Cardiff Draconians 2-0 Cwmamman United – Cwmamman blown away by Drac’s
Cwmamman were blown away in the second half as Cardiff Drac’s picked up three points towards their push for promotion. On a wind swept day at Lydstep Park two quick second half goals gave Cardiff Drac’s the win.
Drac’s Captain Liam Williams, returning from suspension got the opening goal after 54 minutes. Joshua Payne added a second on 57 minutes as the home side took advantage of the wind at their backs.
Drac’s remain in fourth place now level on points with third placed Ynyshir Albions and six points from leaders Pontardawe Town. Cwmamman remain in eleventh.
With a high wind building the game began going back and fourth with heavy challenges from both sides. The early stages showing the teams adjusting to the conditions.
The games first big moment came as Drac’s looked to break though the Cwmamman defence. Travis James committing a foul on the edge of the area with the home fans calling for a red. The referee gave Travis a yellow card believing that it wasn’t denying a goalscoring opportunity. Liam Williams smashed the free kick into the wall.
Ryan Hurlow had the chance to put the visitors ahead. Latching on to a ball over the top Hurlow was though but Drac’s keeper Harry Johnson was to met him and was able to shot his shot with his back.
Despite playing into the wind Drac’s began to take control of the game. From Shaun McCarthy’s corner Payne headed into the top corner only to see it cleared on the line.
As the half time break approached Payne had another great chance to open the scoring. Drac’s worked the ball into the six yard box and Payne fired from point blank at the goal. Cwmamman keeper Kai Rees pulled off a stunning reaction save to stop him.
Half Time: Cardiff Draconians 0-0 Cwmamman United
After having the better of the game with the wind against them Drac’s made the most of having it behind them second half. Williams going close with a long range effort in the opening minutes.
Williams went close again as he rose to met a corner from the right. Heading down towards goal Williams thought he had scored but Rees made another outstanding save.
Cwmamman did pose a fret on the break and Scott Jewell received the ball in the box. But before he could create a chance Williams came in with a vital tackle.
With the wind Drac’s tried to utilise Lloyd Toghill’s long throws into the box. Cwmamman were struggling to deal with them and every time they put the ball out Toghill sent in another throw.
The opening goal came from one of these long throws into the box. With Cwmamman unable to clear the ball came out to Williams who fired low into the corner.
It was soon 2-0 as the fast start payed off. Joshua Payne with a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of Rees.
Cwmamman kept going and trying to hit Drac’s on the break. Ryan Hurlow breaking free and going one on one with Harry Johnson. Johnson stood firm and a made a decent save to keep Drac’s 2-0 lead.
Johnson needed his defence for Cwmamman’s next chance as Michael Morgan’s clear chance was cleared off the line by Callum Nippers.
Kai Rees was called into action in added time to turn away Alex Smith’s curling effort.
Full Time: Cardiff Draconians 2-0 Cwmamman United.
Cardiff Draconians: Harry Johnson (G), Callum Nippers, Jake Gammond, Liam Williams (C), Matthew Escott, Joshua Payne, Luke Cox (Joseph Morelli 61), Lloyd Toghill (Rhys McCarthy 88), Matthew Hibbs (Ieuan Llewellyn 88), Shaun McCarthy (Kieran Cotterill 72), Jack Kane (Alex Smith 72).
Goals: Liam Williams 54, Joshua Payne 57.
Yellow Cards: Lloyd Toghill 38, Matthew Escott 88.
Cwmamman United: Kai Rees (G), Travis James, Daniel Evans, Nathan Davies, Luke Sherbon, Geraint Rees, Ryan Thomas (Jordan Simpson 71), Kevin Morgan (C), Scott Jewell, Ryan Hurlow, Michael Morgan.
Yellow Cards: Travis James 9, Nathan Davies 37, Kevin Morgan 38.
