DRUIDS INTO EUROPE

CEFN DRUIDS 1 CARDIFF MET 0
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY OFF FINAL @ THE ROCK
20 MAY 2018 --- 1225PM

EUROPE HERE WE COME FOR CEFN DRUIDS

A fantastic end to a wonderful season for Cefn Druids and their overjoyed manager Huw Griffiths was sealed by a solitary James Davies goal after 17 minutes and it was that strike that would send The Ancients into a Europa League spot and all the thrills of a European encounter for this village side.
With Welsh football securing many an obscure kick off time to provide S4C and its footy programme Sgorio with a prominence for the game in the Principality this one looked to be out of my reach with a 1225 start, thankfully though the good lady fancied a trip back into Wales after enjoying the Welsh Cup Final a few weeks ago.
With a departure just after 8.30am, even that would be an hour later than the Met team, we passed by the Britannia Stadium home of Stoke City and previous to that Meir where I couldn't help childishly suggest I wonder if they have cats there. On the approach to Market Drayton a vintage tractor rally raised a sigh of relief as what must have been 50 plus of the slow moving beasts were traveling the opposite way, yes result.  Anyway by the time we were by the border the navigating was going well and travelling through Loggerheads it was good to note that thankfully we were not!

EARLY VIEW OF THE MAIN STAND AT THE ROCK

With a slight deviation through the edge of Ruabon we parked up in Rhosymedre at just shy of 11am and with time to play with made a trip to the former Druids ground for a loo visit and aisle 5 for some snacks yes of course its a Tesco now.  Arriving back at The Rock the sight of a former quarry and the clubs new ground we found the turnstiles still locked at 1130 so after a little hovering we spotted Nicky John from Sgorio and Malcom Allen expert commentator, who shortly after greeted Wayne Allsion ex of Chesterfield, Sheffield United etc who is now connected to Cardiff Met.

TOWARDS THE BUSINESS END

The gates were finally unlocked about 45 minutes before kick off and after securing a coffee and more importantly for the good lady a seat it was time to complete a circuit of this unique ground.  Without describing it again because it was covered last season for a league game versus Llandudno it is just worth recommending a visit purely for the sight of the rock face behind the far touchline and although not as dramatic as Braga in Portugal its well worth a visit.

THE ROCK @ THE ROCK

As we arrived to kick off time its worth mentioning that the convoluted way teams get there but I cant because its too complicated!  In the last few weeks Cardiff Met overcame Barry Town Utd 4-1 in a play off semi final, there are normal 2 of these but because the Cup Final went Connah's Quay way there was only one.  So we arrived at todays play off final something that Cardiff had experienced and lost in last year and with an overall estimated value of around £200,00 it was not just the achievement of wining the game that was on the cards this afternoon, however how much of that may be lost in costs travelling to some far off place in a few weeks is I suspect unknown.

MET MANAGER CHRISTIAN EDWARDS BEFORE THE GAME

Cardiff Met started strongly and looked to threaten Druids goal and clearly their manager Christian Edwards had set out a game plan to get at the home side early on.  Slowly though Druids got a foothold into the game and one remarkable move saw Davies have his effort blocked before Alec Mudimu have his first effort blocked before his follow up received the same treatment.  The game was now a very open affair but through Arek Piskorski the home side had the threat and indeed on 17 minutes his sharp run and low cross fed Davies who saw his first effort blocked by Emlyn Lewis but he made no mistake lashing home the rebound to give Cefn the lead.

THE £200,000 GOAL FROM JAMES DAVIES

Cardiff Met were on the hunt for the equaliser and although both sides could have claims to have had a fair few goals each it was the visitors who saw an excellent half volley from a tight angle on the right from Rhydian Morgan excellently saved by Michael Jones before a golden opportunity in front of goal with just the keeper to beat saw Eliot Evans lift the ball high over the crossbar.
Following the turn round the game developed into the footy version of the cricket county championship a tactical operation of intrigue.

GREAT SAVE FROM CARDIFF MET KEEPER WILL FULLER

The visitors were desperate to secure the equaliser and as they sprayed the ball around the park they looked superb up to the edge of the box where the hardworking Cefn team intervened to repel their attacks.  As Druids got deeper and deeper it looked to be a dangerous game but their tireless running would see them to the final whistle and as Nick Pratt blew signalled the end of proceedings their were scenes of joy for Huw Griffiths and his team following a tremendous achievement of not only securing their Premier League status comfortably this season but this wonderful gift of a trip to Europe. 
Scattered around the 3g surface at various points now were devastated Met players on their knees, flat out, head in hands you name it all the positions of desperation you can think of and it would be remiss to not mention their fantastic efforts in going so close they just could not find the finish they so desired.

DRUIDS MANAGER HUW GRIFFITHS PRAISES METS EDWARDS

Noteworthy though amidst the celebrations was the reception they received from the crowd of appreciation too and after the game Druids manager praised the generosity in congratulations received from Cardiff manager Edwards after what must have been such a hard result for all from the South to take.
Having gained a front of stand position for the presentation attaching myself like glue to the TV cameraman, they always get the shot, it was then that I noticed the two boxes of Cava four rows to the front of me.  Having managed to avoid the normal two bottles popping at various presentations this season I now feared for my swimming proficiency badge, needless to say I wasn't wrong mind you neither was most of the stand who got drenched as Huw Griffiths and Neil Ashton lifted the trophy in scenes that were a pleasure to witness.
A wonderful afternoon at The Rock and a delight to see what this meant to Cefn Druids I hope they have a great time and go far enjoying every minute of their European experience. 
In the mean time you know that £200,000 do you think I can put in a claim for dry cleaning?
If you get the chance this visit is another to be well recommended a thoroughly enjoyable final and re visit to Cefn Druids.  the return was punctuated with a stop in the lovely market town of Uttoxeter for Sunday tea at Spoons.