By Josh Thomas
Two goals from Adam Roscrow helped Cardiff Met win their first maiden Nathaniel MG Cup, 2-0, over Cambrian and Clydach in front of a record crowd at Jenner Park.
The striker had opened the scoring minutes before half time with a fine solo goal after good work from Chris Baker before sealing the victory in injury time with a well taken finish after opposing goalkeeper Dan Bradley was caught out after coming up for a free-kick.
The Met won at the fourth time of asking in major finals after twice losing their European play-off games against Bangor City and Cefn Druids as well as defeat in last year’s final against TNS.
Dane Williams’s men had come into the game on the back of four consecutive wins over Premier League opposition, but named two changes from their victory over The New Saints in the semi-final, with Sam Jones coming in for Camilo Strintati and Mark Crutch, who scored the opener against TNS, replacing Carn Thomas.
Christian Edwards’ students made three changes from their semi-final victory over Connah’s Quay Nomads, with Dylan Rees, Charlie Corsby and Will Evans all in for Rhydian Morgan, Guto Williams and Harry Owen.
It was the Met who almost opened the scoring after two minutes.
Eliot Evans found Chris Baker inside the penalty area but he could only see his shot comfortably gathered by Bradley before Cambrian went down the other end and won a free-kick. Corey Shephard struck his effort over the bar.
🏆 Enillwyr Cwpan Nathaniel MG 2018/19 ✨@CardiffMetFC – Llongyfarchiadau!!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Nj5ll1EEE2
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) January 19, 2019
Baker went close to scoring again after good work from Roscrow found the midfielder in space, but the ball bobbled up just as he struck it and the drive went over the bar.
Will Evans was next to go close for the Met not long after, but his acrobatic shot went wide as Cambrian failed to clear away the danger.
After consistent pressure and with half time fast approaching, Cardiff Met did find the back of the net through Roscrow.
A poor throw in from Samuel Jones was pounced upon by Baker whose pass set the Wales C international clear. After taking two touches to compose himself, the striker hit a low shot into the bottom left hand corner to send the Met into half time with a 1-0 lead.
Cambrian started the second half with great intensity and Alex Lang superbly denied Cameron Keetch’s powerful effort from outside the box with a one-handed save.
From the resulting corner, Sam Jones was unlucky not to equalise after but could not quite direct his shot goalwards after the Met failed to clear.
Not long afterwards good build up play found Richard French inside the penalty area but he could only direct his header over the bar for the Rhondda side.
MET CAERDYDD YN ENNILL #CwpanNathanielMG 2018/19!!! 🏆👏
ST: @CardiffMetFC 2-0 Cambrian a Clydach pic.twitter.com/VKFFUr5pab
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) January 19, 2019
As the pressure mounted on the Met, Joe Evans looked to have equalised but his shot was superbly denied by Joel Edwards.
Constant pressure from the Welsh Division One side caused problems throughout the second half but time and time again they were thwarted by a resolute Met defence.
However, the Archers could have made it 2-0 after Rees’s throw found Baker who crossed it into the path of Roscrow, but his header was deflected away for a corner.
With the game entering the last of the three minutes added on, Cambrian won a free-kick and sent everyone forward.
With Dan Bradley out of his goal, Roscrow was able to capitalise and hit home his fifth goal of the competition, from 30 yards, to seal the Premier League side their first League Cup victory.
GÔL/GOAL!!! 39′ Adam Roscrowwww 🙌@CardiffMetFC 1-0 Cambrian a Clydach#CwpanNathanielMG 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PAtcZldVUG
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) January 19, 2019
Cardiff Metropolitan: Alex Lang, Dylan Rees, Kyle McCarthy, Brad Woolridge (C), Emlyn Lewis, Eliot Evans, Chris Baker, Adam Roscrow, Charlie Corsby (Dion Phillips 77), Will Evans, Joel Edwards.
Unused Substitutes: Will Fuller (GK), Guto Williams, Rhydian Morgan, Liam Black, Tim Parker and Harri Horwood.
Bookings: Corsby.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale: Dan Bradley, Joe Evans, Kieron Coles, Dave Thomas (C), Kyle Jones (Mikey Jones 83), Corey Shephard, Liam Reed, Richard French (Camilo Strintati 60), Mark Crutch, Samuel Jones (Liam Edwards 77), Cameron Keetch.
Unused Substitutes: Andre Griffiths, Carn Thomas, Niall Reed (GK) and Josh Owen.
Bookings: Kyle Jones and Cameron Keetch.
Attendance: 1503
