Cardiff Met v Cefn Druids Matchday Programme 20/03/21

CLUB OFFICIALS Chief Executive: Club President: Honorary Vice-Presidents:

Chairman: Director of Football: 1st Team Coach: Club Secretary/Academy Manager: Academy Director: Development Team Coach: Head of Coaching - Coach Education Head of Coaching - Community 1st Team Captain: Club Captain: Equipment Manager: Media Officer: Matchday Ambassador: Hon. Treasurer: Marketing and Match day:

Mike Davies Graham Haines Mark Roscrow MBE Sue Roscrow William Lewis Buddug Lewis Josh Barnett Hannah Barnett Gwilym Jenkins Graham Haines Dr. Christian Edwards Ryan Jenkins Rebecca Nuttall Dr. Charlie Corsby Liam Black Anthony Williams Eliot Evans Bradley Woolridge Bradley Woolridge Darren ‘Daz’ Jenkins Matthew James Ian Campbell Simon Evans Rebecca Nuttall

CLUB HONOURS MG Nathaniel Cars Cup Welsh Amateur Cup

Welsh Intermediate Cup Welsh League Cup Welsh League

Winners Runner Up Winners

2019 2018 1968 1969 Runner Up 1967 1970 1974 Winners 1976 Winners 1997 Division 1 Champions 2015/16 Division 2 Champions 2013/14 1975/76 Division 3 Champions 1995/96 2012/13

PAGE 4 Chairman’s Welcome PAGE 6 Today’s Visitors

PAGE 8 Haverfordwest Match Report PAGE 9

Newtown Match Report PAGE 10 Cymru Premier Table PAGE 12 Cymru Premier PAGE 14 Archers Season 20/21 PAGE 16 The Archers Squad

Newtown Match Report Page 9

PAGE 22 Mei 2 You PAGE 24 Dai Davies PAGE 28 Matchday Live Dai Davies Page 24

Prynhawn Dda / Good Afternoon and welcome to Cardiff Met University, Cyncoed Campus for Match Day Twenty, of the first phase of the JD Cymru Premier League 2020-21 clash with Cefn Druids FC. On behalf of everyone connected with Cardiff Metropolitan University Football Club, we would like to welcome the directors, management and players who have made the journey from the Rock, we hope you enjoy your visit to Cardiff.

With the Premier League Return to Play on 6th March, this afternoon’s game is the first home game of 2021 a unique occasion in these strange times. Nevertheless a belated Blwyddyn Newydd Dda / Happy New Year to all our players, staff and supporters.

The season will be played out with Phase 0ne fixtures scheduled to be completed by 2nd April when we face local rivals Barry Town at home 5pm KO. Presumably, Phase 2 fixtures will be compiled as usual based on League position at the split and a full season will be completed by the end of May ….. watch this space !!!!

In spite of the completion of some first round games the FAW have however announced the cancellation of the Nathaniel Cup completion for the season. Although no official announcement has been made concerning Welsh Cup games, it would seem unlikely this competition will be viable given that Tier 2 and 3 cubs have yet to Return to Play.

However, in this constantly changing environment we exist in, you never know !

During the lockdown and since our last game, there have been several behind the scenes developments at the club. We welcome Matt Blake and Josh Thomas from Swansea City FC Academy, both Matt and Josh are part of the U23 squad and have represented Swansea at this level on many occasions. Lewis Rees joins us from TNS and along with Matt and Josh have all made their debuts for the club.

We are also delighted that Ollie Hulbert has returned from Bristol Rovers to complete the season with Cardiff Met. Sadly however, we bid farewell to Harry Warwick who returns to Bristol Rovers and Harry Horwood who has joined Aberystwyth FC, our best wishes and thanks to both for their contributions to the club.

At staff level, Matthew James (Jamesy) has taken over as Media Officer for the club from Dr Gethin Thomas, a key appointment for this important role. Jamesy’s drive, enthusiasm and talent will no doubt further develop the club’s media image both locally and nationally. To assist Jamesy in his new role and to develop further partnership opportunities with Welsh Blood, we welcome Ethan Harris and Joseph Thomas to the Cardiff Met family.

Our thanks to Dr. Gethin Thomas for his commitment, enthusiasm and support to the club who was the Cardiff Met FC Media Officer since the start of our Premier League campaign.

Also a big welcome back to club legend and PA guru Brad Pearce who has returned to the club after a short absence.

Finally, as we look forward to an exciting game against our visitors, we should always remember never to take for granted those who are always there for us; our families, friends, and our loyal supporters who unfortunately can only support us from a distance.

In 1872 Plasmadoc Football Club, founded three years earlier, became Druids when the various colliery and quarry teams in the hills around Ruabon and Cefn Mawr were brought together under one banner. Six Druids players were in the first Welsh international side which played Scotland on 25 March 1876 - the most from a single club ever to play for Wales – whilst the first secretary of the Welsh FA, Llewelyn Kenrick, was also an exDruid. In 1876 Druids entered the English FA Cup, the first Welsh club to do so, and in 1882/83 they defeated Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round, losing to eventual winners Blackburn Olympic in the quarter finals. Druids played in the very first Welsh Cup game at Newtown on 13 October 1877, just a week after playing Scottish giants Queens Park at Hampden Park, and ended up as runners-up to Wrexham in the first Welsh Cup Final in 1877/78.

Druids were finalists in the first six years of the competition and became the first club to win it three times in succession by lifting the trophy from 1880-1882. In all Druids have won the Welsh Cup eight times. The club joined the first Welsh League in 1890 and rose again towards the end of the nineteenth century with more silverware. In 1920 the club left Wynnstay Park to combine with Rhosymedre to become Rhosymedre Druids, playing at Church Field. They merged with Acrefair United in 1923, becoming Druids United, but were perennial strugglers in the Welsh National League (North) until stepping down to the Wrexham & District League in 1930, moving to yet another new ground, this time in Acrefair.

