Report by Osain Evans
Cardiff Met VI 3- 2 Carmarthen
Carmarthen travelled to Cardiff for their first away game of the season. A frantic opening 15 saw Carmarthen dominant in position and territory but Cardiff having the better chances. Cardiff duly opened the scoring with an excellent shot to the bottom left corner from a Penalty Corner. Carmarthen were game for the challenge however, and an incisive pass to Luke Dunning saw Dunning convert from the top of the D to equalize.
Cardiff remained undeterred and converted pressure in to Penalty Corners, scoring 2 more goals before the half from set pieces. The halftime whistle brought an end to the Cardiff salvo, and bought Carmarthen a much needed reprieve.
The 2nd half opened with more waves of attacks from Cardiff, their full complement of 16 matchday squad players ensuring a fresh 11 at all times. Carmarthen dug deep and rode their luck when needed, and thanks to imperious keeping from keeper Lee Jones, and a head height goal line clearance from defender Ryan Carvey that had to be seen to be believed, Carmarthen hung on.
Hopes of a point away from home were ignited when a scramble in the Cardiff Met D saw forward Dave Stevens poach a goal at close at close range, bringing the score to 3-2. The final quarter saw Carmarthen throw bodies forward as time became an increasing concern. They saw several close chances go begging but could not find the back of the net with the clock winding down. The final whistle brought a spectacular game to a close, with Carmarthen feeling they just needed another 5 minutes to complete the comeback. An excellent team performance against a quality opposition showed plenty of positives for the season ahead.
Man of the match was awarded to Luke Dunning for his seemingly inhuman work rate and his well taken strike. Carmarthen host Bridgend 3s at home next week, with both sides vying to prove their status as contenders for the upper league positions
Comments