How Cardiff Metropolitan University are showing signs of progression this season
It may only be early days this season but the students from Cyncoed Campus are certainly impressing on the Welsh footballing scene again this season.
A 3-0 away win over the Cefn Druids and a 3-1 victory over Bangor City who have been tipped for success this season, shows early signs that Met aren’t buying in to the ‘second season syndrome’ saying.
In the two performances that Dr Christian Edwards’ side have put on, they’ve shown a good blend in both defending and attacking. The emphasis last season was on defending as the Archers recorded a number of clean sheets and were ranked as the fourth best defence in the division.
The signs are there that have shown that the Archers have progressed in the Welsh Premier League. They already have six points on the board and are one of only three clubs that have a 100% record in the league, with only two games into the season.
Compare that to last season, where they were new boys and hadn’t recorded a win until the 18th September, a whole month later compared to where they are now.
After what the Archers achieved last season, their stature as a club has grown and with the progression they are making, it has been highlighted in the signings of full-backs Dylan Rees and Joel Edwards.
Edwards arrived having played and captained non-league English side Hereford at the home of English football, Wembley Stadium.
Whilst Rees arrived having played in the Welsh Premier League before for Aberystwyt Town, as well as featuring for Cardiff City’s developmental side.
The two have bought in to the ethos of the Archers and you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that they had been a part of the side for some time the way they have slotted in.
That’s not to say the old faces haven’t stepped it up a notch even more after their impressive first season in Welsh football’s top flight.
With talk of the Wales semi professional side making a return, then a number of Welsh born players in the Met line-up could stake a claim to represent their country.
Adam Roscrow has continued his good pre-season form into the competitive season by netting a brace against strong opposition in Bangor City.
You’d be surprised to find out that tall commanding centre-back Emlyn Lewis is only 21 years-old as well given how mature his performances has been, where he has matched a number of experienced Welsh Premier League forwards on their day.
Jordan Lam is showing signs of his form from last season where defenders were finding it hard to deal with the trickey and quick feet of the wide-man.
Add to that the performances of the midfield who have been a big part in supplying service to front-man Adam Roscrow, as well as protecting the defence, it has been a strong start.
The next test will be a trip to Bala Town, a side that the Archers just couldn’t get one up over last season as they lost in each occasion but a result at Maes Tegid could really highlight how Met could be the team to watch out for.
For Met though, their target will always be to reach the thirty points mark to secure their safety in the Welsh Premier League but on early viewing, they could surpass that the way they’re playing at the moment.
(Featured Image: Graham Haines)
