(Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Cardiff Metropolitan University earned an opening day victory after two first-half goals were enough to edge out Newtown.
Eliot Evans and Dan Spencer made the most of a missed penalty from Nick Rushton before substitute Joe Kenton scored Chris Hughes’ men.
Alex Lang, Matt Neale and Sam Snaith made their competitive debuts for the Archers, with Lang saving a penalty and Neale assisting.
It was a nervy ending for the Archers, as they were forced to retreat in their own half for a majority of the second half but held firm to deny the Robins a point.
(Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Nick Rushton spurned the chance for a first-minute goal as his tame shot was saved by Lang.
Met had two opportunities, both headers. Firstly Sam Snaith’s header was blocked after an Eliot Evans cross before Emlyn Lewis headed over from Baker’s searching ball.
The Robins were awarded a penalty as Mitchell was brought down. Nick Rushton hit a low penalty, which debutant Alex Lang saved.
They were made to rue the missed penalty, as a searching ball found Neale and Eliot Evans delivered, stroking the ball past Dave Jones.
Met doubled their lead when Dan Spencer scored with a close-range finish, just before Rushton failed to capitalise on Kyle McCarthy’s error.
Newtown was the side enjoying more possession and Nick Rushton took a slight effort at goal, which Lang saved comfortably.
Met finished the half two goals to the good, with Newtown ruing their chances.
Tom Goodwin went close to an equaliser for the Robins, with Lang denying his low effort.
Rushton had a further chance for Newtown as he took it down and forced Lang to save low down to his post.
Met went on the counter-attack with Owen going on a superb solo-run, trying to find Eliot Evans, but Jones saved it well.
(Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Joe Kenton replaced forward Ethan Jones and he made an immediate impact, scoring on the rebound after Denny saw his effort tipped onto the crossbar.
Newtown had the chance to claw one back as Neil Mitchell tried to power one into the left-hand post, but Chris Baker blocked it on the line.
Luke Boundford had another opportunity, but he couldn’t direct it goalwards, hitting the side netting.
Sam Phillips was presented with a glorious opportunity as he stood over a free-kick in a good area but blazed it over.
Three additional minutes were shown but the Archers held firm to deny the Robins an equaliser. The last chance coming from when Alex Lang had to punch away a sliced clearance from Matt Swindlehurst.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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