Penrhiwceiber Rangers claimed their first win of the Ardal Leagues season as they defeated Cardiff Draconians 1-0 at Llydstep Park.
Warren Jones scored the only goal as his penalty ensured Dean Brown’s side left the capital with the sweet taste of success in their new division.
They did however have to defend their one-goal lead with a man light for more than fifteen minutes after Jack Thomas’ straight dismissal.
The first opportunity of the game went to the away side with Ceirion Harris firing a shot over the bar.
The hosts then followed up with two chances of their chance of their own with Tom McLean firing over and captain Liam Williams putting a shot just past the post.
Youngster Callum Gunstone, blooded through the academy system, fired a shot that hit the post that didn’t end up rebounding into the net.
Matt Hibbs then fired a close-range header, that was well saved by Callum Quinton. Hibbs had an effort from outside the box as his chipped attempt hit the roof of the net.
The second half kicked off with a Tom McLean cross that was finger-tipped onto the bar from Callum Quinton as the Dracs tried every avenue to score.
Up the other end, the experienced Ricky Carter had an effort just going past the post from a delivery from Thomas. The same link-up happened again but he could not finish off his opportunity at the back post.
Another chance then came as Thomas went one on one with Dracs’ shot-stopper Hurton, who acted bravely as the last line of defence, deny the away side the lead with a great save.
The game-changing moment came though when Jack Thomas’ ankles were clipped in the box. Captain fantastic Jones stepped forward and slotted home his spot-kick. Hurton was on the right side of the spot but the precision of the shot was too much for the keeper.
Thomas was sent off for violent conduct as he clashed with Noyes who had fouled him in the buildup. The Dracs defender was perhaps fortunate to escape a second yellow for a foul that prevented a counter-attacking move.
In an attempt to change the match, Joey Morelli was introduced and had two-headed opportunities. The first being a save from close range saves by Quinton and then the second in which he headed over the bar.
Noyes delivered a final ball into the box but Payne fired a shot straight at the keeper and the Dracs were unable to force home an equaliser.
Cardiff Draconians: Daniel Hurton, Richard Noyes, Callum Nippers (Bradley Stubbs, 59), Liam Williams (C), Josh Payne, Phillip Quick, Tom McClean, Rhys McCarthy, Matthew Hibbs (Liam Cleaver, 71), Callum Gunstone(Jack Kane, 59), Shaun McCarthy.
Yellow Cards: Callum Nippers 25, Callum Gunstone 54, Richard Noyes 73
Penrhiwceiber Rangers: Callum Quinton, Brandon Hill, Scott Lewis, Dean Brown, Luke Morgan, Warren Jones (C), Shay Friel, Ceirion Harris, Ricky Carter, Joseph Jenkins, Jack Thomas.
Yellow Cards: Scott Lewis 70′
Red Cards: Jack Thomas 73′
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