Today’s Programme at a Glance
Welsh Blood Service League Cup
Manager’s Message
The Squad and Their Sponsors
Match Report Todays Squads
MoM - vs Pontypridd
Player Interview - Myles
Player Q&A
Fixtures
League Table
Managers’ Message
Welcome to the Orange Llama Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling Welsh Blood Service Cup fixture against Newport City. Firstly, it’s a real pleasure to welcome my good friends, Sam Houldsworth and Craig Sampson, to our ground as they lead their high-flying Newport City side into battle. Their team has shown real quality in recent weeks, and we expect nothing less than a tough encounter today.
We approach this cup tie riding the momentum of a fantastic 2-1 victory against Ponty. The commitment and tenacity displayed by our squad was exemplary. Every player on the pitch embodied a never-say-die attitude, which is becoming the hallmark of Cardiff Draconians. From Sam Roberts tirelessly leading our attack to Harry Johnson demonstrating his prowess between the posts, our performance was a powerful reminder of just how capable this squad is when we pull together and work for one another.
I have to single out a couple of special moments from last weekend. Seeing Harry Treharne net his first goal for the club was a proud moment not just for Harry, but for all of us who see the effort he puts in week in, week out. To see Myles get another goal in his first start added to the celebration and showed the depth and promise within our ranks. Equally, Efu Kazadi’s performance at the back was nothing short of inspiring. He fully deserved his Man of the Match award and I was delighted to see him recognised further by being named in the Cymru Leagues Squad of the Week. Our defensive resilience owes much to his effort under the leadership of Luke Bridgeman at the back.
It’s important to note that, despite our victory, discipline remains something we must work on. Seven yellow cards out of eight cautions felt harsh, and while I take issue with some of those decisions, it’s ultimately our responsibility to rise above and learn to manage our approach within the boundaries of the game. That said, our team’s spirit and resolve was undiminished and we kept our focus until the final whistle.
Today we face one of the big guns in Newport City, a side with the financial clout to sign Welsh Premier and high-level English league talent. It’s no secret that we step onto the pitch as underdogs, but that’s a role we relish. Our supporters know that when Cardiff Draconians cross that white line, regardless of our opponents’ reputation or resources, we will give everything for the shirt. Determination and heart are things money cannot buy, and we have both in abundance.
I also want to take a moment to thank those players who have departed for new challenges. Connor Graham heads to Llwydcoed, Dom Anderson makes the switch to Cardiff Corries, Ethan Akram joins Canton FC, and Jon McMenemy returns to Penrhiwceiber FC. I wish them every success for the future and thank them for their contributions to our journey.
Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to our fans and volunteers. Your support, week after week, means the world to everyone associated with the club. Let’s give it everything today and make you proud.
Diolch, Nana Baah
THANK YOU
Match Report Pontypridd United
USW Sport Park, Treforest – 22nd August 2025 – Attendance: 172
Match Report: Dracs v Pontypridd - A Battle for Redemption by Colin Ashton.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Bottom half of the table. No points. A team playing beautiful football but punished by narrow defeats. The Dracs were desperate for a breakthrough and as they warmed up under the grey skies, you could feel it in the air: something was about to change.
From the first whistle, Pontypridd came out swinging. Long diagonal balls rained down on our back four, testing their resolve. Just eight minutes in, the pressure cracked the defence, and a penalty was awarded. Jamie Veale stepped up and hammered it past Harry Johnson. 1–0. Another early blow, But the Drac’s didn’t flinch. Dracs responded not with panic, but with poise. They kept the ball moving, playing with flair and purpose. Ponty grew frustrated. The referee, however, seemed determined to make things harder, two yellow cards inside 15 minutes for Harry Johnson and Nathan Mathias, both for tackles that barely warranted a whistle. In the heart of defence, Efu Kazadi was a colossus. Every aerial ball, every challenge, he met with steel. Ponty couldn’t get past him. The Drac’s went into the break trailing, but the tide was turning. You could feel it.
Then came the second half. s exploded out of the blocks. A lightning-fast move down the wing found Myles Corson, who danced past his marker and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. The crowd The momentum had shifted. Six minutes later, s were at it again. Crisp passing from Sam Roberts to send a through ball to Harry Treharne and as cool as you like placed a curling shot from the edge of the box into the net.
The comeback was complete. But the drama was far from over. Ponty stuck to their game plan, launching wave after wave of attacks down the flanks. The referee continued to punish the Dracs eight yellow cards, many for tackles that t raise an eyebrow in most matches. Not a single caution for Ponty.
The tension was unbearable. With 20 minutes to go, Daniel Lewis who had run himself into the ground, was replaced by Jamal “Unc” Roberts. His experience was vital, bringing calm and control to a defence under siege. Samuel Roberts, playing striker, was everywhere pressing, tackling, tracking back. A warrior in every sense. Then, disaster struck. Two Drac’s players were sent off after receiving second yellows. Down to nine men. Ten minutes left. Ponty smelled blood. They threw everything forward. Crosses flew in. Shots were fired. And then, in the dying seconds, a point-blank effort looked destined for the net, until Harry Johnson pulled off a save that defied belief. A moment of pure magic.
The final whistle blew. Relief. Euphoria. Victory.
Dracs 2–1 Pontypridd.
The first three points of the season. A historic win. A statement of intent.
