CARDIFF MET will play The New Saints in this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup Final, but how will they fare against the current holders?
The story of Cardiff Metropolitan University FC has been quite remarkable. Since the team was formed under the name UWIC Inter Cardiff FC in 2000, they have surged to the pinnacle of Welsh Football and narrowly missed out on competing in the UEFA Europa League last season.
Met’s fine form has continued this season they currently and find themselves second in the Welsh Premier League, level on points with 11 times winners, The New Saints. The title challengers will now face each other in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final on January 20th.
TNS are the current holders of the cup and have won the past three finals without conceding a goal. They also, unsurprisingly, are the most successful club in the competition having won eight titles since the competition’s foundation in 1992.
FAW Head of Competitions, Andrew Howard, praised the work done at Cardiff Met by the manager: “Christian Edwards’ young team have been a great asset to the JD Welsh Premier League and their rise from relegation favourites last season to genuine Title contenders this season, is a testament to the progress made by Edwards, his coaching staff and his players.”
The driving force behind Met’s success, Christian Edwards
Mr Howard is predicting a hotly contested match: “The 2018 Final is sure to be a close affair, played on an excellent surface in Aberystwyth, which will suit the style of football played by both teams. It has the makings of a great final.”
Park Avenue, Aberystwyth (cr. Tomos Ings)
Park Avenue, home of Aberystwyth Town FC, will host the Final. It has hosted 12 of the past 26 finals and was recently renovated, with a brand new all-weather pitch installed.
On paper, pitting a full-time professional outfit against a team of students seems to be an unfair match up. However, the Archers have proven time and time again that they are good enough to compete at this level and will be hoping to upset the odds.
Route to the Final
The driving force behind Met's success, Christian Edwards
