JD Cymru South Match Day 9 Manager’s Message
Match Report
Player Interview
The Squads Man of the Match
Player Q&A League
Fixtures
Managers’ Message
I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone visiting the Orange Llama Stadium today, in particular our guests from Cwmbran Celtic, along with their players, management team, committee, and travelling supporters. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable afternoon with us.
Our squad comes into this weekend in good form, having collected 13 points from our last 15 available. That return is a credit to the work the players have put in during training and to the character they’ve shown on match days. The recent 2-0 victory at Llantwit Major was especially pleasing, not only for the result but for the level of performance in the first half, where we showed real intent, discipline, and quality on the ball. Performances like that remind us of what this team is capable of, and the challenge now is to carry that consistency through each fixture.
This weekend, however, goes beyond just the action on the field and is significant for the club as a whole. We are delighted to see the completion of two new stands here at the ground, a huge step forward in improving the matchday experience for players, supporters, and all involved. It has taken a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes to make this possible, and I want to place on record our thanks to the committee members, volunteers, and supporters who have dedicated their time and energy. A special thanks also goes to Orange Llama for their foundation support, as well as the Cymru Football Foundation, the FAW, and The Jamie Burley Group for their backing. Without such help, projects like this simply don’t happen.
Today is also an important day as we join clubs across the country in supporting the annual Show Racism the Red Card campaign. In a world where division and negativity can too often find the spotlight, football has the power to bring communities together. Our club is proud of its diversity, and we stand side by side in unity and inclusivity. It is important that we continue to promote respect, equality, and togetherness, both within football and in everyday life. Football will always win over hatred, and our club will always stand firmly for that principle.
I hope everyone enjoys the football this afternoon and has a memorable experience with us at the Orange Llama Stadium.
Diolch yn fawr, Nana Baah
Match Report Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major AFC 0-2 Cardiff Draconians
UWL Stadium – 27th September 2025 – Attendance: 151 Match report by Ben Hartrey.
Cardiff Draconians put in a dominant away performance at the UWL Stadium, claiming a 2–0 victory over Llantwit Major and continuing their climb up the JD Cymru South table.
The Dracs exploded into life early, striking twice inside four first-half minutes to stun the hosts. The opener was a moment of pure quality: Nathan Mathias picked his head up and sprayed a superb diagonal ball in behind. Sam Cawley latched onto it, skipped past his marker and coolly slotted beyond the keeper to give the visitors the lead.
If the first was stylish, the second was sheer power. A teasing cross from the right was met by Daniel Bowen, who rose highest and thundered home a header to double the advantage. It was a goal that typified the Dracs’ attacking intent — sharp, decisive, and ruthless.
From there, Bridgeman and Johnson led the defensive line with authority, repelling everything Llantwit could throw at them. Even as the game grew physical and bookings were handed out, the Dracs held their nerve, protected their clean sheet, and showed a level of maturity that will please the coaching team.
The result keeps Draconians unbeaten in September league fixtures and, with 13 points, moves them up to 8th place. More importantly, they are now just two points off 4th in a tightly bunched table, and momentum is firmly with them after back-to-back wins.
Substitutes Corson, Evans, Edwards and Mallam injected fresh legs as the visitors saw the game out comfortably, with Llantwit rarely troubling the goal.
Man of the Match: Nathan Mathias – dictated the midfield, assisted the opener, and drove the side forward with energy and composure.
Cardiff Draconians: Johnson, Kazadi, Bridgeman (C), Lewis, Davies, Manga (Evans 77), Mathias, Cawley, Treharne (Mallam 91), Bowen (Corsen 55), Roberts S (Edwards 77)
Unused substitutions: Noaks, Benford, Roberts J
Pics by Josh Thomas
Interview with Luke Evans
It’s familiar territory as Cardiff Draconians are set to take on Cwmbran Celtic for the second time in three weeks this afternoon.
On the previous occasion the Dracs came away with a 4-2 win in the JD Cymru Welsh Cup a couple of weeks ago.
Luke Evans scored his first two goals for the club in that victory, and says all the focus is on themselves and their performance against the Yellows, as they look to begin October with victory after an unbeaten September.
Evans shares with media officer Joshua Thomas our win over Llantwit Major last time out, his time with the club so far and facing Cwmbran Celtic.
JT: How great it was to end September with a win over Llantwit Major? And how impressive was the performance by the lads?
LE: A win’s always amazing to be apart of, never mind just September, but for the season. To get another win and continue the streak is what’s important and it was a fantastic performance from the boys, everyone who played was great all the way through. It’s always difficult to win at a tough ground and opposition.
