What we learned from Cardiff Metropolitan University 0-1 The New Saints

Christian Edwards’ side edged closer to the relegation zone following a 1-0 loss to top of the table The New Saints.

The Students were victims of a second half own-goal from centre-half Liam Black.

Following the loss, they are level on points with 11th place Flint Town United in the table.

These are the main talking points from the game:

Met defensively assured

The hosts, who set up with five at the back, were defensively robust throughout.

Dylan Rees, right of the three centre-halves, performed well and didn’t put a foot wrong throughout.

The Students’ low block meant the visitors struggled creating chances.

Ultimately, Met lost to an unlucky mistake but they definitely have plenty of positives to take from the game.

Adrian Cieslewicz lively as always

Polish winger Adrian Cieslewicz is always a consistent performer for The New Saints.

For large parts of the game, he seemed the most threatening player.

Despite it being difficult for the away side due to Met’s low block, the 30-year-old found himself in space a few times and was unlucky not to get an assist on a few occasions.

Eliot Evans the talisman

Cardiff Met’s Eliot Evans led the line well for his side.

All of the hosts’ clear-cut chances came through the attacker.

Evans was unlucky not to open the scoring in the first minute of the game when his shot from outside the box struck the woodwork.

Not only was he influential in attack, Evans’ leadership helped the Archers defensively, as his experience guided the youthful side.

Robles better with Draper

Striker Louis Robles had a quiet game by his impressive standards.

His usual strike partner Greg Draper was replaced by Dean Ebbe this afternoon.

Unfortunately for the ex-Wigan Athletic attacker, his partnership with Ebbe isn’t as effective as his partnership with Draper.

The pair’s link-up play was most prominent in their 4-0 away win at Penybont where each striker scored a brace. As well as creating a vast array of chances for each other in the game, Draper assisted Robles for his second that afternoon.

(Featured image: Carl Robertson)