White Notley Hornets v Dragons

OG
Harrison (3)
Logan (4)
The Dragons' first away game was at White Notley for a 11am start on a warm humid day. The home team kicked off after winning the toss.
The Dragons' forwards made an early dash at the start. A good cross from Logan was received by Harrison for a one touch which narrowly missed the goal. Despite Gus getting an early ball in the nose, the Dragons appeared to have the upper hand with all playing their part. SB played well in defence regularly controlling the ball well and successfully passing the ball to up-field allies. Piercey stayed light on his feet, constantly finding space.
Five minutes in, Gus fired an almighty throw-in which was picked up by Harrison who successfully brought the ball round straight towards the White Notley goal. Despite being partially blocked by the their defence, it unfortunately ended [please excuse the split infinitive! - ed.] with an own goal for White Notley and an early lead for the Dragons. 1-0.
Another five minutes and the opponents started to warm up providing more of a challenge for SB and Jenson midfield. It wasn't enough to stop the Dragons however as Harrison scored his first goal of the season 13 minutes in. Harrison celebrated true-to-style by running the length of the pitch with his arms in the air. Another six minutes and Logan joined Harrison on the scoreboard with not one, but two goals bringing Dragons 4-0 up.
Ryan succumbed to an ankle injury and had to retire for the day.
With another few minutes left before half time, the Dragons continued to hammer the goal line. A foul in the Dragons' favour granted Harrison a free kick. Despite calls for him to make a pass, he only had eyes for the goal as he fired a blinder over the White Notley human wall and goalie and down just below the cross bar. 5-0 to Dragons.
The final acts before the half-time whistle came from Jenson who attempted a valiant header towards the net which fell just wide of its target, and SB whose free kick was well deflected by the White Notley goalie.
The second half was only eight seconds in before the next Dragon goal. A beautifully placed forward kick-off from Harrison was collected by Logan who carried the ball up the left wing, through a tenuous defence and on for a shot at the goal which found it's mark and a second hat trick in two games.
The White Notley goal keeper upped his game dramatically during the second half. He earned his stripes after saving a penalty from Harrison and also saving a close range cannon from Gus which caught him in the face. After an injury check, he was back on his feet with more saves up his sleeves.
The Dragons continued on the attack with a series of corners mostly taken by SB but also Jenson. Each one didn't quite find the back of the net. Without warning, White Notley were then on the attack, which concluded with a penalty which shot over the Dragon's human wall which Roo saved.
Ten minutes left and final substitutions with Walshy coming in to a mid field position despite being under the weather. More attempts at the Notley goal and more saves by their keeper. The ranks were finally broken for two more goals: Harrison reached his own hat trick with an assist from Logan and Logan scored a 4th bringing the final score to 8-0.
A perfect start to the season and two great games to watch. Joshua Pierce was awarded Dragon of the Week for his constant action around the pitch. All players should be very proud though as they showed great team work skills which will only project them on to greater things! Thanks to White Notley who not only were gracious hosts but also provided hot dogs for the players after the match. We look forward to the replay at the Dragons Den.