By Joseph Mansfield
UNIVERSITY of South Wales Women’s 1st fell to a 2-0 defeat against Western 1A league leaders Bournemouth University 1st.
Coming in to the game on the back of two successive away wins, Kaseem Taylor’s side were hoping a return to the Sport Park would have seen a win against the visitors.
In the opening exchanges the game was competitive with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Lucy McDonough troubled the Bournemouth defence throughout as she received excellent service from the midfield partnership of Ffion Llewelyn and Hannah Miles.
In the 34th minute Bournemouth forward Jess Marshall opened the scoring as she poked through a shot after a scramble in the box.
The returning Hannah Miles had the chance to level the game when she was found unmarked in the area with an excellent delivery from Chelsea Cochrane, but the midfielder failed to capitalise as she headed over the bar.
Bournemouth ended the half on top with winger Katie Grall forcing an excellent save from USW shot-stopper Meg Wordingham.
USW had the better start to the second half with Lucy McDonough finding herself beyond the keeper after chasing down a back pass, however the number nine missed the target with only the covering defenders left to avoid.
As a result of a defensive mix-up, USW conceded again. An unfortunate ricochet put the USW defence under pressure and with neither Wordingham or Natacha Costa taking control, Grall had an open net to aim at; and she slotted home to double her side’s lead.
Bournemouth managed to close out the game by displaying some excellent game management, and secure a win which sees them go five points clear of USW at the top of the BUCS Western 1A division.
USW will be looking to bounce back and end the year on a high when they they face fifth-placed Hartpury University 1st next week.
