Cardiff Metropolitan 0-1 Caernarfon Town: Darren Thomas strike gives Cofi well-earned win
CAERNARFON, WALES - 14 AUGUST 2021: JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Caernarfon Town FC & Haverfordwest County AFC, The Oval, Caernarfon, Wales, 14th August, Wales, UK. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Darren Thomas’ first half header was enough to see Caernarfon take all three points away from home against Cardiff Met.
Caernarfon were dominant throughout the match and fully deserved their victory against an underwhelming Cardiff Met.
The victory means Caernarfon’s three-game winless run comes to an end and they move up to fifth in the table. Met meanwhile suffer their second consecutive defeat and drop down to ninth, after starting the day in sixth.
The opening ten minutes was very low key with neither side dominating the ball, but were trying to play the ball down the flanks. However, it was clear to see that the visitors were growing into the game more than the hosts, and they duly got their reward halfway through the first half.
Hughes’ corner was glanced on by Cartwright and Darren Thomas was there at the far post to nod the Cofi’s in front. While Met hit the post through Harry Owen, it still felt Caernarfon were the most likely to score, always carrying a threat with them on the counter.
In the second half, Met needed a goal, but were seemingly in no rush to score. Passes were going sideways and backwards, and frustration was clearly felt in the stand. When Met eventually went forward, they had major success down the flanks. McCarthy and Roberts both provided crosses for Roscrow, but his shots were often blocked by Williams or blazed over the bar.
Yet, Caernarfon had more chances themselves in the second half, and if it wasn’t for Lang in the Archers net denying Hayes twice, then it would, and should, have been more for the Cofi’s.
The only disappointing moment of the match for Caernarfron was Iwan Cartwright being removed from the field with what looked like a nasty injury.
After the international break, Met face Penybont away from home, while Caernarfon take on Connah’s Quay at The Oval.
Player of the Match: Darren Thomas
The Cofi Messi once again put in a player of the match performance. Not only was his goal the difference, but his driving runs through the Met defence really made a difference for his team.
Cardiff Met
Alex Lang (GK + C), Matthew Chubb, Kyle McCarthy, Emlyn Lewis, Thomas Price, Adam Roscrow, Harry Owen, Lewis Rees (Liam Warman, 90′), Joseph Evans, Chris Craven (Daniel Warre, 64′), Thomas Davies (Brandon Roberts, 75′)
Subs: Max Manson (GK), Abe Noad, Jac Davies
Caernarfon
Jakub Ojrzynski (GK), Iwan Cartwright (Aaron Simpson, 54′), Joshua Bailey, Gruffydd Williams, Dion Donohue (C), Daniel Gosset, Michael Hayes, Darren Thomas, Robert Hughes (Cai Jones, 83′), Noah Edwards, Ryan Williams
Subs: Steven Evans, Calum Huxley, Tyler French
Met Yellow Cards: Craven (14′), Roscrow (53′)
