Baglan Dragons clinched promotion to the Cymru South after beating Risca United 2-0 in the Ardal South Promotion Play-Off final.
Dragons top scorer Jordan Evans scored early in both halves, taking his tally to 26 goals for the campaign, delivering the goals when they mattered most. Carl Clement’s side will compete in the second tier for the first time in their history – securing back-to-back promotions after only a season in the third tier.
The Cuckkoos face another year in the South East – failing to bounce back at the first attempt after their relegation last season. Simon Berry’s side suffered the least amount of defeats across the third tier, but could not break down a well-organised Baglan defence despite several opportunities.
Baglan struck first in their first attack of the match. A defensive error saw the ball deflect to Evans and he ran in for a one-on-one and tucked it past Massaro.
Risca’s failed to learn from their mistake and were sloppy amongst the back line once again conceding possession near their own box, but fortunately for them, Tom Randall curled his shot wide. They went from defence to attack, however, and managed to tee up Arthur Furness, but he blazed his shot over the bar.
Baglan continued to try to put pressure on a nervy Risca backline, and Josh Clayton’s failed clearance allowed Evans to get a shot away, but Joe Massaro was alert to his curled effort.
Risca controlled much of the ball for a 20-minute period but failed to put Mathew Stanton under any real pressure. Leon Thomas curled a shot at Mathew Stanton, and the keeper fumbled before gracefully grabbing the ball on the second attempt.
As the players emerged from the second half, Risca were dealt a sucker punch despite a few promising signs. Evans found a pocket of space outside the box and let fly with a powerful effort that Massaro couldn’t reach.
Risca pushed hard for a goal to inspire a comeback and forced Stanton to work with three good chances. Ryan Wheeler found space from a few yards out, but Stanton had it covered as he dived down low to his post. Lloyd Oliver then went nearest as his tight-angled shot then agonisingly bobbled across the line.
The men from the South East pushed hard, and had their hands on their head wondering how they hadn’t breached the Baglan goal. Kieran Parsons made numerous goal-line blocks, whilst Oliver was denied from close range after a Leon Thomas cross. Thomas had a claim for Risca’s best performer, but even he couldn’t convert his chance, as his low shot went just past the post.
Risca continued to make chances for themselves but Dan Spencer’s snap shot was blocked. They nearly pulled one back through substitute Stead, who made a good sliding tackle and drove forward, but once again his shot failed to land on target. In stoppage time, Tom Berry was denied on the line, and shortly after the full-time whistle blew with Dragons thoroughly proud of their defensive display.
Risca United: Joe Massaro, Harvey Selway, Owen Cuddihy, Josh Clayton (C), Daniel Spencer, Jak Lewis (Lloyd Oliver, 67), Arthur Furness (Morgan Stead, 60), Lewis Ellis, Jake Morris (Tom Berry, 67), Ryan Wheeler, and Leon Thomas.
Yellow Cards: Dan Spencer 59′
Baglan Dragons: Mathew Stanton, Kieran Parsons, Kieran Miller, Lewis Holmes, Daniel Williams, Jonathan Daves, Matthew Rogers (Luke Evans, 82), Tom Randall (Matthew Lewis, 83), Jordan Evans (Nathan Lewis, 90+2), Joshua Williams, and Jack Fleming.
Goals: Jordan Evans 7, 48′
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