UD WOMEN'S TEAM - MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
UD WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM
May 2024
THE MONTH OF MAY WAS OUR BIGGEST MONTH YET!!
Sunday 05 May 2024 United Dragons vs Tooting Bec Reserves
UD Women started their May campaign with an away fixture against Tooting, a very competitive team who fought for everything and held us 1-1 at half time. After an inspiring motivational speech from our Head coach Huw, the ladies were fired up and ready to go for the second half to secure the win. Two superbly worked goals straight from the training ground through Paula Varela (MVP) tipped the balance and secured 3 precious points for the Dragons.
Sunday 12th May 2024 United Dragons vs Civil Service
Our second game of the month was a tough game against a physical Civil Service team who in the unexpected heat worked their socks off to keep us away from their goal and made it difficult for us to create clear chances right from the start. The Civil Service took a well deserved lead in the 14th Minute. We slowly built momentum and had some excellent chances to score but we just couldn’t find the final ingredient. At half time we trailed 2-0 and with a lot of work to do. The second half started much more positively for the Dragons after Natalia our top goal scorer sent a rocket from 15 yards straight into the top corner which is proably still orbiting around the world. The Dragons visibly settled down and began to dominate possession like we have all season and managed to score again very quickly. 3-2 to the Civil Service. Moments later Natalia was fouled and a penalty was awarded, but unfortunately a well struck shot kick kissed the crossbar and bounced back straight into keepers’ hands. Civil Services answered back with a counterattack and their skilful goalkeeper who has been subbed for striker headed the ball from the corner delivery to make a final score 4-2. Tough loss for the Dragons but so much was learnt from this game.
Mallorca Santa Ponsa International Tournament 2024
United Dragons ladies on Tour!!! To make this incredible journey even better, UD ladies participated in the Annual Mallorca tournament and put their 11 a side skill to the test in the soaring Spanish heat on a 5 a side futsal style football pitch. UD ladies made it through to the last 16 of the tournament and with incredible experience playing against teams from all over the world, showed ourselves that we have the skill and mentality to play anywhere, against anyone. Representing England with our super international team we definitely left a mark on this island by being recognised as a friendly, professional and respectful team. Our incredible media expert captured many moments on camera. A massive thank you to Lucy Botkai for amazing support on the sideline and our manager of the tournament Amanda for keeping us hydrated, and incorporating us in to the Brasilian Joga Bonito spirit! We danced away at the closing ceremony and made wonderful memories for life. We cannot wait for next years Tour already !!!
Sunday 26th May 2024 United Dragons vs Wandsworth Borough - THE FINAL GAME!
Last game of the season against a Wandsworth Borough was a game to remember from the very start. Nerves were gangling and it was a frenetic start. WIth the sidelines filled in with tremendous support from both sides the atmosphere was electric. United Dragons knew 3 points would be enough to secure 2nd place and promotion in the league. The solid 15 players squad showed typically grit and fearless strength and skills throughout the full 90. The first half was controlled by UD and we played fantastic flowing, passing football that has become synonymous all season. Georgina hit a swerving, dipping 20 yard bullet that sparked pandamonium on the sidelines. Not long afterwards Natalia struck again when our high press forced a turnover to grab her 50th goal of the season. A truly sensational achievement. Wandsworth activated their attack and high press from the second half which led to a high ball delivery to the box that resulted in the ball being bundled into the goal. UD held on. We stuck to our principles and had numerous chances on the opposition goal without scoring, even having one chalked off for a dodgy offside call. The final whistle eventually blew and a mixture of relief and ecstasy gripped the triumphant Dragons. It has been a truly amazing effort by the whole squad, and a reflection of all the hard work put in over the season on the training ground. A huge thank you goes to all the players for making this happen and believing in the club.
March 2024
United Dragon’s Women’s Team started their March campaign with a fixture against London Galaxy in a SUE SHARPLES Cup. Dragons started the first half strong by attacking fast pace and scoring extraordinary 5 goals and conceding only one second half we saw one more finish from top striker Natalia leading United Dragon’s to secure the win on an away day final score 6-1. We are heading to the Quarter Finals which will be played on the Sunday 7th April against South London Reserves at Edward Alleyn.
