Archers boss Edwards reflects on strong second half performance in win over Ancients

Cardiff Metropolitan manager Christian Edwards praised his side’s “combative” performance, as the Students netted three times in the second half to defeat Cefn Druids.

Goals from Adam Roscrow, Harry Owen and Eliot Evans sealed the deal for the Archers, as they moved two points clear of Aberystwyth Town once again.

Edwards was happy with the second-half performance from his squad, with the first period lacking the quality in the final third either side needed to break the deadlock.

“I think any team that had the wind to play with was always going to be the dominant team, and the wind did play a big part in the game today – we dealt with it very well in the first half.” said Edwards.

“We won the first headers, won our knockdowns and really restricted them to very little, and in the second-half we knew then that the gamble they had gone with – we could capitalise on that.“

“We certainly did just that, we scored some really good goals, and I was pleased with the overall performance.”

With some younger players in the squad due to a number of injuries, the Druids brought a physical presence to Cyncoed Campus, but Edwards was pleased with how his side coped with the experience of their opponents.

“The game was scrappy because of the conditions; the wind doesn’t help so we had to make sure that we were combative in those areas.” Edwards continued.

“We made sure we won our first and second headers, but the young lads that came in today did well I thought, in some really tough conditions.”

Adding to their list of injuries, Rhydian Morgan was another victim against the Ancients, as he came off early in the second period which will be another blow for an already thin Archers squad.

“Rhydian has a longstanding problem with his shins,” Edwards remarked.

“It just seems to flair up at any time, and there’s nothing consistent about it, I wasn’t expecting that today.“

However, Edwards had some good news reporting that first team regulars Joel Edwards and Chris Baker would make their return to the squad for next week’s clash against bottom side Llandudno.

“We’re always looking for that momentum, so this win is good for us with next week against Llandudno, and we’ll have Joel Edwards and Chris Baker back by then so more strength in depth.”

A bright spark for the Archers came from their bench, with a league debut for young winger Liam Warman, who provided an assist for Evans from the right side.

After an impressive performance in the Welsh Cup, Warman earned league minutes for the first time and gave another stellar showing in limited time.

Edwards was pleased with his qualities and spoke highly of how far the winger has developed.

“Liam’s young, he’s naïve, he’s very direct, he’s got pace and will put the ball into the box,” said Edwards.

“At times our forwards are crying out for that, the ball into the box and he will certainly do that, so really pleased with his development.“

“He’s been a part of our youth team this year and as I’ve always said the club is about development, and that’s certainly what we’ve got with Liam.”

Cardiff Met will be hoping they can string some more wins together with a struggling Llandudno side heading to Cyncoed Campus next week.

Whilst injuries have taken their toll on the side, the return of Joel Edwards and Chris Baker will be welcome additions to the squad and provide some relief for the Students.

With games against teams in the bottom half of the table in the upcoming weeks, Dr. Edwards will be hoping his side can go on a strong run to pull themselves up the table.

(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)