Why Met can take positives from Bala performance

Despite surrendering the lead and going on to lose the game, a new-look Cardiff Met side can take a lot from their performance against Europa League hopefuls Bala Town on Saturday.

After success in the BUCS University League, beating Northumbria on Wednesday, it saw a chance for Matt Taylor and Harry Owen, as well as a first-team call up for Cardiff Met Academy striker Rhys Thomas.

The Archers suffered a 5-0 defeat to The New Saints last week and an opening goal from Chris Baker made it look like it would be Met’s day as Josh Barnett who has been making a name for himself since being given a starting berth, set him up by delivering a great corner which was headed in by Baker.

Bala did equalise though through Chris Venables before half time with Met unfortunate to concede but it gave Met that confidence for the 20 minutes they had the lead for.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

UCHAFBWYNTIAU | HIGHLIGHTS@CardiffMetFC 2–3 @BalaTownFC https://t.co/KTXCEfEPJQ pic.twitter.com/I5tMQ5KDMj

— sgorio (@sgorio) March 27, 2017

What stood out in Met’s performance is the togetherness and the determination in the performance.

The centre-back partnership of Matt Swindlehurst and Liam Black was one that despite conceding 3 goals in a game, looked one that become a good centre-back partnership over time. Swindlehurst had received a fair bit of treatment during the game but his drive to continue in the game was vital as he made some telling tackles.

Black made an impact on the game also and was unfortunate to see his block deflect in for a Bala equaliser but during the game he made a crucial sliding tackle to stop a Bala attacker from pulling a shot away and that is the commitment you will want to see from your players.

Making his first start for the Met this season, Matt Taylor slotted in well for the injured captain Bradley Woolridge, showing his capability of adapting to the style of the Welsh Premier League.

Bala now go up into 2nd place after making the most of gap Connahs Quay’s failure to hold on against Bangor City on Saturday, showing that they matched the side that are firing with all guns blazing at the moment.

The students still find themselves searching for the first win since January 14th but with a performance like the one against Bala, a win could be on the cards in their next game in two weeks at Cyncoed Campus against Bangor City.