CARDIFF
19th September 2026 2.00pm Kick Off FAW Welsh Cup R1
D R AC O N I A N S Welcome to the Orange Llama Stadium
VS
Aberbargoed Buds
MATCHDAY GROUND ENTRY £6 PROGRAMME £1.50
Today’s Programme at a Glance Manager’s Message Match Report Dracs Crowdfunder! Man of the Match The Teams Team of the Week Interview with Harry Player Q&A Fixtures League Table
Managers’ Message Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone connected with Aberbargoed Buds for today’s FAW Welsh Cup tie at the Orange Llama Stadium. We welcome their players, management team, officials and supporters, and we hope everyone enjoys their visit to the club. We come into today’s game following a 2–1 victory over Baglan Dragons. While we were pleased to secure the three points, we also know that our first-half performance was below the standards we expect from ourselves. We lacked urgency at times and did not move the ball with the quality or tempo that we are capable of producing. Credit must also go to Baglan, who were extremely strong and resolute after being reduced to ten men. They continued to compete, made the game difficult for us and showed a great deal of character. However, I was much happier with our response in the second half. The players raised their intensity, played with greater purpose and found a way to win the match. A major positive was the performance of Keegan Saunders, who made his first competitive appearance in senior men’s football. To score on his debut was a brilliant moment for him and one that he fully deserved. Keegan is a talented young player with a great attitude, and I was incredibly proud of the way he handled the occasion. One disappointment was receiving another red card. Two moments of poor positioning led to two avoidable bookings, and that is something we must learn from quickly. We cannot continue making games more difficult for ourselves, particularly at this level, where discipline and decision-making are so important. I would also like to draw everyone’s attention to the club’s current crowdfunding campaign. The work taking place at Cardiff Draconians is about much more than the first team. We are trying to improve the facilities and create something that will benefit our players, young people and the wider community for many years. We need everyone’s help to reach our target, so any donation or share would be hugely appreciated. Turning our attention to today, we know we face a difficult cup tie. Aberbargoed may currently play a few levels below us, but league positions mean very little in cup football. They are enjoying an excellent season and have been scoring goals for fun, so we will give them the respect they deserve. Today also provides an excellent opportunity for several members of our squad to show what they can do and put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the starting XI. We want to progress, but we know we will have to earn it. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you all enjoy the game.
Diolch yn fawr, Nana Baah
Match Report Baglan Dragons Cardiff Draconians 2-1 Baglan Dragons
Orange Llama Stadium – 12th September 2026 – Attendance: 151 Match report by Josh Thomas. A first senior goal from Keegan Saunders helped Cardiff Draconians come from behind to beat Baglan Dragons last Saturday.
The Dracs had the chance to open the scoring in the fourth minute from the penalty spot after captain Sam Cawley was brought down by Kieran Parsons, who was shown a straight red card in the second minute.
Luke Gullick stepped up to take it, but he could only direct his effort over the bar. The forward’s miss from 12-yards proved to be crucial as the visitors opened the scoring in the ninth minute. A ball over the top found Tobias Jones and he was able to lob the ball over Harry Johnson and into the back of the net. Pics by Josh Thomas and Harley Lloyd-Cooksley
Nana Baah’s men regrouped, and after Dan Bowen had a powerful effort beaten away, they equalised in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Myles Corson’s corner found Saunders, and the 17-year-old defender, on his first senior start, was able to direct his header superbly into the top corner. The goal rejuvenated the Dracs as they took the lead six minutes after half-time through Haben Samson. Substitute Bowen unselfishly tried to find Cawley, but his ball could only find visiting defender Jordan Pike, who could only clear the ball into the path of Samson, and he powered home, despite the best attempts of Cameron Clarke.
