Huddersfield Dragons Mens 2nds 1 – 3 Leeds University

Huddersfield Dragons men seconds travelled to Headingly for an early 10:30am start against a usually strong university side. Dragons had to make some last minute starting line up changes but started the match positively and both teams traded early attacking exchanges in a fast paced encounter. Foster and Kullar were dangerous on the break and had several chances to take the lead. Leeds were also dangerous on the attack though and were first to open the scoring when the ball was deflected into the net. Foster soon put dragons level with a great strike, but Leeds soon struck back after a lucky decision resulted in them putting the ball across the Dragons goal to be slotted home by a man unmarked on the far post. Dragons competed well but in the second half mistakes crept in and possession was squandered cheaply on several occasions. Leeds superior fitness and organisation told and looked likely to increase their lead, keeper Howarth prevented this with a string of several saves. Leeds extended their lead and dominated possession. Kullar was unlucky not to pull one back when his effort was saved on the line. A good effort against a strong Leeds side and Dragons look to pick themselves up for next week’s home encounter versus York.

Ben Rhydding VII 0 – 6 Huddersfield Dragons V

Last week the Dragons were guilty of taking their foot off the gas at half-time and thereby giving the opposition an opportunity to get back into the match. It remained to be seen whether this week would see a repeat……

Mike Pogson opened the scoring with a well-taken individual goal and then set up the second with an inch-perfect through-ball to Jerry Turner, who was taking to his unaccustomed midfield role with consummate ease. Still in the 1st half, Mike Greenberry’s push-shot was deflected by a Ben Rhydding foot and up stepped Gary Clarke to coolly despatch the resulting penalty stroke right into the corner. 3-0 to Huddersfield at half-time.
In the 2nd half the Dragons were determined to learn from their previous game against Bingley Bees and so continued to press forward. Sweeper John Ridings found himself in the Ben Rhydding D and forced the keeper into a save while even the Huddersfield right-back was once spotted in an advanced position, crossing for Greenberry to make the score 4-0 with a spectacular finish.

Soon afterwards Pogson received the ball midway inside the opposition half, created space for himself and scored with a fine strike from the edge of the D. Turner completed the scoring when, following a short corner, the ball broke to him and he drilled a well-struck shot into the far corner.
So an emphatic and well-deserved first away win of the season for Huddersfield, who now have a week off before another away trip on Nov.26th, taking on Boston Spa 3rd team.

After the game, when asked why he seemed to be aiming for an in-off via a Rhydding foot, rather than taking the more direct route to goal, Mike Greenberry explained that he wanted to boost the ever-calm Gary Clarke’s confidence by giving him an opportunity to exorcise a few demons from the penalty spot. As further evidence of his unselfish nature, Mr Greenberry cited the moment in the 2nd half when, as he and his good friend Mr Dallas were through on goal with just the keeper to beat, he elected to pass rather than shoot himself ……..
It also emerged that the Huddersfield right-back was so exhausted after his only piece of support play in the entire match that, on returning to his own half, he was completely incapable of connecting with Gurvi’s attempted high-five.

Team : McFillimy, Ridings, Donovan, Wood, Kullar, Turner, Flavin, Pogson, Dallas, Birdi, Greenberry, Clarke
Scorers : Pogson 2, Turner 2, Clarke, Greenberry