Students look to make own piece of history

CARDIFF Met are looking to add their name to the Welsh Premier record books this afternoon (5.15pm) when they take on The New Saints in the televised final of the Nathaniel MG Cup at Park Avenue.

It will be a tough task for the students as Saints are looking for their fourth successive trophy and their 10th in all.

It is an encounter Met’s longserving midfielder Charlie Crosby is looking forward to in his eighth season with the Cyncoed based side. Now a lecturer in Sports Coaching at the University, Dr Corsby has great admiration for today’s opponents.

“The New Saints are a wonderful footballing side and they are a joy to play against because they test you to the limit,” he said.

“They pull you around and are difficult to contain, but we have the players too who can cause TNS some real problems. I have no doubt the players who run out on the pitch have the ability to win it for us.”

He added praise for manager and former Swansea City favourite and Welsh international Christian Edwards.

“When I first played, we had no success for the first few years and were in the lower divisions, but what has happened since Christian took over has been remarkable. He has worked tirelessly to improve matters on and off the field. It has been an incredible journey,” he said. PARK AVENUE 5.15pm TNS v CARDUFF MET

Saints boss Scott Ruscoe, chasing his first trophy following his predecessor Craig Harrison’s departure to Hartlepool United, acknowledges that his side will have to be at their best to add another trophy to his club’s ever increasing successes.

“Cardiff Met are a decent side and I saw them recently at Newtown.

“They rested a few players ahead of the cup final, but they are a good side, well drilled and they have given us a few problems already this season. We drew in Cardiff and won narrowly at home. They were tough games,” Ruscoe said.

‘They try to play, they do everything the right way, they play a formation very similar to us, they play from the back with good fullbacks who get on. They don’t just hit it long and hope for the best.

“They will really be up for this one and in cup finals form goes out of the window, but we have a good record in this tournament and we are looking to win it again”.

Saints have been boosted by agreeing two-year contract extensions with Jamie Mullan and Blaine Hudson.

“To have these players commit to us is vital for our progress. We are a successful club, but it is important we keep improving,” Ruscoe added.