Bowen then could only direct his header straight at Clarke, before Corson drew the visitors number one into a smart save with an effort from the edge of the area. At the other end a fantastic save from Harry Johnson, from Jones’ close range effort kept the Dracs in front. Efu Kazadi was shown a second yellow card in the 81st minute but the Dracs held firm to record back to back victories in the Novira Cymru South. Johnson, Kazadi, Saunders, Cawley (C), Matthias, Amin (Bowen 35), Corson, Babah (Roberts 86), Treharne, Samson (Egan 57), Gullick (Nippers 57) Unused substitutions: Holley Pics by Josh Thomas and Harley Lloyd-Cooksley
Cardiff Draconians Crowdfunder HELP US BRING THE LYDSTEP PARK FAN ZONE TO LIFE! We’re building more than just football at Cardiff Draconians we’re building a community. Our exciting new Community Fan Zone at Lydstep Park will create a fantastic space for matchdays, families, players and the wider community to enjoy. We’re now so close to reaching our final funding target and we need your help to get over the line! Every donation helps. Every share makes a difference. Together, we can make this happen. The Fan Zone will be more than a matchday facility. It will be a lively community hub - a place to gather, celebrate, support local sport and create lasting memories at Lydstep Park. If you can, please support the crowdfunder and help us get over the line. If you are unable to donate, sharing the campaign still makes a real difference. Together, we can build something special for our club, our supporters and our community. Scan the QR code to donate or share: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/qleJVkAW
Match Officials Referee 1st Assistant Referee 2nd Assistant Referee
Ashley Thomas James Young Matthew Johnson
Harry Johnson (GK)
Dan Bowen
Jacob Benford Efu Kazadi Callum Nippers Jamal Roberts Carlos Indjai
Luke Gullick Cameron Egan Rhys McCarthy Cole Mace Haben Samson
Josh Stephens Amani Babah Sam Cawley (C) Dylan Amin Miles Corson
Tom Holley (GK) Harry Treharne Keegan Saunders Brandon Thomas
Manager Assistant Manager Coach 1st Aider Goalkeeping Coach
Nana Baah Paul Smith Darren Buttle Colin Ashton Gareth Hicks
Aberbargoed Buds Squad Acer Terry
Ryan Morgans
Craig Elsdon Jack Trollope Corrie Bird Ewen Jones Jayden Griffiths
Cade Brewer Dylan Jones Ross Fowler Kaylan Okello Nathan Morgan
Lawson Jones Lewys Golding Liam Shaw
Owen Bayliss Samuel Breeze Riley Small
Team Manager Assistant Manager Coach Coach
Rob Shorney Chris Griffiths Ricky Vaughan Iwan Vaughan
Interview with Harry Cardiff Draconians goalkeeper Harry Johnson described his experience of playing for Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Johnson was one of two Dracs players, alongside Sam Cawley, to be part of the Regions’ Cup squad, with the side winning two of their three games in Bosnia, against Bitola (7-0) and Cilicia (6-0), but just missed out on qualification after defeat (4-0) against Zenica-Doboj. But for Johnson, he says it a moment that he will always “treasure” and remember for a long time to come. Away from the international scene, Johnson has appeared in all five Cardiff Draconians games so far, including the last two wins against Llanelli Town (4-2) and Baglan Dragons (2-1), and is set to be a part of the side that will take on Aberbargoed Buds in the first round of the FAW Welsh Cup this afternoon. He shares his thoughts with media officer Joshua Thomas on last weekend’s win against the Dragons, on the new signings, being part of Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru and facing the Buds this afternoon. JT: Back-to-back wins after a very pleasing display against Baglan Dragons, how pleased are you with the last two wins? HJ: It was good to dig in and get the three points, obviously today (with Baglan Dragons). Every three points are important. The boys dug in deep right to the end, especially when we went to nine men. So, I can’t fault the boys there, and their work rate. But plenty of positive to take and also loads to work on, so we can take it into our Cup game next week and then obviously for the big one against Caerau Ely. JT: How pleased were you with Keegan (Saunders) as well? His first goal in senior football (on Saturday). HJ: He’s a top-quality lad. He wants to work hard, wants to learn as well and topped off with his goal and his commanding performance at the back. So I can’t fault him and look forward to playing behind him throughout the season now. JT: It’s been a very good summer for you so far after being called up to play for Tîm Rhanbarthol y De Cymru in the regionals in Bosnia, how great was it to be part of that? HJ: It was once in a lifetime opportunity. I wanted to make sure I represented my dad out there and made sure that I did him proud and I got the cap to show for it now. It’s a proud moment, also for Shirley. He smashed it last year and he deserves every minute for it. Obviously, we got that done now, and it was a good experience, one I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. Good bunch of boys I went out there with as well and a good management team, but something that will stay with me forever. Pics by FAW/Fedja Krvavac