League form improved during the 1950s and, in 1957, Druids United reached the Welsh Amateur Cup final, losing to Porthmadog in a replay at Bangor. In that same season the club won the first of two consecutive Welsh Youth Cups. Profit from the Amateur Cup run enabled the club to fund the layout of a new ground on derelict land in the centre of Cefn Mawr, which became the club’s home for over 50 years. A young George Best was part of a Manchester United XI that provided the opposition for the first match there. But enthusiasm at Druids had waned by the 1980s when Druids were being outstripped by arch rivals Cefn Albion, who were formed in 1967. Albion played initially at The Bont, then at Rhostyllen, Ty Mawr and Church Fields before settling back at Ty Mawr, scooping numerous pieces of silverware as they climbed the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area). A merger between the two clubs was resisted until former Chester manager Ken Roberts intervened to convince the rival factions that an amalgamation was in the best interests of everyone.

Thus, in 1992, Cefn Druids FC was born, playing at Plaskynaston and carrying the white and black colours of the original Plasmadoc club. The club steadily consolidated in the Cymru Alliance, helped by a renewed youth policy, and under Gareth Powell, strolled to the 1998/99 Cymru Alliance championship, scoring over 100 goals in the process. The club marked its arrival in the League of Wales with a 1-0 win at Inter Cardiff, the previous year’s runners-up, in its very first game and, in 2001/02, reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup. A succession of managers were unable to prevent the Ancients from finishing in the second relegation spot at the end of the 2004/05 season but with only one team from the feeder leagues being promoted, Druids survived the drop. For several years the possibility of a new stadium for the club was touted as the Plaskynaston land was earmarked for a supermarket and the existing stadium was showing signs of its age.

But delays to the start of construction to the new ground meant the club was going to struggle to meet the criteria for the revamped 12-club Welsh Premier League. The club cut its cloth accordingly as relegation appeared certain with the club battling at the wrong end of the table. When the inevitable relegation happened Druids returned to Rhosymedre in 2010 when the new stadium, The Rock, was completed.

The 2011/12 season saw the club reach the Welsh Cup Final for the first time in 108 years after claiming the scalps of Premier League sides Prestatyn Town, Aberystwyth Town and Airbus UK Broughton. A 2-0 reversal by The New Saints ended the club’s fairytale story but, as the winners had also won the Welsh Premier League, Cefn Druids reached Europe for the first ever time. In addition the Welsh Cup run, Druids won their first trophy since 1999 after a 4-0 win over Ruthin Town at Wrexham’s Racecourse Stadium gave the club the North East Wales FA Challenge Cup. The 2012/13 season started with the Europa League First Qualifying Round tie against Finnish side MyPa-47, who had previously faced Liverpool in European competition. A creditable goalless draw in the first leg at the Racecourse Stadium was followed by a 5-0 defeat in Finland. Domestically, despite a mid-season wobble, the club finished second in the Huws Gray Alliance and achieved the FAW Domestic Licence. The 2013/14 season saw Cefn Druids storm to the Huws Gray Alliance title, losing just one match in the process. And, with the Domestic Licence again awarded, promotion to the Welsh Premier League was achieved.

In addition the NEWFA Cup was again secured with a 2-0 victory over Ruthin Town in a repeat of the 2012 final, and ensured Druids repeated the double of 1999.

Following relegation from the WPL , in May 2015, Huw Griffiths returned to the club following an absence of 12 months. Under the management of Griffiths, Druids claimed promotion at the first time of asking following the licence failure of champions Caernarfon Town joining the Archers as new entrants in the WPL for the 2016/17 season.

The 2017–18 season saw Druids achieve their highest ever top flight finish as they ended the season in 5th place defeating the Archers in the Europa league play-off final at The Rock to book their place in Europe for the 2018/19 season. Druids faced FK Trakai and were unlucky to lose, going out 2-1 on aggregate to the Lithuanian side.

Since their European adventure, the Druids have struggled to reach the heights of previous campaigns and this season has seen the Ancients part with Manager Bruno Lopes as the club found themselves bottom of the table and facing a relegation dogfight.

After a 5-0 reverse against The New Saints last time out, Druids will be looking to improve this time around and although they have made a poor start to the season, they have the quality to trouble anyone on their day.

Met returned to action following the most recent hiatus but lost by a single goal at Bridge Meadow to an improving Haverfordwest outfit who look like serious top six contenders.

Despite a promising run of friendly results prior to the resumption of the season, a penalty just before half-time was enough to give the West Walian side all three points.

On what was a sunny but cold March Saturday, Cardiff Met had the first shot of the game as they worked the ball around the box, however when a shot was finally fashioned, it was well-block by Kurtis Rees. The Bluebirds were on the front foot following this, as Danny Williams launched a counter attack down the right, before his deep cross was headed high over the bar by Elliot Scotcher.

The Bluebirds continued to attack, and just minutes later, another Scotcher header, this time from a Keetch cross, went wide of the goal. Scotcher was once again involved as his free-kick fell to Alaric Jones, who hooked a left-foot volley at Will Fuller, who saved smartly. From the resulting corner, Fuller was called into action again as he caught Scott Tancock’s header.

Danny Williams slotted the ball underneath Fuller, after being through one-on-one, but the flag was raised as Williams was ruled to have been offside. Williams was lively throughout and played a ball through to Fawcett, who struck from a difficult angle, but was again denied by Fuller.

Kurtis Rees battled hard in midfield and managed to win the ball high up the field, he fed Danny Williams down the left, but his shot didn’t trouble the Met keeper and went over the bar.

Wojciech Gajda put his body on the line in dealing with several Met free-kicks, but wasn’t significantly challenged in the opening half.

The Bluebirds pressure became too much on the 40th minute, as Williams was tripped by Woolridge in the box. Williams dusted himself off, and struck the penalty into the top right corner to give the Bluebirds the lead.

The second half started as the first ended; good work down the right from Summerfield led to a cross being headed away to the feet of Shephard, who fired over the bar.

