Rising Hope Dragons (year 5 September 2024) - Hellenic Thunder
Match Report: League game versus Hellenic Thunder - 03/11/24
The Dragons returned to North Park this afternoon to take on Hellenic Thunder in a much anticipated match.
The game started really well for the Dragons with lots of forward pressure and creating plenty of chances. Shots from Eric, Cohen Oscar M and Ashton all coming close with agonisingly close shots or met with great saves from the Hellenic keeper. The frustration began to grow as the chances were not converted and the half time whisltle was blown. On another day the Dragons would easily have been 4-0 up at half time.
Into the second half the forward pressure continued but after a breakaway from Hellenic, a foul on the edge of the box gave them a free kick, a very well struck shot was met with the flying hands of Benni but unfortunately span of the top of his gloves and dropped down into the net making it 1-0 to Hellenic.
Despite the scoreline and frustration, the Dragons dug deep, kept their heads up and continued to create chances, with the breakthrough coming on 33 minutes with a brillant through ball from Noah to Gabriel in the middle of the box for him to pivot and smash it top bins.
One minute later, forward pressure from Ashton saw him get tripped in the box and was awarded a penalty, which he finished with power to finally get the Dragons into a well deserved lead. Then a few minutes after this, Eric picked up a loose ball in the middle to drive into the box and with a bit of skill hit it low and hard across the keeper into the bottom corner.
Into the dying seconds another chance saw Eric with a great bit of skill to take it around a couple of Hellenic players and thread through a perfect pass to a well positioned Gabriel, who had plenty of time to take a touch and smash another one top bins. The final whistle was then blown.
A frustrating start, but a great end for the Dragons with a well deserved victory.
Goals:
22' Goal conceeded
33' Gabirel, asst Noah
34' Ashton (p)
38' Eric
40' Gabriel, asst Eric
Final result - Dragons 4-1 Hellenic Thunder
Player of the week: Gabriel. Well done!