Cardiff Draconians 3-1 Ton & Gelli – Late show from Dracs moves them to top spot

Two goals in the final fifteen minutes helped Cardiff Draconians reclaim top spot in the South Wales Alliance League Premier Division.

The Dracs had the chance to go first after Penydarren’s 2-0 victory over Ynyshir Albion, although the Valleys side have eight games in hand and are yet to lose this season.

Early pressure from the Dracs saw Kevin Jones come under pressure when he had to deal with a defensive mix-up between himself and Ian Shephard. Tom McLean swung the corner in and striker Nathan Doe headered just wide in the early stages.

The home side had their first shot on target when Brad Stubbs leeched on to a lofted ball and his shot hit the crossbar.

But despite the Draconians enjoying a spell of attack, Ton and Gelli were the side that opened the scoring with their first attack of the game and it came in fortuitous fashion.

Aled Mogg escaped the challenge of Shaun McCarthy to win a corner for the away side. Dorian Sweet delivered the corner in and after taking an unfortunate touch from Joey Morelli, gave the Valleys side the opening goal.

Mogg had his name in the book for a late challenge on McCarthy, as he tried to take the ball from the feet of the full-back.

Layton Maxwell’s side were level ten minutes after conceding. Tom McLean swung in the corner and Jake Nippers was there with a half-volley, which Kevin Jones was unable to keep out.

Brad Stubbs and Ashton Kinsey were having a duel, with Kinsey trying to contain the Draconians attacker, but the wide-man almost scored. Stubbs was played in and he attempted to loft the ball over Jones, but Shephard was there to header off the line.

It was relentless pressure from Draconians, but the Gabalfa side almost took the lead from an unintended chance. Tom McLean powered a free-kick in trying to find a player in the Dracs shirt, but the free-kick very nearly caught Jones out, who had to tip the ball behind.

It was a case of set pieces in terms of chances, McLean once again put in a corner, for Nippers to head just behind with a powerful header.

The half-time whistle blew with the Draconians having a majority of the chances. Ton & Gelli were putting in a strong defensive performance though.

The ball was in the back of the net six minutes into the second half, with Joe Morelli accused of using his arm as he tried to bundle the ball in over the line.

Liam Creed, Ross Morgan and Anthony Southard came on for the Draconians to offer the Draconians a new dimension going forward.

The Dracs were working the ball well in the final third and the Dracs were surprised not to take the lead. Gianluca Palladino put in a low cross which Nathan Doe connected to, but Jones denied him from close range.

Richard Taylor made Ton’s first change with Rhys Hughes coming on for Sam Davies.

Adam Zak put in a superb tackle to deny Nathan Doe of the Dracs, as the front-man prepared to unleash a shot at goal. The tackle deflected for a corner and instead, Ton were able to go on a counter-attack. Mogg was played in and with just Dom Smith to beat, his shot hit the crossbar and rebounded out for a goal kick.

The away side were made to rue their missed opportunity, substitute Liam Creed found Bradd Stubbs with a good cross and he scored with a low effort into the goal, with the Dracs deservedly leading through their hard work and endeavour.

They had another goal ruled out, Stubbs had a shot from just outside the box and Liam Creed bundled the ball ovr the line, but he was judged to have fouled the keeper.

The game was put beyond doubt though with four minutes to go. Stubbs found Nathan Doe with a low cross and the front-man scored with a tidy finish to secure the points for the home side.

(Featured Image: Jordan Jones)