Shortly after, Met had a great chance to equalise as the ball was squared, however Kurtis Rees was on hand to block what would have been a certain goal, to keep the Bluebirds ahead. Elliot Evans tested Gajda after the hour mark, a long throw dropped to the Met forward at the back post, but his volley was well saved by the Polish stopper.

Met had the majority of the possession but struggled to make it count in the second half. There a chance for Ollie Hulbert at the death, but his volley from 6 yards out was straight at Gajda in the Bluebirds goal.

Shortly after this chance, the full time whistle went and the 3 points stayed in Pembrokeshire.

Article reproduced with the kind permission of Haverfordwest County FC

Newtown kept their good form going with a 4-1 win over Cardiff Met at Latham Park thanks to goals from Tyrone Ofori and Jordan Evans.

Jordan Evans and Tyrone Ofori starred with braces to help Newtown make it two wins out of three since the return of the Cymru Premier and move further away from the relegation zone following their 4-1 home success over Cardiff Met. Met skipper Bradley Woolridge equalised for Met after Ofori’s first goal but it was another defeat for the Archers who remain the lowest scorers in the division.

Newtown are now eight points off the drop zone meanwhile Met are four points off the drop zone.

The early stages of the match seemed even, with both teams having a lot of the ball, but it quickly became obvious that Newtown were the more switched on team in front of goal.

It didn’t take long for Newtown to go ahead as a Jame Davies pass from inside the box found Ofori who tapped home to give the hosts an early lead.

Despite the Robins’ lead, the match still fairly equal as Met looked for an equaliser.

Met had their moment as captain Bradley Woolridge who got his head to a free-kick into the box.

It didn’t affect Newtown too much though as towards the half-hour mark, Ofori got his, and Newtown’s second of the match. It was after this that Met started to struggle.

Met were given yet another opportunity to pull the score more in their favour with a free kick on the edge of the box but the kick deflected off of a Newtown player and was easily dealt with by Jones in goal.

On the stroke of half time, Met full-back Dylan Rees sent a powerful shot which was well dealt with by Dave Jones. A rebound was taken but a cluster of players by the goal line prevented Met from grabbing a well-needed goal.

At the start of the second half, Harry Owen was taken down in the box which resulted in the Met players furiously calling for a penalty but the referee was quick to wave away the shouts.

The early second-half excitement continued as Newtown were given a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Jordan Evans who buried the ball into the top corner to give Chris Hughes’ side an important two-goal lead.

Other than a good few bookings for both sides, yellow cards for Met’s Emlyn Lewis, Eliot Evans, Tom Price and Kyle McCarthy, and one for Newtown’s James O’Neill, there wasn’t that much action. Not until Evans grabbed his second goal of the game from a lovely strike from outside to box to add further misery to the students.

With the away side unable to make any more of an impact, the referee blew his whistle to end what will be seen as a good day for Newtown, but a bad one for Cardiff Met. Article reproduced with the kind permission of Y Clwb Pel Droed

MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS Aberystwyth Town 2-3 Cardiff Met

Barry Town 0-3 The New Saints

Caernarfon Town 1-1 Penybont

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-1 Bala Town

Flint Town United 1-0 Newtown

Haverfordwest County P-P Cefn Druids

MATCHDAY 2 RESULTS Bala Town 4-0 Barry Town

Cardiff Met 0-0 Haverfordwest County

Cefn Druids 1-2 Flint Town United

Newtown 2-3 Caernarfon Town

Penybont 1-1 Aberystwyth Town

The New Saints 1-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads

MATCHDAY 3 RESULTS Aberystwyth Town 3-1 Flint Town United

Bala Town 2-1 Cefn Druids

Barry Town 3-1 Caernarfon Town

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 Penybont

Haverfordwest County 2-2 Newtown

The New Saints 2-0 Cardiff Met

MATCHDAY 4 RESULTS Caernarfon Town 0-4 The New Saints

Cefn Druids 1-1 Cardiff Met

Flint Town United 0-1 Barry Town

Haverfordwest County 1-4 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Newtown 1-1 Aberystwyth Town

Penybont 1-5 Bala Town

MATCHDAY 5 RESULTS Bala Town 1-1 The New Saints

Barry Town 2-1 Haverfordwest County

Caernarfon Town 2-1 Flint Town United

Cardiff Met 0-1 Penybont

Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-0 Aberystwyth Town

Newtown 4-1 Cefn Druids

MATCHDAY 6 RESULTS Aberystwyth Town 1-2 Barry Town

Bala Town 1-2 Haverfordwest County

Cardiff Met 0-3 Caernarfon Town

Cefn Druids 0-5 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Penybont 2-1 Newtown

The New Saints 10-0 Flint Town United

MATCHDAY 7 RESULTS

Barry Town 1-0 Cardiff Met

Cefn Druids 0-4 Aberystwyth Town

Connah’s Quay Nomads 3-1 Caernarfon Town

Flint Town United 1-2 Bala Town

Haverfordwest County 0-4 Penybont

The New Saints 2-0 Newtown

MATCHDAY 8 RESULTS Bala Town 5-2 Aberystwyth Town

Caernarfon 1-2 Cefn Druids

Cardiff Met 1-2 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Flint Town United 0-2 Haverfordwest County

Newtown 1-1 Barry Town

Penybont 0-4 The New Saints

MATCHDAY 9 RESULTS Aberystwyth Town 2-2 TNS

Barry Town 0-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Cardiff Met 2-1 Flint Town United

Cefn Druids 0-2 Penybont

Haverfordwest County 1-1 Caernarfon Town

Newtown 0-2 Bala Town

MATCHDAY 10 FIXTURES Bala Town 4-1 Cardiff Met

Caernarfon Town v Aberystwyth Town

Cefn Druids v Barry Town

Connah’s Quay Nomads v Newtown

Penybont v Flint Town United

The New Saints 3-2 Haverfordwest County

MATCHDAY 11 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Penybont

Barry Town v Bala Town

Cardiff Met v Cefn Druids

Connah’s Quay Nomads v The New Saints

Flint Town United v Caernarfon Town

Newtown v Haverfordwest County

MATCHDAY 12 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Newtown

Caernarfon Town v Barry Town

Cefn Druids v Bala Town

Flint Town United v The New Saints

Haverfordwest County v Cardiff Met

Penybont v Connah’s Quay Nomads

MATCHDAY 13 RESULTS Bala Town 4-1 Penybont

Caernarfon Town 1-2 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Cardiff Metropolitan 1-1 Aberystwyth Town

