By Blake Bint
UNIVERSITY of South Wales Women’s 1sts fell to a 3-2 defeat to Bristol University in their BUCS Premier South opener at the Sport Park.
First half goals from Taite Trivett and Megan Saunders weren’t enough to prevent efforts from Molly Kane, Marita Clarke and Stella Gandee-Morgan proving decisive for the visitors.
USW started the game strongly with some promising play going forward, Trivett in particular causing trouble for the Bristol defence.
In the 12th minute Barry Town’s Trivett rounded the keeper from a through ball down the middle to slot home into an empty net.
USW’s lead didn’t last long.
When Bristol’s Clarke went through for a one-on-one which was well saved by USW’s MacKenzie Ellingham, Kane found herself in the right place from the ricochet off Ellingham to smartly lob the keeper to equalise.
Goals kept coming and before 20 minutes had gone Clarke dribbled past two defenders to slot home for Bristol to take the lead.
Bristol’s chances kept coming as they piled the pressure on after going ahead.
A free-kick from a dangerous area gave captain Gandee-Morgan an opportunity which was smartly saved by Ellingham to keep the deficit to just one goal.
The hosts’ continued to put pressure on and levelled the game again on 25 minutes when Becca Webber’ supplied Cardiff City Women’s Saunders to tap home from six yards for 2-2.
With four goals so early in the game, Bristol began trying their luck from all over the pitch.
Olivia Holder had a great chance from what seemed like nowhere as she struck a first time shot from 45 yards which looped just over the bar.
Then Trivett had a golden opportunity to put Kath Morgan’s USW side ahead again before half-time when she smartly beat two defenders only to put a weak shot the wrong side of the post.
Bristol dominated the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
And Bill Meehan’s visitors took the lead once again when captain Gandee-Morgan got on the scoresheet after 65 minutes with an effort from outside the area which crept over Ellingham’s head.
USW’s desperate attempts for an equaliser led to a big penalty appeal from a corner in the 82nd minute which was turned down by the referee.
As the clock ticked down, Bristol held firm to secure the three points.