The Verri Industries Douglas United Dragons left it late, but have finally seen their impressive form move them up the premier league table.

With two matches scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday the Dragons were aware two good results would see them move from fifth to second position on the ladder. 

The Dragons travelled away to Southside on Sunday afternoon aware they had a score to settle after losing at the same ground in the first round of the competition.

After a scrappy opening twenty minutes Ciaran Lemon continued his goal scoring form and settled the Dragons' nerves with a superb twelve-minute hat trick.

His first was a calm finish with his head after some lovely one touch football involving Ollie Moffat and Ian Marsh in the middle of the park. Lemon once again showed why he is at the top of the leading goal scorers table with another header from a fantastic Dominic Varfis cross, and rounded off his hat trick with a free-kick that left the keeper with no chance from twenty five yards out.
 
It was far from the finished article from the Dragons, but were happy to leave the ground with no injuries or suspensions, three points and aware they needed to improve dramatically to compete with a Mareeba side coming into the Tuesday night's fixture full of confidence.

The Douglas Dragons had previously beaten the Mareeba Bulls twice in the league, both two-one victories and twice after coming from behind, and Tuesday evening's fixture proved no different.

The first half, despite being scoreless, was action packed, and unfortunately a highlight reel of the Dragons creating chances but failing to hit the target.

At half-time the need for patience and composure was discussed but it was Bulls who showed composure first after an innocuous through ball found their striker in a one on one and somehow onside.

He made no mistake from the edge of the box and the Dragons went one-nil down. Despite having the majority of possession the Dragons struggled to find that final pass to unlock the Bulls' defence and it looked like an opportunity missed as wave after wave of attacking moves were repelled by Mareeba.

Finally in the 82nd minute Nick Houghton managed to get in behind the Bulls' defence and get on the end of a lovely weighted slide pass from Matt Hill and give the Bulls' keeper no chance from eight yards out.

The Bulls looked deflated, and the Dragons continued to push believing another goal was possible, and with thirty seconds remaining another slide pass from Matt Hill found Houghton again in the box with only the keeper to beat and he made no mistake to send the players and supporters into raptures.

It wasn’t over yet as Ollie Moffat pulled off a goal saving ball and all tackle in the last kick of the game to secure three points for the Dragons, and ensure they finally moved up the table into second place, one point behind Marlin Coast.

With four games remaining the Verri Industries Douglas Dragons have the opportunity to really challenge for the league title, and would love to have you there at Cassowary Park on Sunday to support the lads.

Far North Queensland’s Fusion side kick off a day of football from 11am with the Premier side the final fixture at 5pm.