Għajn Tuffieħa Dragons

MATCH REPORT

GHTD - 1

CLUB 33 - 0

And from the embers... the Dragons emerge. The Dragons this late morning managed to sn**ch a deserving win against GIDA stalwarts Club 33.

After a dismal run of an embarrassing amount of games without a win, the Dragons today fought like... well, Dragons 🐉 in order to secure full points.

The first half was a very tight affair between both teams, with Club 33 managing a few attempts at goal however the man between the sticks must've eaten his weetabix this morning as he was in fine form this morning. Calm and collected, picking out the ball from set pieces with ease, and giving a strong hand to parry away any attempts at his goal. Bravo Peej!!!

Entering the second half, the Dragons knew if they kept a disciplined shape that the goal would come. With the midfield and defence jn fine balance with each other, the chance finally came. A close attempt to score from Club 33 was quickly followed by a sharp counterattack by the Dragons, with some fine interplay by the Dragons offensive players.

1...2 - bang. Goal. A snap shot from Alex Fenech at the first post which caught the keeper by surprise, and cue the joyous celebrations all round. The Dragons had gone 1 ahead and we loved it.

With ten minutes to go, the Dragons had to put up with an all out attack by the opposition. Although, a fine performance from the defence and the organisation of the midfield today effectively extinguished any real danger.

An excellent performance all round from the Dragons. Things you love to see. And yes, we only sing when we're winning, sue me x.

Forza Dragons!!!!!!

Match report

MUSC 2

GHTD 1

Good evening everyone, this is the Match Report.

After the Christmas break, the Dragons faced the MUSC Owls.

In today's Match, the Dragons welcomed back an old squad veteran - Erik Gollcher. Having spent some time in London, Erik finally pulled on the Glorious Green kit again and the gear remembered him fondly.

The match was underway and the Dragons knew they were up against a proper team. The Owls pressed well throughout the game, leaving the Dragons with barely any time on the ball.

The first half was very much attack vs defence, with the well organised Owls pressing high and throwing a few wild shots at the Dragons goal, however the Dragons managed to keep them out for some time.

The first Owls goal came from a counter attack stemming from a Dragons free kick which was not capitalised on. Once the Owls defended the free kick, they picked up the ball and initiated the quick counter attack, leaving the Dragons scrambling for numbers in defence. A cross from the right flank met the eagerly awaiting Owls striker whose scuffed contact on the shot allowed Paul Jaccarini the deftest of saves on the attempt but it was not enough as the ball achingly crept into the Dragons net. 1-0 for the Owls.

The ref blew for half time and the Dragons were flustered about having conceded so late into the half. Yet, in standard Dragon temperment - the Dragons stepped into the second half with a point to prove.

A number of positive substitutions allowed the Dragons more fluidity at play and the chances followed. The Dragons were matching the Owls with every challenge until a lapse of concentration gifted the Owls their second goal. Unfortunate, but this is football.

Downed but certainly not out, the Dragons picked the ball from the net and simply got on with it. The Dragons maintained their professionalism throughout and we were rewarded. It was kitchen sink time and with the surmounting pressure, the Dragons were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge inside the Owls' box from their defender. Up steps Mr London - that's right... Erik Gollcher. He picked up the ball with steely conviction, dismissed any potential takers and slotted the penalty passed the goalkeeper who was sent the wrong way.

2-1 with 5 mins to go. The Dragons had their tails up. It was mad, edge of your seat stuff. Pits - sweaty. Tempers - flared. Handbags. The ref lost control. Time wasting got the best of even the most composed of individuals.

Then, one last action for the Dragons. A foul committed by an Owl at the centre of Park, and Dragons lofted a hail Mary ball into the Owls box, hoping that the footballing Gods would reward us. Paul Jaccarini also joined in from goal to try and tip the odds in our favour for a late equaliser. But it wasn't to be. The ref whistled for full time and what could've been simply remained a dream.

A great game nonetheless. Thanks for reading. Hopefully we'll have a better outcome next Match.

FORZA DRAGONS

The Dragons lost. That's it. That's the match report.

On a happier note, The Dragons will take this opportunity to wish our fans a very happy Christmas! We all hope you have a great holiday season!

GhTD 0

Melita Old Boys 0

The Dragons earned a valuable point this morning against the Old Men of Melita. This draw extends the Dragons' unbeaten streak to now 3 games without suffering a loss. Grande Greens!

With a number of injuries sustained after last week's victory, the boys still managed to field a strong 11, who were ready to match the opposition blow for blow. A disciplined defensive display led by the ever reliable Malcolm Gatt Baldacchino, who was an ever present figure at the Dragons' back 3.

Chances from both teams were few and far between, with both teams testing the keepers from range in somewhat blustery conditions.

In the end, the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game and both teams were happy to earn a point.

Next week, the Dragons face league favourites WPU in what is easily their toughest challenge yet.

Stay tuned and as always...

FORZA DRAGONS!!

It's all square at half time, with either side not able to break the deadlock.

The Dragons with the wind in their backs will look to sn**ch victory from this hotly contested encounter.

EJJA DRAGONS

The Dragons are in high spirits ahead of their game against Melita Old Men this morning.

Send them your well wishes here!!!

EJJA DRAGONS!!!

GhTD - 2

Scandinavia - 1

Right. Let's crack on with the match report.

Bright and early game this morning with the Dragons kicking off at 8:30.

Some tactical changes were implemented as the Dragons played a 3-5-2 in order to make the best use of the players in the squad.

