During their campaign to promote the upcoming Football v Homophobia tournament, Cardiff Dragons FC have scored a winner by linking in with Sport Wales, the Football Association of Wales and the Welsh Football Trust.

All three national bodies of sport have actively promoted the tournament on their websites, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, helping to raise the profile of the event, and in turn, the activities of the club too.

Places are still open for teams so for further information about the event and a tournament entry form, contact the Club Secretary (secretary@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk).

http://www.sportwales.org.uk/news–events/news–events/our-news/partner-news/football-v-homophobia-tournament.aspx

http://faw.org.uk/news/FAW90265.ink

http://news.welshfootballtrust.co.uk/news/?p=1651

Cardiff Dragons FC is hosting a 5-‐a­‐side tournament to raise the profile of the Football v Homophobia campaign, which is an international initiative opposing homophobia in football. On Saturday 16th February, teams are being invited to join the Dragons at the Powerleague 5-­‐a-­‐side Football Centre from 1-­‐4pm for some friendly football and a chance to win some great prizes.

If you would like to show your support for this campaign and enter a team then tournament entry forms are available from secretary@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk and the closing date for entries is Wednesday 13th February at the latest. All teams are welcome whether they be corporate, already competing in a league or just a bunch of friends.

The Dragons are Wales’ first and only gay friendly football team, competing in the Gay Football Supporter’s Network (GFSN) National and South West Leagues and sponsored by WOW Bar. They welcome players of any sexual orientation and any ability and train regularly in the Cardiff area.

The Football v Homophobia event is also an opportunity for potential new players to meet the Cardiff Dragons and find out what football pportunities they have for the LGBT and wider community. The Dragons are one of only 10 organisations from around the world that recently won a small grant from the Football v Homophobia campaign to run this event. For further enquiries about this tournament please get in touch with Anthony at Cardiff Dragons FC (secretary@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk).

For more information about the Football v Homophobia campaign visit www.footballvhomophobia.com

Press release follows

Press Release

The Dragons lined up as follows:-
Kris, Ryan, Mark W, Muzz(Manager), Anthony, Thomas, Emyr, Sam, Michael, Chris G(Captain), Deane.
Subs: Jason, John W, Lawrence, Kevin.

The Dragons suffered there first competitive defeat of the season to a very strong Saltire side. The Dragons gave a very good account of themselves dispite what the score line may suggest. You can see the marked improvement this season more proof of the management teams impact this season.
The game was always going to be a tough one but the Dragons started well. Early on a good run by Deane and a cross into the box was just missed by Sam.
Saltire were starting to strong down there left side and a mistimed tackle by Ryan in the box resulted in a penalty award to Saltire. Kris made a fanastic stop diving to his left keeping the Dragons in the game.
More pressure by Saltire resulted in a strong tackle by Muzz and from the resulting cornder Kris saved well.
Dragons started to play some good football in midfield and a shoot from Chris G resulted in a corner, from the resulting corner taken by Chris G Mark W got on the end of it to head home from inside the 6 yard box. 1-0 Dragons 27 mins.
Saltire continued to press forward with good passing movememts. Then on 36 minutes Saltire were awarded another penalty this time a mistimed tackle by Muzz. No mistake was made this time a very good penalty gave Kris no chance 1-1.
Just before half time Sam picked up an injury and replaced by Jason. Just on the stroke of half time Deane had a run on goal but the ball just would fall for him and his shoot was saved.

Half Time 1-1.

The second half started with Saltire applying more pressure to the Dragon defence but they were holding strong. Kris produced a couple of good saves in that period.
A late tackle by a Saltire player resulted in a booking on 56 minutes. On 61 minutes Saltire were 2-1 up after a good run down the left a good finish beat Kris.
Even though the Dragons were up against it they never gave up and defended well. Everybody was giving 110% on the pitch which was great to see.
In the last quater of the game the Dragons had a few chances to level both Chris G and Mark W who had moved up to winger had shoots that were dealt with.
10 minutes from time Saltire got there 3rd goal after another good move resulting in a strong header past Kris. 3-1 Saltire
Mark W had a shoot on 90 minutes that was just over the bar.

