Dragons run out of puff as Scorpions sting late on

Sunday 6th Dec 2020

⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?⚽?

Valley Green Dragons 1-2 Scorpions
Archie (Jake M assist)
Patrick

Another lock down successfully navigated and a return to football for the blues saw us travel to Witham to play a very good Valley Green Dragons.

The lions share of possession and chances fell to the hosts in the first half as thier tricky players were finding space between our defence and midfield. Both teams had chances with Mason hitting the post and some nice passages of play involving Jake M and Jake B but it was the Dragons who lead at half time, a fine shot saved well from Tor but the rebound falling kinldy the striker to tap home into an empty net. 0-1

At half time the boys were told to be more aware of their positions and to close the gaps between defence and attack and that seemed to work as the Scorpions came out firing. Some great running with the ball from Jake M was opening up the game but we were just struggling with our final ball.

The Dragons were still a threat on the break however and our defence was having to work hard and keep very disciplined. Everyone at the back did a great job today and didnt put a foot wrong with George epitomising that effort with two goal line clearances.

However it was a Scorpions barrage of attacks mostly in the second half. Jake M saw his first shot saved and his follow up on the stretch hitting the post. More good running from Jake M saw him thread the ball through the gaps to Jake B on two occasions but he just missed the target. Jake B was finding far more space and opportunities in the second half seeing two further shots saved and another come crashing back against the bar respectively. More pressing and the Dragons were starting to lose some of their composure conceding two free kicks around their area. Jake B saw his effort saved and Masons effort flew just wide.

Wondering if it was going to be one of those days another good run from Jake M down the left saw him leave the defenders for dead and his pass was squared in the middle where Archie and a defender slide in for the ball. The final touch saw the ball loop over the keeper and into the net 1-1

More shots followed as the Scorpions desperately searched for the winner. Archie saw an effort hit the bar but the Dragons countered and hit a shot that Tor saved brilliantly.

With the game hanging in the balance and with just a couple of minutes remaining we all thought another draw against the Dragons was the likely result. A last ditch sub saw Patrick enter the field, he had already put in a big effort and slotted into a midfield role. With just seconds on the clock the ball fall to Patrick around 20 yards out. In space a collective "shoot" echoed around the ground... Patrick obliged turning and smacking the ball left footed past the keeper to give the Scorpions the win. Jubilation from the players and the watching parents (and coaching staff) followed!! What a match and what a finish to the game ??

A fantastic effort today from every player. We were a little rusty in the first half after a month or so out but in the second half we picked it up and dominated the game. On our second half effort and the amount of chances we created we just deserved the win. I could mention every player as all did great things today for the team. Well done guys onto next week

Scorpion of the match - George

George has a great game at the back and looked solid throughout. Not only was his positional sense fantastic (saving a possible two goals with last ditch clearances) but his distribution into the midfielders and his communication was also excellent. Well done.