What we learnt as Cardiff Metropolitan University fall to Llandudno

Cardiff Met went down 1-0 at home to Llandudno today. It was the Seasiders’ first win on the road since January. We take a look at what conclusions we can draw from the game.

Cardiff Metropolitan’s high pressing a blessing and a curse

Cardiff Metropolitan University opted to employa high pressing line against Llandudno this weekend. They found occasional success in winning the ball in high attacking positions, creating more opportunities for themselves in the process.

This tactic did have its issues, however.

The Archers found themselves short on occasion in the midfield. The deep-lying duo of Ben Bowler and Chris Baker were often over-run on the break.

If there was any way the Seasiders were going to grab a goal, attacking quickly and effectively was it.

It allowed them to get their numbers behind the ball. The home side looked much more solid, providing a difficult challenge for the Seasiders to break down.

If they can perfect a balance between their pressing and getting back behind the ball, Met will be a very difficult opponent for anyone in the Welsh Premier League this season.

Llandudno produce organised defensive display

Despite suffering some significant pressure from the home side, Llandudno were able to hold their own for many periods throughout the tie.

Cardiff Met had plenty of opportunities, but last-ditch defending was evident throughout the Seasiders squad, with many players putting their bodies on the line to prevent a barrage of efforts raining down on Shaun Pearson’s goal.

This kind of defensive organisation has not always been there for the Seasiders this season, but if they can continue to show this kind of concentration in their defensive line, they will no doubt grind out more results and slowly climb the table.

The Archers missing a clinical touch

Cardiff Met had several opportunities throughout this tie, but a lack of composure and ability to put the ball in the back of the net meant that this game was settled much later than it needed to be.

Sam Snaith missed a glorious chance at the end of the first period, failing to strike past Shaun Pearson to send the home side a goal to the good heading into the break.

Star striker Adam Roscrow is due to return to action in the next few weeks. The Archers will be glad to welcome him back into the side for his finishing abilities in the penalty area.

Their poor finishing was punished when Toby Jones put the visitors ahead in the second period, with Met perhaps feeling they should have been clear of danger by that point, but with no goals to show for their efforts.

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)