows how well the boys have progressed and come on since being moved to the Blackwater Division and they can certainly keep their heads high after giving the league's best team the game they did today.

1 to go, let's go out with a win next week boys!

Dragon of the Week - Ryan Bensley
Gritty performance from our very own "Pitbull", got the goal he deserved for his hard work, Well Done Ryan!