USW 1
Pratley (34)
Cardiff University 2
Ogidi (32), McCullough (79)
HT: USW 1-1 Cardiff University
FT: USW 1-2 Cardiff University
Image Credit: Lee Clow
By Lee Clow & Ben Evans
09 October 2019 | League Fixture
Cardiff University 4ths ran out 2-1 winners against USW 4ths in their first league game of the season at the USW Sport Park.
After numerous of chances in the first half, Cardiff University finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Jacob Ogidi latched on to a through ball, cut past the defender and finished into the bottom.
Despite Cardiff Uni’s dominance, USW had a great chance to go level when they were awarded a penalty only 2 minutes later. USW striker Redd Pratley was upended by the Cardiff defender leaving the referee no choice but to award the spot kick. Having won the penalty, Pratley took the responsibility and placed it to the left sending the keeper the wrong way.
In the second half, Cardiff Uni regained control of the game after USW’s bright start and almost found themselves in ahead in the 58th minute when goalkeeper Ben Williams was forced to make a great save using his feet.
Soon afterwards, Cardiff had the ball in the back of the net following a corner, but unfortunately for them it was ruled out by the linesman for offside.
In the final 10 minutes of the game Cardiff finally found their second goal thanks to Shane McCullough. A corner was swept into the back post allowing McCullough to rise highest and smash home his header. The late goal was a sucker punch for USW who looked like they could get a result from the game.
Moments later it went bad to worse for USW as they conceded a penalty following a poor challenge. Mitch Rayner stepped up to the spot but found his effort saved by Williams who guessed the right way giving USW hope for the final 5 minutes.
Despite the USW’s best efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser in the dying minutes confirming Cardiff University’s 2-1 victory. USW 4ths next game is against Hartpury 3rds at the Sport Park once again.
After the game USW coach Callum McGarry gave his thoughts on his first game in charge. He said: ‘We battled really well, showed good commitment and good desire. We tried to play when we could, but it was difficult because of the weather… Everything taken into consideration, the boys haven’t been together for very long, three weeks we’ve been together. Some real positives there, some good signs to show we can be a really good team this season’.
McGarry continued: ‘I think we need to work a bit harder on the training ground in terms of what we do in the final third. I think I let us down a bit today and that’s probably about it’.
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