Ton Pentre AFC
Today’s Programme at a Glance
Manager’s message.
Interview with Marinho.
The squads.
Match Report.
Dracs Vets.
Tote and 100 club
Q&A with Marinho.
League Table
Upcoming fixtures.
Managers’ Message
I would like to welcome my old club and all associated with Ton Pentre to The Orange Llama Stadium.
I am looking forward to our FAW Trophy match against Ton Pentre. This game presents a significant opportunity for us to demonstrate our capabilities and bounce back from our recent disappointing performance. Ton Pentre has a storied history, having once reached the Welsh Cup Final, and we respect their legacy. However, we are determined to make our mark and advance in this prestigious tournament.
Reflecting on our last match, the 2-0 loss to Canton was far from our best display. We struggled to find our rhythm and failed to capitalise on key opportunities. This result has been a wake-up call for the team. We recognise the need for improvement in both our defensive organisation and attacking cohesion.
In preparation for the upcoming match, we have been focused on addressing these issues in training. The players are motivated to prove that we can perform at a higher level. Our goal is to come out strong against Ton Pentre, showcasing our skills and determination. I am confident that with the right mindset and effort, we can turn our fortunes around and make our supporters proud.
Hope you all enjoy the game.
Diolch
Nana Baah
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Interview with Rinho
Every now and then we fall down but it is how we respond from defeat and get back up that’s important, and for Cardiff Draconians today’s game couldn’t have come at a better time
The Dracs were knocked out of the Ardal Southern League Cup after their 2-0 defeat at the House of Sport last Saturday, falling to their first defeat of the season.
Marinho Manga was part of last week’s team and said they need to put their loss behind them and put all their focus on their next game, where Ton Pentre are the latest visitors to the Orange Llama Stadium this afternoon.
Marinho, who is now in his second season with the club, shares with media officer Joshua Thomas the defeat at Canton, travelling to Merthyr to the Sand Dunes with the squad and taking on Ton Pentre in the FAW Amateur Trophy.
JT: We fell to our first defeat of the season on Saturday against Canton, how disappointing was that and how will you look to bounce back from it?
MM: Obviously it was a disappointing game. We felt like we couldn’t get to the first gear, but at the same time, you win some and you lose some, right? And you got to take the good and the bad, and unfortunately, there was more bad than good on Saturday. But at the same time fair play to Canton, they were the better team on the day. I can’t argue that. No one likes to lose a game of football, but it’s important that we put all our focus on the next game.
JT: How important is it to put Saturday behind you?
MM: It’s important that we take all games as a learning opportunity, win or lose, not as a setback.
JT: That was our fourth defeat in our last 29 games in all competitions, does that make you feel Cardiff Draconians are a force to reckon with?
MM: I wasn’t aware of that until Saturday, but as you can tell I t care about stats. All I want to do is win games.
JT: This is your second season now, how have you found adjusting to the way the Dracs play?
MM: The adjustment to the Dracs’ style has been a great experience. The team plays a high-intensity, attacking brand of football, and it took some time to fully adapt to the pace and tactical demands. But now I feel much more comfortable with our pressing game and quick transitions. Understanding how to combine with my team mates in tight spaces and knowing when to press or sit back has been key.
JT: How do you feel about playing in this team and what is it like being part of this group of players?
MM: Playing in this team is exciting. The chemistry in the squad is fantastic, and we all push each other to improve every day. There’s a strong sense of unity, and you can tell everyone is pulling in the same direction. It’s a talented group of players, and we’ve got a good mix of experience and youth.
JT: What are your personal targets for the season?
MM: My personal targets for the season are to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success, both offensively and defensively. I’m aiming to increase my goal and assist tally while improving my overall consistency throughout the season.
JT: On Tuesday the whole term travelled to Merthyr Mawr to the Sand Dunes, how did you find that, and how much of a team building exercise was it?
MM: It was really tough as running on sand plus hills creates more resistance than a normal surface. It tested us both individually and as a group. I think it was crucial to support each other through it. The challenges of Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes definitely brought us closer.
JT: Up next is Ton Pentre in the FAW Amateur Trophy, what are your thoughts on it?