Cefn Druids P-P Haverfordwest County

Newtown 3-2 Flint Town United

The New Saints 2-1 Barry Town United

MATCHDAY 14 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Bala Town

Barry Town 0-0 Newtown

Cardiff Met 0-1 The New Saints

Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 Cefn Druids

Haverfordwest County 0-3 Flint Town United

Penybont v Caernarfon Town

MATCHDAY 15 FIXTURES Bala Town 3-1 Newtown

Caernarfon Town 1-4 Haverfordwest County

Connah’s Quay Nomads 3-1 Barry Town

Flint Town United 0-1 Cardiff Met

Penybont 1-1 Cefn Druids

The New Saints 4-1 Aberystwyth Town

MATCHDAY 16 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Connah’s Quay Nomads

Barry Town v Flint Town United

Cardiff Met 1-1 Bala Town

Cefn Druids v Caernarfon Town

Haverfordwest County v The New Saints

Newtown v Penybont

MATCHDAY 17 FIXTURES Barry Town v Cefn Druids

Caernarfon Town v Newtown

Connah’s Quay Nomads v Cardiff Met

Flint Town United v Aberystwyth Town

Haverfordwest County 1-1 Bala Town

The New Saints v Penybont

MATCHDAY 18 FIXTURES

Aberystwyth Town v Haverfordwest County

Bala Town v Caernarfon Town

Flint Town United v Connah’s Quay Nomads

Newtown 4-1 Cardiff Met

Penybont 1-0 Barry Town

The New Saints v Cefn Druids

MATCHDAY 19 FIXTURES Barry Town v Penybont

Caernarfon Town 1-1 Bala Town

Cardiff Met 2-1 Newtown

Cefn Druids 0-4 The New Saints

Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-0 Flint Town United

Haverfordwest County 2-0 Aberystwyth Town

MATCHDAY 20 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Caernarfon Town

Bala Town v Connah’s Quay Nomads

Flint Town United v Cefn Druids

Haverfordwest County v Barry Town

Newtown v The New Saints

Penybont v Cardiff Met

MATCHDAY 21 FIXTURES Barry Town v Aberystwyth Town

Caernarfon Town v Cardiff Met

Cefn Druids v Newtown

Connah’s Quay Nomads v Haverfordwest County

Flint Town United v Penybont

The New Saints v Bala Town

MATCHDAY 22 FIXTURES Aberystwyth Town v Cefn Druids

Bala Town v Flint Town United

Cardiff Met v Barry Town

Newtown v Connah’s Quay Nomads

Penybont v Haverfordwest County

The New Saints v Caernarfon Town

DATE

COMP

OPPONENT

F-A

11/09/20

CP

Aberystwyth Town

3-2

15/09/20

CP

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY

20/09/20

CP

26/09/20

GOALS

Evans

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

E.Evans

0-0

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

E.Evans

The New Saints

0-2

Lang

McCarthy

Woolridge

Williams

E.Evans

CP

Cefn Druids

1-1

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Williams

E.Evans

30/09/20

CP

PENYBONT

0-1

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

E.Evans

Baker

03/10/20

CP

CAERNARFON TOWN

0-3

Fuller

McCarthy

E.Evans

Warwick

Corsby

06/10/20

CP

Barry Town United

0-1

Fuller

McCarthy

E.Evans

Warwick

Corsby

10/10/20

CP

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

1-2

Rees

Fuller

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Warwick

17/10/20

CP

FLINT TOWN UNITED

2-1

Rees Hulbert

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Warwick

13/11/20

CP

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

1-1

Gleed

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

E.Evans

21/11/20

CP

THE NEW SAINTS

0-1

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

E.Evans

Corsby

28/11/20

CP

Flint Town United

1-0

Hulbert

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

01/12/20

CP

NEWTOWN

2-1

E.Evans 2

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

05/12/20

CP

BALA TOWN

1-1

Hulbert

Lang

Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

12/12/20

CP

Bala Town

1-4

E.Evans

Lang

D.Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

15/12/20

CP

Penybont

0-1

Lang

Woolridge

Lewis

E.Evans

Corsby

19/12/20

CP

Connah’s Quay Nomads

1-3

Lang

Woolridge

Lewis

E.Evans

Corsby

06/03/21

CP

Haverfordwest County

0-1

Fuller

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

Williams

13/03/21

CP

Newtown

1-4

Fuller

D.Rees

McCarthy

Woolridge

Lewis

20/03/21

CP

CEFN DRUIDS

27/03/21

CP

Caernarfon Town

02/04/21

CP

BARRY TOWN UNITED

Hulbert (2)