Final score Dragons 1 Saltire 3.

Many thanks to the referee who had a good game.
It was also very nice to see so many supports at the game.
Micheal and Kevin for taking pictures, Ruth, Lianne, Richie, George, Tomos, Chris G family always lovely to see them.
Christian for managing the side with Muzz.
Finally thank you to Saltire for there company after the game and the night out.

New boys Deane scored 4 goals and Emyr 1 in a fantastic away performance in there opening South West League game for the Dragons on a very wet day down in Devon.

The Dragons lined up as follows:-

Kris, Aris, John A, Anthony, Ryan, Thomas, Emyr, Michael W, Kevin, Chris G (Capt), Deane.

Subs: Ruth, Jay, Lawrence, John W.

Emyr got in an early shoot that forced the Lions keeper into a good save. But it was Devon that scored first after 4 minutes scoring from close range 1-0 Devon.

It did not take long for the Dragons to hit back 2 minutes was all it took a great run down the wing by aris and a pin point cross found Deane who controlled the ball well and shoot home from around 12 yards 1-1.

The Dragons were at it again after 10 minutes a well executed free kick by Anthony found Deane in the box and once again he showed good control to fire home 2-1 Dragons.

The Dragons were taking control of the game now and a great ball in by Chris G found Emyr who finished well inside the box 3-1 Dragons. Congratulations to Emyr is first ever Dragons goal.

As this was a South West league game this was always going to be a game where everyone got good time on the pitch. Emyr was replaced by Lawrence. The Dragons continued to create more chances earning a few corners. Ruth Replaced Kevin.

It was Devon’s turn then to put some pressure on the Dragons and the ever dependable Anthony cleared off the line. Ruth almost put the Dragons 3-1 up but just missed out by a fraction after a good run into the box after a good ball by Deane. Kris was called into action the Dragons goal making a fine save from a long shoot, again a few minutes later producing another good save down low to his left.

A great through ball by captain Chris G found Deane and the form he was on today he was not going to miss this chance and collecting his hat trick 4-1 Dragons. John W replaced Michael W. deven went close just before half time with a shoot just going wide. Anthony had a shoot that was just over on 45 minutes and that brought the half to an end.

H/T 4-1 Dragons.

Second half Jay replaced Aris and Emyr replaced Deane. Aris went on to referee the 2^nd half of the game and I would like to take this opportunity to thanking Aris for doing this for us it was very much appreciated by Muzz our manager.

Devon started off well in the second half and put the dragons under a lot of pressure with once again Anthony along with Ryan were staring at the back and it was Anthony who cleared off the line again. Devon took advantage of this pressure and scored there 2^nd goal of the game a shoot within the box 4-2 Dragons.

The Dragons were much on the back foot for long periods in the 2^nd half but everybody was playing there part in a solid performance and I fell everybody deserves a mention for this John A, was great at full back as always Michael W was dependable as ever John W was looking to use the ball well when he had possession, Lawrence always looks to play the ball well, Jay was keeping his position well at right back Thomas was winning loads of ball in the centre of midfield for us.

The following changes were also made Michael W replaced Ruth and Kevin replaced Lawrence and Deane replaced Thomas. Kris continued to play well in goal in this period making a number of fine saves.

On 88 minutes the scoring was complete when Deane made it 5-2 Dragons and his 4^th of the game.

Final score Devon Lions 2 Cardiff Dragons 5

A big thank you to our supports Michael who made the long drive down to Devon its very much appreciated by all at the club. A big thank you from me to Christine and Julie for allowing me to sit in the grandstand out of the rain to allow me to write this report (the car was  welcome cover from the rain and Christine’s help in my writing of the report).

The last sentence has to go to Muzz & Christian for managing the side a big well done from all at the club.

Before I go into the match report from Sunday I’d like to do it a little differently this time instead of thanking members after the report I feel I want to do it now.