Man of the Match: Efu Kazadi. A towering performance, winning every duel and leading the defensive line with heart
Pics by Debbie Yanez
Match Officials
Referee Jordan Harman
1st Assistant Referee Mark Cockram
2nd Assistant Referee Darren Hales
Dracs Squad
Harry Johnson (GK) Jamal Roberts
Harry Noaks (GK) Sam Cawley
Luke Bridgeman (C) Sam Roberts
Jacob Benford
Luke Davies
Dan Lewis
Efu Kazadi
Marinho Manga
Nathan Mathias
Myles Corson
Harri Edwards
Dan Bowen
Luke Evans
Liam Mallam
Harry Treharne
Manager Nana Baah
Assistant Manager
Paul Smith
Assistant Manager Ben Hartrey
Coach Darren Buttle
Goalkeeping Coach
Xabi Lorente
Fitness Coach Abdoulie Ann
Physio
Emma Ryan
Newport City Squad
Edward King
Lathan Garrett
Owen Bancroft
Nat Jarvis
Eduardo Bregua
Clayton Farrah
Kayne McLaggon
Evan Cadwallader
Kyran Steadman
Richard Noyes
George Kabza
Harvey Sing
Adam Ward
Charlie Davies
Drew Perrett
James Bloom
McKenzie Thompson
Cohen Riella
Rio Evelyn
Danny Hillman
Manager Sam Houldsworth
Coach
Coach
Coach
Tom Hooper
Craig Sampson
L Marsh
Interview with Myles
Miles Corson is hopeful their victory over Pontypridd United will push Cardiff Draconians on to many more.
Second-half goals from Corson and Harry Treharne helped The Dracs claim a 2-1 triumph at the USW Sport Park last time out, and in the process record their first ever win in the Cymru South.
Now ahead of Newport City coming to the Orange Llamas Stadium, in the first round of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup, this afternoon Corson shares with Media Officer Joshua Thomas on their triumph at Pontypridd, on no pressure playing in the Cymru South and on facing their fellow south Wales opponents this afternoon.
JT: Last Friday night saw your first ever win at this level, talk me through the emotions you felt after the game and what it was like to come away with a historic victory?
JT: Last Friday night saw your first ever win at this level, talk me through the emotions you felt after the game and what it was like to come away with a historic victory?
MC: I was absolutely buzzing. Even though we made it very hard for ourselves going 1-0 down early, and then going down to nine-men towards the end but credit to the lads we fought for everything and deserved win, that was well overdue with the quality ve got in the squad and a good one to cement in the history books
JT: Can that win at Pontypridd Town be the start of something, how important is to use this victory as a catalyst and give you more days like that as the season goes on?
MC: Yeah, that Ponty win was huge as, with it being our first season at this level, you don’t want to wait too long to get your first three points and I think it was a massive weight off our shoulders. To now be able to settle into the league and show we’re not here just to make up the numbers but really show the quality we have as a squad. So, yeah, that win will hopefully push us on to many more and hopefully keep on improving as the season goes on.
JT: There were undoubted lots of joy after the game, how great was it see all the messages of support and congratulation?
MC: It was great to see all the fans, who came down to support the squad. They were our 12th man and were vocal throughout the whole game, which kept the boys working hard and digging deep for that positive result. To get the win in the end was credit to them and our way of saying thank you.
JT: There’s been a buzz around the club this year with the club playing in their first ever season in the Cymru South, does that come with pressure of wanting to perform or is there excitement there too of being the first squad to compete at this level?
MC: To be fair I think it’s been a long time coming. As the year before the boys went up, I think, we all felt a bit let down only finishing third in the league that year, and credit to the boys, while I spent a year away, they showed why we should have gone up the year before and that it wasn’t just a lucky season. So, I wouldn’t say there’s any pressure being in the Cymru South for the first year, as we all know everyone in our squad is more than good enough for this level. So, it’s just about relishing each game week by week and seeing where we can finish come the end of the season.
JT: Having come back in the summer how have you found your time back with the Dracs so far, how did the year away shape and improve your game?
MC: It’s been great since coming back, lots of changes, but the club’s been going in a positive direction. The time away was a decision myself and Nana (Baah) came to at the end of the 2023/24 season, even though he didn’t want me to go as playing over the bridge was something I always wanted to experience, which helped benefit my game in a positive manner and hopefully bring the new knowledge and experience into helping the squad succeed this year in their first year in the Cymru South.
JT: You have two goals for the season, coming at Carmarthen Town and Pontypridd United, is that something you are looking to build on, by adding more goals and assists to your game and for more as the season goes on?
MC: Yeah, definitely, as a winger you are always look to score and assist. That’s a big part of my game hopefully looking to add many more as the season goes on and really show my quality.
JT: From training to match day there seems to be smiles on your faces, what is it like to be part of the side at the moment? It’s a great to be place isn’t it?
MC: The energy in the squad is great. We know what we can do and we’re looking to cause a lot of upsets in the league this year. Getting that first win only adds to the positive energy and hopefully can build on that momentum going into the next few games.
JT: Up next is Newport City in the Welsh Blood Service League Cup how much are you looking to build on last week’s win at Pontypridd United and go for a run in the competition?
MC: We’ve prepared well in training and we’re hoping to hopefully have a good cup run this year. It’ll be a good chance to test ourselves against one of the favourites in the league to go up so looking forward to that one.
Pics by Josh Thomas & Debbie Yanez
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Q&A with Myles!
Age? 21
Position? Winger
Favourite Football team? Manchester City
Favourite meal? Oxtail, rice and peas
Favourite car? McLaren P1
If you could have any three dinner guests who would they be?
Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin Hart
Go to Karaoke Song? Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
What is your best footballing attribute? Stepovers
Previous clubs? Treharris Athletic and Cinderford Town
How long have you been with the club? Joined in the summer
Best player you have ever played with? Dixon Kabongo
Best player you have ever played against? Cian Ashford
What is an interesting fact about you? I have scored a header in mens football!
Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers: Don't let your fitness slip that’s the big part of the game
Fixtures
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