Brighton Bandits 0 – 1 Cardiff Dragons

A moment of Dragons history was created on Sunday when in their first season in the league they claimed their first GFSN league victory with a win away to Brighton Bandits.

Despite heavy overnight rain the pitch was in excellent condition and condusive to good football. The Dragons were quick to impose themselves on the game with some excellent link up play down both wings and this resulted in good early chances for Read and Biggs as Brighton struggled to cope with the pace and incision of the attacks.

At the other end Brighton created their first real opportunity on the 15 minute mark when a ball through the middle caught out the visitors defence however the hosts centre forward dragged his shot wide when well placed. Chances continued to come for the Dragons however as Ashton and Read won a lot of ball in midfield as the team took the game to Brighton whilst remaining solid and organised in defence. The pressure finally told when a ball across the box from Crimmins was finished from close range by Biggs sparking celebrations from the Dragons players and supporters. Brighton’s attacks were sporadic but they were unlucky not to equalise on the half hour mark when a fine volley from outside the box rattled the crossbar. With half time approaching the Dragons continued to threaten with some dangerous balls into the Bandits area causing some panic in the home defence. They should have extended their lead when Harris having got onto the end of one of these balls just failed to convert from close range and the home keeper was able to gather the ball. Half time was soon to follow with the Dragons 1-0 up at the break.

The start of the second half was a fairly scrappy affair for the first 10 minutes or so as Brighton tried to get back into the game. With LLewellyn in goal and the Dragons back four of Johnson, Harvey, Germain and Wilson all having solid games though they were unable to settle and force any sustained pressure. The Dragons were forced to make changes on the hour mark when Lyons who was having an effective game was forced off with a head injury. This however did not effect the Dragons unduly as they re-organised remaining in control of the game. The lead could have been extended midway through the half when Harvey found space to have a free header on the 6 yard box from a corner but this flew just wide of the far post.

The Dragons came even closer to extending their lead twice in the next few minutes minutes when first a free kick from Crimmins was well tipped over and then another long range shot from Crimmins came back off the bar with the keeper well beaten. While the score was still at 1-0 Brighton still had hope but despite making changes and forcing a few corners the visiting defence dealt with them well with Llewellyn making an excellent punch clear from one which swung in dangerously towards goal. The Dragons however remained a threat all the way through to the end forcing corners of their own and fashioning another excellent chance but Crimmins’ fierce shot from inside the area was parried well by the home goalkeeper. The support for the Dragons from those who were able to travel was as enthusiastic as ever and a great lift to the players as the team played out the final few minutes to seal the victory.

Dragons: Kris Llewellyn, Amy Johnson, Murray Harvey, Cedric Germain, Ray Wilson, John Ainsley, Anthony Read, Sam Ashton, Ed Lyons, Mark Biggs, Chris Crimmins, Stuart Harris, Jason Cousins, Lucy Lockwood.

Bandits, Brighton, GFSN League Hide