By Ellis Sheppard
A spirited 10-man USW stunned Cardiff Met in a battling performance with help from Laurent Ngunjoh who provided a double to secure a first win of the season.
When the home side’s Kyle Capner was sent off in the 34th minute for kicking the ball away and picking up a second yellow card, the writing was on the wall.
But USW dug in brilliantly to frustrate Met, and were full value for the points by the final whistle.
After a cagey opening, the first chance of the game fell to USW with Ngunjoh failing to convert in a one-on-one situation.
USW came close again shortly after with Niro Gowran curling a long range effort just wide of the post.
A few minutes later Ngunjoh opened the scoring after a lovely flicked pass from Lewis Taylor. Ngunjoh found himself in space just inside the penalty box and placed the ball in the bottom corner of the net.
Capner received his marching orders moments later, and his dismissal was followed by Met’s Louie Lawrence squandering a good chance from close range.
Pic: Jamie Preston
A second big chance came shortly after with Dylan Owen-Davies inches wide with an ambitious overhead-kick, and Met’s Toby Jones was also wasteful to ensure USW went in at half-time leading 1-0.
Met didn’t have to wait long after the restart to equalise. In the 46th minute Joe Haig found himself unmarked inside the box and met Owen Cuddihy’s cross to level things.
Seven minutes later Met keeper Ben Haines produced a good save to deny Ngunjoh, but it was a temporary reprieve.
A brilliant solo goal from Ngunjoh, who chipped the ‘keeper from outside the box, put USW back in front despite their numerical disadvantage.
Met dominated possession as they pressed for the equaliser and came close when Fin Skiverton hit the post from five yards.
But Ngunjoh might have had a hat-trick late had he not been thwarted again by Haines.
USW return to face Hartbury away on the 6th of November.