Warman

Lewis

Woolridge

Baker

Warwick

Corsby

Hulbert

Morgan

Warman

Fuller

Williams

Chubb

Horwood

Gleed

N/A

Baker

Warwick

Corsby

Hulbert

Morgan

Warman

Fuller

Williams

Chubb

Horwood

Gleed

N/A

Baker

Corsby

Morgan

Warman

Chubb

Black

Fuller

Proctor

Davies

Horwood

Pashen

N/A

Baker

Corsby

J.Evans

Morgan

Warman

Chubb

Manson

Owen

J.Davies

Black

C.Davies

N/A

Corsby

J.Evans

J.Davies

Morgan

Warman

C.Davies

Fuller

Williams

Owen

Black

Gleed

N/A

J.Evans

J.Davies

Morgan

Warman

Black

C.Davies

Lang

Williams

Proctor

Chubb

Horwood

Roberts

Hulbert

J.Evans

J.Davies

Morgan

Warman

C.Davies

Lang

Williams

Proctor

Horwood

Pashen

Roberts

Corsby

Hulbert

J.Evans

Morgan

Warman

Black

Lang

Proctor

Horwood

Pashen

Roberts

Wright

Corsby

Hulbert

J.Evans

Morgan

Warman

Black

Fuller

Proctor

J.Davies

Horwood

Pashen

Roberts

Warwick

Corsby

Hulbert

J.Evans

Warman

Black

Fuller

Gleed

Pashen

C.Davies

Roberts

Wright

Hulbert

J.Evans

J.Davies

Morgan

Warman

Black

Fuller

Owen

Chubb

Pashen

Roberts

C.Davies

E.Evans

Hulbert

J.Davies

Morgan

Warman

Black

Fuller

Warwick

Owen

Chubb

C.Davies

Roberts

E.Evans

Corsby

Hulbert

Morgan

Warman

Black

Fuller

Warwick

Owen

J’Dvaies

Chubb

Roberts

E.Evans

Hulbert

Morgan

Warman

Chubb

Black

Fuller

Warwick

Owen

J.Evans

Davies

Price

E.Evans

Corsby

Hulbert

Morgan

Black

Price

Fuller

Warwick

Owen

J.Evans

Warman

Jones

J.Evans

Morgan

Warman

Black

Price

Jones

Fuller

Owen

Chubb

Pashen

Davies

Roberts

Hulbert

J.Evans

Morgan

Warman

Chubb

Black

Fuller

Craven

Pashen

Davies

Roberts

Price

Evans

Owen

Morgan

Price

Blake

L.Rees

Lang

Baker

Corsby

Hulbert

Warman

Chubb

Evans

Corsby

Owen

Morgan

Price

L.Rees

Lang

J.Evans

Warman

Davies

Thomas

Chubb

Will Fuller

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Will Fuller has been at the club since 2011, helping the club to progress from Welsh Division 3 to the Europa League over the last 8 seasons. Born in Ipswich and released by the club aged 16, Will joined Salisbury City for a two year youth scholarship before moving to Cardiff to continue his academics. Studying an undergraduate degree in Sport & Exercise Science and then a Masters in Applied Sports Psychology, Will was also voted in as the Students’ Union Vice-President and then President.

Dylan Rees

Defender

Dylan spent two years as a professional at the Bluebirds after 8 years in their academy. Upon his release in 2017, he signed for Karlstad BK in the Swedish Second Division.

The summer of 2017 saw him return to Wales and begin his studies at Cardiff Metropolitan. Dylan has been capped at Wales ‘C’ level and is one of the best defenders in the Cymru Premier winning the Club Player of the Year award in 2019. Dylan is currently studying for a PGCE here at Cardiff Met.

Kyle McCarthy

Defender

Kyle spent his junior football days at Cardiff City FC Academy until he was released prior to a scholarship and sought youth team football and further education at Hereford United FC. Having completed both undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Cyncoed, Kyle is currently employed as a Sport Development Officer on behalf of Cardiff Metropolitan University (Sport Cardiff). During an 8 year period of representing the university, McCarthy has won promotion at every level of the Welsh pyramid, a league cup and more recently, European qualification.

Brad Woolridge

Defender

Brad is a current PhD student at the University and also club captain. His playing career began at 16, playing senior football for Heath Hayes FC in the Midland Alliance, where he played for 2 years prior to moving down to Cardiff to study for a sport science undergraduate degree in 2011. Brad worked hi way up through the Met system and became a member of the first team squad in 2014 assuming the captaincy a year later which he still holds today. Brad has played a pivotal role in the recent success at the club and is a wonderful example to both his team mates and the younger players within the Archers set-up.

Emlyn Lewis

Defender

Hailing from a rural community in West Wales, Emlyn spent most of his early days in swimming pools, competing at a national level, before committing to football at the age of 16, making his debut for Penrhyncoch FC in the Cymru Alliance. At the age of 18, Emlyn moved to the capital and 5 years on he’s still here having completed an Undergraduate Degree and a Masters Degree in Sport Coaching. Emlyn lists the highlights of his career as winning back to back BUCS Cup Championships, winning the National League Cup whilst also achieving European Qualification in addition ton representing the Wales C team vs England C in March 2019.

Guto Williams

Midfielder

Guto started playing football at the age of 5 and made his WPL debut for Bangor City at the age of 17, before going on to have a trial at Liverpool where he was coached by his idol Steven Gerrard. In addition, Guto captained Wales Academies Under 18’s to victory vs Ireland and also captained Wales Schools in the Centenary Shield.

After completing his A-Levels Guto moved to Cardiff Met and begins his third season at the club having been part of the MG Cup winning side as well as helping the club achieve European qualification.

Eliot Evans

Midfield

Having failed to gain a YTS contract after a spell at Bristol City FC academy, at Eliot decided to pursue a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met beginning his Archers career in Tier 4 of Welsh football. After two seasons at Monouth Town, were he won the Welsh League, Eliot rejoined the club in 2015 and his second period at the club has seen promotion to the Welsh Premier League, winning the Welsh League Cup, qualification into the Europa League as well as international call-ups with the Wales C squad. He graduated in 2018 with a Master’s degree in Sport Management. As well as his academic and sporting achievements he has been employed as an Associate Tutor, coach mentor and academy coach at Cardiff Met.

Chris Baker

Midfield

‘Bakes’ began his football career within Swansea City’s youth academy and after being released by Swansea, Chris returned to education and was part of the Gower College Welsh and British Cup winning squads moving to the capital to study for his undergraduate degree. Chris is a current PhD student going into his seventh season at the club and during that time has been part of the team that won promotion, a league cup, the BUCS championship and European qualification. An all action midfielder who sometimes doesn't get the credit he deserves, Chris scored Cardiff Met’s first ever goal in front of the Sgorio cameras against Aberystwyth.

