Three goals meant three points for Cardiff Metropolitan University on Sunday, as Eliot Evans, Adam Roscrow and Harry Owen all netted to seal a 3-0 win against strugglers Cefn Druids.
The Archers returned to the top of the Playoff Conference, while the Druids remain six points above the drop – but what were key takeaways from the encounter?
Huw Griffiths saw his side go down 3-0 at Cyncoed. (Matthew Lofthouse)
Tale of two halves as Archers come to life in second period
After a scrappy stalemate in the first period, the second-half saw a rejuvenated Met side that began with a new sense of urgency. With both sides lacking quality in the final third during the first period, the Archers came out raring to go in the second, controlling the tempo with quick counter-attacking football.
Unable to handle some of the home side’s pace on the break, the Druids will be disappointed with the first goal, with Adam Roscrow showing his poachers instincts from a corner.
The Students were able to find another gear after the break, and the visitors had no answer to it, as their winless run in the league extended to six games.
Physical battle contributes towards a scrappy affair
Will Evans is shown a yellow card for a late challenge. (Matthew Lofthouse)
With a lack of quality in the final third for both sides, particularly in the first half, the physical battle proved to be key. Two yellow cards within the first ten minutes set the tone for the day. The crunching challenges didn’t stop, with both sides rising to the occasion in the physical match up.
Despite some of the younger players in the Archers side being out-matched stature-wise, they held their own against some of the experienced squad members of the Druids side that helped them turn the tide in the second period.
The passing game which Met are known for came to the fore in the second half, with the speed of their attacks and creativity causing all manner of problems for the Ancients.
Dylan Rees shines in central role for Archers
Dylan Rees was impressive in midfield. (Matthew Lofthouse)
With Charlie Corsby missing through injury for Cardiff Met, Dylan Rees showed his versatility filling in at a more central role against the Druids.
Despite featuring on the right-hand side of the defence for most of the season, Rees never looked out of place in the role, covering well in front of the back four.
With a string of injuries in recent weeks, Christian Edwards will be thankful for the versatile nature of Rees, especially after losing such an influential player in Corsby.
(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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