Students showing a serious tilt at title

THE students of Cardiff Met have can show they can be serious challengers for the Welsh Premier title when they face their stiffest test of the season this afternoon against champions The New Saints at Park Hall.

Christian Edwards’ side are just a point behind Saints and victory would take them into pole position after a superb run of six successive league and cup victories.

On Tuesday, a 2-0 win over Barry Town United took the Cyncoed Campus side into the semifinal of the Nathaniel MG Cup where they will host Newtown. TNS, the holders, have also reached the last four and they travel to Connah’s Quay.

“It was a very mature performance against Barry,” Edwards said. “We rested a few with Saturday in mind, but I thought we were excellent, especially firsthalf.

“We moved the ball very well and our shape was excellent. The squad is good enough, fit enough and the game understanding is good enough to test TNS, but they are perennial champions and are a fantastic side, but we are going there looking for three points.”

A draw at Park Hall would suit third-placed Connah’s Quay, who disappointed last week in a 1-1 stalemate with Llandudno, but have a chance to redeem themselves as they visit Barry tomorrow.

Despite a valuable point against Connah’s Quay, Llandudno have parted company with manager Alan Morgan, who masterminded a five-match unbeaten sequence to start the season but then managed just a point from the next five.

Former Manchester City academy coach Alex Gibson takes charge on a caretaker basis for the visit of Newtown, who are surprisingly languishing just above the drop zone.

Bottom club Carmarthen Town host improving Bala Town in today’s televised clash at Richmond Park (5.15pm).

The Old Gold will be playing only their third home match on their new 3G pitch, having lost the previous two, but the Lakesiders will be keen to inflict more misery on Mark Aizlewood’s side as they look to break into the top six.

Aberystwyth are in the bottom two, but are showing signs that new boss Neville Powell is beginning to get to grips with his task. The Seasiders face a stiff test at Prestatyn, who are unbeaten at home and have recorded some impressive recent results.