We travelled across to Bristol with 9 supporters on Sunday that to me meant a lot it was great to see so many supporting the team away from home and it does make a difference to the players I’m sure to have your support. So many thanks to Sam, John W, Leanne, Michael J, Zoe, Claire, Jay, Ryan’s Wife, sorry forgot your name, and Me haha.

I would also like to thank the drivers especially Michael without him driving supporters would not of been able to travel.

A big thank you to Jason who lined the whole match for us.

Christian for managing the team from the side it makes such a difference to have his expertise to make the all important changes with running subs.

Finally before I go onto the match report thanks to everyone who went back to the Pineapple Pub afterwards it felt like we were one big happy family after an enjoyable day out. Its what the club is all about.

The following members started the game:-

Kris, Mark R, Muzz, Ant, John A, Stefan, Thomas, Emyr, Mark W, Chris G (Capt), Deane.
Subs: Aris, Ryan, Michael W, Lawrence, Jason.

In a very hard but clean game that was refereed very well the Dragons came away with a more than deserved point. Welcome to Emyr making his Cardiff Dragons debut today.

Bristol settled a lot quicker than Cardiff and had a lot of early pressure. That pressure paid dividend as on 6 minutes Bristol took the lead with a well placed header. 1-0 Bristol.

Cardiff never let there heads drop and started to put some nice passing movements together along the floor. But it was after a great run by Stefan after a ball was played for him to run onto he sent a cross into the box for Mark W to latch onto and fire the ball with great accuracy into the top corner of the net 1-1 after 10 minutes.

On 12 minutes Lawrence replaced Thomas. The goal gave Cardiff confidence and they started to play the better football.
Bristol however had other ideas and forced there way back into the game with 3 very quick corners that the defence and Kris dealt with. For the next 15 minutes or so Cardiff found it hard to break out of there own half but were defending solidly enough.

On 30 minutes Michael W replaced Emyr. Bristol continued to force Cardiff back and Kris pulled off a couple of good saves in that period. Cardiff were using the wings well and Stefan was having a storming game on the wing until picking up an injury just before half time having to be replaced by Emyr. Also during that period Aris replaced Lawrence.

Half Time 1-1.

Cardiff got off to start they didn’t want Bristol scoring with an excellent shot from just inside the box making it 2-1 Bristol on 46 minutes.

Mark R & Michael W were replaced by Ryan & Thomas. Bristol were still trying to force the game but Cardiff were starting play a good passing game and this lead to Cardiff equaliser on 55 minutes when a ball over the top was misjudged by the Bristol keeper and Deane was on had to score his first ever goal for Cardiff and great reward for all the running and closing down he had done all game. Michael W had replaced Aris in that period.

On 70 minutes Mark R replaced John A. The game was running into a midfield battle by then.

On 81 minutes after a good save by Kris Anthony made a point saving tackle on the line to cap a great performance by him at the centre of our defence. There were 2 other goal scoring chances before the end of the game for both Michael W and Mark W both firing over the bar.

Final Score 2-2 MOM Anthony.

Leicester Wildcats  2    Cardiff Dragons  0   GFSN League Div 2 Sun 15/04/12

The Dragons latest away trip saw them go down 2-0 in their return fixture as their hosts Leicester clinched the Division 2 title. The game was a disappointment overall with neither side able to play with any real fluency on a dry surface and in difficult windy conditions. The Wildcats however proved in general the more effective team and in a game of few clear cut chances deserved their win in the end.

The opening exchanges saw both sides trying to settle into an early rhythm but this proved difficult and although both forced a couple of corners these came to little. Of the few chance there were in the first half Leicester created the better ones but these were kept mainly to long range with two good efforts flying narrowly wide. As the half grew on the Wildcats continued to have the upper hand with the wind at their backs but the visitors defence did well in general especially to repel a goalmouth scramble in the 20^th minute. When the first goal did arrive it was courtesy of an own goal following a long ball through the centre. As the Leicester forward challenged for an attempt on goal Ed did well to win the header but the ball looped over the keeper and just inside the far post.  With no more scoring Leicester led 1-0 at the break.

