by Tom Young
NINE man USW maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-earned point in a hot-blooded affair away at Hartpury.
The visiting side had the better of the early exchanges, with Danny Williams effort from the edge of the box going narrowly wide of the right post.
With 15 minutes gone USW were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box following a late challenge on Mikey George, however Kane Owens couldn’t keep his effort down and it sailed over the bar.
USW continued to press and had a great opportunity to take the lead five minutes later. Hartpury struggled to clear a delivery from the left-hand side, with the ball falling to the feet of Louis Gerrard 12 yards out, however his first-time effort flew over the bar.
Hartpury began to find a foothold in the game and could have taken the lead just before half time. Centre back Jordan Staten rose highest to Kieran Statens deep free kick but his header struck the post and went wide.
USW were reduced to ten men five minutes into the second half. Louis Gerrard with a late challenge on Adam Page, the referee with no hesitation to brandish the red card.
The intensity of the game increased as a result of the red card, however despite their man advantage, Hartpury struggled to create any real chances against a resolute USW defence. Alders deflected effort from the edge of the box after 65 minutes, wrongfooted ‘keeper Ashley Morris who dropped wide of the post.
There were fouls aplenty and Hartpury picked up their first yellow card after 70 minutes, Harry Franklin booked for kicking out off the ball as the home side began to let their frustrations show.
Hartpury made two substitutions as they looked to grab a late winner, with Seth Antwi and Isaac Kelly making way for Edji Mbunga and Jacob Davidge.
Hartpury were awarded a free kick 25 yards out with two minutes to go with Lewis Baldwin booked for the challenge on Alder, however Karnell Chambers effort was saved easily by Morris.
As the game entered stoppage time USW were reduced to nine men as Baldwin was shown a second yellow by the referee for time wasting, with Ashley Morris also receiving a yellow card as he took his time over a goal kick.
The referee’s full-time whistle signalled the end of a gritty game, with USW heading back to Wales with a four point advantage at the top of the BUCS Premier South.
