By Lee Clow
UNIVERSITY of South Wales fell to a 4-2 defeat against Cardiff Metropolitan in an intense derby at the USW Sport Park.
Despite a spirited late comeback in the second half, USW fell short as goals from Owen Taylor, Dion Phillips, Dan Spencer and Ioan Evans sealed the victory for their local rivals.
The highly anticipated derby between the two Welsh sides started off very scrappily, by Met soon took control with an impressive possession game.
There were half chances for both sides in the opening 20 minutes, but neither could capitalise.
Met broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark thanks to an excellent finish by Taylor. After some good build-up play down the right flank, the ball fell towards Sam Pashen who scuffed his shot into the path of Taylor who struck first-time into the top corner of the goal.
USW responded well to going behind but could not find the equaliser during the remainder of the first half.
It was no real surprise that USW came out of the blocks quickly at the start of the second half as they began throwing more players forward in pursuit of an equaliser. As a result of this, the game started to open up and more and more space was being left at the back for USW.
But after 52 minutes Met scored their second, punishing USW goalkeeper Morgan Davies for missing an attempted clearance punch via a deflected strike from Phillips.
It appeared to be game over just after the hour when Met made it 3-0 with a beauty from Spencer who dug the ball out from under his own feet to find the far corner with a sumptuous shot.
USW might have capitulated at that stage but, in typical fashion, they rolled up their sleeves.
A fine Cameron Keetch finish from a tight angle reduced the deficit and minutes later squad newcomer Michael Wicherek fired home.
An improbable equaliser looked on the cards as USW piled forward in the closing 10 minutes.
But they were undone by another error from goalkeeper Davies who was robbed of possession trying to dribble out from deep, Evans the grateful recipient as Met rolled in a fourth and decisive goal.
USW will be looking for a response next week as they play Bath 1st at the USW Sport Park.