CARDIFF
10th October 2026 2.30pm Kick Off
D R AC O N I A N S Welcome to the Orange Llama Stadium
VS
Carmarthen Town FC
MATCHDAY GROUND ENTRY £6 PROGRAMME £1.50
Today’s Programme at a Glance Manager’s Message Match Report Dracs Crowdfunder! Man of the Match The Teams Team of the Week Player Interview Player Q&A Fixtures League Table
Managers’ Message Firstly, I would like to welcome everyone connected with Carmarthen Town to today’s game. A warm welcome to their players, staff, supporters and manager, Rhodri Thomas. We hope you all enjoy the game. We come into today’s fixture following a 1–1 draw with Newport City last weekend. Overall, I think it was a positive point against a good and experienced side, but there were still mixed feelings when we reflected on the performance. I thought we were brilliant during the first half. We played with real energy, moved the ball well and caused Newport plenty of problems. The players followed the game plan and showed exactly what this group is capable of when we play with confidence and intensity. It was also great to see Dylan Amin score his first goal. It was an excellent finish and a moment he fully deserved. Dylan has worked incredibly hard for the team, and hopefully that goal will give him even more confidence moving forward. However, we must also be honest about the second half. We were poor, the game became extremely scrappy and neither side managed to play much good football. After the match, both Robbie Willmott and I agreed that the second half was not a particularly enjoyable watch. We stopped doing many of the things that had made us so effective during the opening 45 minutes. That is something we must learn from. If we want to continue developing and competing against the strongest teams at this level, we need to produce complete performances rather than playing well for only one half. Despite that, a point against Newport remains positive and we will always take something from every game. There were also some significant positives for the club. It was great to finally see Brandon Thomas make his debut. Brandon has had to be patient, but we know the quality he possesses and believe he can become an important player for us. Even more pleasing was seeing two 16-year-olds, Oliver Matthews and Marouane Oukali, make their Cymru South debuts. Giving young players genuine opportunities is something we strongly believe in at Cardiff Draconians. Neither player was included simply to make up the numbers. They have earned their opportunity through their attitude, ability and performances. Turning our attention to today, we know exactly how difficult the challenge will be. Carmarthen are a very good side with experienced players throughout their squad, including several who are capable of playing at Cymru Premier level. Rhodri will have them organised, disciplined and ready to compete. Nobody will expect us to win today and we understand that Carmarthen will be the favourites. However, we will not go into the game feeling sorry for ourselves or believing we cannot compete. We will work hard, stay together and give absolutely everything from the first whistle until the last. Thank you for your continued support. Please get behind the players and help us through what will undoubtedly be a very tough game.
Diolch yn fawr, Nana Baah
Match Report Newport City Cardiff Draconians 1-1 Newport City
Orange Llama Stadium – 3rd October 2026 – Attendance: 190 Match report by Josh Thomas. Cardiff Draconians picked up a hard-earned point after they were held to a draw against Newport City. The Dracs started the game well and had the first opportunity of the contest in the 17th minute through Myles Corson. Corson’s excellent free-kick from the edge of the box looked to be heading in, but Steelmen’s Alex Harris was able to get down and push the ball over the bar.
The hosts didn’t have to wait long to open the scoring, however, after a superb goal seven minutes later at The Orange Llama Stadium. Dan Bowen picked up the ball on the left-hand side, before looking up and finding Dylan Amin, who ran onto it and smashed the ball home with a lovely first-time effort from the edge of the box to make it 1-0 at half-time. Newport City did level the scores in the 52nd minute through Jake Wilson’s looping header to stun the hosts. Pics by Ollie Fox & Joshua Thomas
But Cardiff Draconians won themselves a penalty six minutes later after Harris brought down substitute Brandon Thomas. However, Sam Cawley’s spot-kick was saved by Harris, much to the disappointment of the home supporters. Both sides had chances to win with both Samuel Johnson and Amin both going close before Cawley nearly produced a moment of brilliance with great athleticism in the 87th minute. The Dracs captain flicked the ball up and attempted an overhead kick, but his effort just went over. Nana Baah freshened up his side, as he brought on Marouane Oukali and Oliver Matthews to make their Novira Cymru South debut a minute later.