Harry Warwick

Forward

Harry joins us on loan from Bristol Rovers where he has recently signed a professional contract. He has been on loan to a number of clubs within the English system and has impressed in his early games for the Archers, scoring twice in pre-season. Despite playing as a number 9, Harry has great pace and an eye for goal and certainly looks to be an excellent addition to the squad.

Charlie Corsby

Midfield

Charlie is currently a Lecturer in Sports Coaching at the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences. Originally from Bournemouth, Charlie began a semiprofessional playing career at Brockenhurst FC and having moved to Cardiff to study BSc Sports Coaching, Charlie continued his playing career at Cardiff Met FC (formerly UWIC). Moving into his tenth year at the club, Charlie has been involved in the team’s success winning Welsh Division Three, Welsh Division Two, Welsh Division One and, more recently, the Nathaniel MG Cup. Charlie is also the Academy Director at Cardiff Met FC and holds a UEFA A & Elite Youth Licence.

Harry Owen

Midfield

Harry grew up in Gloucestershire and played local club football before spending time at a variety of different professional outfits, Harry pursued further education at Cirencester College where he was involved in playing for Cirencester Town, in addition to representing Gloucestershire County, England Colleges and England Schoolboys. Harry chose to continue his education at Cardiff Met, whilst enabling him to play at the highest level of Welsh football. Having been sidelined through injury for long periods, Harry’s return will be a great boost for the team following the departure of Jordan Lam.

Ollie Hulbert

Forward

Another loanee from Bristol Rovers, Ollie made an instant impact on his debut in the Cymru Premier with two goals against Aberystwyth at Park Avenue to help the Archers to a 3-2 victory. Ollie has also signed a professional contract at the Memorial Ground and speaking about the youngster agreeing his first professional deal, Manager Ben Garner said, "Ollie is a player that has come all the way through the Academy system from a young age. He is highly regarded by the Academy staff and has shown his potential when training with the first-team squad."

Kieron Proctor

Midfielder/Forward

Kieron began his football career with local club Ely Rangers before joining Cardiff City. Serious injury hampered his time with the Bluebirds and Kieron was released having spells with Taff’s Well in addition to playing in Australia. A skilful number 10, Kieron certainly has the ability to have a big impact here at Cyncoed.

Joe Evans

Defender

Former player at Cambrian & Clydach Vale FC, who had an impressive first season with Cardiff Met. Joe is studying a Masters Degree in Sports Leadership & Management at Cyncoed and has had the honour of representing Wales at both University and College level. Joe can play anywhere in the back four and his versatility was evident last season with a consistent first campaign with the Archers.

CJ Craven

Midfielder

CJ joins us from TNS and looks to have an excellent technique as well as an eye for a pass. We wish him well in his time here and look forward to seeing more of him as the season progresses.

Jac Davies

Defender

Jac joins the Archers after previously spending time at Cardiff City Academy. Comfortable on the ball and rarely gives possession away, we welcome Jac and wish him well during his time here.

Rhydian Morgan

Defender

A sporting all-rounder, Rhydian excelled at both cricket and tennis before turning his attention to football and a degree at Cardiff Met. Rhydian signing for Welsh Premier League academy side Llandudno Academy through the age groups before signing a 1st team contract at the age of 17. This led to yet another International call up, being selected for Welsh Schools. Now in his third year at the club, ’Rodney’ won the BUCS National Championship in his 1st year alongside winning the Nathaniel MG Cup and playing in both European Play-Off finals.

Liam Warman

Midfielder/Forward

Liam began his football journey at the Cardiff City Academy which he joined at the age of 10. After spending 6 years with the Bluebirds, he moved to Newport County as a scholar, staying with the club for two years in which time the team went undefeated in the Merit Youth League whilst winning the title. Now in his second year at Cyncoed, Liam is a pacy winger who has developed during his time at the club and has forced his way into the first team after some impressive pre-season performances.

Matt Chubb

Defencder

Matt’s early football career was spent with his local team Braunton FC but at 16 he decided to primarily focus on competing in athletics. After two years of focusing on athletics, his arrival at University led to an increased desire to focus on football.

He began his Cardiff Met journey in the fourth team and has progressed year on year to take his place in the first team squad. He is a current MSc student in Strength and Conditioning after completing his Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate degree.

Harri Horwood

Midfielder

Harri spent his early years playing for Wrexham youth team, playing in the Welsh Super Cup on a number of occasions against teams from all around the world. After being released, Harri joined Aberystwyth Town academy where he progressed through all age groups, eventually making his debut for their first team in the Welsh Premier League. Harri has been capped by Wales eleven times through the schoolboys and academies set ups. He is currently studying Sport, Physical Education and Health and in the future hopes to become a P.E. Teacher.

Liam Black

Defender

After moving to Cardiff in 2012 to study at Uni, he joined Cardiff Met FC who were competing in the 4th Tier of Welsh domestic football and the 3rd Tier of university football at the time. Liam’s time at Cyncoed has coincided with a glittering period in the history of the club, winning various promotions, 2 BUCs championships, 1 league cup and a Europa League qualification. Liam currently works as an Associate Tutor. Cardiff Met has also supported Liam on his coaching journey having worked within the reserve team as well as completing his UEFA A licence. Liam is the Head Coach of the U-19s.

Ashton Gleed

Attacker

Ashton is originally from Swindon and in entering his third year at Cardiff Met. He has previously captained his County from u15-u18. After playing youth football he moved around various college set ups before leaving to play and coach in New Zealand in his gap year, before settling into university life. Last year he played a combination of football at home within a dual sign before obtaining international clearance to play for Cardiff Met.

Sam Pashen

Midfielder

Born in Dorchester, In his early years Sam played for Dorchester Town FC with selection for the Dorset County side and a spell at AFC Bournemouth Youth Academy following. After completing his A Levels Sam decided that Cardiff Met was the ideal place to grow both footballing and academic careers. Now in the 3rd year of a Sports and Exercise Science degree beginning to focus on my dissertation and future academia in the direction of a Masters in Strength and Conditioning.

