By Logan Marsh

The Douglas United Dragons have kept up their unbeaten run by beating second place Atherton for the fourth time this season in a tough fought battle up in the chilly Tablelands.

It certainly was not plain sailing as, for the fourth time this season, Atherton took the lead. The Dragons resolute character shone through in the second half as they prevailed thanks to a Luke Seaton double.

The Dragons started the match brightly, exposing the identified weaknesses of the Atherton fullbacks but were unable to find the opening goal. As has been there wont this year they switched off and allowed Atherton to take the lead after quarter of an hour. The goal was completely against the run of play with Atherton’s best player not influencing the game as he previously had from his deep midfield role. Douglas continued to knock on the door but spurned numerous chances to get back on level terms. When Andy Warburton’s excellent cross for Matty Smith was finally tucked away, the goal was ruled out due to a farcical offside call.

And so it remained until the half time break despite all the Dragons possession and opportunities. It was a very frustrated dressing room as the Dragons knew they were the better side but were behind on the scoreboard. Patience and composure were the two words that were stressed as being key if the Dragons were going to keep their unbeaten run going.

The second half saw the Dragons resume their dominance of possession and chances. The Dragons were finding plenty of space down their right hand side but finding the back of the net was still proving difficult with Atherton clinging to their one goal advantage with everything they had. Finally the Dragons were back on level terms when Luke Seaton lashed the ball home following a couple of blocked shots. Once level the Dragons were the only team that was going on to win the match but the winning goal did not come along immediately.

In fact, with time ticking away it looked as though the Dragons may not get the victory to keep their perfect season going. Luke Seaton however, was determined to impress his girlfriend even though she decided to go to the pub instead of watching the match and scuffed a shot sufficiently that it swerved late and wrong-footed the Atherton keeper to find the back of the net and give the Dragons a deserved 2-1 lead that they would hold until full time.

The Paddy’s Bar Man of the Match went to match winner Luke Seaton who capped a very good all round performance with two goals. Next up for the Dragons is a home match against Edge Hill. The night will also be host to the Dragons Family Fun Day from 5pm with both club members and non-members welcome. There will be football related activities, skill challenges, a children’s movie, food and drink available and the senior match kicking off at 8pm. Come on out and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon and evening and experience what Douglas United has to offer.