It was the first of 4 games in the month that could prove make or break for the dragons even at this early stage of the season. Come the end of September they will already be a third of the way through their league campaign for what has been an up and down start, the dragons have showed a desire to never give in during their first few games and with a game in hand you could even hear whispers amongst crowds mentioning success already.
Mussolini was forced into even more changes due to an early season holiday feast coupled with some bizarre injuries after a busy but positive pre-season campaign. The dragons welcomed back with closed arms the man who needs no self praise Mr Price, how would his 2 week break eating super size meals impact his performance and it was a late withdrawal from Corky allowing Cornish to start his first league game of the new season.
The dragons started with the style that would be admired at the Nou Camp getting the ball down and creating havoc for the opposition on a pitch that was fit for any football side that this play style which is admired by millions watching the likes of Messi and Neymar each week. It was the dragons early pressure that finally told with some persistence pressure from corners it was the opposition’s lack of ability to clear their lines effectively allowing Christmas time to smash the ball home and give the away side a well deserved 1-0 lead. This seemed to give the dragons a second gear and they started to play some of their most stylish football to date with the back four resolute and the home side playing the long ball tactic which allowed the dragons to dictate play with the midfield combo of Jordan, Nike, Matthew and Jamo starting to run the show.
However it was Bateman again who’s never say die attitude which resulted in the second goal, he pressed and harried Goman who was scouted as an early season signing for the away side only for some ineligible paper work to prevent the move. He stole the ball from him and raced clear to give the away side a 2-0 lead surely it was a case of how many could they score today after early goals in the opening 20 minutes. The 3rd goal quickly followed with Tom taking a quick throwing to release Matthew who’s pace and tricky proving to much for Goman who was having a game to forget about he must have thought he was playing rugby as he pulled him down, no option for the referee penalty to the dragons. It saw Jamo step up to the spot to calmly slot the ball down the middle of the goal giving the keeper no chance 3-0 surely no way back. The dragons who were in control for the first half saw a lapse in concentration at the end of the first half allowing the centre back to smash a shot home from 6 yards out which Christian was unlucky not to save.
At the start of the second half the dragons wanted to put right some sloppy errors that entered their play towards the end of the first half however it was a case of no side wanting to take the initiative in the second 45 minutes which was a scrappy affair. The dragons lacked the creativity and composure that saw them rip open the home side during the first 35 minutes and it was penalty conceded by Ross that lead to a nervy last 15 minutes as Roman Villans made it 3-2 from the spot. This saw the boss go to the bench for Jamie to be introduced surely he couldn’t inspire another win, but his run and shot that came back off the post saw Bateman following up like any good centre forward to slot the ball home and make the 3 points safe for the away side. It was another performance that frustrated the players, management and fans as the dragons again lacked the composure and maturity dictate play however it was 3 points on the board and considering the injuries and absentees it was another great win from the third different starting 11 to date.
The dragons know that there is much sterner tests ahead over the coming weeks and months and their lady luck card will run out against more clinical opposition. The pressure starts all over again this Sunday against a team they should without doubt be taking 3 points from if they are going to be serious league contenders.
Reporters Golden Awards for Sunday:
Touch of the Game – No one stood out this week I’m afraid with out and out tekkers.
Goal / Move of The Game – Without doubt combined winners, Jamie Williams / Stephen Bateman. With the dragons back against the wall at 3-2 up after being in charge for most of the game. It was quick ball releasing Williams down the wing which again had to come to save the blushes with Mussolini reluctant to start his star winger. His pace even with a fading hamstring in his old age was too much for the opposition but the post came to the rescue for Roman Villans only for Bateman like the warrior he is to follow up the rebound and seal the 3 points for the dragons.
Risk of the Game – Again the dragons inability to maintain momentum after going 3 goals ahead and allowing the opposition a life line at 3-2.
Worst Tackle – With the dragons seemingly under no pressure after 3 early goals in the first half, they began to give away some silly free kicks in dangerous positions. However it was Reggie’s needless lunge when the winger had past him on the half way line that wins this week’s worse tackle award.
Tekkers of the Game – No one stood out this week I’m afraid with out and out tekkers.
Save of the Game – To be honest even though we conceded 2 goals I don’t think Christian had a clear save to make. Maybe his late tip over the bar was his best save of the game after a quiet match but I think that was more for the cameras than required J
Funny Moment – Only 1 winner and I think you know who it is Reggie. His ballerina like dive second half was so bad that I to apologise to the opposition for his theatrics on the field. Tom Daley would have won a gold medal at London Olympics with a dive like that #fairyonthefield
Reporters Man of the Match – An achievement never achieved at any level of football, but the winner of this week’s report for a ground breaking 4 times is Stephen Bateman. It’s funny that the writer’s award has followed in line with the players vote after each game. With 15 league games remaining the BG Dragons need to keep their inform striker in cotton wool to ensure that they lift the silverware come May.
