By James Dow
USW women’s 1sts maintained their unbeaten start to the season in the BUCS Premier South by winning 3-1 against local rivals Cardiff Met 1sts at the Sport Park.
Goals from Ingrid Ådland in the first half, a screamer from Maddie Williams and a penalty from captain Taite Trivett saw USW keep their 100% record intact after winning 3-1 away to Essex last Wednesday.
The Archers did equalise in the first half after a fantastic effort from India Shanahan, but USW were too strong for their rivals in the second half.
It was a cagey affair during the early stages of the match, with both teams trying to work each other out, USW were the first to test a goalkeeper through Megan Waite, who’s effort was easily held by Daisy Farrow.
The hosts started to take control of the ball as the half went on, and took the lead just before the half hour mark through Ådland, with the forward intercepting a poor pass from the Met defence, and produced a delightful chip over Farrow to open the scoring.
Cardiff Met did improve after conceding, with India Shanahan firing an audacious effort from distance which did not bring any trouble towards Makenzie Ellingham.
Pic: Lawrence Rocketry
Met did equalise a few minutes later through Shanahan, who received the ball inside the box and produced a fantastic curled finish into the top right-hand corner to level the scores.
USW started the second half on the front foot, and took the lead within the first 5 minutes when Maddie Williams unleashed a fantastic effort from distance which flew past Farrow.
Cardiff Met were dangerous on the break however, when a quick counter-attack saw Ruby Colleton drive into the box but her shot was dragged wide of the post.
Shanahan continued to be the Archers biggest threat going forward, this time being sent through on goal by the Met midfield but a fantastic diving save from Ellingham denied the forward.
Pic: Marcel Dudek
The forward had another fantastic minutes later, when took the ball around goalkeeper Ellingham, but a great defensive challenge on the line from Caitlin Davies saw USW keep their lead.
USW were able to deal with Met’s pressure, and added a third just after the hour mark, when Taite Trivett slotted a penalty past Farrow after being taken down inside the box.
The hosts nearly added a fourth through Ffion Simmonds during the latter stages of the match, who like teammate Williams, released a powerful effort from distance which smashed against the crossbar and the rebound falling into Farrow’s gloves.
USW will look to make it three wins from three matches when they travel away to Exeter 1s next week, where Cardiff Met will look to respond and pick up their first victory of the season as they host Bristol 1s.