Three talking points as Haverfordwest County are held to a draw at Cardiff Met

Cardiff Met hosted Haverfordwest County last night, where Adam Roscrow’s first half goal was cancelled out by a Kelland Absalom own goal late on in the second half. Here are three talking points regarding the match as we head closer to the European Play-Offs.

Zac Jones puts in positive display

It goes without saying that Zac Jones has caught many eyes since relocating to West Wales from New Zealand, with the Kiwi born shot stopper showcasing many impressive performances.

So it is clear to see why the New Zealander may be in high demand this summer. Despite an early error, Jones denied Cardiff Met taking all three points last night. He made good saves to deny Jac Clay and Tom Vincent as the Archers were searching for a winner.

Form Entering the Play-Offs

As we head into the final game of the Championship Conference, both Cardiff Met and Haverfordwest County will be hoping to pick up a win and head into the Play-Offs in good form.

Both sides have found wins hard to come by as of late. Cardiff Met enter their final game vs Caernarfon off the back of a four game winless run, however their last win came against their upcoming opponents when they beat the Cofis 4-2 at Cyncoed Campus in the beginning of March. The Archers still have everything to play for as they head into their game against Caernarfon, as finishing one place higher may be beneficial for their Play-Off campaign.

Haverfordwest, on the other hand, have the tough task of facing The New Saints on the final day, where they will be hoping to put an end to their five-game winless run. The Bluebirds have won just two of their games since the split, with their last victory coming against Met back in February. Tony Pennock’s men will be hoping to pick up a win before they head into the Play-Offs, however beating the champions TNS is never an easy task. The Bluebirds have beaten TNS just once in their last 11 meetings, dating back to the 2020/21 campaign.

However, we saw what happened the last time the Bluebirds entered the Play-Offs, defeating both Met and Newtown to enter the qualification rounds for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Time will tell if either Cardiff Met or Haverfordwest County can pick up a win on the last day and enter the Play-Offs with some momentum.

All Eyes on the Welsh Cup Final

Yes, it may seem strange to be talking about the Welsh Cup final when neither Cardiff Met or Haverfordwest County are involved, however, this is a game that could have a major impact on their seasons. With Haverfordwest guaranteed to finish third, should TNS win the Welsh Cup County will be gifted a huge advantage heading into the Play-Offs. This will see County guaranteed a place in the final which they will play at home, at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Although Cardiff Met are almost guaranteed to face Caernarfon in the Play-Offs, if TNS fail to win the cup, that will see Penybont enter the Play-Offs, a team who many have struggled to beat this season. In the event that Connah’s Quay win, this would also mean that County play an extra game and have to face Penybont away from home in the final, should they get there. This would be far from ideal for the Pembrokeshire club, as they have failed to beat Pennybont in their last seven meetings.

I think it is clear to see why many Haverfordwest County fans will be cheering on The New Saints in the final, which will be played at Rodney Parade on the 4th of May.