By Rhys Harrison
UNIVERSITY of South Wales Men’s 5th side came from behind to secure their first point of the season against Cardiff University Men’s 5th.
After a disappointing 3-1 away loss to kick off their campaign, USW started quickly, constantly attempting to play the ball over the top of the Cardiff back-line.
Some well-placed passing created space on the left, with Connor Brennan connecting on the half-volley as he fired into the bottom left to get USW off the mark.
Cardiff were quick to respond when Luke Firkin used his pace to split the USW defence, placing the ball into the corner of the net past the outstretched hands of keeper Travis Wood.
The visitors again took advantage of some poor defending from a corner to bundle the ball into the back of the net moments later, Conor O’Boyle getting the definitive touch to make the score 2-1 to Cardiff at halftime.
The chances came thick and fast during the second half, as poor clearances led to opportunities at both ends.
USW equalised just past the hour mark as their impressive play down the wings shone through once again. A pinpoint cross was met with a diving header from Brennan to double his tally on the day and get the home side back on level terms.
Despite some late pressure from USW, Cardiff University were able to weather the storm as the game finished 2-2.
USW 5th’s head coach Tom Heal was optimistic that his team’s fightback would be a positive influence on the rest of their season, pinpointing their second-half performance as “the standard we will set for ourselves.”
