Archers squad coming together at the right time says captain Woolridge
Cardiff Metropolitan captain Bradley Woolridge believes his side is gelling together at the right time ahead of the Nathaniel MG Cup Final.
The Archers finished Phase Two with a convincing victory over Llandudno on Saturday evening and now gear up for the first chance of silverware in the Welsh domestic scene.
Christian Edward’s side are currently on a three-game winning run, having beaten top six sides Barry Town United and Bala Town also.
The Met have had to deal with long-term injuries over the course of the League season but now seem to have found a free going forward.
Cardiff Met go into the final as slight favourites due to their Welsh Premier League status, but will be aware of the challenge that Cambrian possess.
“We will have to perform well on the evening if we’re to come out on top,” said Woolridge who was speaking ahead of the final.
“Over the last few weeks we’ve become stronger as a squad with lads returning from injury and suspension, the final on Saturday is a great opportunity to win some silverware.”
This is the Archer’s second consecutive appearance in the League Cup final, following their defeat to The New Saints at Park Hall last season.
That was the first final that the Archers had reached in the history of the competition and the Students are hoping to go one better this time around.
“The final last year was bitterly disappointing as finals don’t tend to come around too often.”
“As a club, I think we see all cup competitions as a great opportunity to progress, and always believe we are good enough to beat anyone in a one-off game.
“Coming so close last year has certainly added to our motivation to go one better this time around.
“We’ve done well over the years to move up through the leagues, but to reach back-to-back finals is a great achievement.
“The semi-final victory away at Connahs Quay was a superb performance against a top side, and I think that shows our progression and ambition.
“If we’re able to get some silverware it would be a great achievement. Our aim now is to finish in seventh place, and try to go through the playoffs as we have the last two seasons.”
Cambrian & Clydach currently play in the second tier of Welsh football and are the third team outside the top flight to reach the final infer years.
Cardiff Metropolitan themselves previously played in the Welsh League and had a fair few encounters with the Rhondda club in their journey to Welsh Premier League status.
The Archers themselves beat Bala Town in the Welsh Cup before, having had Welsh League status at the time.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale have had their own act of giant-killings though, four times to be precise.
They’ve beaten Aberystwyth Town, Barry Town United, Newtown and The New Saints to reach this stage of the competition.
“Cambrian’s journey to the final has been remarkable, beating four Welsh Premier League sides along the way.
“We’ve played against them a number of times over the years and always had competitive games.”
“I expect much the same on Saturday evening. We’ll prepare as best we can this week and look forward to the challenge against a good side.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
