DIVISION ONE

CARDIFF DRACONIANS ............... 7 PORTHCAWL TOWN ATH .................... 1

JUST when you thought Porthcawl Town Athletic were on an upward spiral, they went through the mincing machine against leaders Cardiff Draconians at Llanidloes Road in Gabalfa, writes Tony Poole.

Having carded a 2-1 win at Penrhiwceiber Con Athletic the previous week, the Seasiders could have done without facing classy Draconians seven days on.

They headed to the capital without goalkeeper Tom Booth, who injured a leg during the closing stages of the Ceiber win.

Bradley Griffiths took over in goal and with Morgan Thomas and Josh Russell absentees there was a first start of the season for Joshua Price while Callum Chilcott also returned to the side.

Big hitters Thomas Warren and Thomas Marlow benched along with Jorge Crofts

Matches against capital city sides are often feisty affairs, and this one proved no exception.

The Seasiders, however, went in to a shock lead, striker Chilcott latching on to a curling free kick to get a second goal this term.

He was last on target during a 4-2 home loss to Penrhiwceiber Con back in September – but they weren’t ahead for long.

A large home gallery saw Draconians equalise with Porthcawl whistling in the wind over an offside call.

But as if to rub salt in the wounds, the Seasiders then had a second Chilcott goal cancelled for a none too obvious off side.

That proved the turning point and when the sides changed ends, the men from the capital led 3-1.

Two goals early in the second half settled the issue beyond doubt, and they came again late on to hit the seven mark.

Cesario Manuel De Abreu and Jake Gammond both netted twice; Liam Creed and birthday boy Leighton James also netted while Liam Williams drilled home a wondrous free kick.

On Saturday, Porthcawl face Aber Valley at Lock’s Lane.