With the wind now in their favour the Dragons had hope of getting back into the game and this looked likely as they had their best period of the game in the opening minutes of the half. With the home defence under their first concerted pressure it was to the Dragons disappointment that only a succession of corners and a couple of blocked half chances resulted from this early pressure. As the half grew on the Wildcats were more of a force again breaking well and scored an opportunist second goal which effectively sealed the match. The goal came when possession was won by the home team near their own area as the Dragons pressed forward. From the resulting ball up field a Leicester forward capitalised by gaining possession following hesitancy to clear and running on to coolly slot past the advancing keeper. The Dragons continued to have a good deal of territory and force a couple of half chances but there was no way back into the game as the home defence saw out the game.

As well as the squad below thanks go to Christian, Claire and Amos for travelling up with us and for  their help and support to the team on the day.

Squad: Lawrence H, Murray H (manager), Anthony R (captain), Ed L, John A, Michael W, Andrew C, Chris G, Ryan M,  Mark B, Stefan M, Aris D, Jason C.

A last minute Dragons equaliser denied the Panthers victory in the latest meeting between the clubs, however a draw was a fair result in an evenly contested game played in good spirit.

The opening 20 minutes saw Bristol in the ascendancy with plenty of possession in the Dragons half but most of their efforts were kept to long range by the home defence. The visitors did go close on one occasion though when a corner was only partially cleared from inside the six yard box but then bounced back kindly into the keepers arms with a Panthers place ready to pounce. As the half wore on the Dragons came more into the game with Stefan making inroads down the left. It was as the Dragons were starting to threaten though that Bristol grabbed the first goal pouncing on a loose ball in the 6-yard area to score from close range. The Dragons raised their game further in an attempt to hit back quickly and Anthony got into two good positions through persistence around Panthers area. This resulted in two efforts on goal but the keeper dealt with one and the other went wide. In the last fifteen minutes of the half both sides forced a number of corners and the Panthers threw in several long throws into the box but these were generally dealt with well by both defences. Score 1-0 to Bristol at the break.

The Dragons made two changes at half time with Ruth and Tomos replacing Simon D and Michael W. Bristol also made regular changes throughout the match as both sides made sure everyone had plenty of football in the game. The second period saw the Dragons have much more of the game though Bristol still remained a threat with some decent attacks. From one of these they nearly added a second when a firm header from a corner was palmed away well by Kris in goal. At the other end the hosts had a great chance to equalise midway through the half when Anthony was put free through the centre and felled in the box just as he was about to shoot. The resultant penalty however was struck just wide by Stefan. This did not deter the Dragons though as Stefan and Simon D continued to work good situations down both flanks and a couple of excellent crosses just evaded the onrushing Dragons players. The Panthers then had a golden opportunity to wrap up the game when Kris missed his kick on the right of the area following a through ball but with the goal open the Panthers player lifted the ball over the bar. The visitors looked like they would see the game out though but they were made to pay for their missed opportunity minutes earlier as the game entered injury time.  Muzz pushing further forward got onto a loose ball in the Panthers area and although he was felled the advantage was played and Stefan was quickest to react to the loose ball to guide it past the keepers outstretched hand to level the scores.

Thanks to Jason for refereeing the game and to our supporters on the day. Hywel was voted player of the match for the Dragons when we headed to Wow for some post match socialising.

Dragons squad:- Kris L, Michael W, Murray H (manager), Christian J, John A, Stefan M, Darrin H, Ryan McG, Simon D, Anthony R (captain), Hywel J, Ruth W, Tomos R.

The FA has released a brand new film around anti-Homophobia in Football. The film features Brendon Batson and former FA Cup winner and England international John Scales, plus ex-Reading skipper Ady Williams who was capped 13 times by Wales.

Filmed in the dressing rooms at Wembley Stadium, the 30-minute discussion on tackling homophobia in the game has been made as football remembers Justin Fashanu’s birthday on 19 February and leads in to The FA’s action plan launch on Monday 20 February 2012. Source: TheFA.com