Managers’ Message
Good afternoon and welcome to the Orange Llama Stadium.
It’s my pleasure to extend a warm greeting to all associated with Tonyrefail BGC as we prepare for our fourth match of the season.
Our campaign thus far has been a mix of success and learning experiences. We’ve secured two victories, showcasing our potential and determination. However, our recent draw against Seven Sisters left us with much to reflect upon. Despite leading by two goals and dominating possession, we couldn’t secure the win – a reminder that football can be unforgiving and that maintaining focus throughout the full 90 minutes is crucial.
This setback, while disappointing, has provided us with valuable insights. We’ve spent the week analysing our performance, addressing our shortcomings, and refining our tactics.
Today’s match presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our growth and resilience.
I’m confident that our squad is prepared to rise to the challenge. We’ve worked tirelessly on maintaining our concentration, improving our game management, and enhancing our ability to close out matches.
To our loyal supporters, your unwavering encouragement is our driving force. The atmosphere you create at the Orange Llama Stadium is electric, and we’ strong performance today.
Enjoy the match, and let afternoon of football!
Diolch Nana Baah
Match Report Seven Sisters
Cardiff Draconians threw away a two-goal lead as Seven Sisters Onllwyn fought back to rescue a point 2 draw at the Orange Llama Stadium.
Having come into the game with successive wins against AFC Llwydcoed and Ynyshir Albion the Dracs started their latest Ardal Southern game with
The chances kept coming the hosts way as Sam Roberts was denied by Harris with a shot from the edge or the area.
And when Harris was finally beaten, Emyr James was there to deny Dylan Amin with the goal at his mercy before Cawley dragged an effort wide as the match went into half-time goalless.
However, two goals in four minutes from the Dracs turned the game on its head. The first came in the 48th minute when a throw into the box was only half-cleared and Roberts was there to volley home.
Roberts then turned provider as his inch-perfect split the visitors defence and Amin latched onto it to score first-time into the top corner.
However, Seven Sisters halved the deficit when Cierqn Williams scored at the second time of asking from Ethan Taylor’s free-kick in the 64th minute.
And with seven minutes to go substitute Kian Herdman raced onto Lewis Taylor’s long ball, which bounced over the top and over home goalkeeper Harry Johnson and left Herdman with a tap in.
There was still time for Iestyn Clement to be sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence while Amin headed against the crossbar in an exciting finale, but the game ended in a draw.
Cardiff Draconians: Johnson, Lewis (Nicol 90), Shewring, Bridgeman (C), Benford, Manga, Coles (McCarthy 65), Mathias, Roberts, Amin, Cawley
not used: Farley, Flynn, Fofana
Interview with Sam
Sam Cawley has begun the 2024/25 season in great form.
He has scored two goals and provided three assists out of the Dracs seven goals from their first three games in all competitions so far this campaign.
He shares with media officer Joshua Thomas on the Draconians start to the season, personal aims for the year ahead and today’s FAW Amateur Trophy cup tie with Tonyrefail BGC.
A strong start to the season with four points from six, how have you found the season so far?
Enjoyable to be fair. Everyone is getting on as well. It’s the tightest group that I have been a part of in a long time. I think it shows by the way we actually play football together. You can tell we are all so tight together. We set our standards so high that anything other than a win is more upsetting than anything.
Our game with Seven Sisters Onllwyn was a massive disappointment, a massive frustration after being two goals up, what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that you put that behind you and focus on the next one?
You can’t dwell on it. Once it’s done, it’s done. You have got to put it behind you and just focus on the next game. Take it each game as it comes. Don’t look too far into the future and go game by game.
It’s been a strong start for you personally with two goals now in three games, is that something you have worked on over the summer to score more goals?
To be fair it’s more goal contributions than anything. Goals are a plus but if I’m contributing in any way and we are still winning then that’s good enough for me.
Have you got a target in mind of how many goal contributions you would like?
If I could go for a goal or an assist per game I would be happy with that.
Having been with the club for 18 months, and your first full season last year, do you feel are settling in?
Yeah, definitely. As soon as you get with the club the whole community are behind you as well. As soon as you get down they treat me I am one of their own straight away. It shows on the pitch as well, especially with the support.
Having been with STM Sports, Caerau Ely, Cwmbran Celtic and Treharris, how has being with Cardiff Dracs helped improved your game?
I haven’t really experienced anything like the Dracs before, especially the home experience. I think the closest it comes to it is STM, in their sense of community, coming together. But previous clubs nothing wise nothing else comes close to it. Especially how much I am enjoying it as well and playing consistent game time as well.
Another big game on Saturday against Tonyrefail BGC in the FAW Amateur Trophy, what are your thoughts on it?
We can’t underestimate them at all, they will be up for it as well. Every team that plays us will be right up for it. We have just got to take it game by game. Put what happened against Seven Sisters behind us and carry on. Have a look at the next game.
What are your thoughts on Cup competition, you went and got a good win at Ynyshir Albions in the FAW Welsh Cup, is the aim to actually go far in the cups this season?
It’s a good habit to get into if we just keep winning. You take that into the league as well. The aim is promotion but if we can get a good cup run at the same time the winning habit is a good thing to get. So, as far as we can go, win as many games as possible but again take it week by week.
Pics
by Debbie Yanez and Josh Thomas
Match Officials
Referee Zak Thomas
1st Assistant Referee
2nd Assistant Referee
Dracs Squad
Harry Johnson (GK)
Dan Lewis
Jacob Benford
Charlie Hanson-Taylor
Luke Bridgeman (C)
Efu Kazadi
George Shewring
Marinho Manga
Nathan Mathias
Jordon Coles
Jordan Fofana
Dylan Amin
Sam Cawley
Sam Roberts
Ethan Farley
Griff Nicol
Manager Nana Baah
Assistant Manager
Paul Smith
Assistant Manager Ben Hartrey
Coach Phil Booker
Goalkeeper Coach Dan Hurton
Coach Darren Buttle
Physio/1st Aider Emma Ryan
Ricky Freigtag
Cory Griffiths
Matthew Hams
Jack Howells
James Ivey
Tom Williams
Thomas Davies
Tonyrefail Squad
Jac Clements
Josh Ellis
Josh Baker
Jordan Cicigoi
Jackson Magni
Dylan Jones
James Mahoney
Liam Thorne Owain Clements
Manager Nicki McCarthy
Coach Lloyd Lewis
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 £1300.
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
Q&A with Sam
Favourite Football team? Arsenal
Favourite meal? Pizza
Favourite car? Range Rover
If you could have any three dinner guests, who would they be? Thierry Henry, Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks
Go to Karaoke Song? Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
What is your best footballing attribute? Left Foot
Previous clubs? Caerau Ely, Cwmbran Celtic, STM Sports and Treharris.
How long have you been with the club? 18 months
Tell me one fact about you: My nickname at the club is Shirley
Best player you have ever played with? Nathan Mathias
Best player you have ever played against? Regan Poole
Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers? Keep working hard and you get what you deserve if you put in the effort.
by
Pic
Josh Thomas
Fixtures
Once a Drac, Always a Drac
CF14 2NZ
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