By Matt Chedgzoy
Gloucestershire University 3s rounded off 2022 in style with a convincing victory against USW 6s at the USW Sport Park.
A strong first half performance helped the visitors to three points, taking them up to second in the BUCS Western Tier 6B after UWTSD Carmarthen 1’s victory over USW 5s.
After an even start to the contest, Gloucestershire took the lead when Dylan Venn headed in from a corner.
The away side doubled their lead 10 minutes later after Billy Woodridge was played in behind and placed a delicate chip beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.
USW fought back after the break and had a number of chances to get back into the game, with Emmanuel Soares going closest.
Gloucestershire almost added another in the final minutes but Joe Littlewood could only fire over from close range.
The visitors would get their elusive late goal just minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after the tricky Shuayb Daleh was chopped down in the box by Valdo Ribeiro.
Dualeh stepped up but was denied by Friday Mbode, before Littlewood tapped in the rebound to atone for his earlier error.
USW are still searching for their first points of the season and will be hoping for a response after the Christmas break when they welcome Gloucestershire 5s in January.
Gloucestershire 3s will also begin 2023 with a game against Gloucestershire 5’s as both sides look to continue their steady starts to the season.