BUCS Championship Cup Match Report: Stirling University 3-0 University of South Wales

By Nathan Parker

THE University of South Wales’ men’s football team failed in their attempt to defend the BUCS Championship Cup title they won last season, as Scottish outfit Stirling University inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Lee Kendall’s side.

Both teams had met at the same stage of the competition in the two last seasons, with USW prevailing on both occasions.

In blustery conditions at Gannochy Astro, both teams felt their way into game with very few chances falling for either team early on.

Despite the away side keeping the game tight for the first quarter of the match, two goals in two minutes from Stirling’s Kieran Hall set the game alight.

His first came from the penalty spot, as Hall managed to control Connor Doan’s deflected shot before being brought down by USW goalkeeper Morgan Davies.  Davies saved Hall’s penalty, but the striker managed to tap in an easy rebound.

Hall’s second was far from easy though, as the striker latched onto a long ball from Angus Mailer before dinking his effort over the onrushing Davies to double Stirling’s lead before the break.

USW were given a reprieve moments into the second half when Hall was handed a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

But the away side were unable to capitalise on their one man advantage – and their high-line in defence cost them once more when substitute Louis Kennedy regathered a long ball before chipping over Davies with two minutes left of the contest.

Stirling will take on Cardiff Met in the semi-finals, with the match due to be played on March 11.