Today’s Programme at a Glance
Manager’s message.
The squads.
Dracs Vets.
Tote and 100 club
Interview with Sam Roberts
Vets Match Report.
Q&A with Robbo.
League Table
Upcoming fixtures.
Managers’ Message
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Llwydcoed as they visit the Orange Llama Stadium today. We are thrilled to host them and anticipate an exciting match. Reflecting on September, it has been a remarkable month for our team. The players have shown exceptional dedication and hard work, and I am immensely proud that their efforts have been recognised with the Team of the Month award. This accolade is a testament to their commitment and the outstanding performances they have delivered on the pitch.
Our recent fixture ended in a 2-1 victory against Ynysygerwn, a match that was fiercely contested. Upon reflection, while the opposition fought valiantly and arguably deserved a draw, our team demonstrated incredible resilience and tenacity. The boys dug deep, showcasing their immense character and determination to secure the win. It was a hardfought battle, and I commend the team for their perseverance.
As we look forward to today's game against Llwydcoed, we are aware of the challenges ahead. Although we emerged victorious in our previous encounter with them, Llwydcoed has shown significant improvement since then. I expect a much tougher test this time around, and we must be prepared to give our best performance. Our focus will be on maintaining our form, executing our strategies effectively, and capitalising on opportunities as they arise.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our supporters. Your unwavering support throughout this season has been invaluable, and it inspires us to strive for excellence in every match. We hope to continue making you proud with our performances on the field. Your encouragement from the stands plays a crucial role in motivating the team, and we are grateful for your presence at every game.
In conclusion, let's enjoy today's match and cheer on the boys as they face Llwydcoed. We are ready for the challenge and eager to showcase our skills once again. Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and let's aim for another memorable performance at the Orange Llama Stadium. Diolch
Nana Baah
Pic by Josh Thomas
Total Cladding Systems
Exterior Renovations & Maintenance
Our family run business offers a complete exterior face lift of your house to rejuvenate and make it feel more like home. We can also help make your home more energy efficient in the process.
We cover all the following aspects of works and are fully insured with over 20yrs experience.
Cladding, Facias & Soffits, Exterior Painting, (All Types of Cladding samples can be provided upon request)
New Windows & Doors, Replacement Glass & Servicing Spraying of UPVS/Aluminium/Metal Windows, Doors, Conservatories & Garages
We cover all of Wales and the South West For all enquires contact Tel: Terence 07534404591
Email: Terry@totalcladdingsystems.com
Interview with Robbo
Sam Roberts is man in a rich vein of form at the moment. Roberts, who celebrates one year with the club in November, took his tally to six goals for the season after his double at Ynysygerwn, including an early goal of the season contender after a superb finish outside the box, to make it four successive wins in all competitions.
The Dracs are set to return to the Orange Llama Stadium, for the first time since September 7 where they will take on AFC Llwydcoed in the FAW Amateur Trophy, this afternoon.
And the high-flying forward shares his thoughts with media officer Joshua Thomas the Dracs win over Ynysygerwn, his thoughts on today’s opponents AFC Llwydcoed and hoping for a run in the FAW Amateur Trophy.
JT: That was some win at Ynysygerwn. It was really hard-fought, two goals from you, how pleased were you with that performance, I think that has now stretched your run to four wins in a row, what is the secret behind that?
SR: I just think we are playing together, work for each other and just keep fighting until to the end. We were 2-0 up, we made the game hard for each other by giving away a very poor goal. We dug deep and grounded the result out.
JT: You scored two goals, the first one was a really good finish, the second one was a really good team goal. Tell me about your two goals.
SR: The first one I had seen the goalkeeper a little bit off his line, so I just thought I would have a shot and it’s ended in the top corner. The second one was good play by Sam Cawley on the wing, he’s put the ball across the box for a tap in.
JT: By scoring different goals that’s part of the role isn’t it? That’s not just being there scoring wonder goals or being at the right place right time isn’t it?
SR: I like to use both feet. The first one was with left, the second one was in the box and with right-foot, a tap in.
JT: What makes this club so special? Last season you finished really well at the end of last season and have had four defeats in over 30 games, it’s great to have that kind of run isn’t it?
SR: Last season we came close, finishing third, but halfway through the season, and at the beginning, we let ourselves down with a few results but this year at the start of the season it seems to be going well. So as long as we can keep this form going hopefully we will finish top of the league.
JT: Is that a position, being top, is that where you really want to be at the end of the season?
SR: Yeah, of course. Obviously, you play in the league to win the league and hopefully come the end of the season we will be top and claiming the league title.
JT: How much hard work have you done behind the scenes? Since January to now you are picking some really good, hard-earned results?
SR: Everyone works together at the club, there’s no big time people. We all graft for each other. Off season everyone stayed fit and got themselves fit and I think that shows when we play other teams as well that we are normally fitter than the teams we are playing against and obviously that helps us, especially when we need to grind the results out.
JT: This Saturday we are home again in another cup competition. We haven’t been home since last month, how much are you looking forward to being back home and against AFC Llwydcoed it’s going to be another tough game isn’t it?
