Caerau Ely’s perfect run continues as Ben Stait reacts to Cardiff Dracs derby victory

Ben Stait was delighted with Caerau Ely’s battling display as they made it three wins from three under his management with a 3-1 derby victory over Cardiff Dracs.

The Caerau boss admitted it was not always pretty at Llydstep Park, but praised his players for digging in to claim another three points in front of a crowd of over 400.

Former Cymru Premier midfielder Lewis Harling scored twice for Caerau, with substitute Jaden Bahumaid also finding the net as Stait continued his perfect start since replacing long-serving boss Dean Wheeler.

“It’s a really good win for us,” Stait said. “It’s always going to be difficult coming here, with it being a derby game as well. The atmosphere was rocking. I’m really pleased to get the win.

“It wasn’t pretty, but sometimes that’s what it takes to get the three points. I’m really pleased we’ve dug in and got the three points in the end.”

Stait reflects on Caerau’s fast start and loss of momentum

Caerau made the ideal start when Harling opened the scoring inside three minutes.

The midfielder kept his composure after a delightful ball from Joe Woodiwiss put him through, giving the visitors an early advantage.

Caerau had the opportunity to double their advantage from the penalty spot, but Liam Bishop was denied by an excellent save from Dracs goalkeeper Harry Johnson.

But despite getting themselves in front so quickly, Stait felt his side allowed Cardiff Dracs back into the game by failing to maintain their early momentum.

The hosts then threatened themselves with Sam Cawley hitting the post. After Harling’s second, Dylan Amin went close with a header, while Luke Gullick also struck the post.

“It was a shame really that there were too many things that killed our momentum,” he said.

“Harlo got the goal to start us off, which set us up really well.

“There were a few too many times where we were kicking the ball out of play, and different things which killed our momentum, which stopped us from pushing on then to take the game further.

“It allowed the Dracs then to work their way back into the game and make it more difficult for us.

“A great start, it gave us everything to defend, and we had something to push on with.”

Lewis Harling earns special praise from Caerau boss

Harling ultimately proved decisive, scoring his second five minutes into the second half.

Bishop did well to anticipate Tim Parker’s flick-on before carrying the ball into the box and squaring for Harling to finish from close range.

It was another standout contribution from Harling, who has quickly impressed Stait since the managerial change.

“He’s been outstanding,” Stait said. “I haven’t really known Lewis before, but working with him in this short space of time, he’s outstanding.

“His running stats and his ability to get round the pitch, his leadership skills and his experience is huge for us.

“We’re very fortunate to have a player like that who is clearly good enough to play in the Cymru Premier.”

Bishop had earlier been denied from the penalty spot, but Stait was equally pleased with the forward’s overall contribution.

“There was nobody more up for the game than Bish,” he said.

“He’s going to be disappointed that he missed a pen. The most important thing to him and to us is the team.

“It’s nice for him to get an assist. I thought the set-up for Harling’s second was really good play. It was really good, great composure to slide it, and it made it easy for Harlo to finish.”

Young Guns support helps Caerau celebrate derby win

Substitute Bahumaid then came off the bench to score Caerau’s third and put the visitors firmly in control.

Cawley pulled one back from the penalty spot after Woodiwiss conceded a spot-kick, before further drama followed when Carlos Indjai received a second yellow card.

A crowd of 424 was in attendance, with a strong travelling contingent from Caerau’s Young Guns making their voices heard throughout the derby.

There were jubilant scenes among the away supporters after Harling’s opener, while Bishop led the celebrations at full-time.

Stait was quick to pay tribute to the travelling fans.

“They were incredible,” he said. “We’re really grateful to have the support network from the local area. They came down and made their voices heard. It was really pleasing.”

Ben Stait urges Caerau Ely to keep feet on ground

Caerau have now scored three goals in each of their three matches since Stait took charge, putting them among the division’s leading scorers.

But despite the perfect start, the former Llantwit Major boss is refusing to look too far ahead.

“I want to take it game-by-game to be honest,” Stait said.

“We’ve won three on the bounce now, which is good. I said to the boys, we’ve got to take it game-by-game and keep our feet on the ground.

“We know our quality. It’s just a case of working hard and trying to move as far up the table as we can.”