And it was the visitors who thought they had snatched a winner in stoppage time though Jonah Williams, as the left-winger scored from close range, but his effort was ruled out for offside as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. Cardiff Draconians: Johnson, Nippers (Stephens 73), Kazadi, Saunders, Cawley (C), Mathias, Amin, Corson (Matthews 88), Bowen (Thomas 50), Treharne (Oukali 88), Benford Unused substitutions: Holley, Mace and McCarthy Pics by Ollie Fox & Joshua Thomas
Cardiff Draconians Crowdfunder HELP US BRING THE LYDSTEP PARK FAN ZONE TO LIFE! We’re building more than just football at Cardiff Draconians we’re building a community. Our exciting new Community Fan Zone at Lydstep Park will create a fantastic space for matchdays, families, players and the wider community to enjoy. We’re now so close to reaching our final funding target and we need your help to get over the line! Every donation helps. Every share makes a difference. Together, we can make this happen. The Fan Zone will be more than a matchday facility. It will be a lively community hub - a place to gather, celebrate, support local sport and create lasting memories at Lydstep Park. If you can, please support the crowdfunder and help us get over the line. If you are unable to donate, sharing the campaign still makes a real difference. Together, we can build something special for our club, our supporters and our community. Scan the QR code to donate or share: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/qleJVkAW
Match Officials Referee 1st Assistant Referee 2nd Assistant Referee
Kevin Delgado Ashley Davis Cody Crockett
Harry Johnson (GK)
Myles Corson
Tom Holley (GK) Jacob Benford Efu Kazadi Callum Nippers Jamal Roberts
Dan Bowen Luke Gullick Cameron Egan Rhys McCarthy Cole Mace
Carlos Indjai Josh Stephens Amani Babah Sam Cawley (C) Dylan Amin
Haben Samson Harry Treharne Keegan Saunders Brandon Thomas
Manager Assistant Manager Coach 1st Aider Coach
Nana Baah Paul Smith Darren Buttle Colin Ashton Gareth Hicks
Carmarthen Squad Lee Idzi
Hari Jones
Charlie Craig Luke Cummings Sam Parsons Tyler Aylward Trystan Jones
Osian James Dion Phillips Rhys Jenkins Ryan Bond Morgan Shane Evans
Mason Thomas Ryan Bevan Kurt Rees Josh Joda
Llifon Evans Iestyn Thomas Liam Thomas Lewis Reed
Team Manager Assistant Manage Goalkeeping Coach Physio Kit & Equipment
O Thomas C Thomas S Lloyd M Bollin D Hannington
Interview with Keegan. Keegan Saunders has only been with Cardiff Draconians for a month, but says he has loved every minute of his time so far. At 17 years old, Saunders, who arrived from Barry Town United at the end of August, is one of the youngest players in the team but introduced himself in spectacular fashion on his debut against Baglan Dragons. The centre-back headed home Myles Corson’s corner in stoppage time at the end of the first half to level the scores with his first ever senior goal. Haben Samson would go on to score the game’s winning goal after the break to give the Dracs a 2-1 win, but the day was all about the teenage defender. Since then, Saunders has become a key player for the Dracs at the back, appearing in the last three games. He shares with media officer Joshua Thomas on last week’s draw with Newport City, his time with the club so far and facing Carmarthen Town this afternoon. JT: How did you find last Saturday, what did you make of our 1-1 draw with Newport City? KS: The boys played very well in the first 45, they moved the ball well and Dylan (Amin) managed to score a well-worked goal. The second half we wasn’t at the same level as we started which cost us drawing the game.
JT: Despite only getting a point against Newport City, how pleased were you with the response shown from our defeat against Caerau Ely?
KS: It was frustrating not getting the three points, but it was an improvement from last week (with Caerau Ely) and there were plenty of positives to take from the game to take into next weekend against Carmarthen Town.
