by Ioan Thomas
USW Women’s Hockey 1sts were held to a goalless draw by Cardiff Medic’s 3rds at the USW Sports Park this afternoon.
It was a cagey affair between the two Welsh sides, with both goalkeepers kept busy throughout the 70 minutes.
The game started slowly with both teams struggling to keep possession of the ball. The first chance of the game fell to Medics’ Kizzie Mountstevens, who saw her effort saved well by Bethan Harvard in the ninth minute.
USW were penned into their own half by the Medics’ press, and looked to catch them on the counterattack. Despite this period of superiority, the visitors had nothing to show for it going into the half-time break.
The second half started quickly with the Medics looking to capitalise on their dominance but USW’s defence held strong with many great blocks in and around the penalty spot.
USW then had an effort saved by Medic’s Goalkeeper Izzy Marin-Curtoud and the ball was scrambled off the line by a resolute defence.
The dynamic of the game started to shift in USW’s favour as both Rosy Crosby and Lily Davies had efforts saved once again by Marin-Curtoud.
The final chance fell to Hayley Richards in the dying seconds, but her powerful shot was blocked bravely by Marin-Curtoud. The game finished goalless, with the two stoppers collecting all of the plaudits from their teammates.
USW captain Charlotte Bader was complimentary of Cardiff Medics performance: “Cardiff Medics had a very strong game, their press was nice and high and put us under a good bit of pressure.
“Personally I enjoyed the game, we could have dictated it a little bit more. I would have fancied some nice big shots on goal but overall very enjoyable.
“We will plan a very big win when we get them away and we’ll take a draw”.
USW will hope to get back to winning ways when they face Gloucester 1’s next Wednesday.
