Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate winning their first cup silverware. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
A brace from striker Adam Roscrow in front of a record crowd sent Cardiff Metropolitan on their way to a maiden victory in the Nathaniel MG Cup, seeing off a stubborn Cambrian & Clydach Vale at Jenner Park in Barry.
The Archers frontman netted his first goal five minutes before half-time, and then struck in the final minute to seal matters.
The Students ended a three-game losing run in Welsh Premier League finals, having lost out in last season’s League Cup, as well as losses in consecutive Europa League playoff finals.
Having knocked out four top flight outfits on their way to the final, the Rhondda side were unable to see off a fifth, falling agonisingly short at the final hurdle.
The Archers had an early sight on goal after an interception in midfield gave them the chance to break forward. Chris Baker received the ball from Eliot Evans in the area, but saw his shot saved by Dan Bradley.
Cam’s first attempt on goal came from a set-piece. Corey Shephard’s free-kick from the edge of the area was fired well over the bar.
Chris Baker had a good chance to test Bradley when he received a squared ball from Adam Roscrow, however a bobble just before contact saw the midfielder sky his effort.
Will Evans tried an acrobatic effort shortly after, following a failed punch away by Bradley.
Dane Williams’ side appealed for a penalty following a melee in the area that saw Liam Reed’s shot blocked. Their claims were waved away.
Adam Roscrow puts Cardiff Metropolitan in front with a composed finish. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Roscrow’s predatory instincts were on display five minutes before the break. After winning the ball back in midfield, Baker played in the striker who composed himself before firing into the bottom left corner to give the Archers the lead.
Met keeper Alex Lang was called into action early in the second half, the stopper was at full stretch to deny Cameron Keetch’s powerful effort from 20 yards out.
Cam had a great chance to equalise on the hour mark, after a ball in by Keetch was met by Joe Evans, however his shot was blocked by Archers defender Joel Edwards.
From the resulting corner, Sam Jones had a guilt-edged opportunity from just yards out. Met failed to clear and the ball fell to the winger, who was unable to direct his shot goalwards.
Baker used his body to good effect to turn his man from a throw in, the number eight’s cross found Roscrow who’s header took a deflection – which perhaps prevented it from heading towards goal.
The Welsh League Division One side had a good spell of pressure after the hour mark, but were stymied on numerous occasions by a focused Archers defence.
Keetch had not been afraid to attack throughout the game, and had a sighter with just over five minutes to play. The wing-back advanced to the edge of the area and hooked a left-footed shot agonisingly wide.
In the final minute of stoppage time, Cam won a free-kick in the Student’s half. Keeper Bradley came up for the set piece, however Met cleared, Keetch was dispossessed and Roscrow sprinted towards goal and slid the ball home to settle the game.
Cardiff Metropolitan: Lang, Rees, McCarthy, Woolridge (C), Lewis, E. Evans, Baker, Roscrow, Corsby (Phillips 77), W. Evans, Edwards.
Unused Substitutes: Fuller, Williams, Morgan, Black, Parker, Horwood.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale: Bradley, Evans, Coles, Thomas (C), K. Jones (M. Jones 83), Shephard, L. Reed, French (Strintati 60), Crutch, Jones (Edwards 77), Keetch.
Unused Substitutes: Griffiths, Thomas, N. Reed, Owen.
Attendance: 1503
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