A composite construction comprising a mat structure comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising plurality of fibers arranged substantially parallel to one another along a common fiber direction, a multiplicity of embedded fiber elements extending in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure such that at least a portion of the embedded fiber elements project outwardly from the mat structure and the projecting portions define at least a partial surface covering across a first side of the mat structure, and a substrate layer disposed in layered relation to the mat structure in contacting, bonding relation with said first side of the mat structure such that at least a percentage of said portion of embedded fiber elements projecting outwardly from the mat structure is at least partially bonded or embedded into a surface portion of the substrate layer. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer. At least one interface layer disposed in layered relation to a first side of the mat structure may be included. Additional layers comprising plurality of fibers arranged substantially parallel to one another along a common fiber direction may be utilized.