This change worked a charm as the Dragons held a tight back line, giving the Scandinavians very little time on the ball throughout the game.

The first goal came mid-way in the first half. Centre-back Luca Calleja trotted into the opposition's box following a corner. In came the delivery where Luca managed to find himself completely unmarked and nodded the ball gracefully across the goal and into the back of the net. Boom 1-0.

The Dragons saw out the first half confidently. Edward Meli had managed to find a great chance with some delicate footwork in barely any space in the oppositions box. His attempted effort seemed destined for glory but in the end he had his effort well saved by the goalkeeper.

Second half saw more of the same up until a moment of madness from the Dragon's goalkeeper who seemed to have forgotten we are no longer playing in the early 90s and picked up a backpass in his box. Bewildered and confused, the Dragons took their spot in the box ready to charge down the incoming attempt. However the GK made amends and pulled off a showstopping save to keep the score at 1-0. Grande.

The game was heating up. Challenges flying in and chances on either end. In steps Marco Tanti aka 'iz-zghir'. Lightening struck twice with our kid who found himself again in great space deep in the opposition's zone. Without hesitation, Marco let one fly, scuffed the shot which achingly rolled past the goalkeeper. The Dragons were 2-0 up.

The drama did not end there however, as the Scandis managed to pull one back, albeit somewhat dubiously. A great free kick was floated in, which required a quick save from the GK, however the rebound was poked in by the Scandinavians for 2-1.

There was very little time for the opposition to seek the comeback, as the Dragons continued to control the game throughout with solid defending and calm possession on the ball.

Great result in the end. More points on the table. Thank you for reading this far. This has been a great start to the day. Have a lovely Sunday.

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!!! HOLD THE BACK PAGE!!!

THE 🐲🐲 HAVE WON FOR THE SECOND GAME ON THE TROT!!!

Match report to follow!!!

GhTD 6 - Meli x2, Jake x2, Stivala 1, Marco 1

Kamelasa 4

When it rains it pours, quite literally after today.

This morning the boys understood what it meant to play on a cold and rainy night at Stoke, but in no way shirked at the challenge.

Right from the first whistle, the Dragons were eager to earn their first points of a somewhat challenging season. Debutant Marco Tanti found himself in acres of space and cooly managed to slip his low effort past the GK for 1-0. Ejja minn hemm Dragons!!!! (hereinafter referred to as EMHD).

2-0 followed shortly after as some good work down the left flank this time, whereby after a dramatic scramble at the goal mouth of the opposition, in comes captain fantastic of the day Mike Stivala. Mike came in like a shark sniffing blood to punish the slack defending and with true conviction tucked away the second goal of the morning. BOOM EMHD 2-0!!!!

Cue the man of the match - Edward Meli. This man is truly deserving of a special mention. Having contributed 2 goals and 2 assists, he has finally shaken off his goal drought and earned the MOTM award in true Meli fashion.

Having knicked the ball off an unfocused defender, Meli was through one on one. In true Meli fashion, he cuts in on his left into space and only had to pass the ball in the net. He scored both goals like this btw. Bravu Meli # # #

Our lad Jake Chetcuti also managed to bag a brace in both halves of the game. Having bagged the first one with some slick finishing, the second goal came after cunningly intercepting a loose ball from the opposition GK and capitalised with a fine finish over the helpless keeper.

Uwiva yes we conceded 4 imma xorta... POINTS ON THE BOARD!!!

Big special thanks goes to the boys who made up the team today!! Grazzi grazzi grazzi!!!

Onwards and upwards!

🐲🐲🐲FORZA DRAGONS 🐲🐲🐲

Home.

🐉🐉MATCH REPORT🐉🐉

GhTD - 1

Club 33 - 3

Season 21/22 got underway yesterday with the Dragons succumbing to an opening day defeat at the hands of league stalwarts Club 33.

The opening match started positively for the Dragons, who fielded a number of debutants, who seamlessly merged with the Dragons of old.

The first goal was scored by debutant Mark Scicluna, who put on a fantastic display for his first appearance in the mighty green, and topped off his performance with an awe inspiring free kick that defined the term 'top bins'. 1-0

However, as any experienced FIFA player would know - you are most vulnerable in defence right after scoring a goal. And the old adage came true as Club 33 managed to level the score with the first action after restarting the game. 1-1.

With the thunder rumbling and the rain pelting down, the Dragons seemed to be holding out for a draw, however Club 33 produced some silky moves and went ahead with 2 very well worked goals within the last 5 minutes of the game.

Club Manager and spiritual leader Luke Mercieca had this to say - "Im absolutely gutted for the lads who put in a fine and courageous display against some tough opposition. But we won't look back in anger and will look towards achieving a result in the next gameweek".

Big thanks to the GhTD support who showed up even in the torrid weather!

🐲🐲🐲FORZA DRAGONS EJJA MINN HEMM HODOR!!!🐲🐲🐲

Leo Messi --> GhTD transfer nearing completion... soon here-we-go🚀🚀🚀. Messi's U-turn came as no surprise to the Dragons who have been looking to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

Club president Ganni Vassallo had this to say - "We have always identified Messi as a potential target for our team and we look forward to completing all the necessary paperwork to get him on board."

Club captain Luke Mercieca had this to add - "we are thrilled to potentially have Leo with us, but he will have to put in the graft like everyone else in this squad, there are no guarantees in GIDA football."

Stay tuned for further updates