Dunmow Utd Lions v Dragons

Harrison (2)
Ryan
Angus
An unusual afternoon kick off for the Dragons away visit to the Lions who we played in our last game 2 weeks ago. The previous encounter fresh in memory we knew today would be a tight battle for the boys against a much bigger side physically.
The late kick off seemed to work against the Dragons, starting slowly struggling to build any momentum or make any passes stick. That in itself was strange from the previous performances since the restart post lockdown as the passing has been fluent in each fixture. Victims of our own passing game we overplayed from a goal kick at the back and found ourselves a goal behind after giving the ball away. Pearcey was working hard down the right, his ball through not quite making Logan in a search for a foothold in the game.
Almost a carbon copy of the first goal, the Dragons under the cosh at the back the ball went out for a goalkick and we played ourselves into trouble again and was punished a second time, 2-0 to the hosts. The Dragons were on the ropes and quickly conceded a corner at the restart. The inswinger cruelly being turned in by one of our defenders for a quickfire double to extend the Lions lead to 3-0.
At 3-0 you'd forgive any bunch of 8 and 9 year olds for letting their heads drop and the flood gates open especially with the pattern of play the first 20 minutes. This team however is different, the Dragons fire lit and there was a chance on half time after pouncing on the loose ball Harrison swivelled on the penalty spot and steered the ball into the bottom left corner for a lifeline with the last kick of the half!
Half time regroup, determined Dragons listening to their instructions of needing to up their work rate all over the pitch for each other. Quickly back out in their shape for the start of the second they knew a quick goal could change the game.
Attack was the mindset of the Dragons, pouring forward as a team, something that was missing the first half. Harrison cleverly made space in the area, the ball from Jenson out to Logan on the left was crossed in to the waiting Harrison to fire in number two! The Dragons looked a different side completely to the first half, winning every loose ball and suddenly each individual duel all over the pitch was being won by a blue shirt! Jenson again playing forward after strong work from Angus led to Harrison striking at goal, the Lions keeping saving but only as far as Ryan "Pitbull" who slotted in the rebound for 3-3!
The belief installed in the team from the encouragement and willing from both the coaching team one side and the parents supporting on the other!
The Dragons scorned from losing 4-2 at home a fortnight ago were determined not to give in! Mr reliable at the back Josh SB made light work of a Dunmow counter before playing Angus away on half way. Gus marauded forwarded with a shot from distance, the hosts stunned as it found the bottom corner to complete the turnaround! What a performance we were witnessing!
Roo was called on to make a save the other end and eased nerves with his calming presence. Sam, Zack and Pearcey all fighting with all they had to maintain the energy levels shown after the subs were made!
Full time and relief for Dragons! Finally getting a result to match their performance! A pure team showing today working hard for eachother, each and every Dragon a candidate for Dragon of the Week! Well done boys!
Dragon of the Week - Harrison Kent
Our number 11 got the comeback started with two real strikers finishes! Well done, Harrison!