Cardiff Metropolitan 1-1 The New Saints: Late Davies header salvages draw for Saints

Keston Davies salvaged a late point for The New Saints at Cyncoed Campus

Eliot Evans’ fifth-minute strike was cancelled out by Keston Davies who headed in from a corner kick.

It brings to an end Met’s long winning streak of ten consecutive home victories.

The result slightly benefits both sides, however, Barry remains top, a point ahead of The New Saints and two ahead of Met.

The New Saints broke out of the traps quickly as Met were made to deal with a handful of chances in the opening stages.

Aeron Edwards forced Alex Lang into an acrobatic save to earn a corner. Edwards attempted to slide the ball over the line at the near post but was denied by a clearance.

Met galloped up the other end and struck the New Saints an early blow in the fifth minute. Eliot Evans squeezed the ball past Paul Harrison after Will Evans teed up him following good hold up play.

Having fallen behind, The New Saints continued to create chances but were failing to convert them Jon Routledge thumped an effort past the post.

Ryan Brobbel later curled a shot past the upper corner of the goal.

Met holding a precarious lead almost doubled their tally when Kyle McCarthy hooked his effort pst the post

Kane Lewis went in trailing at the break, but The New Saints could have leveled. Kane Lewis squared the ball to Dean Ebbe who swung a shot wide of the post. 

Adrian Cieslewicz broke into the box and squared to Aeron Edwards who stretched a hand out to superbly deny the midfielder. 

The New Saints put on relentless pressure to the Met, who only offered glimpses on the counter-attack. Another opportunity fell to Jon Routledge who back heeled an effort at Lang who was strong at his far post.

Met were continuously being pressed into their own half as they were forced to sit deep by a questing New Saints. 

Cieslewicz hit a tame effort at Lang as they continued to soak up the New Saints attacks.

Aeron Edwards headed over the bar as he met Chris Marriott’s cross as the game neared stoppage time.

In the fifth minute of additional time, Keston Davies rescued a late draw for Scott Ruscoe’s side as he rose highest from a corner kick.

Cardiff Metropolitan: Alex Lang, Kyle McCarthy, Bradley Woolridge, Emlyn Lewis, Male Davies, Eliot Evans (Joe Evans 76), Chris Baker, Will Evans, Charlie Corsby, Joel Edwards, Mathew Chubb (Dion Phillips 53)

The New Saints: Paul Harrison, Christopher Marriott, Keston Davies, Jonathan Routledge, Dean Ebbe, Ryan Brobbel (Billy Whitehouse 75), Adrian Cieslewicz, Blaine Hudson, Kane Lewis (Kurtis Byrn 63), Aeron Edwards, Ryan Harrington (Greg Draper 45)

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)