Ten-man Ynyshir Albions mounted a second-half comeback to beat Cardiff Dracs 2-1 at the Ynyshir Oval in the Ardal South West.
Substitute Joseff Haig – who replaced Mason Evans after just 20 minutes – scored the decisive goal after Liam Eason had cancelled out Callum Beckett’s opener.
Buns defender Alex Rees was dismissed for an apparent stamp on Matthew Hibbs, but the hosts managed to preserve their lead for the remaining 20 minutes they played with a manlight.
Ynyshir as a result of their victory move up to seventh, and are four points off a play-off spot and five off the league leaders. Dracs remain in 12th and suffer their fourth consecutive league defeat.
Ynyshir started on the front foot and used both flanks to attack the visitors. Mason Evans floated in a cross to Joseph Eason but he glanced his header wide. In an attack minutes later, Keiron Coles swung a shot over the bar from a well-delivered corner kick.
The hosts regretted not making their early pressure pay as Dracs scored with their first meaningful attack. Sam Cawley and Harry Webber collided but the former did just enough to touch the ball on and Callum Beckett had the easy work of stroking it home into an empty net.
Ynyshir’s route back into the game suffered a blow as their talented youngster Mason Evans had to be replaced by Hag after suffering an ankle injury.
Cory Morgan caused numerous problems for the visitors who defended their lead well. The recently introduced Haig then nearly caught Elliot Matthews out with a deflected shot but the goalkeeper did well to reposition himself with the ball in mid-flight.
In a common theme throughout the match, Dracs grew restless at a few of the decisions from the officials. Cawley seemed to be swiped but the referee deemed the Ynyshir player to have won the ball. Dracs couldn’t find a second goal and the home team couldn’t find an equaliser, resulting in a first-half lead for the travelling side.
The second half was already off to a better start than the first as early on Dracs were denied. Rameer Outlaw held the ball up well, and Cawley’s bicycle kick was well saved by Webber.
Ynyshir drew level five minutes into the second period having heeded the warning signs. Leon Anstee drilled a ball into the box and Liam Eason scored with a delightful cushioned header.
Eason was keen to get his side in front, and he had two opportunities to score again. His deflected shot from 25 yards was easily saved by Matthews, and then a low shot went through the defence acting as an obstacle but again a save was an outcome.
The referee had a decision to make on the hour mark following a potential red card offence. Outlaw clutched his face and appeals from the visiting team claimed he was elbowed by Zack Philpott.
Dracs had been fortunate to be leading, and credit had to go to Jordan Fofana for a brilliant last-ditch block to deny Joseph Eason from scoring after Cory Morgan had teed him up for a shot from five yards out.
Ynyshir went in front for the first time as Dracs’ defensive frailties showed. Dracs failed to clear their lines and Haig’s low shot went through everyone and left Matthews flat-footed as the ball skid past him.
Dane Williams’ men did make it harder for themselves though when they were reduced to ten. Alex Rees was adjudged to have stamped on Matthew Hibbs which resulted in a three-minute pause.
Shaun McCarthy was introduced and he had several opportunities to salvage something for his side. A throw-in fell to his feet, but he sliced his half-volley into Webbers’ graceful arms. Oscar Raisbeck was one player who seemed to take motivation from the red card and took on a sweeper role.
For a brief moment, Dracs thought they’d got a point in stoppage time but the linesman’s flag was shown to spoil celebrations. A cross came in and Adam Rees prodded home but he was adjudged to have been offside.
Nathan Mathias had the final chance to get an equaliser but he opted to shoot from a crossing position and his effort floated just over the bar.
Ynyshir brought the ball into the corner and ran down the clock until they heard the relief of the full-time whistle. A melee did ensure in the celebrations and the referee opted to send off unused substitute Deacon Greening.
Ynyshir Albions: Harry Webber, Chad Goss, Zack Philpott, Kieron Coles, Alex Rees, Jacob Matthews, Cory Morgan, Liam Eason, Leon Anstee, Joseph Eason (Logan Williams, 67), and Mason Evans (Joseff Haig, 20) (Finn Jones, 78)
Goals: Liam Eason 52, Joseff Haig 64′
Yellow Card: Harry Webber 90+2
Red Card: Alex Rees 68′
Cardiff Dracs: Elliot Matthews, Nicholas Grist (Adam Rees, 55), Jordan Fofana, Luke Bridgeman, Oscar Raisbeck, Joao Marinho Manga, Sam Cawley, Callum Beckett, Efu Kazadi (Shaun McCarthy, 55), Nathan Mathias, and Rameer Outlaw (Matt Hibbs, 55)
Goals: Callum Beckett 12′
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