by Ben Jones
IT FINISHED honours even at Cyncoed as champions USW and Cardiff Met played out an entertaining draw in the first derby of the season.
It took USW no more than 30 seconds to create their first chance. Lloyd Davies charged down a clearance with the rebound falling kindly to him. Through one-on-one with Met ‘keeper Alex Lang, his shot was easily blocked.
The visitors continued to pile the pressure on the Met defence early on, forcing Lang into action on a number of occasions in the opening 15 minutes.
Met forged their first chance of the game as Dan Spencer laid the ball back for Owen Taylor on the edge of the box. His curled effort was bound for the net, but Morgan Davies calmly saved the effort.
After a high tempo opening 20 minutes, the pace of the game began to slow down as Met settled into the game. Although Lee Kendall’s men did go close twice more, first through Evan Press’ header and then Liam Edwards fired over from the edge of the box.
Some things are certain in life; death, taxes and Kane Owen finding you with a 40-yard pass.
This time it was to the feet of Tristan Jenkins, whose effort left Lang beaten as it rattled the crossbar.
With just over half an hour on the clock, the USW pressure finally told as Owen’s corner was flicked on at the front post by Edwards and Clayton Green, back in the starting line-up, finished off at the back post.
As the half drew to a close, Met had the ball in the net but the referee, Kevin Russell, ruled it out for a foul on ‘keeper Davies.
Half-time 0 – 1
Much like the first 45, USW were camped in Met’s half but the Champions were to be undone at a free kick. Floated in by Taylor, Dan Spencer rose highest and with a delightful header, found the top corner to level things at 1-1.
Met’s Sam Pashen was shown a yellow card midway through the half for a late challenge on Miles John as the intensity began to increase as both sides looked for the winner.
The visitors attacking threat after the equaliser looked as if it had lost its’ momentum. The Archers’ looked more likely to score and Spencer should have perhaps done just that after sending a volley just over from around ten yards out.
USW finished strong as a free kick in a dangerous position had the Archers’ on edge. Owen’s attempt, aided by a slight deflection, forced Lang into another save. That would be the last of the action as 1-1 is how it finished.
