DIVISION ONE

PORTHCAWL TOWN ATH .................... 0 CARDIFF DRACONIANS ............... 2

PORTHCAWL Town Athletic made life difficult for table-topping Cardiff Draconians during this run of the mill encounter at Lock’s Lane, writes Tony Poole.

But ultimately, the men from the capital were sim- ply relieved to exit the seaside town with all three points, as it pushed them a step closer to both promotion and league honours.

During the reverse February clash the scoreline favoured Dracs 7-1, but this time around they had to lean on two late goals.

The feeling around Lock’s Lane afterwards surrounded it being a tight old battle that could have gone either way on another blustery afternoon close to the Bristol Channel.

There was never that much to choose between the sides, and it wasn’t always easy to recognise the promotion-seekers from the ones struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Porthcawl were well served in midfield by newcomer Jonny Challis, who settled in well alongside powerhouse Hayden Lau.

But the Seasiders lost experienced campaigner Thomas Warren during the first half with Dave Ev- ans taking his place.

However, with both sides creating precious little, it wasn’t surprising that half-time arrived with a goal-less scoreline.

The game was crying out for a goal and home fans were crying when the men from the capital broke the ice on 70 minutes.

Liam Williams sent them ahead, and soon after substitute Joey Hooper secured them the points with an accurate header.

Ironically, the best Porthcawl chance didn’t arrive until the 85th minute when Andy Fisher planted a dangerous cross in the box.

Pop idol Jordan Marks unleashed a powerful shot that brought an equally fine save out of goalkeeper Dominic Smith.

Next up for Porthcawl is Dynamo Aber away on Saturday ahead of a trip to FC Cwmaman on April 15, and remaining home games with Cwmbach Royal Stars, Clwb Cymric and FC Cwmaman.