JT: Our win at Llantwit Major meant we went the month of September unbeaten, how great is that?
s fantastic to be apart of, considering our start, and I think everyone is pleased with how things are going. All we can do is try and push forward and keep this momentum going for as long as possible.
JT: We are on this amazing run of from at the moment with five wins, one draw and one defeat from our last seven games what is that down too?
LE: We knew we could compete at this level it just took a few games to get accustomed to the level and with some unfortunate circumstances during those games. It’s down to the quality of the squad being able to interchange at times and still perform shows this.
JT: How great is it to see your hard work be rewarded, of course there is still a long way to go, but is there more to come from this team?
LE: I think there’s still plenty of things we can show. We can compete with the best, so being able to prove this will be what we would be looking for from this season.
JT: How have you found your time with the Dracs so far?
LE: It’s been a great experience so far I’ve been really enjoying it, we have a good group and we’re performing well. It’s a great club.
JT: What made you want to sign for the Dracs?
LE: The main attraction was the style of play, the team’s ability and, also, how social everyone is. It’s a great group of boys to be apart of and also the level we are playing was my biggest reason for joining.
JT: Our last home game saw you pick up your first two goals for the club, can you describe your two goals?
LE: The first goal was great play from Harri (Edwards) on the wing with a cross that fell kindly to me in the box, took a touch on my right to my left and placed it bottom corner. The second goal was a great weak foot ball from Jamal Roberts into an inviting area, I was able to get enough connection with a flick on to guide it with pace into the bottom left.
JT: How great was it to get on the scoresheet?
LE: It was fantastic to get my first two goals for the club. All I want to do is help this team progress in the league and cup as far as possible.
JT: Have you got a target in mind of how many goals you want to score this season?
LE: As many as I can score to be honest, if I could score 10, then, that would be a great result.
JT: Up next is Cwmbran Celtic, our second game in three weeks against them, what are your thoughts on them and what lessons did you learn about them the last time you played?
LE: We know what kind of style they will play, and how we can affect them going forward. Plenty of lessons learnt defensively and going forward and we know that we should have scored more.
JT: It will be a different game this time around, with this match being a Cymru South one, how important is it to go out there and put our Cup victory behind us and hopefully come away with another league win in front of our home fans?
LE: I think every game is different, no matter the competition or opposition and we need to focus on ourselves and the performance. If we focus on this the result will come naturally. It would be great to add another win in front of the home supporters.
Pics by Josh Thomas and Debbie Yanez
Match Officials
Referee Kris Hames
1st Assistant Referee Mark Cockram
2nd Assistant Referee Owen Rhys Lebreton
Harry Johnson (GK) Dylan Amin
Harry Noaks (GK) Sam Cawley
Luke Bridgeman (C) Sam Roberts
Jacob Benford
Luke Davies
Dan Lewis
Efu Kazadi
Oscar Raisbeck
Marinho Manga
Nathan Mathias
Jamal Roberts
Miles Corson
Harri Edwards
Dan Bowen
Luke Evans
Liam Mallam
Harry Treharne
Dafydd Ball
Lewis James
Manager Nana Baah
Assistant Manager
First Team Coach
Ben Hartrey
Paul Smith
Coach Darren Buttle
Goalkeeping Coach
Xabi Lorente
Fitness Coach Abdoulie Ann
Physio Emma Ryan
Cwmbran Squad
Lewis Watkins (GK)
Iwan Hooper (GK)
Tyler Broom
Sam Powell
Arthur Furness
Andrew Larcombe (C)
Joseph Bowen
Iestyn Davies
Joshua Hinwood
Cole Doolan
Mario van Dieren
Manager
Assistant Manager
Coach
Coach
Goalkeeper Coach
First Aider
Jac Evans
Joshua Gibson
Isaac Powell
Efan Fletcher
Harry Roe
Finley Hayman
Gabriel Howells
Evan Maidment
Luke Edwards
Alex McDowell
Simon Berry
Ryan Thomas
Stephen Muir
Conor James
Sam Lewis
Martin Ingram
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 £2750.
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.
Q&A with Luke!
Age? 20
Position? Midfielder
Favourite team? Liverpool
Favourite meal? Chicken butterfly, spicy rice and chips from Nando’s
Favourite car? Audi RS7
If you could have any three dinner guests who would they be?
Mo Salah, Theo Von, Charles Barkley
Go to Karaoke Song? When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars
What is your best footballing attribute? Third man runs!
Previous clubs? Sully Sports
How long have you been with the club? Joined in the summer
Tell us one fact about you: I’m a qualified lifeguard
Best player you have played with? Kiban Rai
Best player you have played against? Gavi
Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers:
Hard work beats talent
Pics by Josh Thomas
Fixtures
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