Cardiff Metropolitan 3-2 Llanelli Town: Much-changed Archers fightback to earn victory against century-hit Reds
Cardiff Metropolitan prepared for the Europa League play-offs with a victory over relegated Llanelli Town.
With a Europa League play-off spot confirmed, Christian Edwards rang the changes. Will Fuller was the only survivor from Met’s victory over Aberystwyth Town last week with a number of first team regulars missing for Christian Edwards’ side.
Twice Llanelli went ahead, first from a Mikey George effort and then a Chris Thomas but a penalty, but Tim Parker replied both times before captain Liam Black scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
Michael George put Llanelli in front with a superb 30-yard shot with Will Fuller beaten.
Tim Parker brought Met level after he was able to tuck an effort past Coughlan for his first Welsh Premier League goal after he tried to claim Dion Phillps’ cross.
Early in the second half, Dion Phillips tried to slot his shot past Coughlan but the Reds keeper blocked his advances.
Llanelli’s lead was restored from 12-yards after Lee Bevan was fouled in the box. Chris Jones successfully converted his spot-kick past Will Fuller.
The home side attempted to draw level moments later but Coughlan was able to deny Flay his first Welsh Premier League goal as he blocked Flay’s shot with his leg.
Met were able to draw level though. Tim Parker doubled his top-flight tally when he turned an effort home at the near post for a second equaliser. Parker’s second was the 100th goal Llanelli had conceded this campaign.
Dion Phillips who was impressive throughout for Met caused Llanelli a number of problems.
Stand in captain Liam Black gave the Archers the lead for the first time. A free-kick was swung into the box by debutant Gruff Stead and Black’s powered a header past Coughlan.
Llanelli were unable to get anything out of the game with Will Fuller unchallenged in the remaining five games.
The Archers will now travel to Caernarfon in two weeks time for the Europa League playoff semi-finals.
Cardiff Metropolitan: Fuller, Chubb, Spencer (Stead 74), Swindlehurst, Black (C), Pashen, Phillips, Hadergjonaj, Parker, Flay, Howell (I.Evans 66)
Llanelli Town: Coughlan, Hunt, Nelson, Bevan, Howard, George, Clark (C), Jones, Ngoy, Loveridge, Hill
(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)
