By Logan Marsh

The Douglas United Dragons have ticked up another victory on Friday night, defeating Dimbulah 4-2 in what was always a comfortable performance. When they were good they were very good as was the case for the majority of the first half but periods of the second half saw the Dragons slip into old habits which made the opposition look better than they were.

Straight from the kick off the Dragons dominating possession, moving the ball across the pitch nicely and looking dangerous whenever they went forward. Gavin Jenkin and Andy Warburton were finding plenty of space when they dropped off their defenders and the two wide men were also having plenty of joy. 

Andy Warburton had been having a torrid year to date, failing to find the back of the net but he opened his account for the season in fine style, cutting inside two defenders and lashing the ball into the top right corner. Sam Neale then doubled the lead moments later heading Ben Syrett’s delightful deep cross home at the far post to make it 2-0. 

Just when it looked like the game would get away from Dimnulah they were handed a lifeline when coach Nick Tither put one leg in the Dragon onesie again but passing the ball straight to the opposition striker who lashed an unstoppable shot past the previously redundant keeper Gary Fitzgerald in the Dragons goal.

The Dragons were able to regroup quickly and reassert their dominance with both Neale and Warburton notching their second goals for the match. A lot of the Dragons passing was quick and sharp and it looked like the score could blow out if they maintained that level. The Dragons were well and truly on top as the half time whistle went, leading 4-1.

The second half saw a fair few changes made both in personnel and positionally and as a result the Dragons were unable to regain their fluency from the first half. Dimbulah kept fighting also making sure the blow out that threatened never eventuated. While the Dragons still dominated the possession, clear-cut chances were hard to come by and Tither managed to get the other leg in the onesie when a ball over the top caught him out and allowed Dimbullah to close the gap to two goals. 

Luckily for the Dragons there were no more mistakes and they were able to secure a relatively comfortable 4-2 victory. It was by no means a complete performance although the standard of play for large periods in the first half is standard that is being sought after. The Paddy’s Bar Man of the Match went to Sam Neale whose outstanding contribution was capped by scoring two goals and creating another. The Dragons now have a week off during which time they will find out their semi final opponents in the FNQ Cup. This evening the Dragons have a fundraising quiz at Paddy’s Bar. Get along and show your support with teams of up to six players.