“It’s surreal we’re in a play-off game.” – Charlie Corsby

Cardiff Metropolitan University midfielder Charlie Corsby says it is surreal that the club will be taking part in the Europa League play-off semi final today.

Back in the fourth tier of Welsh football, a running joke could become a reality and Corsby has described that as surreal.

“I actually remember a running joke a few of the lads had regarding playing in Europe after a good cup run when we were in Division Three. So, it’s a bit surreal we are now in a play-off game. Having said that, whilst it’s important to remember the Welsh League Three days, this is an opportunity that we have fully deserved over the course of the season.”

Reflecting on the regular season and Phase Two on a whole, the student turned lecturer says it’s great that the Met have extended their season by a possible two games by being in the play-offs.

“It’s been a great season and it’s always a pleasure to be playing for something come the end of the season. We have worked hard in recent years to make sure we have some pressure at the end of the season and this is no different.”

A win today and Bangor to await in the final, the Archers could be in the Europa League as 180 minutes of football stands between them and the unthinkable.

“180 minutes sounds great but we have a mammoth task against Carmarthen Sunday which we can’t look past at the moment.

I think it is in terms of the club’s history. However, it is just another game and one that we need to perform in. There is lots of work to be done yet.”

Corsby will be preparing for the game in the best possible manner to make sure he’s ready and says that team togetherness could be a factor if Met are to win.

“I will make sure I do what I can to prepare myself and the other players as best as I can on Sunday. We have a very tight group that have played together for some years now, which will put us in a good position to perform. We have been in similar situations, both positive and negative, so I am sure those experiences will serve us well.”

Corsby says there is a feeling of excitement on the campus at Cardiff Met and the players can take time away from their exams to take part in the Semi-Final.

“Well, it is exam period for lots of the players so I am sure their studies have provided a welcomed distraction, but there is certainly a buzz around the campus for Sunday. Sunday is credit to the hard work from everyone involved. We have an opportunity to extend the season so we need to capitalise at Carmarthen.”

Despite beating Carmarthen 4-0 in their last meeting with the Old Gold, the experienced Archer says that today will be a completely different game.

“I think the only thing we can take from the last game against Carmarthen is the momentum to take us out of the phase two rut. Carmarthen will be a different team and we will prepare accordingly. We have trained hard and we will continue to do so for Sunday.”

(Featured Image: Graham Haines)