MM: They will be tough opposition, and we must make sure that we put Saturday behind us and focus on Ton Pentre.
JT: How will you approach the game and what do you know about Ton Pentre?
MM: We’ll approach the game with focus and respect knowing that Ton Pentre is a tough side, who will look to make it difficult for us. It’s crucial we take them seriously because in cup competitions, anything can happen, and no team can be underestimated.
JT: What would it mean to go on a run in the competition and how important is it to return to winning ways?
MM: Going on a run in the competition would be massive for us. Cup runs build momentum and confidence, and they bring the squad together. It’s also a great opportunity to show our quality on a bigger stage. Returning to winning ways is critical. We need to set the tone early and get that winning mentality back.
JT: What lessons have you learned from each other so far this season, and could we see a successful season ahead?
MM: This season, we’ve learned the importance of staying disciplined, especially in tough moments. We’ve had games where we’ve been tested, and it’s taught us how to remain composed and grind out results. We’ve also learned to communicate better on the pitch, which has improved our defensive organization. If we continue to build on these lessons and maintain consistency, there’s no reason why we can’t have a successful season.
Match Officials
Referee Alexander Jacklin
1st Assistant Referee Morgan Davies
2nd Assistant Referee Owain Locke
Dracs Squad
Harry Johnson (GK)
Luke Bridgeman (C)
Connor Graham
Charlie Hanson Taylor
Ali Brisam
Jordan Fofana
Nathan Mathias
Marinho Manga
Callum Beckett
Dylan Amin
Sam Cawley
Jamal Roberts
Ben Vincent
Ibby Sani
Callum Flynn
Ollie Gray
Manager Nana Baah
Assistant Manager
Paul Smith
Assistant Manager Ben Hartrey
Coach Phil Booker
Goalkeeper Coach Dan Hurton
Coach Darren Buttle
Physio Emma Ryan
Jason Pritchard
Ton Pentre Squad
Connor Ray
Aled Thomas Oliver James
Callum Hopkins
Nickie Jones
Joshua Hardy
Steffan Veck
Kristoffer Rees
Morgan Shankland
Cole Jones
Zac Pugh
Evan Lucas
Calum Murray
Tyler Lewis
Daniel Picton
Manager E Davey
Coach G Speed
Match Report v
Canton FC
Cardiff Draconians bowed out of the Ardal South League Cup after they fell for their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 defeat at Canton.
After a goalless first half the tie erupted into life after 65 minutes of play at the House of Sport.
With Cardiff Draconians behind for the first time this campaign, the visitors searched for an equaliser but it was the hosts who scored a second to put the tie to bed in the 89th minute.
Bo Cordle’s wicked in swinging cross was too difficult for the Dracs to handle and found its way to Tyrrell Webbe to prod home past Harry Johnson.
Pics by Josh Thomas
Substitute Elliot Humphries played in fellow sub Jack Wheten near the edge of the area and after he fired low and hard past Johnson to seal the win and a place in the next round.
Cardiff Draconians: Johnson, Lewis, Kazadi, Bridgeman (C), Taylor (Flynn 73), Manga, Beckett (Vincent 55), Mathias, Sam Roberts, Amin (Benford 84), Cawley
Unused substitutions: Graham, Coles
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 Rinho!
Favourite Football team? Cambridge United
Favourite meal? Homemade (Caldo de mancarra) and BBQ chicken Wings
Favourite car? Mk7 Golf R
If you could have any three dinner guests, who would they be?
Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali and Santan Dave
Go to Karaoke Song? John Legend – All of Me
What is your best footballing attribute? Speed, Long range passing, weak foot, defending. Turning, physical specimen.
Previous clubs? Huntingdon Town, Godmanchester Town, Biggleswade, Treharris Western Athletic, Taffs Well, Cardiff Draconians
How long have you been with the club? Approaching my second season
Tell me one fact about you? I only listen to Eminem on game day.
Best player you have ever played with? Tom Coles (Biggeswage)
Best player you have ever played against? Chris Baker (Cardiff Met)
Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers? Look at what good players are doing and understand it, so you can implement it. Because football is an individual team sport.
Pic sby Debbie Yanez
Pic by Debbie Yanez
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
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