By Will Gregory
Cardiff Met outplayed USW’s hockey 1sts at the Sports Park.
In the first half, Cardiff Met started as they meant to go on when a low driven shot from Lily Jones was blocked off the line by USW goalkeeper Beth Havard.
Not long after, Met captain Megan Drawert scored a tremendous half volley as the USW defence were unable to clear a free hit.
The home side’s defence looked shaky throughout the first half with Havard having to make multiple saves to prevent the match from getting away from them.
Met defenders Millie Rimmer and Tirion Llewelyn remained sturdy at the back as USW were only able to get one shot on target in the first half of play.
USW key player Havard once again came to the rescue with a solid double save, which left Met stunned at how they weren’t able to push themselves further ahead.
USW started the second half with a new found confidence as playmaker Ellie Robinson was able to make multiple darting runs with the ball into the box which caused trouble for the Met defence.
Eve Mordecai had a superb effort saved by Met goalkeeper Olivia Kniveton, which would have made the game all square.
Caitlin Meredith then found the back of the net for Met from a poor defensive mistake that allowed her to easily tap it home from close range.
Just as USW were recovering from their previous defensive error, Met captain Drawert was able to grab her brace after a poor clearance fell to her only a couple of yards from the goalline.
USW will be disappointed in what was a valiant effort with an attacking resurgence in the second half that was only let down by a leaky defence. The visitors came away as deserved victors in what was a hard fought contest with dominant performances in most positions of the pitch.
The player of the match for USW was goalkeeper Havard who made some great saves and was able to keep the scoreline down to a minimum.
The player of the match for Met was captain Drawert who was able to grab herself a brace.