Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate in their Nathaniel MG Cup semi-final against Connah’s Quay Nomads (Image: Will Cheshire)
After defeating Connah’s Quay Nomads to reach their second successive Nathaniel MG final, Cardiff Metropolitan will be hoping to translate their cup form into the league, where they currently sit eighth.
Following a positive 2017/18 campaign that saw the Archers finish sixth, reaching the Europa League playoff final as well as the Nathaniel MG Cup final, Christian Edwards’ side have made a stuttering start to the season.
The Students have lost eight of their opening 15 games in the league, and are eight points off sixth place; which is the final Europa League playoff position.
A positive has been their form in the League Cup, where they’ve scored 10 goals on route to reaching the final, which will be held at Jenner Park.
The Archers warm up ahead of last week’s Nathaniel MG Cup tie. (Image: Will Cheshire)
The Archers have seen off Carmarthen Town, Haverfordwest County and Connah’s Quay Nomads to reach the final, where they will meet Welsh League Division One side Cambrian and Clydach Vale BGC.
With a challenging festive period ahead, which include games against The New Saints, Barry Town United and Connah’s Quay Nomads; Met will be looking to replicate their League Cup form as the aim to keep their top six hopes alive.
Manager Christian Edwards will have taken positives from the attacking football that his side have displayed in this season’s competition. This was one of their key strengths last season, however they haven’t always been able to replicate it in league games this term.
Captain Bradley Woolridge has made a welcome return to action. (Image: Will Cheshire)
The absence of key players such as Will Fuller, Bradley Woolridge and Charlie Corsby has certainly been a factor. Woolridge is now back in the defensive line, while Corsby has returned to training.
Star striker Adam Roscrow also missed the early part of the season, he’s now back leading the line with Sam Snaith; looking to improve the Archers’ somewhat goal-shy start to the season.
With the squad now close to being fully fit, the Students should see the coming weeks, and the start of 2019 as an opportunity to string together a positive set of results.
Lifting the Nathaniel MG Cup on January 19 would provide a timely boost as Phase Two of the JD Welsh Premier League begins.
Striker Adam Roscrow celebrates his goal in the semi-final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Winning is a great habit, and their form in this competition in the last two seasons will no doubt have given them inspiration when it comes to the league.
The Cyncoed Campus side face a stern test against The New Saints on Saturday, however it should be viewed as a game which, should they win, can provide them with the confidence heading into a busy festive period.
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
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