How Cardiff Metropolitan went from Division Three to European hopefuls 

In football there are many fairytale stories and one from a university football team in South Wales could become a reality. 

Just four years ago, the Archers were playing in the fourth tier of Welsh football. 

But now just one result and moment minutes stands between them and a place in the Europa League qualifiers. 

The talk will be of a university side possibly playing in Europe but lost along the lines is a team that have been together for a number of years and like many teams have enjoyed multiple years of success, with a success story in itself. 

Questions over whether players will remain at the club or so once their studies are over is always on the agenda from fans who look at the Met from an outsider view but what many don’t understand that the success of the football team has kept the players at Cyncoed for a number of years. 

For example Charlie Corsby who headed in the stoppage time winner on Sunday was a student at the university but has since gone on to become a lecturer there. 

Dr Christian Edwards, studied at the university, showing that as well as being a talented manager who has worked well with the resources on offer to him. 

Back in 2010 the Met were relegated to the fourth tier in Welsh football, after finishing 12th in Division Two. 

It would take Met two years to get back to Division Two after finishing 9th and 6th over the next two seasons in Division Three.

In the 2012/2013 season though where their City counterparts Cardiff City won promotion to the English Premier League, the Met were on their own journey to the top flight. 

The side won the title in Division Three scoring 98 goals in 30 games, showing their ability to score. 

The next season was even better as the Division Three champions who romped to the title put on an even better show, winning th Division Two title with 86 goals and just 24 goals conceded, showing the emphasis of defence from former defender Christian Edwards. 

And you guessed it! Met were challenging for the Division One promotion spots after passing all the necessary licensing but unfortunately lost out to Haverfordwest in 2015 where they lost out on goal difference to the Bluebirds. 

After going so close, Met went one better last season by winning the title outright, going up as champions after a close fought battle with Barry Town United, the both sides will meet next season.

The whole story of it all is togetherness, this side of course has the chance to make history by being in the Europa League but the success from winning the title in Division Three all the way to potentially winning a play-off final, 

(Featured Image: Graham Haines)