Cefn Druids are finally up and running as they claimed a 2-1 victory over Caernarfon Town at The Oval.
First-half goals from Alex Darlington and Iwan Cartwright were enough for Bruno Lopes’ first win as Ancients boss, despite a second-half scare from Paulo Mendes.
Not many expected Druids to walk away with the victory in tonight’s game, however that’s what they did and it earned Bruno Lopes his first victory in charge of the Ancients. It was the Druids best performance this season and they were well worth their victory.
The Druids started the game brilliantly, and did not look like a side who were propping up the table, while the Cofis struggled to deal with the quick start from the Druids.
It only took four minutes for Cefn Druids to open the scoring, a pin point cross from Naim Arsan found the unmarked Iwan Cartwright who’s brilliant header beat the dive of Josh Tibbets and the Druids found themselves in a deserved lead.
Bruno Lopes reiterated the need for intensity and attitude from his players and they were definitley up for this one as their domination of possession was obvious for all watching.
Naim Arsan was a constant threat going forward for the Druids and was a pest for Caernarfon’s backline and Druids were looking for the second to follow that first, Huw Griffiths was not a happy man on the sideline as his former side were dominating the game against his current side.
Just before the 20 minute mark Druids added the second and it was the first goal for the club for Alex Darlington, he pounced on a loose ball after Naim Arsan’s 25 yard drive beat Josh Tibbets and his dive but hit the post but Darlington was quickest to react to net his first goal for the Druids.
The away side were well deserving of their two goal lead and it was certainly the best football they’ve played under Bruno Lopes.
Caernarfon tried to go forward but didn’t have any conviction, Cai Jones was being overwhelmed by the back three of Aaron Simpson, Jacob Wise and Ben Barratt who were winning everything in the air.
For most of the first half Dawid Szczepaniak was untested in the Druids goal. The closest Caernarfon got to a goal was a vital interception from Aaron Simpson just as the ball was finding it’s way to Cai Jones, Caernarfon nowhere near the level needed in the first half.
As the first period came to an end, Druids wanted a penalty as Ryan Williams’ clearance was skewed and the ball struck his arm but despite the shouts from Cefn Druids, the referee was unmoved and did not award the spot kick. Cefn Druids deservedly led 2-0 at the break.
Cefn Druids nearly made it three as the second stanza began as Jamie Reed’s effort was just wide with Josh Tibbets relieved in the Caernarfon goal.
Caernarfon nearly found themselves back in the game five minutes after the restart, a speculative effort from Louis Augustin was deflected and had Szczepaniak scrambling but fortunately for him and the Druids the strike went wide.
A few minutes later, the home side should’ve been back in the game as a long ball caught out Druids’ backline and Sion Bradley was through on goal but unlike his current form, he could not keep his composure and his strike on the half volley sailed over the bar.
Caernarfon were the better side in the second period but couldn’t create any clear cut chances, a Paulo Mendes cross couldn’t find Cai Jones who wasn’t sharp enough to be in the six yard box.
As the 65th minute came, Caernarfon had their goal, Sion Bradley with fantastic work on the right and his pass found Cai Jones, who could’ve gone for the shot but he unselfishly fed Paulo Mendes who’s shot proved too hot to handle for Dawid Szczepaniak and the ball found it’s way into the net and Caernarfon were back in this game
Cheered on by the faithful ‘Cofi Army’ (who were outside the ground) Caernarfon pushed for that equalizer but could not find a way through the Cefn Druids defence.
Druids were happy to protect their lead, and were playing the second half on the counter and nearly found a way through to make it 3-1 but Niall Flint’s shot on the half volley was saved well by Josh Tibbets. As the last 10 minutes came, Caernarfon brought on Asa Hamilton to force the issue.
As the minutes ticked by, The Ancients were desperate in their time to waste a few seconds and Szczepaniak was the main culprit and was booked for his efforts.
Caernarfon pressed for the equalizer but couldn’t find it and the ref blew the whistle which awarded Druids their first victory of their season. A performance which showed real quality going forward and great determination to keep the Cofis out as they pressed hard for the draw.
Goals: Paulo Mendes 64′
Goals: Iwan Cartwright 4, Alex Darlington 18
See how the Cefn Druids claimed their first league victory here:
(Featured Image: Phil Stead)
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