By Joe Tunney
USW 3rds were shot down by four first-half goals from Bristol centre-forward Jamie Chalice in a 7-2 defeat at the Sport Park.
Chalice opened his account after just 45 seconds, slotting past USW goalkeeper Freddie Owers after centre-back Finlay Lewis gave possession away.
USW were architects of their own downfall as Chalice chalked up his hat-trick in just half an hour.
Before he was forced off injured ahead of the interval, Chalice had a fourth, once again punishing defensive frailties to face clear and finish past Owers.
USW looked to claw themselves back into the game in the second half, but it was a nightmare start for the men in red, with Chalice’s replacement, Charlie Taylor, finishing cooly just after the break.
Taylor’s strike proved a turning point for USW, with an inspired second half performance by Lewis who seemed to be trying to make up for his earlier error. Lewis tested Bristol keeper Jack Gordon twice, before whipping in the corner that led to Tom Pritchard netting for the hosts.
USW pushed hard for a route back into the game, with Alex Hope once again forcing Gordon into action.
Lewis got on the scoresheet when he converted a penalty after a Bristol handball.
But two late goals from Bristol winger Jay Selby sealed the three points for the travelling side.