Dragons v Heybridge Swifts Phoenix

Dragons v Heybridge Swifts Phoenix
Logan (2)
Angus
Jenson

First game of the new season under the Dragons belt, unfortunately coming just short in our first game in the Dengie Division.

Breaking the norm from our previous friendlies the last few weeks the Dragons started brightly with their passing and movement keeping Heybridge back even without making any clear cut shooting chances. For all our possession we were hit on the counter with Heybridge opening the scoring 1-0. Midway through the first half and changes made, Logan on from the bench made the perfect impact possible. A high goal kick into the sky from the Heybridge keeper was met firmly but our number 4, Angus, heading the ball on for Logan to turn an swivel first time and fire the ball home from outside the area for the equaliser. The restart was emphatic with Logan straight after the ball, winning it and slamming in our second to give us the lead! Heybridge made their changes and their giant of a 7 year old lumped the ball through for their striker to equalise. The
Remainder of the half was tight with Heybridge getting the better chances only to be met by an inspired Josh Pearce in goal who made countless stops to deny Heybridge. Bravery at the attackers feet, long shots, close shots Pearcey was equal to it, the ball seemingly sticking to those new gloves!

Second half we were caught with Heybridge big number 6 hitting a rocket from nearly half way to take the lead 3-2. The Dragons pressed on, Ryan "Pitbull" working doggedly and winning a free-kick on the edge of the area. Angus stepped up and smashed the ball home for 3-3 with a super strike. However that didn't last long with the Heybridge number 6 able to shoot from anywhere seemingly and banged them back in front high into the net from distance again. At 4-3 we continued to work to get into the game however caught on the break a Heybridge cross agonisingly escaped Josh SB's grasp in goal to creep in for 5-3 to the visitors, a distraught SB kept going to his credit with the support of everybody present. Few minutes remained when Logan and Ryan combined for the ball to fall for Jenson to run onto to and slide the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for 5-4. Final minute we won a corner and pushed every one forward except for SB in our goal, time up though on delivery, full time.

A very good showing for our first game Dragons, more possession and certainly better footballing side, undone mostly because of the sheer power the Heybridge number 6 could generate. Train hard and try again next week!

Dragon of the Week - Joshua "Pearcey" Pearce
An exceptional first half display of goalkeeping ability! Well done Josh!