Dracs v Ynysygerwn 18th January 2025 by Cardiff Draconians FC

Today’s Programme at a Glance

Manager’s message.

Interview with Jamal

The squads.

Q&A with Jamal.

Matchday pics.

Tote and 100 club

League Table

Upcoming fixtures.

Managers’ Message

I would like to warmly welcome Ynysygerwn AFC to the Orange Llama Stadium for today’s match.

We come into this game following our first loss of the season, a tough defeat that came down to a lapse in concentration during injury time. Despite the result, I was proud of the team’s effort, especially as five players battled through illness to complete the full game. Their determination and commitment reflect the strong character we have within this squad, and I applaud their resilience under challenging circumstances.

Today, we face an Ynysygerwn side that is more than capable of causing problems. They are hardworking, well-organised, and possess individuals who can turn a game in their favour if given the opportunity. It is crucial that we approach this match with focus and intensity from start to finish to avoid any costly mistakes.

After a defeat, the priority is always to bounce back strongly. It’s an opportunity for us to show our mental toughness and ability to learn from setbacks. I have full confidence in this group of players; they have consistently shown their quality and work ethic. However, we must apply ourselves fully on the pitch today if we are to secure a positive result. Football is never easy, and every game requires maximum effort and concentration.

To our supporters, thank you for your continued backing. Your presence and encouragement mean so much to the team, especially during difficult moments like these. We hope to reward your loyalty with a performance that makes you proud.

Enjoy the game today, and let forward to what promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter.

Diolch

Nana Baah

Pic by Josh Thomas

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Interview with Jamal

Jamal Roberts believes his experience is vital in helping Cardiff Draconians claim the Ardal Southern crown.

The 35-year-old winger is one of only two players in the squad alongside Jordan Coles - to have won a league title.

And Roberts is hopeful of more success, this time with the Dracs as they begin the second half of the season this afternoon against Ynysygerwn AFC as they look to return to winning ways at the Orange Llama Stadium.

Roberts shares with Media Officer Joshua Thomas on their defeat at Swansea Uni last time out, being the league’s joint highest scorers playing under Nana Baah and today’s opponents.

JT: It was disappointing last time out at Swansea University, with the loss being your first defeat of the season, how did you sum up our afternoon?

JR: I thought we started the game well but stopped doing the things that was effective, let them get into the game and in the end I thought we got what we deserved.

JT: With your winning run now sadly over how important is it to get back on the winning track?

JR: If we want to be competing and pushing on as a team/club we have to have a positive result. We have a young hardworking honest bunch of lads and I’m sure we will put things right Saturday (against Ynysygerwn.)

JT: What work have you done to prepare yourself for this Saturday and ensure you focus on the future and put your defeat with Swansea University behind us?

JR: The boys were eager to show the management at training that Swansea Uni was just a one off come Saturday we will be ready to put things right.

JT: Our last home game came against South Gower, where you recorded an 8-2 win for your biggest win of the season so far, how pleased were you with your display?

JR: I can’t complain, scoring eight at home but still disappointed to concede the two goals with how well we played. South Gower are no pushovers, they had quality all over the field but we were just ruthless and hopefully a similar result this Saturday.

JT: To score eight goals is an incredible testament to the hard work by each and every player, you are now joint top scorers in the league with 38, alongside Cardiff Corries. Is that something you have worked on to score more in front of goal?

JR: We work hard every week to be more clinical and ruthless in front of goal. Credit to the lads because before Harri Edwards signed we were playing a midfielder up front, but I still think we can get better and improve in that area and kill teams off and have more results like South Gower.

JT: Being one of two players in the squad to have won the title, how important will that experience be as you enter the last few months of the season and what was it like to be part of a squad that has won silverware? Is that something you would like to bring to the Dracs?

JR: I know my experience is vital for this squad having won a league title and three league cups and played in a number of finals I know what it takes to get over the line, I’d definitely like to bring home silverware to the Dracs. All the clubs I’ve played for in the past this is definitely one of, if not the best, the people are amazing and winning silverware would just top it off.

JT: Being 35 could you see yourself being part of the squad for some time yet?

JR: To be honest I feel good. Age is just a number, just taking it season by season right now see how my body deals with it but in my mind I looking to stop just yet.

JT: What is it like to play under Nana (Baah) having signed for him around six times in your career, what makes it great to be part of his squad?

JR: Nana wears his heart on his sleeve A born winner he knows exactly what he wants from his players and how he wants to play. He trusts me as a player and as a player there’s nothing better than trust in your manager.

JT: Up next is Ynysygerwn what are your thoughts on them?

JR: We know what they’re about, a bit like ourselves, hardworking and honest. But I think if we play to our full potential we will have too much quality for them.

JT: Having played them earlier in the season, we came away winners on that occasion, what did you learn about them and what kind of game do you think we will have at the Orange Llama Stadium?

JR: They are a good hard working team, all Swansea teams are similar to re given space they can hurt us but we know what we got to do and we will be ready for any challenge

Pics by Debbie Yanez and Josh Thomas

Match Officials

Referee Michal Baniak

1st Assistant Referee

2nd Assistant Referee

Stephen Curtis

Jason Lewis

Dracs Squad

Harry Johnson (GK)

Luke Bridgeman (C)

Jacob Benford

Luke Davies

Dan Lewis

Efu Kazadi

Nathan Mathias

Marinho Manga

Callum Beckett

Dylan Amin

Sam Cawley

Jamal Roberts

Sam Roberts

Simon Aynalem

Jordan Coles

Ben Vincent

Manager Nana Baah

Assistant Manager

Paul Smith

Ben Hartrey

Coach Phil Booker

Goalkeeper Coach Dan Hurton

Coach Darren Buttle

Physio

Emma Ryan

Ynysygerwn Squad

Ryan Williams

Evan Jacobs

David Evans

Alex Williams

Alexander Powell

Joshua Davies

Charlie Farrell

Callum Wright

Bradley Crooks

Joe Humphries

Jamie Walsh

Stephen Morris

Luke Vickers

Allister Davies

Logan Peck

Ethan Wright

Manager M Williams

Coach D Burrows

1st Aider P Burrows

Matchday Pics

Bridgend Street, away win 1-2

Thomas

SAT 8th FEB

Q&A with Jamal!

Favourite Football team? Manchester United

Favourite meal? Chicken Curry and Rice

Favourite car? Bugatti Chiron Sport

If you could have any three dinner guests, who would they be?

Michael Jordan, David Beckham and Usain Bolt

Go to Karaoke Song? Oasis - Wonderwall

What is your best footballing attribute? Work ethic, Self discipline

Previous clubs?

Pontypridd, Taffs Well, Bridgend Town, Caerau Ely, Afan Lido, Goytre United, Goytre, Treharris, Cardiff Corries. Treowen.

How long have you been with the club? Signed from Treowen in October 2023.

Tell me one fact about you? I used to play football with Gareth Bale at Cardiff Civil Service.

Best player you have ever played with? Guillem Bauzà

Best player you have ever played against? Mustapha Bundu

Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers? Work hard and don’t give up.

Pic by Debbie Yanez

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