JT: Having been with the club for nearly two months now, how have you found your time with the Dracs so far? KS: I have loved every minute of it. On the pitch and off the pitch we have a good group of boys, and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. Pics by JoshuaThomas
JT: How much have you grown at the Dracs so far, after your time with Barry Town, how has it helped improve your game and what is it like getting experience playing for a team in the Cymru South? KS: I’ve grown a lot already at the Dracs and it’s only been a month. I’ve still got plenty to learn. Being at Barry, it’s given me a taste of men’s football being involved in pre-season. It’s really good to get Cymru South experience, especially at my age. JT: What do you take from being one of the youngest players in the team? How great is to be part of the side that is keen on developing talent and giving players opportunities such as Tom Holley, Oliver Matthews and Marouane Oukali making their debuts a few weeks ago? KS: It shows people have a lot of trust in and also shows how good the development is at the Dracs, with three 16-year-olds making their debut. JT: How great is it to see players get opportunities in this team? And how much does that bode well for the future? KS: I think it’s a great thing to have young players be able to get an opportunity and show ther ability. It also shows how much work Dan Cope has done with them over the summer. JT: You couldn’t haven opened your account any better than you did, after scoring a goal on your debut with a header against Baglan Dragons, talk us through your goal? KS: The goal couldn’t have happened at a better time right before half-time gave us that belief to go get the three points, which we did with Haben scoring in the second half to secure the three points. JT: Up next is Carmarthen Town, another game at home, what are your thoughts on it? KS: Carmarthen are a good side looking forward to the battle and hopefully come out with the three points JT: How important is it to build on last week’s draw now with Carmarthen Town up next on Saturday? KS: A lot of positives from last game, and we have worked on after the game Saturday’s game in training, to put us in the best position to get three points against Carmarthen Town. Pics by Joshua Thomas
Feeling lucky? Then join in with our club fundraisers of the Lucky 24 Tote and the 100 club! For £1 a tote ticket there is a weekly chance of winning our current jackpot of £4050. Join the 100 club for £10 a month and be part of the monthly draw to win a prize of either £100, £75, £50 or £25. 100 club draw takes place the end of every month! See a club member in the shop to find out more or buy a ticket, or message us online. Thanks to everyone who supports us in this and good luck in the next draws.
Email: Cardiffdraconians@aol.com Twitter: @CDraconians Facebook: @CardiffDraconiansFC
Q&A with Keegan! Age? 17 Position? Centre Back
Favourite Football team? Liverpool Favourite meal? Pizza Favourite car: Porsche 911 Pic by Josh Thomas
If you could have any three dinner guests who would they be?
Carlos indjai, Darren George and Nathan Wiliams Previous Clubs? Cardiff City, Newport County, Barry Town How long have you been with the club? Two months Tell me one fact about you: I also do boxing!
Best player you have ever played with? Axel Donczew Best player you have ever played against? JJ Gabriel Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers: Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers:
Have to put in the work outside of training to be a top footballer.
Keegan is sponsored by:- Bamboo Cosmetic Dentistry
Pic by Joshua Thomas
Fixtures
Once a Drac, Always a Drac
Pl
W
D
L
GF GA GD Pts
1
Pure Swansea
8
6
2
0
25
6
19
20
2
Aberystwyth Town
8
6
1
1
22
8
14
19
3
Pontypridd United
9
6
1
2
23
16
7
19
4
Caerau Ely
9
5
1
3
21
18
3
16
5
Baglan Dragons
10
5
1
4
11
11
0
16
6
Carmarthen Town
9
4
2
3
20
19
1
14
7
Ynyshir Albions
8
3
4
1
9
7
2
13
8
Treowen Stars
9
4
1
4
18
18
0
13
9
Afan Lido
10
3
2
5
13
17
-4
11
10
Trethomas Bluebirds
9
2
4
3
17
17
0
10
11
Pontardawe Town
8
3
0
5
14
16
-2
9
12
Newport City
7
2
2
3
10
6
4
8
13
Cardiff Draconians
7
2
2
3
9
12
-3
8
14
Caerphilly Athletic
9
2
2
5
9
17
-8
8
15
Llantwit Major
8
2
1
5
7
20
-13
7
16
Llanelli Town
10
0
2
8
7
27
-20
2
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