WILL Evans will be playing in Europe next season.

The former Llanfyllin High School student played a key role in Cardiff Metropolitan’s comeback to stun Bala Town in the final of the JD Welsh Premier Europa League play-off.

The Lakesiders led before the Archers replied with Evans crossing for Eliot Evans to level with neither side able to claim victory in the 90 minutes.

The student side escaped a late scare in extra-time when Mike Hayes contrived to fail to convert from six yards following a goalmouth scramble as the match went to penalties.

A bizarre shoot-out saw Bala fail to convert their opening three penalties with Mid Wales based captain Chris Venables among those to scuff their lines from the spot while Met goalkeeper Will Fuller produced two saves.

Evans was also unable to find the net with his spot kick but namesake Elliot converted his effort to complete a 3-1 victory and spark wild scenes of celebration at Maes Tegid.

The result ensured the Cardiff side booked a place in the Europe having fallen at the last hurdle in both of the previous two seasons while Bala were left to contemplate missing out on their annual European trip for the first time in five years.

Evans said: “It is a massive achievement personally and as a whole.

“It’s something we’ve been working towards over the past few seasons and to finally achieve is something to be very proud of.

“Just a shame about my penalty but thankfully it did not matter and now we can look forward to making history in the summer.”

The party went on long into the night with the celebrating players, management and supporters stopping off at Evans’ family pub in Llangedwyn, the Green Inn where songs were sung and tears of joy continued to fall courtesy of a free bar.