Carl Clement makes honest Baglan Dragons admission after Welsh Cup win as Toby Jones shines

Baglan Dragons manager Carl Clementc admitted his side were second best for large spells against Llantwit Fardre despite progressing in the Welsh Cup, as he praised opponents who pushed the Cymru South side all the way.

The Dragons survived a scare against opposition two divisions below them, coming from behind to secure victory after Ryan Prosser gave Llantwit Fardre an early boost with a fine strike.

Baglan responded through in-form striker Toby Jones, whose header brought them level, before a Tom Davies free-kick evaded everyone to put the Dragons ahead in the first half. Jones then completed his brace by rounding the goalkeeper to seal the win.

However, Clement was keen to acknowledge the challenge posed by Llantwit Fardre, admitting the lower-league side could feel unfortunate not to have taken something from the tie.

Carl Clement admits Llantwit Fardre were unlucky to lose

Despite securing progression in the competition, Clement was honest in his assessment of Baglan’s performance, giving credit to a Llantwit Fardre side who continued to threaten after the break.

“A tough game. A very tough game. I thought Llantwit Fardre were excellent. If I’m honest, probably unlucky not to get the result really,” he said.

The Baglan boss felt his side failed to produce their best football in the second half, allowing their opponents to take control and create opportunities.

“Second-half, not taking anything away from them, we didn’t come out and they capitalised on that really. I think they’re unlucky not to score a couple of goals in the second-half.

“I think Cam (Clarke) has pulled off a couple of good saves. The third goal for us then, we needed that. Their goal because there was only one way it was going in the second-half, to give them credit, and they were the better team.”

Goalkeeper Cameron Clarke’s contribution proved important as Baglan came under pressure, with the goalkeeper producing saves to help his side maintain their advantage before Jones delivered the decisive third goal.

Ryan Prosser strike gave Llantwit Fardre belief

Baglan’s afternoon became more complicated when Prosser found the net to put Llantwit Fardre in front, giving the lower-league side an early platform to build on.

Clement admitted he was more concerned by the manner in which his team conceded than by falling behind itself, while acknowledging the quality of the finish.

“I was more worried that we’d given the goal away. It was a great strike by the nine, in fairness,” he said.

“We knew then that would give them some positive momentum. They tipped the game on its head a bit for 10 minutes. We got a goal then which helped settle us a little bit.”

The response proved crucial for Baglan, who needed to regain their composure after seeing their opponents take the lead. Jones’ equaliser helped shift the momentum before Davies’ free-kick put the Dragons ahead.

However, the visitors’ struggles after the break showed the tie was far from straightforward, with Clement admitting his side had been fortunate to come through against determined opposition.

Toby Jones earns praise after scoring twice for Baglan

While Clement was disappointed with aspects of his team’s performance, there was plenty of praise for Jones, whose two goals proved decisive in securing Baglan’s place in the next round.

The striker joined from Carmarthen Town in the summer and has become an important figure for the Dragons, offering a physical presence through the middle alongside his ability to find the net.

Standing at six foot six, Jones fits the profile of a traditional number nine, using his size and strength to trouble defenders. Yet his contribution goes beyond his aerial ability, with his manager highlighting his quality on the ball.

“He’s great for us, Toby is. He’s a proper number nine. He’s finding the back of the net this year, to be fair to him. He’s a great signing for us,” the manager said.

“He’s six foot six, big boy. I think that’s only the second header he’s scored. He’s very good with his feet and long may it continue.”

Jones’ first goal, a header, was particularly notable given how rarely he has scored in that fashion for Baglan. He later demonstrated his composure in front of goal by rounding the goalkeeper to complete his brace.

His goals ultimately made the difference on an afternoon when the Dragons were pushed much harder than they might have expected.

Barry Town United await Baglan Dragons in Welsh Cup

Baglan’s reward for progressing is a meeting with Cymru Premier side Barry Town United in the next round of the Welsh Cup.

Clement had made no secret of his desire for a home tie, with the Dragons yet to enjoy that advantage in the competition.

“We’d like a home draw because we haven’t had one yet,” he said.

Despite his reservations about the performance against Llantwit Fardre, the manager acknowledged that getting through the tie was the most important objective in cup football.

“I think the priority for us today was I was disappointed with the performance, but the main thing in cup football is getting into the next round.”