By Logan Marsh

The Douglas United Dragons have gone down 2-1 to the Stratford Dolphins with virtually the last kick of the game at Cassowary Park on Saturday night. 

It was very much a case of a game of two halves with Stratford performing well in the first half and leading 1-0 at the break only for the Dragons to come back and completely dominating the second half.

The Dragons players were forced to wonder how they were left with no points from the game when it seemed like they were on course to pick up all three before a cruel, late deflection handed the points to Stratford.

The match started with Stratford on top, flooding the midfield with numbers to restrict the Dragons ability to pass through midfield and then breaking with pace and directness.

The Dolphins took the lead after about ten minutes when an inswinging free kick was glanced into the back of the net.

It was a deserved goal for the team that had been the more threatening in the opening exchanges and served as a bit of a wake up call for the Dragons who started to pose a bit more of a threat with some long, raking balls in behind the Stratford fullbacks causing some headaches.

The balance of play did not shift too far though and the Dragons were unable to find an equaliser before half time.

The second half saw the Dragons play with more purpose.

The diagonal balls in behind continued and when Stratford looked to counter this the Dragons could get their shorter passing game going.

About midway through the half Ian Marsh was finally rewarded for weeks of tireless efforts with the goal that had been eluding him to get the Dragons back on level terms.

A switch in formation and the introduction of Andy Warburton almost paid instant dividends when Marsh flicked the ball over the top for the onrushing substitute only for him to fluff his lines when he had more time than he probably thought he had.

It was one-way traffic at this point.

Captain Nick Tither was unable to get his header on target then first Dominic Varfis and later Alistair Baird were unable to convert good chances from the right hand side of the box with the former shooting at the keeper while the latter ballooned his shot high and wide of the goal.

Warburton had another chance with a deep corner but again was unable to sufficiently trouble the Stratford keeper.

And with time almost up Stratford hit the Dragons on the break.

Their strikers shot looked to be heading just wide of the goal before a deflection changed its course and saw it bulge the side netting to send the small but raucous band of travelling fans into raptures.

There was still time for more drama as, from the kick off, Sam Neale’s left foot cross found its was through to Michael Wade who tried to round the keeper only for the ball to be smothered by the impressive Stratford goalkeeper.

With that the final whistle was blown to make the final score 2-1 to Stratford and leave the Dragons wondering how they had not won the game.

The Paddy’s Bar Man of the Match went to Sam Buckler who was outstanding at the back and was the catalyst for the goal that got the Dragons back on level terms 

In the earlier match the Dragons Reserves also missed the chance to pick up three points in a match that followed a similar story to the later game.

Stratford were on top early and scored only for the Dragons to dominate for the majority but were unable to capitalise on this and drew 2-2. Next up is a Saturday night trip to Trinity Beach to take on Marlin Coast. All games take on a must win feel now as this is the last game of the first round and both sides need to pick up points if they want to feature in the finals series this year.