Own Goal

After a disappointing result last week, Dragons played out the perfect response.

With both teams level in the league, it was shaping up to be a close game and certainly from the opening minutes that was the case, with either side sharing possession and creating a few chances, on the defence Dragons found their form from previous weeks seeing out the oppositions chances well.

Dragons moved the ball with confidence out from the back and played an excellent passing game to quickly attack the ‘D’ and started to take more control in the game; their efforts rewarded after about 15 minutes when the ball broke kindly for David Thornton to calmly slot home.

The remainder of the half was much the same, with both teams having further efforts on goal, but the score stayed at 1-0 until half time.

After playing some good hockey in the first half, Dragons knew the game was there for the win and went out in the second half, upping their game further and were now controlling the game.  Continuous good pressure saw numerous crosses come across the oppositions area from Andy Key, but Dragons could not extend their lead.

Into the last ten minutes Dragons finally got their reward, with David Thornton getting on the end of one of Andy Keys’ crosses to knock the ball in the back of the net.  That prompted the Cranes’ keeper and captain to go 11 all out field, substituting himself off.

With confidence high, Dragons needed no invitation to take advantage.

In quick succession, Dragons got the ball in the area again, this time a deflection off a defender to make it 3-0.  And with just minutes left Dragons continued to push with Ollie King getting on the scoresheet and newly-elected vice-captain David Thornton completing his hat-trick.

An all round excellent performance, capped off with a fully deserving scoreline.  Man of the match was in no doubt, going to David Thornton, now on 9 goals this season.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 4:1 Broadland 1s

On a very cold Saturday morning it was dubious whether this match would be played but it was clear that both teams were keen for the fixture to get under way and assess how the pitch held up after a frosty start.

The Dragons were delighted to see the return of Charly HEMMANT who sustained an injury in this fixture on the first game of the season.

The Dragons started the sprightlier of the two teams keen to maintain their run of good form. They certainly had the greater of the possession pushing Broadland deep into their own half. A fine effort from Laura SHREEVE forced Lauren HALLIWELL, the Broadland keeper, to parry the ball down; Nat BEAL was the first to react scoring from the rebound giving the Dragons the lead. The Dragons continue to push forward trying to extend their lead but in doing so Broadland caught them on the counter attack; Dani PARKE driving the ball into the Dragons D and attempted a reverse strike which she hit so sweetly it flew past the Dragons defence and into the top corner of the net leaving Freddie BRISCOE, the Dragons keeper, no chance. It was unstoppable effort and by far the best goal of the season seen by the Dragons so far. The Dragons responded almost immediately from the restart, Marie JAMES the Dragons captain, driving the ball past the Broadland defence and striking the ball from the top of the D which was deflected into the goal by SHREEVE giving the Dragons a 2-1 lead going into the break.

After half time the Dragons responded well to the team talk working harder and moving the ball quicker. The Dragons continued to dominant the game and at times played some attractive attacking hockey. This style of play presented them with numerous goal scoring opportunities testing the Broadland defence who proved to be very resilient.

From a free hit the third goal finally came for the Dragons. JAMES finding Emily ROLLS in space just outside the D who subsequently struck the ball to SHREEVE who diverted the ball into the goal. SHREEVE completed her well deserved hat trick, a pass from JAMES which she skilfully got under control and slipped past HALLIWELL.

Another solid performance by the Dragons defence who rarely looked troubled. In particular player of the match, Sarah BORREET, had another fine performance at right

Photos from this match here

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Yarmouth 1s 0:0 Norwich Dragons 2s

This Div 2NE game was one of just a few to survive the hard frost. Despite the chilly conditions both teams were keen to get the fixture played.  Many of the Dragons had enjoyed a ‘jolly’ bus journey to the East Coast, and joined up with their team-mates to came out full of confidence, looking to overturn their defeat by Yarmouth in the first game of the season.

Ruth Willmott continued at centre defence, allowing Alice Guest to push up to left midfield. With Lizzie Moulton and Debs Smith holding strong in the middle, Dragons managed to frustrate Yarmouth early in the first half, forcing a number of short corners, which unfortunately they could not benefit from. Yarmouth started to get more possession, however, some strong tackles from Player of the Match Angela Murgatroyd and Sarah Wagstaff, ensured the teams went into the half-time break goalless.

Both teams had their spells in the second half, Yarmouth forced a series of short corners, which the Dragons defence dealt with well.  Ally Windsor-Waite started to have more and more impact on the game, with some mesmerising runs down the right hand side earning the side more short corners. Dragons had a couple of opportunities to break the deadlock, with Hannah Hardy forcing a good save from the keeper, the follow-up required a Yarmouth defender to make a last ditch clearance on the line.

With Niamh Lowe-Davies pushing up to the forward line, Dragons continued to threaten, and another short corner near the end was well struck to the near post by Debs Smith, where Ruth Willmott, managed to get a good deflection which was just wide of the post.

Ultimately a draw was a fair result, however this Dragons team can take huge credit and self belief from this performance against one of the top teams in the league, showing just how much they have developed as a Team.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s P:P UEA 3s