CARDIFF
12th September 2026 2.30pm Kick Off
D R AC O N I A N S Welcome to the Orange Llama Stadium
VS
Baglan Dragons
MATCHDAY GROUND ENTRY £6 PROGRAMME £1.50
Today’s Programme at a Glance Manager’s Message A New Era Starts for the Dracs Dracs Crowdfunder! The Teams Team of the Week Interview with Luke Q&A with Luke Fixtures League Table
Managers’ Message Firstly, I would like to welcome everyone to the Orange Llama Stadium for today’s game. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the players, management team, officials and supporters of Baglan Dragons. We hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe journey home afterwards. I would like to begin by congratulating our captain, Sam Cawley, and vice-captain, Harry Johnson, on representing Wales in the UEFA Regions’ Cup. It is a fantastic achievement for them both and a proud moment for everyone connected with Cardiff Draconians. They represented themselves, their families and the club brilliantly, and their selection reflects the standards they continue to set. I would also like to welcome our three new signings. Keegan Saunders joins us from Barry Town and is a player I believe has immense talent. He has all the qualities required to become a regular in the Cymru Premier, and we are delighted to have him with us. Brandon Thomas arrives from Llwydcoed. He is an exciting forward with a great eye for goal who can play across the attacking line. I still feel he has another level to reach, and I am looking forward to helping him fulfil that potential. Finally, Harry Treharne returns following a brief spell with Caerau Ely. Everyone at the club knows what Harry is capable of, and I cannot wait to see him wearing a Dracs shirt again. We come into today’s match following an excellent 4–2 victory a couple of weeks ago. I thought we produced a very good performance, particularly after being reduced to ten men after only 30 minutes. The sending-off came from poor judgement, which we must learn from, but the character and togetherness the players showed afterwards demonstrated that we can compete with anyone at this level. It was also fantastic to see Luke Gullick become the first Cardiff Draconians player to score a hat-trick in the Cymru Leagues. It was a brilliant individual achievement within an outstanding team performance. Today, we face an in-form Baglan side who currently sit third in the table and have won four of their last five matches. We know this will be another major test, but these are the games we want to be involved in. We will need to compete, remain disciplined and give everything from the first whistle to the last. Thank you for your continued support. I hope you all enjoy the match.
Diolch yn fawr, Nana Baah
A New Era Gets Off to a Flying Start at the Dracs! Since the First Team’s last league fixture, a new era has officially begun at Cardiff Draconians — and the early signs are extremely promising. With our Mini, Junior, Youth and Reserve sections all now underway, the opening days of the new season have delivered plenty of goals, impressive performances and, most importantly, a real sense of excitement about the future of the club. A Flying Start for the Mini & Junior Section
A Flying Start for the Mini & Junior Section Saturday 5 September marked the beginning of the league season for our Mini and Junior teams, and it is fair to say that the club’s youngest players wasted no time making their mark. Our U9s produced a perfect start, winning all three of their round-robin fixtures to make it three wins from three. The Junior section was equally impressive, recording five victories from six matches, with some outstanding performances across the age groups.
The goals continued Tuesday evening, when our U14s returned to action and produced an outstanding response, securing their first three points of the season with a 9-2 victory. Across those Junior fixtures, our teams scored an incredible 32 goals, highlighting the quality, attacking intent and hard work that has gone into preparing the teams for the new campaign. Of course, results are only one part of youth football. The real objective is developing players, creating positive environments and ensuring every young player enjoys being part of Cardiff Draconians. However, there is no doubt that such a strong opening weekend provides plenty of encouragement for everyone involved.
Youth Team Showing Their Potential Our Youth Team have also made an impressive start to their campaign. The U19s opened their league season away at Bridgend Street, playing some excellent football and controlling large periods of the match. Having taken the lead and dominated for long spells, it was a frustrating ending as Bridgend Street scored late to make it 3-3. Despite the disappointment, the performance provided plenty of positives. The response the following Sunday was exactly what we wanted to see. Travelling to AFC Whitchurch, the boys produced a mature, controlled and convincing performance to secure a 2-0 victory and their first three points of the campaign. What makes the start particularly encouraging is that this is a group that only came together over the summer. They are still learning about each other, developing their understanding and adapting to playing together as a team. Yet the early performances have already shown plenty of promise. There is a real pathway being created within the club, and there is no doubt that a number of these young players have the potential to push towards First Team football over the coming seasons. That is ultimately what the Youth Team is about — developing players, giving them the platform to improve and creating the next generation of Cardiff Draconians players.
