Cardiff Airport 3-2 Cardiff Draconians: Lift-off for Airport in Welsh Cup opener
Cardiff Airport pulled off a shock 3-2 victory at Jenner Park to dump third-tier Cardiff Draconians out of the Welsh Cup.
South Wales Alliance League outfit Airport, ranked two divisions below their counterparts showcased their bounce-back ability as twice bounced back from conceding to claim the win.
A goal from Josh Hobbs just before the hour mark secured the win after Matt Hall and Jack Davies had both responded to Joey Morrelli and Jack Kane’s opening strikes.
The opening period was dominated by Draconians, but Airport looked very dangerous on the counterattack. Hall found himself in good positions a few times but failed to find the target with his efforts.
Airport believed they’d taken the lead early on after a free-kick was headed past the hapless Hurton, but the referee called it back for offside.
Draconians were dealt an early blow when defender Jake Gammond was forced off with an injury in the opening quarter with Shaun McCarthy sent on in his place.
Undeterred by the setback, they then made their pressure count through as they broke the deadlock. A cross from the left side by Bradley Stubbs took the goalkeeper by surprise, and it rebounded off the post and fell straight to Morelli for an easy finish.
Draconians then looked more comfortable after their goal but were pegged back on 38 minutes after Airport were given a penalty for a foul.
The travelling fans were adamant that the penalty was outside of the box, but nevertheless, Hall powered it to the bottom left corner.
However, Draconians retook the lead for a second time on the stroke of half-time and first goalscorer Morrelli was involved once more. He attempted to chip Gahan in the Airport goal, who could only parry the ball straight to the feet of Kane for another easy finish.
As play resumed for the second half, Airport came out with the wind in their sails and responded again, highlighting their underdog spirit.
Finding himself an almost impossible position not to score, Jack Davies headed home from close range.
Another goal game for Airport came in quick succession as for the first time in the match, they seized the initiative and went in front. Hobbs was able to strike home from close range to spark jubilant scenes amongst the home faithful.
After Airport took the lead, Draconians were completely dominant but failed to find the killer instinct to finish any of their numerous chances.
Airport continued to threaten on the counter-attack and had another disallowed goal after Karl Steel was correctly adjudged to be offside. Lambert then had a superb solo run from a blocked Draconians free-kick, but he couldn’t find the target with his effort.
Draconians were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men in the dying minutes after goalkeeper Hurton handballed between his box and the halfway line, but referee Geoff Morris saw nothing wrong with it and play carried on.
Hurton then went up for a corner in stoppage time and was nearly caught out after Gahan comfortably collected the corner then cleared it upfield, but Cleaver got back to cover and stop Lambert from scoring a spectacular overhead kick.
Draconians will certainly be disappointed to be knocked out so early, but it could be a blessing in disguise for them, as they can now focus on what will be a tough season for them in the Ardal SW. Airport on the other hand will eagerly await the second qualifying draw and will be dreaming of a cup run.
Cardiff Airport: Nathan Gahan, Tyler Dawe, James Scott, Ricky Perry (Richard Finlay 79’), Karl Steel (Morgan Hawkins 83’), Michael Hall (Sonny Lambert 66’), Josh Hobbs, Jack Davies, Luke Llewellyn Davies, Theo Richards, Curtis Watkins
Unused subs: Bradley Walters, Lee Strandling
Goals: Hall (p) 38’, Davis 50’, Hobbs 57’
Yellow Card: Morgan Hawkins 84’
Cardiff Draconians: Dan Hurton, Richard Noyes, Josh Payne, Liam Williams (c), Jake Gammond (Shaun McCarthy 14’), Phillip Quick, Jack Kane, Rhys McCarthy (Ieuan Llewelyn 60’, Joey Morreli (Liam Cleaver 71’), Callum Gunstone, Brad Stubbs
Unused subs: Les Denner, Ben Yarwood
Goals: Morrelli 21’, Kane 44’
Yellow Card: S. McCarthy 33’
