JD Cymru Premier – Play Off Conference

 

 

Haverfordwest County 1 – Cardiff Metropolitan University 2

 
Cardiff Metropolitan University came from behind to secure a deserved final day of the season victory against Haverfordwest County in a highly entertaining clash at Bridge Meadow Stadium in front of a very good crowd.
 
The game was televised live by the Sgorio S4C tv cameras; plus all the goals were scored in the first half as Ben Fawcett gave the Bluebirds the lead with a cool finish, four minutes later Joseph Evans headed home at a corner, then Kyle McCarthy struck a superb left footed strike from distance that clinched the points.
 
This victory ensured the Archers finished the season in seventh spot and the Bluebirds had to be  content with tenth.
 

Fawcett strikes opener

 
In the 33^rd minute the hosts opened the scoring with a delightful well-worked goal, Henry Jones controlled the ball and laid off to Jazz Richards on halfway, before the defender’s exquisite cross field ball over the top saw Ben Fawcett takes a brilliant first touch before he drilled the ball past the advancing Alex Lang.

Within four minutes The Archers equalised when Eliot Evans’ corner was met by Joseph Evans’ neat glancing near post header with the Bluebirds' defence seemingly rooted to their spots.
 

Stunning McCarthy goal

 
In the 41^st minute the visitors took the lead as McCarthy struck a stunning 25 yarder which flew in the top corner, when the chance stemmed from Scotcher’s half clearance. Minutes later Adam Roscrow’s edge of the area curled effort was saved at full stretch by Lee Idzi.
 
Nine minutes after the interval the Bluebirds were forced to make a change in defence as Kyle Patten picked up an injury and was replaced by Alaric Jones.
 
The visitors had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Dean Richards, in his last game in the top flight, as Alaric Jones pushed a player in the box - a lucky escape.
 
In the 65^th minute the hosts made a double substitution as Ryan George replaced Jack Wilson and Danny Williams came on for Kieran Lewis.
 
Roscrow ran between Kurtis Lewis and keeper Idzi on the edge of box, the Archers striker took a dive, it was a heart in the mouth moment for the hosts as referee Dean John issued a yellow card to Roscrow for diving. The referee was spot on with a brave yet right decision.
 
Minutes later the hosts should have equalised as Jordan Jones’ speculative overhead kick from close range flew over Lang’s crossbar.
 
The Bluebirds continued to press as striker Jones lobbed Lang, but the ball fell agonisingly wide of the target, plus Henry Jones’ 30-yard pile driver flew over Lang’s crossbar, the same player had a volley straight into the arms of Lang.
 
The Bluebirds should have equalised as Henry Jones’ six-yard header crashed against the bar from an excellent Jordan Davies cross.
 
Cardiff Met manager Christian Edwards said: “We were outstanding today, Kyle’s goal was stunning it was a top-quality finish, but I have to say the whole team worked hard and were excellent against a very good team.”
 
Haverfordwest County: Lee Idzi, Jazz Richards, Elliot Scotcher, Dylan Rees (Captain), Kyle Patten (54, Alaric Jones), Henry Jones, Kurtis Rees (82, Corey Shephard), Kieran Lewis (65, Danny Williams), Ben Fawcett, Jordan Davies, Jack Wilson (65, Ryan George).
Substitutes not used: Joshua Le-Grice, Zac Jones, Iori Humphreys.
 
Cardiff Metropolitan University: Alex Lang, Matthew Chubb, Kyle McCathy, Emlyn Lewis, Eliot Evans, Christopher Baker (Captain), Adam Roscrow, Harry Owen (93, Lewis Rees), Joseph Evans, Christopher Craven, Sam Jones.
Substitutes not used: Max Manson, Jac Davies, Thomas Davies, Harris Feltham, Ryan Lewis-Hillier, Elliot Humphries.
 
Referee: Dean John.
Assistants: Lewiss Edwards & Johnathon Bebee-Bryant.
Fourth Official: Jordan Harman.
 
Attendance: 734.