Reserves Learning and Developing Our newly formed Reserve Team have also made a positive start to their season. Their opening fixture produced a spectacular result as they recorded a 13-0 victory over St Mellons. It was an incredibly clinical performance and a great way for the new Reserve side to begin their competitive journey together. Their second fixture brought a completely different challenge. A 4-3 defeat against Cardiff Hibs was a frustrating result, particularly given the performance and the belief within the group that they deserved at least a point from the game. However, for a newly formed Reserve Team, these are exactly the experiences that will help the players develop. There will inevitably be setbacks throughout the season, but every game provides another opportunity to learn, improve and build stronger relationships within the squad. The important thing is that the group continues to move forward. Building the Future The opening week of the season has provided a real glimpse of what Cardiff Draconians can become. From our youngest Mini players taking their first steps in football, through our Junior age groups, to the Youth and Reserve Teams preparing players for senior football, the club is building something designed to create opportunities across every level. The results have certainly been impressive, but the bigger picture is even more exciting. This is about creating a genuine pathway. It is about players growing up within the club, developing their football, progressing through the age groups and ultimately having the opportunity to represent Cardiff Draconians at senior level. There is still a long season ahead, and there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. But the early signs are extremely positive. A new era has begun. And if the opening week is anything to go by, the future of Cardiff Draconians is looking very bright indeed. One Club. One Vision. Built on legacy. Creating the future.
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
Michal Baniak Jamie Griffin Matthew Johnson
Harry Johnson (GK)
Dan Bowen
Jacob Benford Efu Kazadi Callum Nippers Jamal Roberts Carlos Indjai
Luke Gullick Cameron Egan Rhys McCarthy Cole Mace Haben Samson
Josh Stephens Amani Babah Sam Cawley (C) Dylan Amin Miles Corson
Tom Holley (GK) Harry Treharne Keegan Saunders Brandon Thomas Tomos Bodger (GK)
Manager Assistant Manager Coach 1st Aider Goalkeeping Coach
Nana Baah Paul Smith Darren Buttle Colin Ashton Gareth Hicks
Baglan Squad CameronClarke
Andzejs Dubjaga
Kieran Parsons Jordan Pike Jonathan Davies Cameron McKnight Tom Randall
Thomas Davies Simon Aynalem Iestyn Williams Artiom Legavec Alex Garland
Osian Williams Owen Williams Tobias Jones
Joshua Evans Nathan Beniamous
Team Manager Coach Assistant Manager Goalkeeping Coach First Aider
C Clement S Cayford M Pike A Barnsley H Mole
Interview with Luke Luke Gullick is hopeful Cardiff Draconians can build on their last performance with Llanelli Town and come away with another win when they take on Baglan Dragons this afternoon. The Dracs came away with their first victory of the season last time out against the Reds,, with Gullick scoring his first hat-trick for the club in a 4-2 win at the Orange Llama Stadium. The veteran forward has now scored four goals in two games after arriving in August from Caerau Ely. Gullick shares with media officer Joshua Thomas his thoughts on the performance shown by the side against Llanelli Town, his hat-trick, how much he is enjoying his time with the Dracs so far and today’s match with Baglan Dragons. JT: Our last home game with Llanelli Town saw us come away with our first win of the season, how pleased were you with the performance by the lads? LG: The boys were fantastic we battled so hard and even though I’ll get credit for the goals it was a massive Team performance. There were so many good performances. They were brilliant from minute 1 and I even think that with 10 men it showed how good we were playing. JT: The game even saw us having to play the game with 10 men for an hour, how great was the team that day and to come away with the victory was a really good performance wasn’t it? LG: They were all fantastic, some big, big performances. The entire midfield were my man of the match as they worked tirelessly.
