Bluebirds brought down by clinical Met

CARDIFF Met reignited their push for a top-six place with an impressive 3-0 victory over Haverfordwest County at Bridge Meadow, their first league win in West Wales against the Bluebirds since 2022.

The visitors made a bright start, moving the ball sharply, but Haverfordwest threatened first on the counter. Goalkeeper Arron Davies was called into action with a comfortable save from Rhys Abbruzzese before producing an excellent intervention to deny a clear opening and keep the scores level.

Cardiff Met responded positively and created their first real chance after 15 minutes when Sam Snaith controlled well and fired a shot on the turn which was diverted behind for a corner. The resulting pressure paid off three minutes later. Aaron Wildig's delivery was headed down inside the area and veteran defender James Clarke reacted quickest, firing a half-volley into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.

Haverfordwest attempted an immediate response. Greg Walters found space inside the box but saw his effort brilliantly blocked before Cardiff Met cleared the resulting danger. As the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to appear at the other end and the Archers nearly capitalised when a dangerous ball into the area narrowly evaded Wildig.

The visitors doubled their advantage just before the break. Lifumpa Mwandwe combined neatly with Spencer Dymond-Hall before delivering a low cross into the area. Jasper Payne arrived to apply a clinical finish and send Cardiff Met into half-time firmly in control.

After the interval Haverfordwest enjoyed more possession, but Cardiff Met remained the greater threat. Sam Jones and CJ Craven were both booked early in the second half, while Snaith continued to cause problems for the home defence with his physical presence.

Mwandwe was particularly influential after the break. The winger twice came close to getting on the scoresheet himself, first striking the post before seeing another effort crash against the crossbar.

His persistence was eventually rewarded with a second assist. Collecting a fine long pass from Jack Veale, Mwandwe controlled well and squared for Wildig, who calmly finished from inside the area to score his first goal for the club and wrap up a commanding victory.

Cardiff Met comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure an important three points and a first clean sheet at Bridge Meadow since 2021.