The USW men’s football 1sts player ratings as former Bucs champs defeat Swansea

By Blake Bint

USW 1sts secured their first win of the season against the winless Swansea University.

Despite going behind in the first half, a brace from Sam Snaith rescued a 2-1 result for the home side at the Sport Park.

Here’s how we rated the USW starting XI from the game.

Harri Irving 7/10

The USW keeper was relatively quiet throughout the game but remained solid, keeping out chances that came his way with ease.

Cam Gauci 5

The USW left-back struggled to get a foothold in the game whilst having to deal with the handful of pace and skill offered by Swansea on the wing. Although making no major errors, he couldn’t quite keep up with the game on this occasion.

Alex Bevan 6

He departed the game midway through the second half despite having a steady game. A touch on the scrappy side on occasions when playing the ball out from the back, but defensively comfortable overall.

Andy Martin 7

Partnering Bevan at centre-back, Martin dealt well with the strength and hold up play of the Swansea forwards. A couple of minor errors playing out from the back but nothing which led to damage.

Shingi 7

Playing at right-back, Shingi looked dangerous when going forward, being creative when overlapping and switching the ball to the left flank with good precision on multiple occasions. Slightly stood off George Sellick of Swansea for the visitors’ goal.

Sam Westhead 5

Playing a centre midfield role, Westhead had a quiet game. He struggled to maintain possession for long periods of time as well as often losing out to a much more physical Swansea midfield pairing.

Ethan Wayne 6

Partnering Westhead in midfield, Wayne had a slow start to the game frequently losing out on the ball. His game picked up when dropping into the back four where he looked a lot more solid.

Taylor Marsh 7

Causing trouble down the left wing, captain Marsh had a good game creating a couple of half-chances, however he needs to work on his final product.

Adam Kaplan 7

Kaplan was initially dominated by a strong centre back and centre midfield pairing of Swansea. As the game progressed, he grew into it well and came close with a couple of chances.

Tristan Jenkins 9

The USW winger played a key part in all of the hosts chances going forward, causing problems down both the right flank and cutting inside onto the stronger left foot to trouble the goalkeeper. A very strong performance.

Sam Snaith 8

Leading the line, Snaith’s brace secured USW the win. Having had a quiet and isolated first half, he came into his own in the second half, showing a new sense of energy. His penalty was calmly tucked away, followed by a smart one-on-one finish to seal the result.