Sand Dragons 3 vs. Longbow FC 0
A great end to a successful season. The Sand Dragons played well touching the ball from the back to the Longbow goal as well as winning nearly every 50/50 ball. After 25 minutes the Dragons had over a dozen shots on and a goal in hand thanks to Sal Esposito who, after being out for three weeks with a red card, scored the first goal. The goal was nicely tucked in by Sal after receiving the ball from Geordie Wood. The Dragons held Longbow at 1-0 for most of the match until Geordie got free on a breakaway. The Longbow keeper fouled Geordie inside the box just as he was going to score. Instead the ball went across the goal to a wide-eyed Al Damas who calmly put the ball into the back of the net as the Ref let the advantage play continue. The final goal came from Geordie himself just after he narrowly missed what would have been a classic header on a long ball from Milton Melo. The Sand Dragons showed why they were the only team to beat the undefeated Blasters as they pressured their opponents throughout the field, at times putting on a one-touch clinic. It was a real team victory once again although the statistics play it out as "the Geordie Wood Show". The season's final Man of the Match award goes to Geordie Wood for outstanding play, having a hand in each goal on Sunday. Thanks to all the players and fans for a successful season. See you at the Banquet!

Vipers v. Blarney Old Boys

score and recap not reported

 

Venom have finished thier 1st season

Sand Dragons had a bye

Vipers 0 v. Payson Futbol Club 2

The Viper squad had the slowest start of the season agains Payson FC. Payson didn't look any more skilled but found net two times in the first half. Goalie, James Cagle made several nice saves but one sneaked into the left side of the net. The second Payson goal came off a PK that occured only minutes after the first goal. After a thorough trashing by Andrew at the half the Vipers regrouped and put in a fair effort in the second. Franklin had several shots but no real test for the keeper. The game ended 0-2, Payson. Noteworth performances were delivered by James, Franklin, Ski and Scott but the player of the game honors go to Flo who really stepped up his play as a defender, carrying the ball forward effectively and winning 50/50s. With only one game left the Vipers left the field looking forward to a strong performance in both halves for the final game of the season against Blarney Old Boys at 10:00am on the 8th of December.

 

Venom 0 v. Predators 1

The Reds were finally grounded in a 1-0 loss this weekend to the Predators. In a match that was close from the opening minute, the predicted 1 goal difference fell in favor of a worthy opponent. The Red's and Predators met in the regular season, in what was probably the best match of the 2B league, in which the Reds were victorious 2-0. This time however, the results and the championship go to the Predators. 80% of the match took place in the oppositions half, but the Reds were unable to put together a combination to reward our efforts. As for the Predators, they were not in our defensive half often, but created many dangerous opportunities when they managed to push forward. This one has the makings of a great rivalry as both teams are moving up to 2A next season. Fans of the Reds will not want to miss the "rubber match". Neither of us wanted to come out on the losing end of this one, and the match was hard fought till the bitter end. Player of the match honors go to Jimmy Deutsch, who was dangerous often, but had little support to aid his efforts. A little time to lick our wounds and then its time to get back in the trenches lads...Go Reds!!!

I just want to say thanks to all the Venom players for a great season. I know you all wanted the win... we all were cheering and singing for you. You may think todays outcome detracts from your season but look what you accomplished. You all have set the standard for all other teams in our club... a perfect season and a playoff final. It was a beautifully played season and I, and I'm sure others too, enjoyed watching your games. I hope to see more of them next season. From all the members of the Sand Dragons Futbol Club... WELL DONE! GO REDS! - Will

Thanks Will, And in return a huge thanks from all of the Venom squad for such a great turn out yesterday and the great atmosphere created. I think we just about had the whole of the Sanddragons squad out there leading the chorus with great voices, ( well ok the voices do need a little work) but well done Tim for the songsheets it was a great club time and I am sure the way we were on and off the field made several people look up and wish they were part of that. Well done the club we are bulding something very special.
Cheers Andrew

