By Ben Thomas
USW Hockey 1’s were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Cardiff Met Hockey 2’s at the USW Sport Park after a dramatic late winner for the away side.
It was a fast-paced start from both sides, with both looking to assert early dominance in the game.
The first shot on target came in the 8th minute for the away side, forward Henry Bowen finding space to strike but being denied well by Twm Rogers in goal.
But it was the home side who got the opening goal.
A short corner in the 10th minute was well worked, and with some quick stick skills from forward John Lowrie, he found enough space to fire home.
Met looked to push for a quick equaliser, but the USW defence stayed strong with some big interceptions and tackles to keep the Archers at bay.
Their defensive effort was epitomised by Charlie Wilkins, whose diving tackle set off a counter-attack.
Pic: Morgan Saunders
USW almost got their second on the breakaway as Andrew Smith played through Lowrie, but he was denied by on-rushing keeper Ben Millard.
USW did have the ball in the back of the net in the 30th minute, but Smith’s effort was ruled out after he was judged to have fouled the keeper. A short corner a minute later appeared to give them a second, but Millard dived down to his left to deflect the ball wide.
The USW defence was finally broken with the last play of the first half.
A short corner for the away side was fired across goal by Tom Wilson before being flicked home by Bowen to level the score for half time.
Both sides had opportunities to take the lead in the early part of the second half but were unable to find a third.
USW were given a man advantage when Met captain Will Eveleigh was shown a yellow card for throwing away an opponent’s stick after a challenge in the 47th minute.
Pic: Morgan Saunders
USW made the man advantage count as they put themselves ahead two minutes later. Owain Hoe played through Ben Wood on the counter-attack, and Wood dribbled around the keeper before slotting home.
The home side looked to defend their lead by keeping out the barrage of attacks from Met.
Despite their best efforts the game was levelled in the 65th minute. Another short corner scrambled in the area before being fired home by Bowen for his second.
With the final whistle edging closer the away side were handed another short corner in the 68th minute.
They worked an opportunity to fire the ball across the box and it was flicked home by Tom Cosh to ignite celebrations from both players and travelling fans.
USW pushed for an equaliser and almost got one with the last effort of the game.
The ball was fired across goal and flicked towards goal by Wilkins but flew inches past the post.