By Sam Hart and Tom Pritchard
UNIVERSITY of South Wales Women’s 1st maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Cardiff University 6th at the USW Sport Park.
The home side had the first opportunity to score in the eighth minute but couldn’t capitalise on some slow Cardiff defending.
Moments later, a breakthrough by USW’s number 13 resulted in Cardiff committing a foul. USW pinged the ball into the box with number 13 waiting at the back post for a easy tap in to give her side the lead.
Six minutes later, USW added a second, which was almost a replica of the opener. Another ball into the box found the captain number 3 at the edge who powered it home to make the score 2-0.
Only three minutes later, USW extended their lead with number 3 dancing through the Cardiff defence then passing it across goal for number 13 to tap it in from close range.
There were a couple more chances towards the end of the first, but neither side was able to find the net; and the hosts headed into the interval with a 3-0 lead.
After a quiet opening 10 minutes to the second half, Cardiff University were awarded a penalty following a foul in the area.
The visitors weren’t able to make the most of this opportunity, as the pass back in field was missed.
USW, who are the only side in the BUCS Western 3B with a 100% record, had the chance to extend their lead in the 48th minute. A short corner from the far side was passed to number 26 who took a touch and saw her powerful effort well blocked.
Cardiff put in an improved performance in the second half, but weren’t able to get themselves into goal-scoring positions often enough.
Just before the hour mark, the Treforest-based side mounted a quick attack, and managed to work their way into the box; their number 13 unleashed a strong shot which was parried away.
Ten minutes before the end, an incisive ball played through the middle split the defence, and found goal-scorer number three only for her flicked effort to lack the power needed.
The final chance of the game fell to the home side. Their number 26 took a shot from long range which was turned away by Cardiff’s keeper, who was kept busy throughout the game.
The win sees USW remain at the top of the BUCS Western 3B table, while Cardiff’s first defeat of the season means they remain in mid table.
Next up for USW is a trip to face Swansea University Women’s 2nd on November 14.
Star player – Beth (number 13)
USW will be delighted with the contributions of their number 13. She stayed on the field for the entirety of the game, and scored two of her teams three goals. You feel that she will have a big say in the fortunes of her team for the rest of the season.