By Jack Cook and Owen Nelson
A SIX goal, five penalty thriller saw USW and Cardiff University settle for a point each as both sides had hat-trick heroes.
The first chance of the game fell to USW’s Joe Tanti, as an over the top ball was touched down brilliantly. His shot hit the post and was unlucky not to get to the rebound.
A lovely long-range effort by Ronan Whalley hit the crossbar as USW looked to take the lead.
Cardiff’s No.11 whipped in a beautiful ball from a corner and was headered home by an unmarked No.10 as the away side took the lead.
Cardiff then went on to dominate the half as USW conceded a penalty after a mistimed tackle by Nathan Tram. Cardiff’s No.10 nicely tucked away the penalty past USW keeper Ben Williams.
A quiet start to the second-half saw just one chance fall to either team in the opening 15 minutes. Joseph Ogugu missed a one-on-one chance.
On the 65th minute mark, the referee awarded USW’s first penalty after a lot of pushing in the box. Ogugu slotted the penalty in the bottom left corner.
Minutes later, USW evened the score as they were awarded a second penalty. Ogugu calmly slotted home.
The frantic nature of the half continued as USW were awarded a third penalty. Yet again, Ogugu placed the ball in the bottom left corner for his hat-trick.
As the match was coming to a close, Cardiff were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon. Ronan Whalley brought down a Cardiff player and their No.10 scored his hat-trick.
A feisty affair concluded in a fair 3-3 draw. USW remain third in the Western 4B, behind Cardiff Uni.
Star player: Joseph Ogugu
