Cardiff Cosmopolitan stun Afan United as two-goal hero hails ‘big upset’
Callum Bridge broke the deadlock with a first-half penalty for Cardiff Cosmopolitan. (Image: Mike Greenslade)
Cardiff Cosmopolitan pulled off an FAW Amateur Trophy upset as the Championship side knocked out Premier Division opponents Afan United with a 3-1 victory away from home.
The Cosmos, who play in the tier below Afan in the South Wales Premier League, produced a battling display to book their place in the next round.
Despite Afan United’s efforts to fight back, a standout two-goal performance from Callum Bridge, paired with a spectacular late strike from Tom Phillips, ensured the capital side would be in the hat for the next round.
Two-goal hero Callum Bridge ‘absolutely buzzing’ after Cardiff Cosmopolitan upset
Bridge was at the heart of Cosmo’s victory, scoring twice as the Championship side took advantage of their opportunities to claim a notable cup win on the road.
And the forward was delighted with the result afterwards, highlighting the team’s ambitions in both the league and cup competitions.
“I’m absolutely buzzing,” Bridge said following his standout performance. “Coming away from home, a 45-minute drive, but this is what we want to do. We want to go to places and win football games.
“It’s a big upset, and that’s something we want to do. We want to win our league, we want to go as far as we can in the cups, and we’ll give anyone a game.”
Reflecting on his two-goal display, Bridge also credited the playing surface and his teammates for helping him produce his best.
“I saw the pitch, and I thought, yeah, I think I can play on here. I love the 3G pitch. I love to get on the ball, make things happen, and I was buzzing to get two goals today, but I was really happy with the team’s performance overall.”
Bridge puts Cardiff Cosmopolitan in front before the break
Early momentum in the match favoured the home side, with Dylan Edwards firing a strike inches wide as Afan United looked to make their mark.
However, it wasn’t long before the Cosmos found their breakthrough, with Callum Bridge converting from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead and ensure Cardiff Cosmopolitan went into half-time with the lead.
The second half quickly became an uphill battle for Afan after centre-half Joe Alyward was dismissed following a second booking.
The Cosmos capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Bridge appearing as the talisman once again. Neat footwork and a smart finish into the far corner saw him grab his second of the game and put the visitors firmly in control.
Afan United threaten comeback before late Cosmos stunner
Lewis Boxall sparked hopes of a late turnaround for the Port Talbot side when he pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute.
The hosts then came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser after crashing a shot against the post during a tense period of play.
But with Afan pushing for a leveller, Tom Phillips put the result beyond doubt with a stunning strike, rifling the ball into the top-right corner to dash any hopes of a comeback.
The result sends Cardiff Cosmopolitan through to the next round of the FAW Amateur Trophy after a memorable victory over their higher-ranked South Wales Premier League opponents.