SR: It’s always good to play at home and obviously we have a lot more people supporting us at home. Away (on Friday) we had a lot of people on the side trying to put you off. It home crowd.
JT: How important is it to make an advantage at home. This season we haven’t lost at home, is that something you want to keep going?
SR: Yeah of course. We don’t want to lose any game whether it’s home or away. But if we can keep our home form going, keep winning there and hopefully by the end of the season we will be up there.
JT: What does it mean to keep going in the Cup?
SR: Our Cup runs are important. I think it Trophy, which is a cup that we will be looking to win. So a result at home against AFC Llwydcoed hopefully will be a win and carry on to the next round of the Cup.
Pics by Debbie Yanez and Josh Thomas
Match Officials
Referee Cieran Lebreton
1st Assistant Referee
2nd Assistant Referee
Dracs Squad
Harry Johnson (GK)
Luke Bridgeman (C)
Jacob Benford
Charlie Hanson Taylor
Dan Lewis
Efu Kazadi
Nathan Mathias
Marinho Manga
Callum Beckett
Dylan Amin
Sam Cawley
Jamal Roberts
Sam Roberts
Ibby Sani
Connor Graham
Luca Williams
Manager Nana Baah
Assistant Manager
Paul Smith
Assistant Manager Ben Hartrey
Coach Phil Booker
Goalkeeper Coach Dan Hurton
Coach Darren Buttle
Physio Emma Ryan
Llwydcoed Squad
Harley Tucker Owen Jeffries
Leo Smale Ross Daniels
Liam Jones
Brad Wickham
Levi Jones
Lewis Holder
Kam Filarski
Gabi Viazzani
Adam Lewis
Caleb Bowley
Tomos Reed
Dan Hann
Dewi Abbruzzese Dylan Davies
Ricky Carter
First Team Manager Lewis Holder
Coach Ross Daniels
Coach T Morrris
1st Aider K Lewis
Vets
Match Report
Cardiff Draconians over-40s Veterans have begun proceedings in the Workwear Supermarket East League with two difficult games.
In their first ever Wales Veterans Football League match, which was played at the Orange Llama Stadium, the Dracs came up against a strong Cwmbran Athletic side.
Carl McEwan opened the scoring, after a lovely weighted through ball by Scott Lewellyn, before the two combined bank for Lewellyn to score the second after a deft touch at the far post to make it 2
Moments after the break, the Dracs made history with their first ever goal.
Colin Ashton showed great awareness to pass the ball to Ben Hartrey on the edge of box, he took a touch before firing low and into the bottom corner, just beyond the gloves of Wayne Rudy.
But if there was any hope of a reprieve, Athletic’s McEwan competed his hat-trick with a couple of fine solo efforts.
Michael Howe finished the scoring when he picked up the ball and, after finding himself oneon-one with Nick Elston, he fired through the goalkeepers legs to make it five and hand Athletic the win.
Pics by Josh Thomas
Despite defeat in their first game with Cwmbran Athletic, the Dracs’ second match at AFC Pontymister proved a far closer encounter and would ultimately end in heartbreak. Lee Williams opened the scoring for the hosts after a cross from the edge of the box was met by Williams with a well-taken first-time effort at the near post inside the six-yard box.
Pontymister had a chance to make it two with a penalty after Tim Richard’s cross stuck a hand but Elliot Donald’s spot kick was superbly saved by Elston. The miss proved costly as, on the stroke of half-time, Andy Gregory’s free-kick from far out was flapped by the home goalkeeper and nestled into the back of the net to make it 1-1 at the break.
However, Pontymister grabbed their second through Donald after he rounded Elston to score from a right angle just after the interval.
Draconians kept going and were rewarded after a fine spell of pressure. Martin Strange’s low driven cross was met firsttime by Jason Tresfon inside the box to level proceedings once again.
But just as it looked as the Dracs were about to claim their first ever point, Pontymister struck the devastating blow in the 88th minute.
A low cross wasn’t dealt with by the Dracs and Williams was on hand to score and hand Pontymister the win.
DRACS VETS VETS
Cardiff Dracs have an exciting new season ahead launching two new teams in the over 35’s and over 40’s vets leagues.
Are you over 35 or over 40 and looking to stay fit and enjoy football?
We invite enthusiastic players to join us for an exciting season ahead. For further information contact:
or higgsaps@hotmail.com
Q&A with Robbo!
Favourite Football team? Liverpool.
Favourite meal? Steak.
Favourite car? Mercedes.
If you could have any three dinner guests, who would they be?
Steven Gerrard, Jurgen Klopp and Fernando Torres.
Go to Karaoke Song? One in a Million by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta.
What is your best footballing attribute? Scoring goals.
Previous clubs? Cardiff Corries, Dinas Powas, Barry Town and Newport County.
How long have you been with the club? 11 months.
Tell me one fact about you? When I first started playing football I used to play as left-back.
Best player you have ever played with? Dom Jefferies.
Best player you have ever played against? Isaak Davies.
Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers? Keep going.
Pic by Debbie Yanez and Josh 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 £1275.
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
Fixtures
Once a Drac, Always a Drac
CF14 2NZ
Our team have a wealth of building supply knowledge and are more than happy to chat about your latest project with you