Allstar v Dragons

Jenson
Ryan
Harrison
Logan (3)
FOOTBALL IS BACK! - again! ?
An away visit to Chelmsford at the home of Allstar Community was the task ahead of the returning Dragons this morning.
The Dragons started as they meant to continue with high pressing and pinching the ball off the Allstar defence from the off. 30 seconds in and Logan is adjusted to have been fouled by the goalkeeper and we're awarded a penalty. Logan stepped up to take the spot kick, the home sides keeper making amends, making what would be, the first of many saves to come.
It was all Dragons pressure, totally bossing the game all over the pitch, winning every loose ball and carving the home side apart wave after wave. With all this pressure, the Dragons were thwarted time and time again by the Allstar goalkeeper! A first half ticking away frustratingly for the Dragons unable to get the ball in the net, another day we would be 5 or 6 up! Roo cut a lone figure watching on from our goal, bellowing encouragement for his team mates to going though!
On the stroke of half time the Allstar keepers goal kick fell kindly in the centre circle for our number 7, Jenson, to strike back first time high into the net for 1-0, the breakthrough at last as the whistle is blown from the restart!
At half time the Dragons were buzzing, knowing the performance level was there today and that more of the same was required.
The second half began and the Dragons didn't disappoint. After weeks of training between lockdowns the passing and moving on display was all clicking. Neat short, sharp inter changes all across the pitch pulling the hosts all over the place creating space to exploit. Our advantage was hammered home quickly, Logan adding our second with a fierce left footed drive, finally cracking what seemed an almost personal duel between himself and the Allstar goalkeeper! The Dragons were purring, a ball played from back to front Angus to Jenson through to Ryan to slot home a third goal before Harrison outfought the last defender to wrestle clear and find the net for number 4. This display would have been good before lockdown and far from the sluggish one you could have forgiven them for with no football for so long!
After our 67th (overestimate!) Corner in the game, and a loose ball fell Logan claimed his second of the day for 5-0!
At the halfway stage of the second half the changes were made, a rest for Angus, Jenson and Harrison. An experimental remainder of the game ahead in search of a birthday (and first ever) goal for Zack who now led the line up front! Sam and SB working calmly together at the back made sure Roo was protected if necessary and Pearcey was now driving the fight through the midfield! Playing in his unfavoured position of the left wing, Logan danced through beating 2 players with a neat bit of skill and rolled coolly in our sixth of the day!
Now, there had been a mindset change between the boys themselves which really epitomised the groups team ethic to play for each other, with no instructions from the sideline when attacking the boys had decided to play Zack in at every opportunity! Logan turning down an almost definite fourth goal to square to Zack who was kept out by the goalkeeper again! Ryan and Pearcey each sent the ball through for Zack who connected well but missed the target unfortunately!
Deep into added time, Allstar finally made Roo work, keeping out the first attempt but stood no hope with 2 rocketed consolation goals for the hosts.
I cannot put into words how much of a team display this was across the pitch, Roo, SB, Gus and Sam in particular weren't busy at all in defence but were there switched on when needed playing the ball well and starting with us keeping possession. Super performance Dragons - Well done! ???
Dragon of the Week - Logan Freemantle
Hat trick, unselfish display from Logan today, up there as one of his very best performances to date!