Hello every one good day to you all. I have read the e-mails and I also thank everyone that turned out for our game, it was a great feeling. But we lost and that just sucks. It seemed as if it was too good. A great squad, fantastic fans and a warm feeling from the start to turn so cold so fast. If it were not for our fans I really don't think that many of us would have been smiling. You lads with your energy made it a softer slap in the face. (but the red mark is still their) Again though I would like to say thank you to our supporters thank you to every member of VENOM and SDFC and thanks to the round guy ( andrew ) but a BIG middle finger to the shity ref. THANX FOR A GREAT SEASON GUYS. I LEARNED A LOT THIS SEASON AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER RUN................................................... -JASON- :)

Sand Dragons 2 v. Blasters 0
Victory was sweet with the Dragons beating the division's only undefeated team, the Blasters. It was a hotly contested match with both sides fairing with an equal amount of opportunities. The Dragon's defense turned back the Blasters' offensive threats the entire game as Dragons keeper, Goge Johl made several key saves to keep the sheet clean. "A real team effort" was the main post game headline after Tom Uczekaj and Al Damas put away a goal each for the Sand Dragons. Both goals came in the second half. Tom's goal came first with a header into the upper netting and Al Damas fulfilled the half-time attack scheme as he put in one of the many attempts to put him behind the Blasters defenders in a one-on-one situation. The Blasters, although coming into the match undefeated, were helpless and left frustrated as the Sand Dragons kept the pressure on for the full 90 minutes. Brilliant one touch passing out of the back and through the midfield helped the Sand Dragons dominate the play throughout the course of the match. So many players played so well on Sunday making this game the sweetest and best played match of the season vs. the divisions 1st place team. The post-game Man of the Match committee picks Mike Perea as this week's Man of the Match for his aggressive defense and outstanding play which included a goal-line clearance.

Vipers v. Vikings ReUnited
Game recap not reported
John Ridgway scores again!!!!

 

Sand Dragons 0 v. Blarney Old Boys 2
It was a hard fought match as the Sand Dragons dropped points to the Blarney this last Sunday. The Dragons started well and maintained control of the play for most of the match as Blarney tried to put something together. Goalkeeper Goge Johl made a couple of key saves. About 35 minutes into the first half Blarney scored a penalty kick on a very questionable call by the referee who was out of position but still made the call. Midway thru the second half the Dragons put together a nice attack which resulted in a goal by Mike Neuman which was subsequently called back by the referee who said it was a hand ball. The Dragons pressured Blarney the rest of the match as Goge had nothing really to deal with, but couldn't put together enough for a score. Blarney scored later in the second half as an unmarked man headed the ball into the Dragon's net from what was probably the only offensive threat of the second half. Players felt it was one of the better efforts this year which unfortunately didn't get the result. With some good passing and control Kiko Fierin was the Dragons man of the match this week.

 

Vipers 2 v. Mirage 2
Game recap not reported
Goal scorers were John Ridgway & Franklin Young.

 

Sand Dragons 3 v. Vikings reUnited 3
The Sand Dragons made their first strike as the opening kickoff whistle was still ringing in their ears. The Dragons took the ball from the center spot as 5 different players passed it down the wing to Al Romero who hit a powerful cross which enabled him to take credit for an own-goal faux paux by the Vikings. The Dragons dominated the play for 90 percent of the game with one touch passing and aggressive play. The Vikings scored 2 unanswered goals. The first, midway thru the first half and the second, in the opening minutes of the second half with the Vikings scoring with "best of a lifetime" type shots. With no subs in the second half the Dragons pushed up into the Vikings 3rd of the pitch with the urging of Lano Torres on the sidelines (out for the rest of the season due to injury). Then 5 minutes later, although showing up late for the game with a bad hair cut and a "I want to be like Lano" go tee, Tom Uczekaj ripped a rocket of a shot from 28.5 yards out to score a killer goal which gave the Dragons new life as they continued to pressure the Vikings. Late in the game the Vikings scored their 3rd goal with the Dragons answering the call with under 10 minutes left as Geordie Wood had a brilliant finish off a studly cross from outside back Colin Smith. Sal Esposito was sent off with a Red Card for unsportsman like behavior just before the last goal. Several players had good games, but the man of the match award this week goes to Tom Uczekaj even though he was late 3 weeks in a row.

 

Vipers had a bye

 

Sand Dragons had a bye