A battling Cardiff Met bowed out of the Europa League on away goals to Progrès Niederkorn.
Despite goals from Jordan Lam and Dylan Rees, Mayron De Almeida’s second goal in two games was enough to give the Luxembourg side a passage to the next round.
The Archers had the perfect start. A practiced free-kick saw Eliot Evans cross into Jordan Lam, who headed in upon his return to South Wales.
Progrès sought a quick response and captain Sebastien Thill almost caught Will Fuller off his line, as the Met keeper scrambled away from his lobbed effort.
Met were making the impression on their opponents as they showed good pressing play. Chris Baker sent a deflected shot just wide of Sebastian Flauss’ goal.
The hosts were beginning to give the game to the Luxembourg side. Beimin Muratovic tried to drill an effort past Fuller who dived down at the right time to save the shot.
Approaching the end of the first half, Progrès were the ones with all the pressure. Mayron De Almeida who scored in the first leg sent a shot just past the post, as he continued to warn the Met.
Bradley Woolridge had to make a goalline clearance after Thill hit an effort towards goal following a header down to him.
Captain Sebastian Thill was one of Progrès driving forces in their search for an equaliser. A well-hit free-kick bobbled just past the post.
Progrès picked up where they left off in the first half. They continued to attack but the Met were making the needed blocks and interceptions.
Met were awarded a soft penalty when Mael Evans was pushed to the floor in the last 20 minutes of the match. Sebastian Flauss got a hand to Dylan Rees’ powerful penalty but couldn’t keep it out.
Their lead in the tie was short-lived though. Mayron De Almeida scored his second goal, following his winner in the first leg. He hit a rasping shot past Fuller to put the tie in Progrès favour.
The heroics of Sebastian Flauss denied Met a route into Round One. Twice he superbly denied Kyle McCarthy who hit powerful strikes at the Progres keeper.
Met were unable to add to their late push as they heroically battled out of the Europa League.
Cardiff Met: Fuller, Rees, McCarthy, Woolridge (C), Lewis, E.Evans (Davies 55), Baker, Corsby (Phillips 77), W.Evans, Edwards, Lam (Parker 61)
Progrès Niederkorn:Flauss, Skenderovic, Vogel, De Almeida, Muratovic (Ferino 88), Bah (Santos 85), Thill, Laterza, Hall, Karayer, Marques (Bastos 70)
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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