With 10 games completed so far in the JD Welsh Premier League, Cardiff Met FC can look back with pride on their magnificent start to the season, that sees them just one point behind last season’s world record beaters The New Saints.
Just 12 months after making their debut in the Welsh top flight, the Students have come on leaps and bounds. Taking time to adapt to a new league is nothing to be shy of, however Cardiff Met’s rapid adjustment to the top division of Welsh football is evidence of the hard work and effort from Dr Christian Edwards in preparing his side for the tests they face.
And the stats from the side’s 2017/18 season thus far belly those from their maiden campaign just last year. Edwards’ charges have started with the confidence of a seasoned club ready to take on the challenge of the top sides once more.
Upon reflection of not only their results, but also their performance, it is evident that Met have taken the bull by its horns, ignored the pre-season claims that TNS, Bangor City, Bala Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads were the side to watch and have taken the ascendancy so far this campaign.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Taking into account that at the same stage last season the club had picked up 10 points from 10 games, the South Wales outfit have more than doubled their efficiency this time out, with 22 points from the same number of games. With a rise from an average of 1.0 point per match to a mighty 2.2 points, the evidence of their production is clearly highlighted.
And having already played Kevin Nicholson’s Bangor twice, picking up six points, Bala Town, Connah’s Quay and the champions TNS, it is evidence that the club are no push overs despite being relatively new to the division.
Much of the praise and success which the club garnered during the 2016/17 season came from the resilience of their resolute defence. At the same stage last season, the Met had picked up three clean sheets from their opening ten games, conceding 11 goals.
However, even this stringent defence has proved this is a club always looking to progress, as they have amassed five clean sheets in their opening ten games. In this time, Fuller has only had to pick the ball out of the back of his own net on seven occasions.
Whilst some may point out that the club picked up its defensive form after its opening ten games during their last campaign, winning two of their next three 4-0 and 5-0, with a 0-0 sandwiched in between.
However, with the start to the season the club has had, there is nothing to suggest that the Archers cannot achieve similar progress again this time round.
(Image: Graham Haines)
One of the most marked improvements has come from up-front. Adam Roscrow scored just six league goals last season, but the man who leads the Met forward line has already matched last season’s goal tally in the opening ten games of Phase One of the JD Welsh Premier League.
With a 22 games remaining in the season, if Met can continue their impressive success, then all signs point towards a fruitful season in front of goal for the marksman. But, with Eliot Evans and Chris Baker partnering the talisman, there is no suggestion that this is a side spearheaded by one man.
And all of this positivity signals a fantastic start for the Met. With three wins on the bounce, Dr Christian Edwards and co have most certainly found the winning formula. If they can continue their upward trajectory, and continue to pressurise those top tier sides, progress may not be the only thing Met will be celebrating come the season’s end.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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