Cardiff Met Women seal promotion back to the top flight

Cardiff Met FC Women have secured promotion back to the Genero Adran Premier at the first attempt, completing a remarkable response to last season’s relegation.

Photos by Steve Williams Photography

The Archers beat Connah’s Quay Nomads on penalties at Park Avenue on Sunday to confirm their return to the top tier, adding the promotion play-off title to an outstanding league campaign in which they lost just once.

For a team that began the season with clear targets and a point to prove, it was a fittingly dramatic way to complete the job. Having already won the league title, Cardiff Met arrived in Aberystwyth knowing one more result would secure promotion, but they were forced to show the resilience and character that has underpinned their season.

Photos by Steve Williams Photography

Cardiff Met Women dominated large spells of the playoff final and created the better opportunities, but Connah’s Quay took the lead midway through the first half through Hannah Slack. The Archers continued to push after the break and, as the game entered its final moments, they were still searching for the equaliser their pressure had deserved.

Faith Mulenga provided it in the 90th minute, cutting in from the left before striking a superb effort from outside the area to send the final to penalties. From there, goalkeeper Violet Bell produced two crucial saves in the shootout before captain Olivia Barnes stepped up to score the decisive penalty and seal promotion.

It was a moment that reflected the spirit of the group. Met had been tested, placed under pressure and taken to the final kick, but they found a way through when it mattered most.

Head coach Jonathan Nash said the achievement reflected the work and standards shown by the squad throughout the season.

“It has been an incredible season from start to finish. What a group of players. The girls absolutely deserve this.“They have worked so hard every single week and the demand they have shown in training has been first class. The long nights in the rain and cold, the consistency they have shown, and their willingness to keep pushing standards has all led to this moment.“To win the league and the play-off and secure promotion at the first time of asking is something really special.”

The promotion also reflects the strength of the rebuild following relegation. Cardiff Met responded by bringing in new players, building depth, and creating a squad capable of handling the pressure of expectation across a long campaign.

Barnes, who captained the side and scored the winning penalty, said the squad had been clear on what it wanted to achieve from the start.

“It has been a great season. We brought new players in and built a strong squad. We set goals at the start of the season, and everyone knew what they had to do to reach them.“It’s a brilliant feeling to get promotion at the first time of asking. Connah’s Quay were real tough opponents, but we dug in, showed our character, and got the win in the end.”

Nash was also keen to recognise the staff and wider support network behind the team’s success.

“Going up has been an unbelievable feeling, but it is not something achieved alone.“It is important to recognise the people behind the scenes who have played a huge part in this journey. Zeke, Joe, Dan, Callum, Matt, Bren, and a special mention to Dr Chris Baker, who has supported me from the moment I arrived at the club.“The work Stacey has done within the youth set-up has also been massive in shaping the direction we are going in. This promotion is a collective achievement and the rebuild for what comes next has already started.”

Next season will bring Cardiff Met back into the Genero Adran Premier, where the Archers will face the likes of Wrexham Women, Cardiff City Women and Swansea City Women as part of Welsh football’s top tier.

For the players, staff and wider club, promotion is about more than returning to familiar surroundings. It is about earning the right to compete in a league that continues to grow in profile, quality and ambition, and making sure Cardiff Met are ready to play their part in it.

Nash said the challenge now is to build a side capable not only of returning to Tier 1, but of staying there and growing sustainably.

“Next season is going to be a different challenge entirely. The goal will be to become a sustainable Tier 1 team.“This league will demand more in every aspect and nothing will be given to us. All we can do is plan properly, prepare well, and make sure when we step on the pitch we give everything we have every single game.”

Barnes believes the squad has given itself a strong platform to build from.

“It definitely means a lot to go up. We’ve already built a good squad this season, so I’m excited to see what next season brings.“Most importantly, we want to be competitive, build on the momentum we have already started this season, keep strengthening the squad and keep growing as a group.”

Before the season is fully complete, Cardiff Met still have the chance to add another trophy. The Archers will face Cwmbran Celtic in the final of the Hugh James SWFA Women’s Cup, with the opportunity to end an already memorable campaign with more silverware.

For now, the significance of Sunday’s achievement is clear. Cardiff Met Women are back in the top flight, and they return with momentum, belief and a squad ready for the next challenge.

Photos by Steve Williams Photography (C)