Ammanford strengthened their hold on the final promotion place in the JD Cymru South with a hard‑earned victory over Cardiff Draconians at the Recreation Ground.
Goals from Callum Thomas and substitute Alex Giardelli bookended a Marinho Manga equaliser on a night where Town had to dig deep to secure the points.
The visitors arrived less than 48 hours after a demanding trip to league leaders Trefelin, yet showed no signs of heavy legs in the early stages. Confident in possession and sharp across the pitch, they carved out the first real opening when Daniel Bowen found space, only to drag his effort wide.
Once Ammanford settled, they began to impose themselves and fashioned their first chance after 17 minutes. Charlie Davies, making his full debut, almost marked it with a goal but his far‑post volley skimmed inches over.
That moment sparked the Black and Whites into life. The lively Gavin Jones twice threatened; first heading narrowly wide, then drawing a smart stop from Harry Johnson with a low effort.
The breakthrough arrived on the half‑hour. Jones again proved the catalyst, flicking the ball into the path of Thomas, who finished low beyond Johnson despite the keeper getting a touch.
Wyn Thomas’ side finished the half strongly, pushing for a second. Euros Griffiths headed into the side netting before Jones and Johnson resumed their personal duel, the Dracs’ stopper denying him once more.
After the restart, the visitors again began brightly, moving the ball well and switching play confidently. Yet it was Jones who carved out the first chance of the half, bursting down the right and cutting inside to force another save from Johnson.
Luke Davies then went close with a powerful strike before Ammanford were denied by the woodwork. Thomas’ instinctive effort was brilliantly saved onto the bar, the rebound spinning clear.
That miss proved costly as the Dracs levelled moments later. Manga found a pocket of space on the edge of the area and drilled a precise strike in off the post.
Buoyed by the goal, the visitors pushed for a second and squandered two golden opportunities. A teasing ball across the six‑yard box fell to Harry Treharne, who lifted over from close range, before Davies thundered a long‑range free‑kick over.
Ammanford responded with chances of their own. Thomas saw another strike held at the second attempt, and Chris Bell’s header was cleared off the line as tension grew around the ground.
Just as the match seemed destined for a frustrating stalemate, the decisive moment arrived with three minutes remaining. A high boot in the box prompted the referee to point to the spot. Giardelli, barely minutes into his appearance, stepped up and hammered home the penalty to seal a vital win in the race for third.
