Great Notley Wasps v Dragons

Logan (2)

The Discovery Centre at Great Notley was the Dragons stage to perform this morning Artificial picthes pose a different game to on grass but the boys were prepared and ready.

The Dragons started brightly with Angus, SB, Ryan and Jenson playing the ball around nicely passing and moving through the Wasps defence on several occasions. First Angus with a shot, saved by the Wasps keeper, Ryan "Pitbull" then had an effort saved before Jenson "The Machine" saw his effort equally impressively kept out by the Wasps seemingly immovable goalkeeper! Frustratingly unable to find a break through but the football was good and all signs were encouraging, effort and energy all over the pitch. Fresh legs introduced with Roo, Logan and Zack coming on. The 3 subs having the same impact as the boys they replaced without many clear opportunities but still moving the ball around well. Zack, in my opinion, with his strongest performance so far in a Dragons shirt winning the ball deep and getting it forward as often as possible. Then a sucker punch before the break a free-kick on half way was struck superbly by the Wasps attacker flying unstoppably into the top corner to give the hosts the lead. Moments later a free-kick in same place was struck the same yet Pearcey in goal making a stunning save to keep it 1-0 at the break.

Half time team talk was easy for the manager, simply more of the same! The Dragons didn't disappoint. Roo donned the gloves in goal and Pearcey into the fray on the pitch for the second half. Pitbull, Machine and Pearcey battling well and playing the ball around with confidence being well covered at the back by SB who was thwarting any attacks the Wasps could muster. A big chance for the Wasps was met with another stunning save, this time Roo diving and palming the ball away. Searching for a way back Jenson and Ryan couldn't get a clear strike during a goalmouth scramble to equalise. Substitutions made, clock ticking down, the Dragons being kept at bay by the Wasps goalkeeper seemingly equal to anything the boys to throw at him. Until Ryan made the pass through to Logan who's first touch evaded the last defender and slammed in an
equaliser for 1-1! Dragons were fired up even more so and could sense a win at this point. Captain Angus won the ball on halfway, lifted his head and picked a pass finding Logan again, who set himself nicely to calmly strike past the goalkeeper for 2-1 with barely any time left to play! Unbelievable comeback and never say die attitude from the Dragons!

A super game for a neutral but based on clear cut chances the right team got the result today, you can all be very proud Dragons! Well done!

Dragon of the Week - Ryan "Pitbull" Bensley
Our very own little Hulk, was excellent today all over the pitch! Well done Ryan!