By Zacharie Johnson-Pillon and Oscar Cayo-Evans
UNIVERSITY of South Wales claimed their first home win of the season as they strolled to victory against Southampton Solent.
A goal from Ffion Llewellyn got things going in the first half, before three late strikes from Rhianne Oakley, Annabel Davies and Luchia Carpanini ran the score up for USW.
From the start, USW looked the better side. They dominated possession, and continuously put pressure on Southampton Solent players when not in possession.
Montana May fired in the first shot of the game from outside the box, but her attempt sailed over the bar.
Soon after, USW’s Sian Cousins’ back-pass to keeper Chelsea Herbert was intercepted and Kath Morgan’s side were lucky not to be punished. The Solent striker saw her tight-angled shot blocked by Herbert.
It was a temporary scare though as Llewellyn then broke the deadlock with a free-kick that swerved around the wall and out of reach of the goalkeeper.
USW forward Rhianne Oakley had a number of half-chances as the hosts looked to add to Llewellyn’s opening goal. Impressive dribbling from Oakley saw her slalom past three defenders before her shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.
The Wales Under-19s international soon won her side a penalty and up stepped forward Llewellyn in search of her brace. But her powerful shot was straight at the keeper who managed to make a straightforward save.
Solent had one last chance before the break from the right side of the box, which Herbert saved, but the hosts were able to shut out the Dorset side before half-time.
Oakley continued to impress for USW and was able to find Annabel Davies who, though free at the back post, sliced her volley wide.
But 18-year-old midfielder Oakley bagged a deserved goal soon after to give USW breathing space.
A brilliant solo run saw her skip past the challenge of two defenders and smash the ball into the net.
Oakley turned provider for USW as they asserted their dominance in an impressive late push for the South Wales outfit. The Bristol City midfielder sent over a low cross for fellow first-year Davies to tap home from close range.
Defender Lucia Capanini made it a day to remember as USW piled on the misery on Solent. Capanini rose highest from Montana May’s perfectly delivered corner to make sure of a comprehensive victory for the hosts inside the Barn.
USW: Chelsea Herbert, Megan Woodingham, Lucia Carpanini, Ffion Llewellyn (C), Sian Cousins, Kaci Whitcombe, Annabel Davies, Laura Kahrstedt, Josie Day, Monet Legall, Rhianne Oakley
