Key points as Bala snatch point from Met at Cyncoed Campus
05/12/2020 - Cardiff Met v Bala Town © Carl Robertson
Cardiff Met remain tough to beat
The Archer’s remain a tough team to break down and continue to have an impressive defensive record of late. Met have managed to hold free-scorers TNS and Bala Town to just one goal conceded despite playing against top scorers Chris Venables and Greg Draper (TNS). Here, Bala Town had few clear cut chances and when they did, were unable to beat Alex Lang until second half injury time.
Met struggle to create chances
If Met are solid in defence, they’re struggles going forward continue. It was tough to recall any real moments of danger for Bala Town’s goalkeeper. Liam Warman’s pace was rarely utilized as passes went wide of the mark more often than not and any efforts on goal were not close to troubling the goalkeeper.
Ollie Hulbert didn’t stop running but was rarely found until the 85th minute when he slid in to score what was one of very few efforts on target Met managed to create all game.
Bala Town lose ground on top two
The draw meant Bala Town missed the opportunity to keep pace with league leaders TNS and defending champions, Connah’s Quay Nomads. With all three teams now together on 14 matches played, the draw leaves the Lakesiders nine behind unbeaten TNS and six points behind the Nomads.
Despite fielding two of the top three goal scorers in Chris Venables (14 goals) and former Archer Will Evans (9), boss Colin Caton will be disappointed to have dropped points to the top two as they fall into a no-mans-land in third place, with little competition from beneath them.
Chris Venables is human
Veteran striker, Chris Venables, 35, has been on fire so far this season, with a goal a game ratio for Bala Town this season. Venables has 14 goals in 14 games and often doesn’t need a number of chances to put the ball in the net but here he struggled.
There was good link up play in midfield but he was often left with poor service and wasn’t gifted many chances. There was only one chance of note but it was one you would expect a striker in his form to score. A great ball in from the right wing found Venables seven yards out in front of goal with a free header, but the effort went just wide of Alex Lang’s goal.
Will Evans returns to Cyncoed
It would have been a poignant day for Will Evans, returning back to Cyncoed Campus for the first time since signing for the visitors. Will Evans, 23, enjoyed an incredibly successful period with the Archers and will have fond memories of his time in the Capital.
He has been in inspired form for his new side this season and played the full 90 minutes on his return. He was impressive in possession and hard in the tackle but wasn’t given much of a chance in front of goal to hurt his former employees, though did see a cross skim the bar during the first half.
