by Logan Marsh

The Douglas United Dragons have recorded their first victory of the season after an epic come from behind victory over Mareeba at Cassowary Park on Saturday night.

It was the first time in a great number of years that the Dragons have managed to secure victory over Mareeba. Goals from Nick Tither and Ian Marsh were enough to secure an excellent 2-1 victory.

The Verri Industries Dragons started the match brightly and won a couple of early corners but were unable to take advantage of these opportunities.

After the initial bright beginnings, however, Mareeba began to impose themselves on the game and took the lead about twenty minutes into the match after a shot from the edge of the area.

It could have been worse for the Dragons as Mareeba continued to push forward while the Dragons themselves struggled to get into any sort of rhythm going. The one bright point for the Dragons was the performance of lone striker Simone Gentile who worked tirelessly up front and put the Mareeba defence under plenty of pressure.

The second half saw a more competitive display from the Dragons while Mareeba were still causing problems of their own. Keeper Gary Fitzgerald continued his good early season form, making a number

of good saves to keep the score at 1-0.

Again, the Dragons forced a number of corners as they grew into the game and when one corner was partially clear Ben Syrett smashed a shot from the edge of the area which the keeper could only parry into the path of skipper Nick Tither who made no mistake from five yards out.

It was now game on and while there were still a few anxious moments, the Dragons continued to push forward with intent. With just over ten minutes remaining on the clock Matty Smith crossed from the right and the ball made its way through to Ian Marsh who coolly tucked the ball away to make it 2-1 to the Dragons.

It was now the Dragons' game to lose and Mareeba threw men forward looking for an equaliser of their own but the home sides defence stood resolute. With time winding down Gentile was shielding the

ball out of play when he was wrestled to the ground by a Mareeba defender who received a straight red card.

The referee was not satisfied there though and harshly gave Gentile his second yellow card for persistent fouling resulting in him also being sent from the field. It was a harsh way to end the game for someone who had worked so hard and contributed so much to the performance.

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Gentile was still voted the Paddy’s Bar man of the match for his performance.

Coach Logan Marsh was understandably ecstatic with the result and praised his teams efforts in the second half.

“We were pretty poor in the first half and I gave the lads a bit of a rev up at half time asking for a more committed performance in the second half and that is exactly what the boys produced.

“To get a win over Mareeba is certainly very special. Speaking to people at the club no one can remember the last time we managed it so it is one to celebrate and enjoy.”

The Dragons now have a week off for Easter before a trip to Southside where they will be looking to record back to back victories.

“Certainly Southside is a game we are targeting to get three points in,” said Marsh. “We will have four or five more lads cleared by then so the strength of the squad is looking really good.”