By Hywel Fuller & Ed Morgan
Cardiff University claimed all three points as they put five past a lackluster USW display.
In a tight opening to the first half, Cardiff had an opportunity to take the lead, but striker Liam O’Callaghan missed an open goal from less than five yards out.
The majority of the first half would be starved of chances until towards the half hour mark Cardiff midfielder Jack Harvey skipped past several USW defenders to slot a shot into the left-hand side of the goal.
USW responded soon after with a well taken goal through Iwan Mooney who managed to avoid the offside trap and was able to finish down to the keepers near post.
In what was now turning into be a frantic end to the first half Cardiff retook the lead through a 20-yard freekick by winger Simon Aynalem. The USW keeper Alfie Tucker did get a hand to it and will be disappointed not to have saved the shot.
It would not before USW were back level. The goal came through a comical error from Cardiff keeper Will Betts, who gave the ball away to the pressuring Mooney who had the easiest finish he’ll get all year.
This would not be the final act of the first half, however. Straight for the kickoff Cardiff were able to break down the right side and get a cross into the box for striker O’Callaghan To atone for his earlier miss to put his team into the lead for half time.
A quick start to the second half by Cardiff who have a few half chances before Hamish Nicole picks the ball up in midfield, rides a strong challenge and then plays a great pass in behind the defence to O’Callaghan who coolly finishes past the keeper.
Frustration begins to show for USW as Rhyse Hudson is booked for kicking out at his defender for pulling his shirt after taking it past him.
Another ball behind the USW defence finds O’Callaghan who lays it off to Jack Ashford who strikes it low and into the back of the net to make five.
USW simply did not create enough in the second half and fell to defeat in a high scoring thriller at the Sport Park.