JT: The game also saw you score a hat-trick, first off please talk me through your goals? LG: I enjoy scoring goals and lucky for me I didn’t have to do too much but header the ball as all. My goals were headers. Set up by some good crossing. JT: And a word for yourself, how great was it to get your first treble for the club?
LG: Nana’s bought me in to help the team by scoring, so it’s obviously brilliant to get the goals and (I am) just trying to repay the faith he has shown to me since I’ve come in. Pics by Josh Thomas, Harley Lloyd-Cooksley and Rhi Clarke
JT: You now have four goals in two games, you couldn’t have made a better start to your Dracs career, how pleased are you with your performances so far? LG: I’m just trying to do my best for the team. Hard work is priority and if I can do that first the goals will follow. JT: How much are you enjoying your time with the Dracs so far? LG: I am enjoying my time here. They are a great bunch of lads. They are all keen to learn and get the best out of themselves and do well for the club. It takes time for players to gel, but I think we have done that recently and it won’t take us long to string a few good results together. JT: How great is it to work under Nana, what have you learned about him? LG: Nana’s class, he’s so passionate and communicates really well what his goals are and what he wants from the team. He’s fun, but knows when players need pushing so he’s not afraid to tell them how it is. He’s a great character JT: It’s been a few weeks since you were in action, what have you been doing since then to maintain your fitness and match sharpness ahead of returning to action on Saturday against Baglan Dragons? LG: Well we’ve still been training two times a week, and the standard in training is to a high intensity. We’ve also had to do a few five kilometres. I wasn’t present on the weekend but the management team have been beasting the team running up the sand dunes up Merthyr Mawr. JT: Talking of Baglan Dragons, what are your thoughts on them? LG: Baglan have always been a very good team and set up well. They have had a very good start to the season so it will be a difficult match but I’m hoping we can build on our last performance and get the three points. JT: It will be our third home game in a row, how great will it be to walk out there again? LG: It’s a great stadium and we need to start making it a tough place for our opponents to come. I think the squad is stronger again with the recent signings, so I know we can make it a fortress. Pics by Josh Thomas, Harley Lloyd-Cooksley and Rhi Clarke
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 £3900. 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 Luke! Age? 39 Position? Forward Favourite Football team? Manchester Utd
Favourite meal? Medium Rare Steak & Chips Favourite car? BMW X5 If you could have any three dinner guests who would they be?
Pic by Josh Thomas
R9, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi Go to Karaoke Song? I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers What is your best footballing attribute? Communication & Experience Previous clubs? Chippenham Town, San Juan Jabloteh, Pontypridd United, Trethomas Bluebirds, Caerau Ely How long have you been with the club? Joined in August 2026 Tell me one fact about you: I delivered my son Arthur, on the bathroom floor, 7 years ago! Best player you have ever played with? Tyrone Mings Best player you have ever played against? Dietmar Hamann, Dennis Lawrence and Danny Murphy Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers:
Talent gets you noticed but attitude effort hard work and dedication keeps you progressing Luke is sponsored by:- Spinney Park Holiday & Leisure Park
Pic by Rhi Clarke
Fixtures
Once a Drac, Always a Drac
Pl
W
D
L
GF GA GD Pts
1
Pure Swansea
5
4
1
0
18
5
13
13
2
Pontypridd United
5
4
1
0
16
10
6
13
3
Baglan Dragons
7
4
1
2
7
6
1
13
4
Aberystwyth Town
5
4
0
1
16
5
11
12
5
Treowen Stars
6
4
0
2
15
9
6
12
6
Carmarthen Town
6
3
1
2
15
14
1
10
7
Trethomas Bluebirds
7
2
3
2
14
13
1
9
8
Ynyshir Albions
5
2
2
1
4
3
1
8
9
Caerphilly Athletic
6
2
2
2
5
9
-4
8
10
Afan Lido
7
2
1
4
12
15
-3
7
11
Caerau Ely
6
2
1
3
13
17
-4
7
12
Newport City
5
2
0
3
9
5
4
6
13
Cardiff Draconians
4
1
1
2
5
7
-2
4
14
Pontardawe Town
5
1
0
4
5
9
-4
3
15
Llanelli Town
7
0
2
5
6
20
-14
2
16
Llantwit Major
4
0
0
4
1
14
-13
0
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