Bulldogs notch second victory against Dragons

Jordan Davis' goal in the 49th minute seals win

SIKESTON -- Sometimes during the course of a game mistakes can happen but the outcome seems to turn out good.

That's what led to the Sikeston Bulldogs lone goal in their match against the DeSoto Dragons on Wednesday night which ended up being the game-winner in a 1-0 game.

Sikeston's Jordan Davis put up an impressive shot in the 49th minute that bent right around the right side goal post off a misplay just before.

"It was a missed kick on the corner," Sikeston head coach Derrick Long said of Davis' goal. "Hector Lemus had the assist and kind of mis-kicked it on the corner. It wasn't a great kick but it bounced off the defender and the defender fell down and Jordan just put a great shot right on the inside post. It was just an excellent shot."

The Bulldogs where able to work their offense around DeSoto's defense that eventually opened up some opportunities for Sikeston to attack.

"They seemed to push more people up which opened up a counter attack for us," said Long. "They moved a center defender up and when we won the ball, we counter attacked on them and that right there showed a weakness on them right through the gut. Them trying to be aggressive kind of backfired on them and helped us out a little bit."

Besides the one goal, it was pretty much a defensive struggle for the rest of the match. Given that is was a district match-up, both teams turned up the physicality on the field which poured over into the coaches box with heated emotions.

"It was real heated, even between us coaches," said Long. "It was a little crazy out there but I liked the way our team kept our composure. We didn't let it get to us and we tried to stay focused on getting the 'W', especially after we got that goal."

"They're a district foe and they were a good team," added Long. "They got second in our district last year so playing them at our place and beating them is a big win for us."

Long said that the play of Sikeston's goalkeeper, Jason Isaacs, was a big reason why they were able to stay in the game.

"Overall, I thought Jason Isaacs kept us in the game," Long said. "He made some great saves back there."

This was Sikeston's second win on the season and hopefully for the Bulldogs, a big district win will carry over into their game against Farmington on Monday.

"We'll take any win now," Long said. "But, when you play a district foe and you only play them once it's big."