Cardiff Met FC make flying start to new season
Cardiff Met FC have made a perfect start to the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season, with back-to-back victories the next test come against Barry Town this Saturday, and it's live on BBC iPlayer.
The Archers have taken maximum points from their opening two fixtures, scoring eight goals and conceding just once, as Ryan Jenkins’ side look to build early momentum in the new campaign.
Cardiff Met began the season in emphatic fashion at Cyncoed Campus, recording a 6-1 victory over newly promoted Holywell Town on Saturday 1 August. Jasper Payne was the standout performer on the opening day, scoring a hat-trick, while James Clarke, Zeli Ismail Mwandwe and Sam Jones were also on target.
The six-goal display was Cardiff Met’s highest-scoring league performance since a 6-0 victory over Cefn Druids in 2021 and provided an impressive opening statement from the Archers. Despite the emphatic scoreline, Head Coach Ryan Jenkins was already looking for his team to push their standards higher.
“As a manager you always want more. But three points at the start of the season and to score six goals, it’s got to be pleasing,” he said following the victory.
Archers make it two from two
Cardiff Met followed their opening-day performance with a very different type of victory on Friday night, travelling to North Wales and securing a hard-fought 2-0 win against Airbus UK Broughton.
Ryan Reynolds opened the scoring after 23 minutes with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area before Payne continued his excellent start to the campaign, adding his fourth goal in two matches in the 89th minute to secure the points.
At the other end, new goalkeeper Arron Davies produced a series of important saves as the Archers recorded their first clean sheet and first away victory of the campaign.
The result means Cardiff Met have started a Cymru Premier season with consecutive victories for the first time since the 2022/23 campaign.
Barry Town next as BBC coverage begins
The Archers now turn their attention to one of the early headline fixtures of the Cymru Premier season when they travel to face Barry Town United at Jenner Park on Saturday 15 August, kick-off 12:30pm.
The fixture will be shown live on BBC iPlayer and will be the first match broadcast as part of a significant new three-year agreement between BBC Cymru Wales and the Football Association of Wales.
Announced on Monday 10 August, the agreement will see a minimum of 20 Novira Cymru Premier matches broadcast live on BBC iPlayer during each season through to summer 2029, alongside increased coverage through BBC Sport Online.
The agreement represents another significant development for Welsh domestic football, giving clubs and players increased exposure and making Cymru Premier football accessible to a wider audience across Wales and the UK.
After two wins from two, eight goals scored and an encouraging start to the new season, the Archers head to Jenner Park looking to maintain their perfect record.
Barry Town United v Cardiff Met FC
Saturday 15 August 2026
Kick-off: 12:30pm
Live on BBC iPlayer
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