Outside of football, one of his proudest achievements was completing a 120-mile trek on his gap year, to Mount Everest Base Camp, raising money for charity.

Alex Lang

Goalkeeper

The 2018/19 season was his first as part of the Cardiff Met FC team, and also his first time in full time education since the age of 15 after playing for Swansea City from the age of 11 until 18. After leaving Swansea, Alex decided to restart his education at Cardiff Met studying Sport and Physical Education, having a particular interest in goalkeeper coaching. An excellent shot stopper, Lang has proved himself to be an able deputy for Will Fuller and has certainly given the management plenty to think about for the forthcoming season.

Craig Davies

Midfielder

19 year old Craig is originally from a small village in West Wales called Synod Inn. Craig joined the Archers recently having spent 7 years at Swansea City FC from U12’s to the U23’s. After moving from home to live in Swansea at 14, he signed a 2 year scholarship shortly after. During this time he was able to gain valuable experiences playing against other top Category 1 clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal on a regular basis. “I am looking forward to using my positive experiences and attributes to help Cardiff Met this season.”

Brandon Roberts Midfielder Born in Abergavenny, and currently studying A Levels at Llanishen High School, Brandon has risen through the Cardiff Met Uni FC Academy ranks making his senior debut against Connah’s Quay earlier this season. He has also played for Cardiff Schools at County level where he represented them in both the Welsh and English School Cups. Brandon is a versatile player comfortable on either wing, in the traditional role or as wing back. On occasion he has also played upfront. Before joining Cardiff Met, he competed for Cardiff Archers Elite Athletics squad in endurance events.

Mathew Jones

Midfielder

Mathew has spent time at Wrexham and originally signed for Flint before deciding to further his education and sign for Cardiff Met without playing a game at Cae-y-Castell. We look forward to seeing him in action and welcome him to Cyncoed.

Max Manson

Goalkeeper

A native of Newport South Wales he signed for his hometown club Newport County when he was 15. After his second ACL reconstruction surgery he studied a Level 3 Diploma in sport at County in the Community college programme. He is now into my third year of studying at Cardiff Met with future desires of doing a postgraduate PGCE to become a primary education teacher.

One hundred and five days have passed since Cardiff Met’s last home game against Bala Town in early December. Today’s match against Cefn Druids cannot come quickly enough. I just hope there are no kit clash problems this afternoon to spoil the proceedings! I always feel there is a large void in my life during the summer months between the end and beginning of a new season although there are always many pre-season fixtures to look forward to. However, this latest Lockdown from a football perspective has been long and frustrating for football fans like myself with no Welsh Premier league matches to watch at Cyncoed.

Thankfully there has been plenty of football matches to watch on television and I am so glad this year my parents subscribed to BT Sport, Sky Sports and Amazon Prime. There seems to be matches to enjoy every evening and throughout the weekends, much to the annoyance of my sister who, unlike me, is not an avid fan of football. This is the first year I have been able to watch the Champions League matches on television, which has proved a real treat. Whilst watching Chelsea’s midweek game against Atletico Madrid it appeared as a mirror image of Met’s away game at Newtown last Saturday. Early in the game a Madrid striker was clearly impeded and fouled by César Azpilicueta. Without doubt an obvious penalty kick should have been awarded along with a straight red for the Chelsea defender as a blatant professional foul. With Madrid trailing by a single goal this incident could

have proved pivotal for the final outcome of the two-legged tie. However, the referee took no action (along with VAR), Chelsea seized the advantage and proceeded to score within a few minutes and the tie was effectively over.

Unquestionably, Met also suffered last weekend by a crucial similar decision at Newtown. Early in the second half, whilst trailing 2-1 Met striker Harry Owen was through on goal with only the keeper to beat before being taken out and upended by a Newtown defender. How the referee decided to wave play on and take no action is beyond me! A penalty kick and an early bath for the Newtown player should have been awarded as it should have to Azpilicueta. The Sgorio television highlights of the incident should prove uncomfortable viewing for the match officials who decided to take no action. This was a pivotal moment in a close game and Met were undeniably aggrieved with this decision.

Let us hope today’s game does not have any contentious decisions that affect the final result. A repeat of the memorable fixture in November 2019 would be most welcome. Everything happened in that game. Two red cards, a first minute own goal, an Eliot Evans screamer and a last minute penalty save from Will Fuller to win the game for Met. Following months of indoor hibernation at home, I am sure everyone at today’s fixture would welcome even a small slice of that previous encounter.

Enjoy the game!

Mae cant a phum niwrnod wedi mynd heibio ers gêm gartref ddiwethaf Met Caerdydd yn erbyn Y Bala ar gychwyn mis Rhagfyr. Ni all y gêm heddiw yn erbyn Derwyddon Cefn ddod yn ddigon cyflym. Rwy'n gobeithio na fydd unrhyw broblemau gyda’r citiau'r prynhawn yma i amharu ar y gêm! Rwyf bob amser yn teimlo bod gwagle mawr yn fy mywyd yn ystod misoedd yr haf rhwng diwedd a dechrau tymor newydd er bod llawer o gemau ar gychwyn y tymor i edrych ymlaen atynt bob amser. Fodd bynnag, mae'r Cyfnod Clo diweddaraf hwn o safbwynt pêl-droed wedi bod yn hir ac yn rhwystredig i gefnogwyr pêl-droed fel fi heb unrhyw gemau yn Uwch Gynghrair Cymru i'w gwylio yng Nghyncoed.