JT: With the likes of Tom (Holley) coming in and Gareth (Hicks) as goalkeeping coach, signing Thomas Bodger as well and Noaksy (Harry) out on loan, how pleased are you with the goalkeeping department? HJ: Noaksy is smashing it; to be fair to him, I can’t fault him. I hope he continues his work. Tom is a good lad. He wants to learn, and I’m going to pass everything I can onto him. Gareth is a top-quality goalkeeper coach, and I look forward to working with him through the future and hopefully keep getting successful results with him. Tom Bodge, I haven’t met him in a while, but I played with him at Taffs Well and he’s a top-quality lad and I look forward to seeing him. JT: We have brought in new signings in, a different side this season compared to last, just how pleased are you with the side? HJ: That’s what football’s all about. Everyone comes and goes, but Nana’s done well to get a good squad together, ready for the season. I know now we’ll kick on and keep getting those three points and hopefully start pushing up the table, starting obviously next week with the big cup game against Aberbargoed Buds, which I know will be a tough game. JT: You mentioned about the cup game with Aberbargoed Buds next week, what are your thoughts on it? HJ: Aberbargoed Buds are a good side, solid, but we’ll go in there taking it like every other game, taking it with full pride, and make sure we get the job done and get into the hat for the next round. But it won’t be an easy game I know that for sure. JT: Is it something you want, to go through in the cup and get yourself more minutes? HJ: 100 percent. A good cup run is all everyone wants. I’ll take a cup game like a league game at the end of the day, and any win is a win. I know the boys will be working hard in training to make sure we get through and have a place in the hat. JT: Last Saturday was the first of five home games in a row, and Luke Gullick said it is important to make the Orange Llama stadium a fortress, do you agree? HJ: Yeah, we have got make it a fortress. Every home game is a chance for us to get three vital points, no matter who comes down. And I back us against any team who comes down to the Orange Llama stadium. We’ll treat any game like it is. We want to make people fear when they come down, that it’s a fortress and it’s not going to be an easy game for them. Pics by Josh Thomas and Harley Lloyd-Cooksley
Feeling lucky? Then join in with our club fundraisers of the Lucky 24 Tote and the 100 club! For £1 a tote ticket there is a weekly chance of winning our current jackpot of £3975. Join the 100 club for £10 a month and be part of the monthly draw to win a prize of either £100, £75, £50 or £25. 100 club draw takes place the end of every month! See a club member in the shop to find out more or buy a ticket, or message us online. Thanks to everyone who supports us in this and good luck in the next draws.
Email: Cardiffdraconians@aol.com Twitter: @CDraconians Facebook: @CardiffDraconiansFC
Q&A with Harry! Age? 24 Position? Goalkeeper Favourite Football team? Manchester Utd Favourite meal? Spaghetti Carbonara Favourite car? Mercedes If you could have any three dinner guests who would they be?
David de Gea, Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford Go to Karaoke Song? Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield What is your best footballing attribute? My distribution Previous clubs? Caerau Ely, Taffs Well and Cambrian How long have you been with the club? Five years Tell me one fact about you: I have a grade six in drums Best player you have ever played with? Liam Williams Best player you have ever played against? Liam Eason Best piece of advice you would give upcoming footballers: Everything happens for a reason!
Harry is sponsored by:- The Dracs Old Guard
Pic by Josh Thomas
Pic by Josh Thomas
Fixtures
Once a Drac, Always a Drac
Pl
W
D
L
GF GA GD Pts
1
Pure Swansea
6
5
1
0
22
5
17
16
2
Aberystwyth Town
6
5
0
1
19
7
12
15
3
Treowen Stars
7
4
1
2
16
11
5
13
4
Pontypridd United
6
4
1
1
16
11
5
13
5
Baglan Dragons
8
4
1
3
8
8
0
13
6
Carmarthen Town
7
3
2
2
17
16
1
11
7
Caerau Ely
7
3
1
3
16
17
-1
10
8
Afan Lido
8
3
1
4
13
15
-2
10
9
Trethomas Bluebirds
7
2
3
2
14
13
1
9
10
Ynyshir Albions
6
2
3
1
6
5
1
9
11
Caerphilly Athletic
7
2
2
3
7
12
-5
8
12
Cardiff Draconians
5
2
1
2
7
8
-1
7
13
Newport City
5
2
0
3
9
5
4
6
14
Pontardawe Town
6
1
0
5
5
13
-8
3
15
Llanelli Town
8
0
2
6
6
23
-17
2
16
Llantwit Major
5
0
1
4
2
15
-13
1
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