Report: University of South Wales 2nd 3-1 Bath 2nd

by Michael Wicherek

Date: Wednesday 21 March 2018

Venue: USW Sport Park, Treforest

KAZSEEM Kareem’s second half wonder goal ensured USW 2nd survival in the BUCS Western 2B division as they came from behind to beat league leaders Bath 2nd 3-1.

After a scrappy start where both teams looked to play in a direct fashion, it was Bath who got the first real opportunity of the match. The Bath right-back delivered an excellent cross which found the feet of their striker who left USW goalkeeper Joe Massaro with little chance.

USW came close to equalising very quickly after, however Josh Maximovic could not find the finish to draw level.

The pressure from the threat of relegation started to creep in with some feisty tackles being made, Ellis Bellamy picking up an early yellow card.

Shortly after, a strong shout for a penalty was waved away by the referee after a coming together between Bellamy and Bath’s right winger inside the USW penalty area.

Just before half-time, Ben Rose-Miles replaced Bellamy as USW looked to play more direct going in to the second half.

A last-ditch tackle from Kareem early in the second half prevented USW from falling 2-0 behind, the midfielder recovering to block an effort from close range.

Strong tackles continued, with Bath voicing their displeasure with one challenge from USW left-back Jordan Pike which was a little late.

Pressure high up the field saw Joe Evans win possession for USW inside the Bath penalty area, the centre-back sliding the ball to Rose-Miles whose scuffed shot found the bottom left corner to level the scores.

USW began to dominate proceedings again winning the ball high up the pitch, the tireless Rose-Miles dispossessing his marker before forcing a save, Maximovic nearly followed up the rebound before Bath cleared their lines.

Second-half substitute King Junior forced another save from the Bath keeper with a low drive from inside the box.

USW finally took the lead after Bath failed to clear a long throw, Evans stabbing home from close range to put USW ahead for the first time.

Kareem produced the moment of the match to make the score 3-1. Another long throw in from Rose-Miles was cleared to the edge of the box, Kareem met the ball on the full lashing home a left foot volley to seal the victory for USW.

Man of the Match: Kazseem Kareem
The central midfielder hassled and harried the opposition for 90 minutes, winning possession for his side multiple times, his goal topped off an impressive performance.