Diolch byth, bu digon o gemau pêl-droed i'w gwylio ar y teledu ac rwyf mor falch eleni bod fy rhieni wedi tanysgrifio i BT Sport, Sky Sports ac Amazon Prime. Mae yna gemau i'w mwynhau bob nos a thrwy gydol y penwythnosau, er mawr boendod i'm chwaer nad yw'n gefnogwr brwd pêl-droed fel fi. Dyma'r flwyddyn gyntaf i mi allu gwylio gemau Ewropeaidd Cynghrair y Pencampwyr ar y teledu, sydd wedi profi'n wledd go iawn. Wrth wylio gêm ganol wythnos Chelsea yn erbyn Atletico Madrid roedd yn ymddangos fel delwedd ddrych o gêm Met oddi cartref yn y Drenewydd ddydd Sadwrn diwethaf. Yn gynnar yn y gêm roedd ymosodwr Madrid yn amlwg wedi ei rwystro a'i faglu gan César Azpilicueta. Heb amheuaeth dylid wedi rhoi cic gosb amlwg ynghyd â cherdyn coch yn syth i amddiffynnwr Chelsea fel trosedd proffesiynol amlwg. Gyda Madrid ar ei hôl o gôl i ddim o’r cymal cyntaf gallai'r digwyddiad wedi bod yn ganolog i ganlyniad terfynol yr ornest. Fodd bynnag, ni chymerodd y dyfarnwr unrhyw weithred

(ynghyd â VAR), cipiodd Chelsea y fantais a mynd ymlaen i sgorio o fewn ychydig funudau ac roedd y gêm drosodd fel cystadleuaeth i bob pwrpas.

Yn ddiamau, dioddefodd Met y penwythnos diwethaf hefyd gan benderfyniad tebyg dadleuol yn y Drenewydd. Yn gynnar yn yr ail hanner, gyda Met 2-1 i lawr, yr oedd Harry Owen drwyddo ar y gôl gyda dim ond y gô-geidwad i guro cyn cael ei hyrddio i’r llawr yn ddisymwth gan amddiffynnwr Y Drenewydd. Nid oedd unrhyw un yn y gêm gallu credu i’r dyfarnwr benderfynu i’r gêm barhau a chymryd dim gweithred? Dylai’r dyfarnwr fod wedi rhoi cic gosb a cherdyn coch i chwaraewr y Drenewydd yn syth, yn debyg i Azpilicueta. Mae’n siŵr y byddai uchafbwyntiau Sgorio o’r digwyddiad yn anghyfforddus i swyddogion yr ornest wylio wrth iddynt benderfynu peidio â chymryd unrhyw gamau. Roedd hon yn foment tyngedfennol mewn gêm agos ac yn ddi-os yr oedd Met wedi dioddef a’u cythruddo gyda'r penderfyniad.

Gadewch i ni obeithio nad oes gan y gêm heddiw unrhyw benderfyniadau dadleuol sy'n effeithio ar y canlyniad terfynol.

Byddai ailadrodd y gêm gofiadwy ym mis Tachwedd 2019 i'w groesawu'n fawr. Digwyddodd popeth yn y gêm hynny. Met yn ildio gôl yn y funud gyntaf (og), dau gerdyn coch, gôl anhygoel gan Eliot ac arbediad cic gosb wych a hollbwysig gan Will Fuller ym munud ola’r gêm i sicrhau bod Met yn ennill. Yn dilyn misoedd o aeafgysgu dan do gartref, rwy'n siŵr y byddai'r holl wylwyr yn y gêm heddiw yn croesawu darn bach o'r gêm gofiadwy honno.

Mwynhewch y gêm!

With this fixture being the first match at Cyncoed Campus since the league restarted, it gives us as a club the opportunity to remember a Welsh Football Legend who we sadly lost during the recent winter lockdown period.

Sadly, William David “Dai” Davies passed away on February 10th aged 72 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

The goalkeeper studied at Cardiff Met University back in the late 1960s and went on to have a 17-year career in the professional game. He played between the sticks for the Archers during his time at Cyncoed, appearing in three consecutive Welsh Amateur Cup finals winning the competition in both 1968 and 1969. Davies also appeared for the Archers in a Welsh Cup tie with Hereford United featuring none other than Welsh legend John Charles who was player manager at Edgar Street at the time.

Having completed his studies at Cyncoed, he signed for Swansea City before moving north, spending seven years at Everton. He was loaned back to the Vetch Field for the 1974 season for his second spell with the Swans.

In 1977, he moved to Wrexham and made 144 appearances for the Dragons in a four year spell before returning once again returning to play for Swansea City – his third spell with the club he started his career with. He went on to finish his playing career with Tranmere Rovers and officially retired from football in 1986.

Davies was also a key member of the Welsh National Team, making his debut against Hungary in 1975, and went on to only miss 6 of the next 57 international fixtures. His 52nd – and final – cap came in 1982, against France.

As his career came to an end, Dai was a prominent figure on S4C, working as a commentator in both Welsh and English for many years. His autobiography – “Hanner Cystal a ‘Nhad” – was first published in Welsh, before later being translated into English in 1986 under the name “Never Say Dai.” As a University and football club, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Dai’s family and friends as we remember him at today’s match against Cefn Druids.

He will be remembered ahead of kick off this afternoon with a minutes silence.

ARCHERS

ANCIENTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 24 27 28 29 33 39

Will Fuller Dylan Rees Kyle McCarthy Brad Woolridge (c) Emlyn Lewis Guto Williams Eliot Evans Chris Baker Josh Thomas Charlie Corsby Harry Owen Ollie Hulbert Kieron Proctor Joe Evans CJ Craven Jac Davies Rhydian Morgan Liam Warman Matt Chubb Liam Black Ashton Gleed Sam Pashen Alex Lang Craig Davies Brandon Roberts Tom Price Mathew Jones Max Manson Matthew Blake Lewis Rees Referee: TBC Assistant Referee: TBC Assistant Referee: TBC 4th Official: TBC

Michael Jones Naim Arsan Josh Green Phil Mooney Aaron Simpson Ethan Cartwright Harry Brazel Alex Darlington Dawid Szczepaniak Sam Phillips Niall Flint Iwan Cartwright Cody Ruberto Jonny Taylor Joe Faux Harry Fuller Chris Aziamale Ryan Kershaw Jacob Wise Steff Edwards Charley Edge