An early kick off graced the Cyncoed Campus this Saturday as Cardiff Metropolitan University looked to continue their solid start to the campaign with another three points against a Carmarthen Town.
The Old Gold have struggled so far this season, finding themselves with only one win from eleven league matchups. An important game for both sides, but for very different reasons as we look at what we can take away from the game.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Met defence holds strong under guidance of Emlyn Lewis
The Met number 5 gave a superb performance in a resolute defensive display, but offered much more than just his defensive qualities for the home side.
Lewis was not afraid to get forward throughout the game, often playing slick through balls between the lines that pierced the Town defence and gave his side plenty of attacking opportunities, or you could find him breaking through the Carmarthenshire midfield to win his side a corner, often making you forget that he was playing in the middle of defence.
Ultimately, this is where Lewis thrived throughout the match, as his aerial capabilities and man marking skills were put all on display for those watching at Cyncoed, as he will no doubt be recognised as one of the standout players of the game.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Carmarthen Town’s lack of clear-cut chances cost them at Cyncoed Campus
Carmarthen Town’s inability to find the killer pass on Saturday cost them dearly in the game against Cardiff Met, as despite having ample opportunity within the oppositions final third they saw very little clear chances in the game.
Met keeper Will Fuller was rarely troubled by efforts on his net, and with Carmarthen languishing at the bottom of the table, this lack of a creative spark within the final third will be worrying for manager Mark Aizlewood.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Cardiff Met provide a display of slick ball movement once again
Quick ball movement and possession based football seem to be the basis of play for Cardiff Met this season, and once again they used this to their advantage as they looked to play between Carmarthen Town, breaking them down in a variety of ways.
The home side looked comfortable on the ball throughout the match, but seemed just at ease soaking up the pressure from Carmarthen Town and launching a quick counter attack, with striker Adam Roscrow eager to run at the away side’s defence on the break, as he pressed well throughout the match. Ultimately Met will be pleased with their performance, and will hope to build upon this result with another victory against Prestatyn Town.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Kyle McCarthy puts in great performance
The Cardiff Met left back found himself much further up the pitch to start the game, as manager Dr. Christian Edwards opted to play the full back on the left wing in a change of personnel with Joel Edwards sliding into the back line.
The wide man seemed right at home as he gave an excellent display, whipping in crosses for striker Adam Roscrow and smashing a beautiful free kick into the top left corner that gave Town keeper Lee Idzi no chance, rooting the stopper to the spot.
McCarthy’s pace and ability to get forward shone throughout the first half, and even when slotting back into the defence later in the second period, the Cardiff Met man seemed just as solid.
Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Sloppy Carmarthen Town still searching for second win of the season
A poor overall performance at Cyncoed Campus will no doubt be frustrating for manager Mark Aizlewood, as his side looked well within the affair for most of the game, however sloppy mistakes and poor decisions at crucial times meant that the Town gave away avoidable goals that will need to be corrected if they are to find themselves climbing the table any time soon.
With very few positives to be taken away from the performance, Carmarthen Town will be looking to rally the troops and get back to basics for their next game at home to Newtown AFC.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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