Match Review: Carmarthen Town 0 Cardiff Met 4

Cardiff Met returned to winning ways in the Welsh Premier League in fine style by thumping hapless Carmarthen Town 4-0 at Richmond Park.

Kyle McCarthy gave the dominant visitors an early lead from the spot, before turning provider midway through the first half to tee up Will Evans for a breathtaking volley.

Rhys Thomas added a third by bundling home shortly after the break, before Elliot Evans completed the rout with a well-taken fourth.

The win, Met’s first since the midseason split and their biggest on the road this season, emphatically ends a run of four straight defeats, and brings Dr Wayne Allison’s charges to within one point of the Old Gold, while also offering up some much-needed momentum ahead of the Europa League qualification play-offs.

In contrast, a run of seven games without a win will alarm Carmarthen boss Mark Aizlewood, whose side were second best from start to finish.

The students took the lead on nine minutes after Matt Taylor was brought down inside the Carmarthen penalty area, with McCarthy making no mistake from the spot.

Carmarthen probed, with Met goalkeeper Will Fuller doing well to snuff out several goalmouth scrambles, but clearcut chances remained at a premium for both teams.

That all changed in sensational style 19 minutes from half-time, as a McCarthy cross fell kindly for Evans, who then rifled a lethal left-foot volley into the net.

Such a stunning strike was bound to give the visitors momentum, and they remained on the front foot shortly after the break, despite coming up against some temporarily resolute Carmarthen defending.

Liam Griffiths nearly rewarded those defensive efforts, but his flick could only find the arms of Fuller.

Nevertheless, Met remained on top, and extended their lead on 56 minutes when Taylor’s cross found Thomas, whose tame effort somehow eluded the grasp of home goalkeeper Lee Idzi.

The hosts’ misery was completed just after the hour, as Evans picked up the ball on the edge of the area before calmly stroking home.

Adam Roscrow nearly got in on the act late on, but his angled drive was well stopped by Idzi, who otherwise endured a torrid afternoon.