By Owen Nelson and Ben Jones
A FIVE-STAR University of Bristol performance knocked the University of South Wales out of the Western Conference Cup in the first round.
The first chance and goal of the game was scored by the visitors after just two minutes. Sam Pagano was played down the right wing and he cut inside onto his left foot to rifle a shot into the top right corner of the net.
USW’s first chance came after 10 minutes. Joseph Ogugu latched onto a through ball but missed his one-on-one against Sam Rattigan, Bristol’s goalkeeper.
Six minutes later, Bristol’s Adam Blades had an opportunity to double their lead, however, his shot went straight at the keeper.
Ogugu missed another opportunity from an in-swinging Rattigan corner, but USW also had their chances and the referee waved away a strong penalty appeal from the hosts.
But Bristol continued to dominate up to the interval and were value for their half-time lead.
USW were far from out of the game as the second period began and a well crafted counter-attack was promising only for the attempt on goal to be straight at the Bristol goalkeeper.
Yet it was Bristol who extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half through Connor Selwood whose shot at goal deflected in after his first effort had been blocked.
Tensions increased thereafter and selwood was booked after reacting badly to a strong USW challenge.
But that incident failed to disrupt Bristol and moments later they were 3-0 ahead.
Two more goals followed from Bristol’s Toby Femiola to cap a fine performance from the away side.nd finished what was a professional performance.
Star Player: Robert Atkinson (Bristol)