League status United Dragon’s currently stand at 2nd place 10 points behind Croydon Athletic. Sunday the 10th of March, we hosted Grenfell Athletic at Paddington Recreational Grounds under stormy weather with incredible squad we put a very technical performance where we kept the possession of the ball and create chances after chances. Final score 5-1.
United Dragons W vs Wandsworth Borough
Full squad took upon securing yet another win over middle table Wandsworth Borough. Strong start to the game led to early goal for UD in 9th minute of the match this allowed the team to keep the composure and possession of the ball and set the tone for the rest of the game another goal came from beautiful delivery by Caroline and powerful finish by the striker to finish first half 2-0. Opposition changed the tactic and went into the defensive mode it was much difficult to create chances however UD kept pressing and kept the position of the ball, but came short to score any goal in the second half. This win secured a second spot in the league table for United Dragons and this is hot seat for promotion.
WeSeeYou Network with Chelsea Football Club & Three
Three UK has partner up with Chelsea Football Club and created #WeSeeYou Network initiative which celebrates women in football which aims at building a long-term community of role models and recognise their input in local clubs and communities. Kirsten Ries Capitan of United Dragon’s Women’s first team has nominated our top league striker and Natalia Debek.
Head of UD Women’s Natalia said:
“This came as a massive surprise, I’m so grateful for this nomination and being highlighted on Chelsea website as a role model in women’s grassroots football and putting United’s Dragons name on such a platform means a lot to me. I’m so proud how far we have come as a brand-new team. Players, coaches and the owners are continuing to put such a tremulous effort and consistency into the club this will lead to even more success in the future.”
February 2024
Do Dragons enjoy travelling?! It’s a question that has perplexed and intrigued historians for centuries. Ever since they appeared in the stories of old in the Middle East. Whatever the true answer is, current evidence is an emphatic YES! THEY LOVE A CITY BREAK ABROAD!
In the halls of power, February was billed as a make or break month for our promotion hopes. Spurred on and invigorated by our encouraging performances since the turn of the year the ladies won all 3 games, all on their travels, amassing an incredible 17 goals and conceding only once.
With hard work being put in on the training ground, what has been most pleasing is that we have started looking like a real team with a defined style of play that the squad has bought into and enjoys playing.
This afternoon sees the Dragons take on London Galaxy in the second round of the Sue Sharples Cup with a packed March ahead.
Come Down and Support the Team for our Upcoming Fixtures!
United Dragons FC v Grenfell Athletic | KO : 2:30pm | Maida Vale, Paddington Recreation Ground | 10th March 2024
United Dragons FC v Wandsworth Borough | KO : 2:30pm | Maida Vale, Paddington Recreation Ground | 17th March 2024
United Dragons FC v Civil Service | KO : 2:30pm | Maida Vale, Paddington Recreation Ground | 24th March 2024
January 2024
After what felt like a lifetime of no football, there was no easy target upon our return, but instead a cup game against Professional Football Club, Crystal Palace.
In biblical conditions where the ball was bending more than a Roberto Carlos free-kick, we fought bravely, scored 2 fantastic goals but unfortunately succumbed to a 7-2 loss to a very well organised and drilled team. Lots of positives to take away and as always in defeat we learned and walked away with what we need to work on.
Next came saw another cup game, this time against Finchley, which will go down as “the battle of the mud”. They had a game plan of playing very physical and with a clear objective to sit deep and frustrate our attackers, however, eventually we were victorious through two strikes from our talismanic striker Natalia and a man of the match performance from Sabrina between the sticks. Morale is high as we go into our next league game against Tooting as we aim for promotion. With 4 games in-hand over our competition we are bookies favourites for promotion.
Come Down and Support the Team for our Upcoming Fixtures!
CB Hounslow United v United Dragons FC | KO : 2PM | Green Lane Sports Ground | 11th February 2024
Wandsworth Borough v United Dragons FC | KO : 2PM |Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields | 18th February 2024