By Josh Wilson
A CLEVER free-kick by debutant Danny Maguire was the champagne moment as USW 3rd eased past Cardiff University 4th at the Sports Park.
On the stroke of half-time Maguire stepped up to a set-piece just outside the Cardiff penalty area and drilled a low effort underneath the wall and into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead.
It sparked scenes of wild celebration and when play resumed after half-time, USW made their dominance count.
Local rivalry ensured tensions were high early on with the referee having to caution several players in the opening five minutes.
Play was finely balanced for much of the opening half hour, but USW grew into the game as it wore on and repelled Cardiff efficiently when they needed to with some stout defensive work.
Maguire’s innovative free-kick was just the boost the hosts needed before half-time and although Cardiff had the first chance of the 2nd half it was USW who increased their lead just before the hour mark when defender Alex Bevan forced the ball home from close range from a corner.
The first booking of the game came on the 59th minute and went to JJ Ogugoa after a bad challenge on a Cardiff midfielder.
The 72nd minute saw USW piece together a swift counter attack. The ball was played down the left flank to JJ Ogugoa, who after an error of judgement by the Cardiff keeper was able to execute a perfect chip into the back of the net.
On the 77th minute the USW coach looked to freshen things up which saw a double substitution be made. JJ left the field after putting in a good performance.
Further goals from USW’s Omar ensured the home side ran out comfortable winners.