After another two good games from Driffield Dragons, who are now top of top of their league, and well deserved as they continue to move their game forward with some excellent team work and skill.
DRIFFIELD Dragons, sponsored by East Riding Sacks, got off to a great start. Playing some good football they put Cottingham under pressure, but not to be deterred Cottingham gave as good as they got with some equally matched football.
Riby and Docking played well in defence clearing some threatening balls. Dragons had the first real attempt at goal when Pudsey hit the post. Cottingham were soon attacking again with their first attempt cleared by Kerry. They were then given a free kick which was saved by Mathison.
Cottingham kept the pressure on having several attempts but were met by a strong defence. Kerry and Rider clearing well, passing a good ball to Docking who had a good run. Within a minute Cottingham were back attacking and some silly mistakes saw Cottingham take the lead.
Eager to even the score Kerry put in an excellent cross which the keeper couldn’t hold and Rider managed to slot home the rebound.
The next few minutes saw some equally matched football and some excellent defending from Riby. Kerry, Rider and Pudsey played some good football, passing the ball getting past the Cottingham defence. Their hard work resulted in a corner which Rider took, Kerry managed to lose his marker to score the second goal for Dragons.
The second half saw a fired up Dragon squad quickly take control, with Flemmings having a shot at goal, seconds later Kerry fired the ball from 40 yards and the keeper stood no chance making it 3-1.
Cottingham didn’t let their heads go down and were soon attacking again. Thornton and Riby played particularly well in defence, however Cottingham kept the pressure on and their many attempts at getting through a strong defence finally paid off as they scored their second goal.
The last few minutes saw some equally matched football, however Dragons finished the first match with a couple of corners.
The second game started off much the same as the first with both teams working hard, the game was fast and end to end.
It was Dragons who stepped it up a notch with some excellent defending which sent the ball up to Rider. Rider, Kerry and Pudsey played some great football passing the ball between them, totally out playing Cottingham, this resulted in an excellent goal by Pudsey.
Dragons by this time were buzzing, Deighton was all over finding spaces in the hope of a pass, he didn’t have to wait long and had a good attempt on goal.
Not deterred Deighton and Pudsey worked well together putting Cottingham under pressure. A delighted Deighton slipped the ball past the goalie for a well deserved goal. Cottingham again came back fighting putting pressure on Riby, Thornton and Mathison who both played excellent, clearing the ball every time.
Rider and Pudsey worked together getting the ball back up the other end, Pudsey had a shot but it was saved. Docking and Deighton kept the pressure on Cottingham, however they broke away and had a shot at goal, which saw a good save by Harry. Cottingham seemed determined to score and kept attacking keeping the pressure on Docking, Riby and Mathison.
From the beginning of the second half Dragons took control, pushing forward at every opportunity, all players passing well.
Within minutes Dragons had a corner, Riby took it and placed the ball in the centre of the goal, however it took three attempts for the Dragons to score, Kerry finally forcing it in the net, for his third goal of the day.
Dragon’s continued to work hard, with more good play from Riby and good midfield play from Thornton and Flemming. Late on Kerry found Deighton who had a shot at goal which went wide.
The last few minutes saw both teams battling well for the ball, although Cottingham were 3-0 down they never gave up. The game ended with two corners to Cottingham which were cleared by a well organised defence.
Man of the matches were very difficult this week as so many players played very well, after some deliberation they were given to Jack Riby and Josh Thornton for good defending, passing and putting in to practice what they’d been doing at training.