By Tom Young and Haroun Ashrif
USW cruised into the next round of the cup with 9-3 win against the University of Gloucestershire seconds.
USW opened the scoring just three minutes into the game. Great work down the left-hand side from Luke Davidson saw him beat Gloucestershire’s full back and deliver an inch-perfect cross to Callum Bateman who made no mistake, powering his header into the top right corner.
USW doubled their lead three minutes later. A long throw from Ben Rose-Miles was flicked on by Jordan Pike and found Davidson unmarked at the back post to tuck home.
Gloucestershire pulled a goal back after 25 minutes, a through ball from Ellis Baines found Ben Turner in on goal and he kept his composure to slide the ball under the body of the onrushing Morgan Davies.
USW regained their two-goal cushion straight from kick off, Josh Maxsimovic, subbed on for the injured Rose-Miles, found space down the left-hand side and put a low ball across the box to Harry Collins, who tapped into the open goal.
Collins again found himself through five minutes later. His shot was well saved by Thomas Bodger, however Davidson was on hand to tap in the rebound for his second, and USW’s fourth of the game.
USW completed their first half scoring with the goal of the game. Josh Maksimovic played a great through ball to send Bateman in one on one and he calmly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Bodger for his second of the game.
Half time: USW 5-1 Gloucestershire
After a high scoring first half more of the same was expected – and it duly arrived.
USW continued to pressure Gloucestershire by adding to their lead with two early goals.
Bateman claimed his hat trick and Maksimovic, who made a really good impact since being subbed on, increased the advantage to 7-1.
Approaching the hour mark USW decided to bring on Abdi Noor and he made a positive impact with a simple finish via a cross.
Gloucestershire did score their second of the game through Dan Risby with a lovely finish from the edge of the box, and they also notched another late consolation.
But that wasn’t before USW responded with their ninth goal, coming again from Noor.
Star player: Luke Davidson.
